NFL Week 13 Betting Preview

It’s the holiday season in the United States and there is a traditional feel to the NFL Week 13 fare with a Thanksgiving Day tripleheader and a Black Friday fixture to savour. Thursday’s menu kicks off in Detroit as the Lions host their NFC North rivals Green Bay before the Cowboys welcome the Chiefs in a classic non-conference showdown. The NFC playoff seedings will be shaped by the outcome of Friday’s clash between in the in-form Bears and Eagles in Philadelphia while Sunday’s AFC South showdown in Indianapolis could be the pick of the weekend action.

UK viewers can catch the action on Sky Sports NFL, with RedZone available via NFL Game Pass. Sunday’s early window kicks off at 6pm GMT, late games begin at 9:25pm, and primetime fixtures run into the early hours of Friday, Monday and Tuesday.

Game 1 – Green Bay Packers vs Detroit Lions (Thursday 6:00pm GMT)

Jahmyr Gibbs led the way as the Lions secured a crucial overtime win over the Giants last week and all eyes will again be on the Detroit RB after his 264-yard, three touchdown display. The Packers run defence ranks sixth in the NFL but they gave up 142 rushing yards against the Giants in Week 11 and five yards per carry to the Vikings’ lead backs last Sunday. Even if Green Bay dare Detroit to take to the air, Jared Goff is usually in his comfort zone at Ford Field.

The Lions quarterback has thrown 12 touchdowns and only three interceptions in leading the Lions to a 4-1 home record this year. Green Bay are riding a two-game streak but face concerns over RB Josh Jacobs (knee) and WR Jayden Reed (foot), who have both been limited in practice. Detroit won their first Thanksgiving Day game since 2016 last year and can use their home advantage and Gibbs’ explosive form to cover a narrow spread.

Tip: Detroit Lions -2.5 @ 20/23

Game 2 – Kansas City Chiefs vs Dallas Cowboys (Thursday 9:30pm GMT)

Kansas City (6-5) halted a two-game skid last week and should benefit from the return of RB Isiah Pacheco, who missed the past three contests. The Chiefs will be without TE Noah Gray (concussion), while G Trey Smith (ankle) remains doubtful, though Patrick Mahomes (groin) has been practicing in full and is expected to play. Dallas (5-5-1) stayed alive in the playoff race with a crucial Week 12 victory over the Eagles, but their path ahead is daunting, with trips to Detroit and a home clash against the Chargers looming.

WR George Pickens is nursing a knee/calf issue that has limited him in practice, and several defensive starters are also banged up. The short turnaround after such an emotional win could prove a challenge for Brian Schottenheimer’s men.

Tip: Kansas City Chiefs -3.0 @ 20/23

Game 3 – Chicago Bears vs Philadelphia Eagles (Friday 8:00pm GMT)

The Bears and Eagles arrive with identical 8-3 records, but Chicago’s offence has been operating at a higher level in the past few weeks. Quarterback Caleb Williams threw three TD passes and spread the ball around in their 31-28 win against the Steelers last Sunday. Meanwhile, the Eagles suffered a meltdown in losing from 21-0 up to their bitter division rivals Dallas last Sunday.

Jalen Hurts has been underperforming for weeks and even their vaunted ‘tush push’ play in short-yardage situations doesn’t seem to work half as often as it used to. Given the Eagles’ recent struggles to win big and Chicago’s momentum, the Bears look good value to cover.

Tip: Chicago Bears +7.0 @ 20/23

Game 4 –  Houston Texans vs Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 6:00pm GMT)

The Colts lost some momentum in their 23-20 loss to the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium last Sunday. But Indianapolis could open up some breathing room at the top of the AFC South with a win over the tough-as-teak Texans.

Houston have been finding ways to win despite losing their franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud to a concussion earlier this month. The 6-5 Texans remain alive in the AFC playoff hunt with backup passer Davis Mills having stepped up in a major way, leading them to three consecutive victories, including a stunning upset over the Buffalo Bills last Thursday. They have a rest advantage and the best defence in the NFL, so there is every chance they can compound the Colts’ stumble.

Tip: Houston Texans Money Line @ 37/20