The Rams regained first place in the West with a win and Seahawks loss.
Coming into Week 13, the Seattle Seahawks regained first place in the West. But, within a blink of an eye, they are in 2nd place. The Seahawks dropped a dud at home against the Giants. The Rams picked up a critical win over a division rival, Cardinals and the 49ers lost to the Bills on Monday Night Football.
After beating the Bills on a Hail Mary!, the Arizona Cardinals are now on a three-game losing streak. Their final wild card spot is in jeopardy as the Minnesota Vikings have crept back into the playoff hunt. The San Francisco 49ers – now playing home games in Arizona – lost to the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football, which put a hindrance on their playoff hopes.
The Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks both control their own destiny moving forward. Their Week 16 matchup will most likely determine the winner of this tough division.
Despite the up and down year, it has been for the Seahawks, 12s should remain hopeful as everything they want is still in front of them. They may have slipped a bit from the number 1 seed, but the Saints do have some tough games remaining on their schedule, so, anything is possible.
What matters most is that the Seattle Seahawks handle their own business. Before looking at week 14, let us review what went down, sadly, in week 13.
Week 13 Recap:
New York Giants defeat Seattle Seahawks, 17-12
The New York Giants were able to pull off the upset in Seattle as their defense dominated for four quarters. Their pass rush, along with their unique post-snap adjustments flustered this Seattle offense. The Seahawks weren’t able to capitalize on key plays and as a result, lost the situational football battle. But, the Seahawks defense and special teams put together a nice game and that is a good sign moving forward.
Los Angeles Rams defeat Arizona Cardinals, 38-28
After a sloppy performance against the Niners last week, the Rams played clean, smart football in this one. They were practically in control of this game from start to finish. The defense wreaked havoc on Kyler Murray and the offense got back to establishing the run game. Since the Hail Mary! win against the Bills, the Cardinals are on a three-game losing streak. Their playoff chances are becoming slimmer and slimmer each week.
Buffalo Bills defeat San Francisco 49ers, 34-24
The San Francisco 49ers weren’t able to build off of their big win over the Rams. On Monday Night Football, the Bills showed up and showed out. Josh Allen put together a four-touchdown performance that just saw him shred this San Francisco defense. If the 49ers were able to win this game, they would have inched closer to the playoffs. But, they ultimately got beaten by the better team and will look to bounce back this week.
JLuppy’s Week 13 Picks — (2-1)
JLuppy’s Record –(22-13)
NFC West Standings
Week 14 Preview:
New England Patriots @ Los Angeles Rams (-5)
Week 14 will be kicked off with a Super Bowl 53 rematch between the Patriots and Rams. This is a big game for both teams. The Patriots are looking to keep their playoff hopes alive while the Rams are looking to maintain their division lead in the West. As of late, the Patriots are playing better football on both sides of the ball.
Cam is settling in more on offense and making winning plays. The Rams will look to establish their run and build off the play action. Los Angeles’ pass rush should have an effect on this game as they have had an effect on nearly every game. But, I am taking the Patriots in this one in a very close game.
Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) @ New York Giants
Both the Cardinals and Giants will look to keep their playoff hopes alive in this one. The Giants are coming off a big win against the Seahawks and will look to improve their winning streak to five. On the other side, the Cardinals will be looking to end their three-game losing streak. If the Cardinals lose and the Vikings win, they will be on the outside looking in.
Unfortunately, I am riding with the Giants in this one. With a good chance that Daniel Jones returns this week combined with the phenomenal play of this defense, I like the Giants in a close one.
New York Jets @ Seattle Seahawks (-13.5)
This game will not be close. The Seattle Seahawks will be playing angry in this one and I expect a very clean football game from them. If only Greg Williams was smart and didn’t get himself fired before this game. I would have loved to see Jamal Adams stare him down on the sidelines after making a big play.
Regardless, the Jets are the worse team in the league and it’s not even close. They will be flying across the country to take on a super bowl contending team in a game that will be over before it even started. I like the Seahawks big in this one.
Washington Football Team @ San Francisco 49ers (-3.5)
The Football Team and 49ers resemble each other in many ways. They are both led by the play of their defenses. They both look to establish the run and build off of play-action. But, in this particular game, I think the 49ers come out with the win. Washington has been playing great and they are coming off a huge upset over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
But, I think the complexity of this 49ers offense will give them trouble. The motions, the jet sweeps, the play-action game will all help the 49ers move the ball. I know Mullens can struggle at times, but they are a well-coached football team. I am expecting a close game, but like the 49ers to win by a touchdown.