NFL Week 13 early games: Jared Hackmyer picks Saints vs Falcons, Bears vs Lions, Colts vs Texans, more
Saints (-3) FALCONS (45.5)
Jared’s Pick: Saints
Breakout Player: WR Michael Thomas
Atlanta is coming off of a huge win last week against Las Vegas. I still think their defense is a huge problem and New Orleans is a way better team than the Raiders, so the Falcons are going to have to play much better in order to win. They may play better but they won't win. This Saints offense has a bunch of question marks with Taysom Hill at QB, but they have been able to execute well in these last two weeks.
BEARS (-3) Lions (45)
Jared’s Pick: Bears
Breakout Player: WR Allen Robinson
This game will likely be in the Bears’ favor, even though both teams aren’t very good. Chicago’s defense should be too much for Detroit’s offense, which will once again be missing star WR Kenny Golladay, and possibly RB D'Andre Swift. All the Bears have to do is not turn the ball over, and they should cover.
Colts (-3) TEXANS (51)
Jared’s Pick: Colts
Breakout Player: TE Trey Burton
Without WR Will Fuller, Deshaun Watson will be short weapons on offense and Indianapolis is not a defense you want to go up against without your best wideout. The Colts have star DL DeForest Buckner back, so Houston maybe struggle in the running game as well. The Colts have been playing better than Houston all season, and that will continue.
Raiders (-8) JETS (46.5)
Jared’s Pick: Raiders
Breakout Player: TE Darren Waller
The Jets embarrass themselves every week. They have no passing game, running game, or defense. Las Vegas happens to have a good offense, and a decent defense. That is enough. The Jets are catching a break with RB Josh Jacobs out for Vegas, but the Raiders should cover either way.
TITANS (-5.5) Browns (54)
Jared’s Pick: Titans
Breakout Player: WR AJ Brown
This game is going to be very heavy in the running game with RBs Nick Chubb, Kareem Hunt, and Derrick Henry in both teams’ backfield. Tennessee should dominate on offense with Cleveland short some players on defense. Tennessee may struggle containing Chubb and Hunt, but if they shut down Baker Mayfield’s passing game, it will be a long day for Cleveland.
Bengals (+11.5) DOLPHINS (42)
Jared’s Pick: Bengals
Breakout Player: WR DeVante Parker
Cincinnati is nothing without QB Joe Burrow, but I don’t think they will get blown out by Miami. The Bengals’ secondary has been playing decent against some teams, and Miami doesn’t have that many weapons. Cincinnati isn’t good enough to win this game, but should cover.
Jaguars (+11.5) VIKINGS (52)
Jared’s Pick: Jaguars
Breakout Player: RB Dalvin Cook
Minnesota is the clear winner in this game, but I don’t see them winning by 12. Jacksonville has kept games with Cleveland, Green Bay, Houston, and Tennessee close. The Vikings are more talented than the Jaguars, but Jacksonville won't be embarrassed.