NFL Week 13 Picks: Underdogs Surge as Action Heats Up Today

UPDATE: As NFL Week 13 kicks off today, fans and bettors are gearing up for an action-packed Sunday filled with high-stakes matchups. The spotlight is on key underdogs, including the Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns, as they aim to cover the spread against their formidable opponents.

Kickoff Times: The excitement starts at 1 p.m. ET with the Texans facing off against the Indianapolis Colts. This matchup is critical for both teams as Houston looks to solidify its place in the playoff race. The Texans’ defense is currently ranked first in the NFL, allowing just 264.3 yards per game. This dominating performance could expose Colts’ quarterback Daniel Jones, who has struggled recently, throwing five touchdowns but also seven turnovers in his last three starts.

Projected Score: Colts 24, Texans 21
The Pick: Texans +3.5

Moving to the 4:25 p.m. ET slot, the Las Vegas Raiders will clash with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Raiders, sitting at a dismal 2-9 following last week’s loss, have parted ways with offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. This decision could provide a spark, but questions loom over the Chargers’ performance post-bye week. Chargers’ quarterback Justin Herbert continues to struggle without his starting left tackle, leading to a dip in his passing efficiency.

Projected Score: Chargers 23, Raiders 17
The Pick: Raiders +9.5

In a pivotal 1 p.m. ET showdown, the San Francisco 49ers take on the Cleveland Browns. 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy is under pressure after an inconsistent performance last week. The Browns’ defense, coming off a staggering 10-sack performance against the Raiders, could exploit Purdy’s vulnerabilities, making this a tight contest.

Projected Score: 49ers 23, Browns 20
The Pick: Browns +4.5

Tonight, the New York Giants will face the top-seeded New England Patriots at 8:15 p.m. ET. The Patriots have achieved a record-breaking 10 wins but face challenges with injuries affecting their offensive line. The Giants, led by defensive star Brian Burns, could capitalize on this weakness and keep the game close.

Projected Score: Patriots 24, Giants 20
The Pick: Giants +7

As the day progresses, other key matchups include the Jacksonville Jaguars against the Tennessee Titans, where the Jaguars are favored, and the Buffalo Bills facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, expected to be a competitive battle.

This week’s underdog trend has already yielded surprising outcomes, with all previous matchups this week seeing underdogs cover and even clinch outright wins. As the action unfolds, bettors are eager to see if history will repeat itself today.

Keep an eye on these games and make your bets wisely as the NFL landscape continues to shift in Week 13!