The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 13

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Hello again football fans, and welcome to another staggered edition of The NFL Roundup, and we’re going with a Saturday version of this column, because once again, the schedule remains a mess and there is football spread out over three days since Covid issues are the norm right now. And all we can hope for at this point, is that there are no surprises or missteps in the next couple of days, so that everyone in the league is safe and so that fans can enjoy the wonderful games and storylines that await us and with that in mind, let’s dive right in and preview those games and those stories before Week 13 in the NFL gets underway. 
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Can Taysom Hill go 3-0 as a starter?
Truly, one of the most unexpected surprises of the 2020 campaign, was seeing WR/QB hybrid, Taysom Hill take over the starting QB position for the New Orleans Saints. Simply because everyone thought the job was going to Jameis Winston and well, what matters the most about this decision, is that Hill has not disappointed. For he is 2-0 heading into tomorrow’s games and well… can he make it three in a row? And the answer to that question is… maybe. Mainly because, teams have tape on him now. So, there is a chance that Atlanta can contain him and expose his weaknesses. But if he plays solid, mistake-free football during tomorrow’s matchup and keeps sustained drives going that end in points, then expect him to lead the Saints to another victory.
 
Will the Lions win big with a new coach at the helm?
Thus far, the firings of several high-profile coaches haven’t changed the fortunes of the teams they left behind all that much. For the Texans are still in dire straits and the Atlanta Falcons aren’t exactly tearing up the league with Dan Quinn gone. Which leaves one to wonder, if the Lions will finally put it altogether with Matt Patricia out of the picture and well… it is possible. Simply because the players weren’t responding to him and his schemes in the slightest. So, if interim Head Coach Darrell Bevell puts together a solid game plan, one that plays to the strengths of this team, then they should handily beat the Bears no problem. But if not, well then that’s simply par for the course and Detroit can just let Coach Bevell get some experience related to being ‘the guy’ for a little while, before they find the right person for the job in 2021.
 
Will the Ravens rebound from their unfortunate loss to the Steelers?
Make no mistake about it, the Ravens put together quite the campaign against the Steelers when they were finally able to play them on Wednesday, despite their roster standing due to Covid. Which means that such a loss has to sting and sting badly and they are undoubtedly looking to rebound against the Cowboys come Tuesday, but can they? Because there’s a lot that is wrong with the Ravens right now. For Lamar Jackson isn’t playing at a high level and the defense is suspect and well, they’re going up against a Dallas squad that is eager to beat someone of quality to quiet the conversation about how bad they are this year. So, if the Ravens finally put it together on both sides of the ball, expect them to walk away with a much-needed win, but if their usual issues continue to persist against the Cowboys, don’t be shocked if they lose in an embarrassing manner.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Cleveland Browns (8-3) at Tennessee Titans (8-3)
Nissan Stadium – Nashville, Tennessee
Sunday, December 6, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

It is really is quite funny how quickly things can change in the NFL. Because a couple of years ago, no sportswriter would be interested in this game in the slightest. But alas, some big personnel moves have changed the fortunes of both of these teams and now here we are, looking at a shootout for the ages as these two AFC juggernauts take the field on Sunday. But while we could talk at length over the finer points of both of these offenses, let’s be honest… all we are worried about is who is going to win this game and honestly, I haven’t a clue which way this one is going to go. Because these squads both suffer from soft defenses, so really, whichever D opts to step up to the plate, is the one that will secure that all-important victory for their franchise.

Los Angeles Rams (7-4) at Arizona Cardinals (6-5)
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
Sunday, December 6, 2020 – 4:05 p.m. EST – FOX

​Speaking of changing fortunes in the NFL, this game is another fine example of that. Because it wasn’t that long ago that the Rams were the toast of the NFC and they even managed to net a Super Bowl berth because of their talent and high-level play. And of course, the Cardinals were uh… the Cardinals. But now, the Rams are fighting for their playoffs lives and Arizona is a team on the rise and that is going to make this game a must watch. Because the Cardinals are playing as though they have nothing to lose, and the Rams are quite conservative these days and that means… there is a fair chance that Arizona can win this game and honestly, I expect them to. Simply because they are on a mission to prove to the NFL that they have arrived, and they don’t fear anyone that takes the field with them and that makes them quite the dangerous foe for the ailing Rams.

Monday Night Football
Buffalo Bills (8-3) at San Francisco 49ers (5-6)
State Farm Stadium – Glendale, Arizona
8:15 p.m. EST – ESPN/ABC

​Normally, games that feature a lopsided set of teams aren’t worth highlighting, but this one… is special. Partly because, the Niners are sharing State Farm Stadium with Arizona thanks to Covid related measures in the state of California. Which makes this matchup of historical note since you really don’t see the sharing of stadiums in this manner. But it is also of note because, the Niners actually have a chance here. Because this team has a lot of fight in them and they know a few key wins could get them into the playoffs and believe it or not, the Bills are beatable. Because their defense tends to go soft when they have a lead, so if the Niners can surprise them with some lights out play and neutralize Buffalo’s passing game, then they have a shot at winning this one. But truth be told, it will likely end with a Buffalo win, simply because Josh Allen is hard to stop and the Bills would also like to silence their critics with a winning season and a playoff appearance.