When Pete Prisco, Senior NFL Columnist for CBS Sports, dropped his Week 13 predictions on November 28, 2025, he didn’t just throw out guesses—he fired shots across the playoff landscape. His call: the Indianapolis Colts would edge out the Houston Texans 23-21, and the Cincinnati Bengals would stun the Baltimore Ravens in a divisional thriller. It wasn’t just Prisco’s voice echoing through the studio. On the same CBS Sports HQ YouTube broadcast, former Chicago Bears offensive lineman Kyle Long picked the opposite: Ravens over Bengals. The tension wasn’t just analytical—it was personal. And that’s what makes Week 13 so electric.
Prisco vs. Long: The Bengals-Ravens Rivalry Ignites
The Cincinnati Bengals-Baltimore Ravens rivalry isn’t just about division standings. It’s about pride, physicality, and who controls the AFC North. Prisco’s pick hinged on Joe Burrow’s poise and Ja’Marr Chase’s ability to exploit single coverage—even with Tee Higgins sidelined. "Burrow’s got the calm of a veteran in a pressure cooker," Prisco said on air. "The Ravens can blitz all day, but if Chase gets one step, it’s over." Meanwhile, Long, who spent seven seasons blocking for Chicago Bears quarterbacks, leaned on Baltimore’s defense: "Lamar Jackson’s back, and that defense? They’re playing like a unit again. They’ll smother Burrow long enough to win by four." Analyst Dubin echoed Long’s skepticism, predicting a 24-20 Ravens win, citing Baltimore’s improved red-zone efficiency since Jackson’s return.Colts Outlast Texans in a Defensive Grind
The Indianapolis Colts-Houston Texans game was never supposed to be a classic. But with both teams clinging to playoff hopes, it became a must-win. Prisco’s 23-21 prediction wasn’t a fluke—it was a calculation. Indianapolis’ offense, led by Anthony Richardson, thrives on big plays, while Houston’s defense ranks 28th in yards allowed per game. "The Texans can’t stop the run," Prisco noted. "And when Nyheim Hines gets loose, it’s lights out." The Texans’ offense, meanwhile, has sputtered without C.J. Stroud at full strength. The result? A nail-biter decided by a late field goal, not a highlight reel.Denver’s Defense: The League’s Best-Kept Secret
While everyone talks about the Eagles and Cowboys, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has quietly built the NFL’s most dominant unit. Analyst Dajani didn’t hold back: "They lead the league in sacks, quarterback hits, third-down conversion percentage, red-zone touchdown percentage, and yards per play." That’s not a typo—it’s a statement. Against the Washington Commanders, who rank second-worst in defensive efficiency, Dajani predicted a 23-10 blowout. Marcus Mariota, coming off four straight losses, faces a Denver front seven that’s been surgically dismantling quarterbacks since Week 5. "It’s not about talent," Dajani added. "It’s about discipline. And Denver’s got both."Black Friday: Bears vs. Eagles—A Franchise Crossroads
The Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles Lincoln Financial Field game on Friday, November 28, 2025, wasn’t just a Thanksgiving week matchup. It was a turning point. "If they go on the road to Philadelphia and punch the Eagles in the mouth," Prisco said, "the conversation changes a little bit." The Bears, at 5-6, are still alive. The Eagles, at 8-3, are playoff-bound—but not invincible. Chicago’s offense has improved under new OC Shane Steichen, but their defense? Still porous. The Giants, who rank dead last in rushing yards allowed (157.2 per game), are a cautionary tale. The Bears can’t afford to be the next. A win here doesn’t just mean a playoff shot—it means credibility.
Playoff Math: Cowboys’ Tenuous Hold
The Dallas Cowboys entered Week 13 with a 6% playoff probability if they lost, according to CBS Sports HQ analytics. Their loss to the Eagles last week wasn’t just a defeat—it was a wake-up call. Dak Prescott’s ankle, the offensive line’s inconsistency, and a defense that can’t get off the field have turned what was supposed to be a Super Bowl run into a survival mode. "They’ve got two tough games left," Prisco noted. "And if they don’t win both? The offseason starts early." The Cowboys’ playoff odds were worse than the Los Angeles Chargers, who, despite their bye week, still sit at 7-5 and face the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.What’s at Stake Beyond the Box Score
Week 13 isn’t just about wins and losses. It’s about legacies. For the Baltimore Ravens, a loss to Cincinnati could mean surrendering home-field advantage. For the Indianapolis Colts, a win keeps them in the AFC South hunt with a chance to leapfrog Tennessee. The New England Patriots, despite their 7-2 ATS record, have won five of their last nine games by six points or fewer—barely hanging on. With offensive linemen Will Campbell and Jared Wilson out, their fragile offensive line faces a New York Giants defense that, while terrible overall, still has the speed to pressure Mac Jones.Final Thoughts: A Week That Could Reshape the Season
This isn’t just another slate of games. It’s the first domino in a chain that could send teams to the playoffs—or bury them. Prisco’s picks aren’t just opinions. They’re reflections of what’s working, what’s broken, and who’s still breathing. The Bengals over the Ravens? It’s risky. But in the NFL, the best teams don’t always win. The smartest do. And right now, Cincinnati’s coaching staff looks smarter than anyone’s giving them credit for.Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Pete Prisco’s pick matter more than others?
Prisco has been covering the NFL for over 30 years and has a track record of accuracy in divisional matchups. His picks often reflect deeper film study than surface-level stats. In 2024, he correctly predicted six of the top eight AFC playoff teams before Week 12, giving his analysis extra weight among fans and analysts alike.
How did the Giants’ defense become the worst in the NFL?
New York’s defense has been decimated by injuries—particularly at linebacker and safety—and poor drafting over the past three seasons. They’ve allowed 157.2 rushing yards per game, the worst in NFL history for a 12-game span since 2007. Their pass rush has just 18 sacks all season, and their third-down conversion rate is 52%, meaning offenses convert nearly every other chance.
What’s the significance of the Bears-Eagles game on Black Friday?
It’s rare for a team with a 5-6 record to play a top-5 team on national TV during a holiday. A win would signal a full rebuild is possible under new coach Matt Eberflus. A loss? It could trigger front-office changes and accelerate the draft rebuild. The game’s timing amplifies its emotional weight—winning here could restore faith in Chicago’s future.
Are the Broncos’ defensive stats sustainable?
Yes, because their success isn’t luck—it’s scheme. Defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero uses a hybrid 3-4 system that confuses quarterbacks, and their front four generates pressure without blitzing. They’ve forced 17 turnovers in 11 games. That’s elite. And unlike teams relying on star players, Denver’s depth means injuries won’t cripple them.
What happens if the Bengals lose to the Ravens?
A loss drops Cincinnati to 7-5 and gives Baltimore a two-game lead in the AFC North. It also eliminates any chance of a first-round bye. More importantly, it signals that Joe Burrow still can’t win the big games on the road against elite defenses. That narrative sticks—and it affects contract negotiations, draft capital, and fan morale heading into 2026.
Why are the Cowboys’ playoff odds so low despite being 8-4?
Dallas has the third-toughest remaining schedule in the NFL, with games against the Eagles, Bills, and 49ers still ahead. Their net points differential is just +12, the worst among playoff-eligible teams. Analytics show teams with such a low differential rarely make deep postseason runs. Their 6% chance reflects not just their record, but their lack of dominance.