Week 13 NFL Grades and Recap
Bengals in Crisis: The Cincinnati Bengals’ defensive woes continue as they lose a third straight shootout, falling to the Steelers 44-38. Joe Burrow’s brilliance (300+ yards and 3 TDs in each loss) is overshadowed by a historically bad defense that has allowed the most points ever in a three-game losing streak. With their playoff hopes slipping at 4-8, the Bengals may need to rethink their defensive strategy heading into 2024. Grade: D
Steelers’ Surge: Pittsburgh, led by a rejuvenated Russell Wilson, looks like a playoff threat. Wilson threw for 414 yards and 3 TDs, overcoming early struggles to lead the Steelers to victory. Mike Tomlin’s QB switch from Justin Fields to Wilson is paying dividends, with the Steelers peaking at the right time. Grade: B+
Chargers Edge Falcons in Defensive Battle: Los Angeles managed to win an ugly one, thanks to their defense forcing four Kirk Cousins interceptions. Despite a stagnant offense, rookie WR Ladd McConkey shined with 117 yards. The Chargers showed they can grind out wins, keeping their playoff hopes alive. Grade: C+
Falcons Falter: Kirk Cousins’ nightmare performance overshadowed a stellar defensive effort. Atlanta’s offense, plagued by turnovers, has now dropped three straight, jeopardizing their NFC South lead. Grade: C
Vikings Rally Past Cardinals: Minnesota mounted a stunning comeback behind Sam Darnold’s late-game heroics and clutch plays from Justin Jefferson. The Vikings are starting to show resilience, with their playoff hopes still alive. Grade: B-
Cardinals Collapse: Arizona wasted six red zone trips, scoring just one touchdown. Kyler Murray’s late-game interceptions sealed the loss, and the NFC West lead is slipping away. Grade: B-
Colts’ Comeback Stuns Patriots: Rookie QB Anthony Richardson overcame a costly interception to lead a game-winning drive, showcasing growth in a pressure-packed moment. The Colts remain in playoff contention. Grade: B
Patriots’ Pain: Despite a strong game from rookie QB Drake Maye, defensive lapses on fourth down and missed opportunities doomed New England to another loss. Grade: B-
Seahawks Overcome Jets: A 92-yard pick-six by Leonard Williams ignited Seattle’s defense, turning a rough start into a gritty win. The Seahawks are heating up at the right time. Grade: C+
Jets’ Fade: After a strong start, Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ offense collapsed in the second half. Rodgers’ struggles raise concerns about New York’s ability to turn things around this season. Grade: C-
Commanders Dominate Titans: Washington snapped a three-game skid in emphatic fashion, with Brian Robinson powering a 42-point explosion. At 8-5, they’re firmly in the playoff hunt. Grade: A
Titans Troubles: Turnovers and miscues continue to define Tennessee’s season. After falling into a 28-0 hole, the Titans never recovered. Grade: D
Texans Hold Off Jaguars: Houston’s Joe Mixon carried the load with a second-half surge, helping the Texans stay atop the AFC South. The defense nearly faltered late but held on for a critical win. Grade: B-
Jaguars Fight Back: Backup QB Mac Jones brought Jacksonville close, but the late rally wasn’t enough. The effort showed promise, even in defeat. Grade: B
Rams Rally Past Saints: Matthew Stafford’s stellar second half saved Los Angeles, keeping them in the NFC West race. Kyren Williams provided much-needed balance with 104 rushing yards. Grade: B
Saints’ Second-Half Struggles: A dominant start unraveled as the offense sputtered, and the defense couldn’t contain Stafford after halftime. New Orleans’ season is on life support. Grade: B-
Bucs Survive Panthers in OT: Baker Mayfield and Bucky Irving stepped up in crunch time, leading Tampa Bay to a critical comeback win that keeps them in the NFC South race. Grade: C+
Panthers Spoil Opportunity: Bryce Young showed growth with 298 yards, but missed field goals and turnovers cost Carolina a chance to play spoiler. Grade: B-
Eagles Outlast Ravens: Philadelphia’s potent ground game and stifling defense pushed their winning streak to eight. Saquon Barkley led the charge with 107 rushing yards. Grade: B
Ravens’ Kicking Woes: Justin Tucker’s rare struggles proved costly, with three missed kicks overshadowing a solid team performance. Baltimore needs consistency to keep pace in the AFC. Grade: B-
Bills Dominate 49ers: Buffalo thrived in the snow, playing mistake-free football while Josh Allen accounted for three touchdowns. The Bills clinched the AFC East and remain a threat for the AFC’s top seed. Grade: A+
49ers Freeze: Costly turnovers and a missed opportunity in Buffalo’s red zone doomed San Francisco, who also lost Christian McCaffrey to injury. Cold weather revealed cracks in the 49ers’ armor. Grade: F
