Week 13 in the NFL brought critical updates regarding player statuses, game-day conditions, and key decisions as teams prepared for pivotal matchups across the league. Here’s a detailed rundown of the most significant developments:
Early Games
Los Angeles Chargers at Atlanta Falcons: A clear 51°F kickoff awaits at the retractable-roof Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Chargers placed RB J.K. Dobbins (knee) on IR, and LB Denzel Perryman (groin) is out. On the Falcons’ side, WR Drake London (hip) and PK Younghoe Koo (hip) are set to play after recovering fully.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals: The cold, 29°F weather at kickoff might challenge players. Steelers LB Alex Highsmith (ankle) is doubtful. The Bengals’ QB Joe Burrow (wrist) is cleared to play, providing stability to their offense.
Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings: In their dome stadium, the Cardinals list S Jalen Thompson (ankle) as questionable. For the Vikings, LT Cam Robinson (foot) is trending positively after returning to full practice Friday.
Indianapolis Colts at New England Patriots: The matchup takes place under cloudy, 34°F conditions. Colts WR Josh Downs (shoulder) and RT Braden Smith (personal) are out, while WR Alec Pierce (foot) and others practiced fully. Patriots WR Demario Douglas (ankle) and starting safeties are questionable.
Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets: At 37°F and cloudy, the Jets’ RB Breece Hall (knee) is trending positively and should play, while LT Tyron Smith (neck) is on IR. The Seahawks’ key offensive players, including WRs Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf, are active.
Tennessee Titans at Washington Commanders: In 41°F cloudy weather, Titans WR Calvin Ridley (ankle) is cleared. The Commanders’ RB Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle) and WR Noah Brown (knee) are also ready to go.
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars: Mostly cloudy 58°F conditions set the stage. Texans DE Will Anderson Jr. is active, while Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) is expected to return.
Late Games
Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints: In the dome, TE Tyler Higbee (knee) is out. Saints WR Chris Olave (concussion) remains on IR, but RB Jamaal Williams (groin) is ready.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers: At 52°F and cloudy, the Panthers will miss RB Miles Sanders (ankle), while WR Adam Thielen (hamstring) is ready to play. Buccaneers LT Tristan Wirfs (knee, foot) is questionable.
Philadelphia Eagles at Baltimore Ravens: A 40°F cloudy game sees Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (hamstring) questionable. Ravens LB Roquan Smith (hamstring) will play.
Prime Time Matchups
Sunday Night Football: Heavy snow is forecast in Buffalo for the San Francisco 49ers vs. Bills matchup. The 49ers are missing DE Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and LT Trent Williams (ankle), though QB Brock Purdy (shoulder) is likely to return. The Bills’ TE Dalton Kincaid (knee) is out, and LB Matt Milano (biceps) was activated from IR.
Monday Night Football: The Cleveland Browns face the Denver Broncos under clear 35°F skies. Browns WR Jerry Jeudy is cleared, but LT Jedrick Wills (knee) and WR Cedric Tillman (concussion) are out.
These updates shape expectations for Week 13, as teams navigate injuries, weather, and lineup adjustments to secure critical wins.
