NFL Week 13: Thanksgiving's top moments and the must-watch Eagles vs. Ravens showdown

Legendary coach and commentator John Madden once said something that resonates deeply with football fans and the entire NFL community: “There’s no place I’d rather be on Thanksgiving than here, right now, at an NFL game.” This is the moment Madden loved most, and once again, it’s upon us.

The National Football League kicks off Week 13 of the 2024 season during a holiday weekend when families traditionally gather around the TV. In Madden’s day, he famously handed out turkey legs to star players of the Thanksgiving games, a tradition he started in 1989. While Madden is no longer with us, the spirit of football remains vibrant and alive.

Thanksgiving football is as sacred a ritual as turkey and mashed potatoes. This year, the NFL serves up three Thursday games and an additional Black Friday showdown. Thanksgiving matchups are a cornerstone of football culture, dating back to 1934 when the Detroit Lions first played on this holiday. It’s more than a game; it’s a cultural event where generations come together to enjoy the sport and the feast.

A season of resilience and surprises

Just as families give thanks around the table, several NFL teams have much to celebrate in 2024. This season has been one of resilience and unexpected twists. Seven teams that missed the playoffs last year now hold winning records: Denver (7-5) and the Los Angeles Chargers (7-4) in the AFC, and Arizona (6-5), Atlanta (6-5), Minnesota (9-2), Seattle (6-5), and Washington (7-5) in the NFC. Parity has defined the season, with an NFL-record 82 games decided by six points or fewer through Week 12.

Last weekend saw Kansas City, led by the ever-reliable Patrick Mahomes, narrowly defeat Carolina 30-27 to move to 10-1. The win also made Andy Reid the third coach in history to achieve 19 seasons with 10 or more victories, joining Bill Belichick and Hall of Famer Don Shula. Meanwhile, the Detroit Lions routed Indianapolis 24-6, also climbing to 10-1 for the season. It’s the first time in 90 years that Detroit has won 10 of its first 11 games.

The Lions, who tied a franchise record with 12 wins last year, have now achieved back-to-back 10-win seasons for the first time in their history. They’ve also scored a rushing touchdown in 25 consecutive games—the longest streak in NFL history—surpassing the Miami Dolphins’ run from 1974-76.

Playoff stakes heading into Week 13

This week brings high-stakes matchups with significant playoff implications. Buffalo, for instance, could clinch their division with a win over the 49ers and a loss by Miami. As fans prepare for another feast of football and turkey, we’re reminded of Madden’s words and the enduring power of the game to bring people together.

NFL Game of the Week, Week 13

Eagles at Ravens (-3):

Week 13 promises an instant classic as two of the league’s best running backs—Saquon Barkley of the Eagles and Derrick Henry of the Ravens—go head-to-head.

Barkley has been a dominant force this season, racking up 1,649 scrimmage yards and emerging as a constant threat to opposing defenses. Last week, he amassed an incredible 302 scrimmage yards, joining legends like Walter Payton and Ollie Matson in achieving such a feat. Barkley’s ability to shift a game’s momentum has been a key factor in the Eagles’ seven-game winning streak.

On the other side, Derrick Henry has been just as formidable. With 1,421 scrimmage yards, the Ravens’ powerhouse running back has carried his team on his shoulders. Known for his bruising physicality and knack for breaking tackles, Henry has been the driving force behind Baltimore’s offense.

Sunday’s showdown will highlight the NFL’s top two rushing offenses. The Ravens have rushed for 2,162 yards this season, while the Eagles are close behind with 2,127. It’s the first time since 2016 that the two leading rushing offenses have faced off this late in the season.

This game also serves as a stage for individual talent. Barkley and Henry lead the league in scrimmage yards, and their matchup evokes memories of classic running back duels. With both teams sitting at eight or more wins, this could be a preview of the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Curiously, both teams are coming off wins against Los Angeles squads at SoFi Stadium, setting the stage for a Sunday afternoon clash that will command attention.

The Eagles’ seven-game winning streak is the second-longest active streak in the league. Last week, they became only the second team in NFL history to rush for at least 150 yards in seven consecutive games. Prediction: Eagles 24-21 Ravens.

Quick Picks for Week 13

Bears at Lions (-9.5):

The Lions have been on a roll lately, but who doesn’t enjoy a good occasional stumble? With a short week, the Bears will treat this like their Super Bowl and will fight to the end to pull off an upset, but the Lions will roar back. Bears 17-24 Lions

Giants at Cowboys (-4):

Tommy DeVito isn’t exactly the silver bullet the Giants need. They should think about starting over, but first, the Cowboys will fix their home issues. Giants 14-24 Cowboys

Dolphins (-3) at Packers:

Miami is on the rise, but a Thursday night in Green Bay might be too much for them. Dolphins 20-27 Packers

Raiders at Chiefs (-12.5):

It’ll be a proper Black Friday for the Chiefs, in the sense of taking advantage of a bargain. Only two of Kansas City’s ten victories have been by double digits, but this will be the third. Raiders 13-28 Chiefs

Texans (-5) at Jaguars:

The Jaguars are coming off a bye, but the Texans have talent throughout their ranks. Texans 24-17 Jaguars

Chargers (-1.5) at Falcons:

The rested Falcons should be ready for the Chargers' ground game. With LA traveling from west to east, the hosts will pull off a mini-upset. Chargers 20-23 Falcons

Cardinals at Vikings (-3.5):

The Vikings, with their many offensive weapons, should win at home. Plus, they just signed Daniel Jones. Cardinals 17-20 Vikings

Titans at Commanders (-5.5):

The Titans had their best scoring performance last week, but the Commanders won’t underestimate their opponent again after their recent slip up. Washington is the better team and will cover at home. Commanders 27-21 Titans

Colts (-3) at Patriots:

I don’t blame you for not wanting to watch this game. Colts 17-21 Patriots

Steelers at Bengals (-2.5):

The numbers favor the Steelers, but I’m not convinced by their record. Steelers 17-24 Bengals

Seahawks (-2.5) at Jets:

Even Aaron Rodgers is considering his future with the Jets. Seahawks 21-17 Jets

Rams (-3) at Saints:

The Saints have won two in a row and scored 35 against the Browns, but I’m still not convinced. Rams 24-17 Saints

Buccaneers (-6) at Panthers:

The Panthers fought back against the Chiefs, but in reality they have already given up. Bucs 30-21 Panthers

49ers at Bills (-7):

Buffalo is expecting a snowstorm and a Bills win. Both will happen. 49ers 10-17 Bills

Browns at Broncos (-5.5):

A Monday Night without much to get too excited about. Browns 17-24 Broncos

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.

The article above was originally by Ariel Velázquez, translated with the assistance of AI and edited by David Nelson.