Week 13 in the NFL had some great games with incredibly exciting finishes. There were also some games that weren’t as competitive due to poor performances and sloppy play. Here is the report card grade for every NFC team that played Sunday in week 13, based on how they played, combined with what their expectations were and who their opponents were.
NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys: A
The defense played great for most of the game, other than early in the first quarter, and the offense continues to excel, especially Dak Prescott and his two big wide receivers in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer outcoached the Chiefs and did an excellent job of play-calling and setting his team up for success.
Philadelphia Eagles: B-
The Eagles continue to struggle running the football, and this loss to the Bears has now bumped them down into the 3rd seed in the NFC standings. There is talk about firing their offensive coordinator and turmoil in the locker room, which is crazy when you consider that this team is the defending Super Bowl champions. If they are unable to run the football more effectively, they may continue to lose games.
Washington Commanders: B+
The Commanders played a fantastic game on Sunday Night against the Broncos. They ran the ball well, Marcus Mariota made big plays in the passing game, and the defense kept them in it, even played well enough to force overtime. The return of Terry McLaurin played a big role in the success of the passing offense.
New York Giants: MNF
NFC South:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: B
Bucky Irving returned and scored a touchdown, and the Bucs came away with a much-needed win over the Cardinals. Chris Godwin also made his presence felt in the offense, which is something the Bucs will look to build off as they fight for the NFC South crown with the Panthers. Baker Mayfield continues to play excellent football, and he is the key to the team’s success.
Atlanta Falcons: C+
Bijan Robinson was good, but the rest of the Falcons team wasn’t. They played the Jets in a game they had to win and should have won, but allowed 27 points to one of the worst offenses in football.
New Orleans Saints: C-
The Saints kept the game close against Miami, but they were constantly playing from behind and trying to play catch-up. Tyler Shough made some big plays in the passing game, and getting the experience and reps he has gotten could pay dividends in the future for the Saints if they choose to have him be their starter next season.
Carolina Panthers: A
The Panthers pulled off the upset of the week. They hosted the Rams, who came into the game with the best record in the NFC and the winners of six straight games, and were able to put up 31 points and come away with a win. The 31 points are even more impressive when you consider that the Rams came into the game as a top 3 defense in the entire league.
NFC North:
Green Bay Packers: B+
The Packers went on the road to Detroit, a very hard place to win, and came away with a big victory over the Lions. QB Jordan Love had one of his best games of the season, throwing four touchdown passes, and the defense did its part against one of the top scoring offenses in the league. If the Packers can offense can play like this consistently, they are going to be tough to beat.
Chicago Bears: A-
The Bears run game completely dominated the Eagles en route to a massive road win in Philadelphia. Swift and Monangai both had touchdowns and picked up huge chunks of yards throughout the game. The defense forced multiple turnovers, too, which has been a big strength for the Bears for most of this season.
Minnesota Vikings: D
The Vikings offense was non-existent in this game, and the defense could only do so much against a very good Seahawks offense. They were unable to get Justin Jefferson involved enough, which has been an issue for most of the season.
Detroit Lions: B-
The offense did their part against one of the top defenses in the league, but their defense was torched via the air by Jordan Love and company, and the Lions find themselves outside of the playoff picture and looking in.
NFC West:
Los Angeles Rams: C+
Yikes. The Rams were heavy favorites in Week 13 against a very inconsistent Panthers team. Although Matthew Stafford and the offense played great, their usually vaunted defense allowed over 30 to Bruce Young and company, which no one saw coming.
Arizona Cardinals: C
The Cardinals played okay in this game, and Jacoby Brissett continues to show that he is better than Kyler Murray for this offense, but their “okay” effort wasn’t enough to slow down Baker, Bucky, and the rest of the Bucs.
Seattle Seahawks: B+
The Seahawks completely dominated the Vikings from start to finish in Week 13. The defense was overpowering, and the offense did what was necessary. Even with Jaxon Smith-Njigba having a quiet game, they still moved the ball effectively enough and never really had to put their gas on the pedal.
San Francisco 49ers: B+
The 49ers defense played great, allowing just one score throughout the game and posting a shutout in the second half. The offense started slowly against a great Browns defense, but they opened things up in the second half and took complete control of the game.
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