NFL Week 13 Predictions 2021: Upset Picks, Straight Up Winners Include Patriots, Steelers

There are several key divisional matchups on the NFL Week 13 schedule. A pair of underdogs have a strong chance to upset their rivals and win outright, altering the top of the AFC playoff picture.

Here are the best upset picks for Week 13 for the 2021 season. Betting odds come from DraftKings Sportsbook.

New England Patriots (+130) at Buffalo Bills

In this battle for first place in the AFC East, there is significant value on New England as three-point underdogs. The Monday night matchup is essentially a toss-up, and the Patriots might be the better team.

No one is hotter than New England. The Patriots are beating their opponents by nearly 25 points per game during their six-game winning streak. While Buffalo’s defense technically ranks first in the league, New England’s unit is just as formidable. The Patriots have held four straight teams to 13 points or fewer. New England is first with 19 interceptions and second in the AFC with 30 sacks. The Bills just lost cornerback Tre'Davious White for the season.

Mac Jones doesn’t have nearly the same big-play ability as Josh Allen, but the rookie has been more consistent while completing over 70% of his passes. If Jones stays turnover-free and the Patriots run the ball effectively, which the Titans and Colts did in wins over the Bills, New England can take a commanding lead atop the division.

Pittsburgh Steelers (+175) vs. Baltimore Ravens

In a matchup between two teams that know each other very well, Baltimore won’t have an easy time putting Pittsburgh away. Don’t be shocked if the Steelers beat their rivals outright and manage to stay in the AFC North race for one more week.

Pittsburgh is 6-1 in its last seven matchups against Baltimore when Ben Roethlisberger is under center. The veteran is now one of the league’s worst starting quarterbacks, but that didn’t stop the Steelers from scoring 37 points just two weeks ago. Lamar Jackson hasn’t been much better of late, throwing seven touchdowns and nine interceptions in his last five starts while taking 17 sacks. Jackson has a career 59.2 passer rating against Baltimore.

The Ravens are averaging 18.6 points over their last five games. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and defensive coordinator Keith Butler can make life difficult for Baltimore’s offense and give Pittsburgh a shot to win at home.