One thing we learned about each team in Week 13

The playoff races are starting to heat up in the NFL, as four teams are tied for the No. 5 seed in the AFC and four more are tied for the No. 6 spot in the NFC. The San Francisco 49ers closed within a game of the Philadelphia Eagles for the top spot in the NFC, while the Dallas Cowboys continue their hot streak (and actually beat a team .500 or better).

Week 13 was certainly an interesting one for the playoff races, including the teams that are falling out of the playoff hunt and setting their sights on 2024. Here’s one thing we learned from each of the 26 teams that played this week. 

(Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants were on bye)

James Conner motivated by return to Pittsburgh: Conner looked like the running back who rushed for 15 touchdowns in 2021 in Sunday’s win. He finished with 25 carries for 105 yards and two scores at Heinz Field, his best game since Week 2. Conner is putting together a good season, rushing for 631 yards and averaging 4.9 yards per carry (the highest of his career). The touchdown numbers are going up with Kyler Murray back at quarterback too. Conner could be in line for a strong finish to the year. 

Jessie Bates might be the best free agent signing of offseason: Bates has been dominant in his first season with the Falcons, continuing the success he had in five years with the Bengals. Bates had a career-high fifth interception Sunday, his fifth season of three-plus interceptions. Bates has allowed just two pass touchdowns in 12 games as opposing quarterbacks targeting him have just a 52.2 passer rating. The Falcons were 25th in pass yards allowed last season, which has improved to 11th. Certainly Bates has helped with those improvements. He’s worth the $16 million per year. 

Chuba Hubbard is engine of offense: The Panthers made it clear who the No. 1 running back is over the last two…

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Author : Jeff Kerr

Publish date : 2023-12-05 18:31:45

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