2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 13

Los Angeles Chargers (6-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (7-4)

Sunday, December 5, 1PM ET

For most of this season, I’ve rolled with the Los Angeles Chargers because I believed in their potential. Justin Herbert has been a star for much of the year, and the Los Angeles defense had enough talent to help this team go far. I’m starting to think I missed the mark with that one.

Then again, I’ve also been a big supporter of this Cincinnati Bengals squad as well. I knew Joe Burrow was going to be special, and he’s gotten plenty of help along the way. With JaMarr Chase proving to be a big-play machine and Joe Mixon emerging as one of the NFL’s most reliable runners, it’s no wonder the Bengals are rolling.

Now the two teams will face off in a battle of up-and-coming franchises riding the success of their young quarterbacks. Unfortunately for the Chargers, I don’t think it’ll end up working out in their favor. The Bengals have the superior defense, and their offense is just as dynamic. Los Angeles’ offense has been stale at times, and I wouldn’t be surprised if that were the case in Week 13.

Believe it or not, the Bengals are the real deal. They suffered a small slump in the middle of the season, but there’s no denying they’ll be a force down the stretch. As for the Chargers, they’re quickly falling behind in the race for an AFC Wild Card spot.

Prediction: Bengals win 28-23 | Spread: Bengals (-3)