Week 13 of the 2025 NFL season is a marathon of football, highlighted by the traditional Thanksgiving Day tripleheader and the newer Black Friday game, all before the full Sunday and Monday slates. With the playoffs looming, every game is a critical opportunity to gain ground in the conference races.
Here is a detailed preview of the top matchups and storylines for NFL Week 13 (2025 Season).
The Thanksgiving Day Tripleheader
Thanksgiving Day brings three divisional showdowns that will heavily influence the AFC and NFC playoff pictures.
1. NFC North Tradition: Playoff Seeding at Stake
Detroit Lions (7-4) vs. Green Bay Packers (7-3-1)
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Time: Thursday, November 27, 10:00 AM MST (FOX)
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Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
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The Stakes: This is a crucial battle for the NFC North crown. Both teams are firmly in the playoff mix, and the head-to-head winner gains a major advantage in the race for the division title and a potential high seed.
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Key Matchup: The Lions’ home-field advantage and powerful offense against the Packers’ revitalized defense. Can the Lions protect their home turf and sweep the season series, or will the Packers’ defense be the difference-maker?
2. AFC/NFC Crossover: Star Quarterbacks Duel
Kansas City Chiefs (6-5) at Dallas Cowboys (5-5-1)
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Time: Thursday, November 27, 1:30 PM MST (CBS)
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Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
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The Stakes: Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives, making this a near must-win. The Chiefs need a victory to climb back to the top of the AFC West, and the Cowboys need a win to stay relevant in the NFC East.
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Key Matchup: Patrick Mahomes vs. Dak Prescott in a classic QB shootout. The game will likely be decided by which defense can generate a key turnover or hold the opponent to a field goal late.
3. AFC North Grudge Match: First Place on the Line
Cincinnati Bengals (3-8) at Baltimore Ravens (6-5)
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Time: Thursday, November 27, 5:20 PM MST (NBC)
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Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
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The Stakes: Despite the Bengals’ record, the Ravens are in a tight race for the AFC North lead. A home win for Baltimore is essential to keep them ahead of the pack. The Bengals are playing for pride and a chance to derail their rival.
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Key Matchup: The Ravens’ elite defense, led by Roquan Smith, will look to dominate the Bengals’ struggling offense. If Cincinnati’s quarterback can’t handle the pressure, it could be a long night for the road team.
Black Friday Football
4. NFC Showdown: Eagles Look to Rebound
Chicago Bears (8-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (8-3)
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Time: Friday, November 28, 12:00 PM MST (Amazon Prime Video)
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Location: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
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The Stakes: This game pits two NFC powerhouses against each other, both pushing for the No. 1 seed. The Eagles need to rebound immediately after their tough Week 12 loss, while the Bears are surprisingly tied for the NFC North lead and look to make a statement on the national stage.
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Key Matchup: Bears QB Caleb Williams‘s electrifying offense against the Eagles’ pressure defense. If the Bears can protect Williams and force the Eagles’ offense to keep pace, this Black Friday battle will be a thriller.
Sunday/Monday High-Impact Games
5. AFC Conference Battle: Playoff Seeding
Buffalo Bills (7-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)
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Time: Sunday, November 30, 1:25 PM MST (CBS)
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Location: Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh, PA
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The Stakes: This is a massive game for AFC Wild Card and seeding implications. Both teams are fighting for their playoff lives in a congested conference. A win gives a huge tiebreaker advantage.
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Key Matchup: The Bills’ high-volume offense against the Steelers’ dominant pass rush. Turnovers will be the story here; whichever quarterback avoids critical mistakes will lead his team to victory.
6. AFC South Decider
Houston Texans (6-5) at Indianapolis Colts (8-3)
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Time: Sunday, November 30, 10:00 AM MST (CBS)
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Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN
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The Stakes: This divisional contest has huge implications for the AFC South crown. The Colts are leading the division but need to maintain their momentum. The Texans are right behind them, and a win in Indianapolis would set up a thrilling final month of the season.
7. NFC West Intrigue
Minnesota Vikings (4-7) at Seattle Seahawks (8-3)
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Time: Sunday, November 30, 1:05 PM MST (FOX)
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Location: Lumen Field, Seattle, WA
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The Stakes: The Seahawks are firmly in the NFC Wild Card race and need a home win to maintain their high seeding. The Vikings are fading but are a capable spoiler, desperate to avoid falling further behind.
