NFL 2023 Week 13: Top Questions, Surprising Teams, and Key Insights

NFL Nation on ESPN, December 3, 2023, at 5:00 PM ET

Week 13 of the NFL season kicked off with an explosive offensive showdown between the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Seahawks. Sunday’s action across the NFL saw the Houston Texans’ defense deliver a standout performance, putting a stop to the Denver Broncos’ five-game winning streak. Plus, the Detroit Lions are off to their best start since 1962, and the Indianapolis Colts clinched an overtime victory against the Tennessee Titans.

Our NFL Nation reporters have reacted to all the weekend’s drama, answering lingering questions and picking out who — or what — is rising and falling for every team.

Jump to a specific game: SEA-DAL | DEN-HOU | IND-TEN | LAC-NE | DET-NO | ATL-NYJ | MIA-WSH

Colts

Can the Colts find some running game consistency in Jonathan Taylor’s absence? The Colts had one of their worst rushing performances of the season (55 yards), coinciding with star running back Jonathan Taylor’s thumb injury. Zack Moss stood out with a career-high 165 yards in the first matchup, but the Colts struggled to establish a running game on Sunday, with Moss finishing with 51 yards on 19 carries. As Taylor might miss several games, the Colts will need to find stability in their running game to support quarterback Gardner Minshew.

Stock up after the win: WR Alec Pierce. He caught three balls for 100 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his potential in a standout performance.

Stock down after the win: CB Jaylon Jones. The rookie had a rough day in coverage, according to NFL Next Gen Stats, giving up four catches on four targets.

Next game: at Bengals (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Titans

What was the price for the Titans’ loss? The Titans suffered their first home loss of the season and will have to cope with the absence of key players such as Jeffery Simmons, Josh Whyle, and punter Ryan Stonehouse, who all suffered knee injuries. Derrick Henry is also in concussion protocol. Losing four key players costs the Titans dearly, especially with challenging games ahead against tough opponents.

Stock up after the loss: Red zone defense. The Colts managed to get the ball inside the 10-yard line four times, but Tennessee kept them from scoring touchdowns each time.

Stock down after the loss: Special teams. Tennessee had two punts blocked, and the Titans missed an extra point attempt that could have given them the lead late in the fourth quarter.

Next game: at Dolphins (Monday, Dec. 11, 8:15 p.m. ET)

Texans

Can the defense continue to ascend as the Texans make a playoff run? The Texans’ defense shone with three interceptions, boosting the team’s playoff aspirations. Key contributions from young players like cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and defensive end Will Anderson Jr. provided a significant lift, solidifying their position as key X-factors as the Texans aim for a playoff berth.

Stock up after the win: Stingley. He added two pass breakups to go along with his two interceptions, proving to be a game-changer in the Texans’ defense.

Stock down after the win: The third-down offense. The Texans struggled on third downs, allowing the Broncos to remain competitive.

Next game: at Jets (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Broncos

What does this loss mean for the Broncos’ playoff hopes? The Broncos’ playoff chances took a hit after a failed comeback attempt against the Texans. With a crowded wild-card race in the AFC, the Broncos now have to regroup and seek wins in crucial matchups ahead to keep their postseason dreams alive.

Stock up after the loss: WR Courtland Sutton. He continues to be a standout performer, further solidifying his role in the Broncos’ offense.

Stock down after the loss: The pass defense. The Broncos struggled to contain the Texans’ passing game, particularly in the opening quarter.

Next game: at Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)

Falcons

What’s the next step for the offense? Atlanta’s offense was lackluster, raising questions about consistency and performance. Despite unfavorable weather conditions, the Falcons need to deliver more offensively to secure a playoff spot.

Stock up after the win: OLB Bud Dupree. Dupree played a pivotal role on defense, bolstering the Falcons’ performance.

Stock down after the win: Inside linebacker depth. Injuries have left the Falcons with limited options at inside linebacker, posing a challenge for the defense.

Next game: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Jets

Does this loss put an end to Aaron Rodgers’ comeback bid? With the Jets’ fifth straight loss, it’s increasingly challenging for them to make a playoff push. The quarterback situation remains uncertain, with Xavier Gipson standing out as a lone spark in the offense.

Stock up after the loss: WR Xavier Gipson. Gipson delivered standout performance, providing a rare bright spot for the Jets.

Stock down after the loss: QB Tim Boyle. Boyle’s struggles continued, leading to the Jets’ uncertain quarterback situation.

Next game: vs. Texans (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)

Lions

Are the Lions’ in-game lapses a cause for concern? Detroit’s inability to hold onto leads raises questions about their consistency and performance, despite winning three of their past four games.

Stock up after the win: TE…

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