The (Under) Dogs Are Barking: Week 13

Photo credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union via Imagn Images

The Week 13 slate features a lot of games with short spreads, along with a few games that are already in the rear-view window. I don’t love the options this week, but I found a few dogs that reside in warmer climates that I think could heat up on Sunday.

Jaguars +4 ½ vs. Texans

Do I feel great about backing the Jags, who were destroyed 52-6 the last time they took the field? No, I do not. But I expect a much better effort in a divisional matchup against a team they typically play very well against. Hopefully, the bye week gave them a chance to reset.

I’m partly banking on Trevor Lawrence‘s return. He’s barking to get back onto the field despite a left shoulder injury that may require surgery after the season. I’m also considering the fact that the Texans are not playing very well right now, losers of three of their last four. They’ll be anxious to remove the stink of last week’s home loss to the Titans. However, I don’t think they have it in them to win this game comfortably.

Titans +6 ½ at Commanders

Washington is starting to feel a bit like the Texans, a team that is fading down the stretch, losers of three straight. The Titans are riding high after their upset win in Houston, and while they have a lot of warts, their defense travels.

Expect a heavy dose of Tony Pollard against the Commanders’ 29th-ranked rushing defense while Will Levis chooses his spots to find his big-play receivers. Defensively, they’re sound but will be challenged to contain Jayden Daniels’ legs. Running QBs have given the Titans fits this season.

I expect Washington to snap its losing streak, but I think the Titans can keep it close.

Panthers +6 vs. Bucs

Loyal readers of this blog know I swore off the Panthers earlier this year. However, given the lack of options this week and passing on them last week despite loving them against the Chiefs, I have to give them another chance.

Carolina won two of its last three games and gave the Chiefs all they wanted last week. Now, they are hosting a divisional opponent they know well. The Bucs had dropped four straight before last week’s win over the hapless Giants and have failed to cover the last two times they were road favorites following a win. On top of that, the Panthers have covered the last four times they’ve faced a team with a losing record.

Bryce Young is starting to come around, and his running game should be able to keep Tampa’s defense honest. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Cats spring the upset here.

Last Week: 1-2

Season: 15-21

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