NFL Weekly Preview Week 13 2023: Key Injuries, Difference Makers & Projected Upsets

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 13: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field on September 13, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

The key number this week is 13. It is not only the 13th week of the season, but it is also the number of games that are to be played. There are six teams having the bye, after a full slate of games on Thanksgiving Weekend. Here are the key injuries, difference makers and projected upsets for Week 13.

Key Injuries

The biggest injury from Week 12 came in Indianapolis as running back Jonathan Taylor of Salem, New Jersey is out three weeks with a thumb injury, that is requiring surgery. Taylor did not play the first month of the season because of an ankle injury and contract dispute. The first time Taylor was out for an extended period, Zack Moss of Hialeah Gardens, Florida filled in admirably. In four games, he had 445 rushing yards. Now Moss will be counted on again. Indianapolis plays in Tennessee in Week 13. The Colts are an impressive 4-1 this season on the road.

Meanwhile, Kenneth Walker III is doubtful to play Thursday night for the Seahawks against the Dallas Cowboys because of an injury to his oblique. As a result, Zach Charbonnet is the scheduled replacement.

Fantasy Stars

The top rated quarterback is Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys. The native of Sulphur, Louisiana has been smoking hot over the last month. When the Cowboys host the Seahawks on Thursday, Prescott is projected to get 270 passing yards, two touchdowns and 12 rushing yards.

At running back, Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers is ranked number one. In a marquee matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in a rematch of the NFC Championship, McCaffrey’s projections are 14 rushes for 67 rushing yards, and four catches for 32 receiving yards and one touchdown. At wide receiver, CeeDee Lamb of the Cowboys is number one. His projected line against Seattle is six catches for 84 yards and one touchdown.

Projected Upset

Apparently the odds makers did not pay attention to records when they picked San Francisco (8-3) to beat Philadelphia (10-1) by three points. One also must remember what happened in the NFC Championship at the beginning of the calendar year, as the Eagles spanked the 49ers 31-7. Take the Eagles again.

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