Don’t look now, but the Dallas Cowboys are the NFL’s hottest team
The Dallas Cowboys may be on of the NFL’s hottest teams, but can they make the playoffs? USA TODAY Sports’ Jarrett bell breaks it down.
Sports Pulse
Entering last Sunday’s game as 13.5-point road underdogs, the New York Jets (2-9) were holding steady against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Jets had only their second halftime lead all season (the other coming Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers) with a 7-3 advantage as they were holding two-time MVP Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry in check.
Then came the second half.
A costly turnover by running back Breece Hall in the red zone and turnover on downs in their own territory on back-to-back drives doomed the Jets in a 23-10 loss to the Ravens.
The Jets will look to put an end to the two-game winning streak as they host the Atlanta Falcons (4-7) at MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The Falcons will have veteran QB Kirk Cousins under center for a second week in a row after starter Michael Penix Jr. suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 11.
The Falcons are clinging to their playoff lives as they are three games behind the San Francisco 49ers for the final wild card spot in the NFC.
Our prognosticators throughout the 2025 season are: Art Stapleton (Giants/NFL writer, NorthJersey.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports trending reporter/columnist, NorthJersey.com), Brian Marron (digital producer, NorthJersey.com), Chris Iseman (Rutgers writer, NorthJersey.com), Bob Jordan (sports editor, Asbury Park Press/APP.com) and Dave Rivera (sports editor, USA TODAY Northeast/NorthJersey.com).
Jets vs Falcons predictions, staff standings
Dave Rivera: 8-3
Art Stapleton: 8-3
Chris Iseman: 8-3
Brian Marron: 8-3
Bob Jordan: 8-3
Bert Bainbridge: 7-3
Here are our staff predictions for Jets vs. Falcons from MetLife Stadium in Week 13:
Bert Bainbridge
The pick: Jets 20, Falcons 17
Here’s why: The Jets offense wasn’t inspiring in Week 12, but that shouldn’t have come as a surprise against a Ravens defense that has gotten significantly better as they’ve gotten healthier since the beginning of the season. The key factor is Falcons star wide receiver Drake London, who missed Week 12 with a PCL injury he suffered the week prior. He could be questionable/limited in practice all week long and a eventual game-time decision leading up all the way to kickoff. I expect London to miss one more week, as the Jets defense takes advantage, making it a long and miserable day for Cousins. The Jets will pull off the upset as a home underdog, winning this one by a field goal for their third win of the season.
Art Stapleton
The pick: Jets 23, Falcons 20
Here’s why: The Kirk Cousins switch-in for Michael Penix is advantage Jets. The Falcons may also be without star WR Drake London, too. The key here would be which team runs the ball more effectively, and Breece Hall will be motivated for a bounce back. Give Aaron Glenn’s team the upset.
Brian Marron
The pick: Falcons 20, Jets 13
Here’s why: In a battle of aging and fading quarterbacks, the supporting cast for Kirk Cousins makes the difference as Bijan Robinson rips off enough explosive plays to give the Falcons a win.
Chris Iseman
The pick: Jets 21, Falcons 17
Here’s why: I’m going to regret this pick, aren’t I?
Bob Jordan
The pick: Falcons 28, Jets 17
Here’s why: Normally am a sucker for home underdogs except when it comes to the Jets, who are 9-25 straight up since 2020 as home dogs and 6-8 against the spread since late 2022. Not biting on this one.
Dave Rivera
The pick: Falcons 22, Jets 17
Here’s why: The Jets will come out strong and take an early lead, but just like last week, they won’t have enough firepower to put anybody away. Kirk Cousins and the Falcons have a big fourth quarter to steal this one at MetLife.