The Lane Kiffin ‘will he go, will he stay’ drama has intensified with Mississippi football on its bye week during Week 13 of the 2025 college football season.

While No. 6 Mississippi (No. 6in the College Football Playoff committee ranking) is 10-1 on the field and likely a shoo-in for the 12-team CFP field, the focus this week has not been on the product on the field, but rather on Kiffin’s future.

Both Florida and LSU have been primarily focused on Kiffin as their replacement for Billy Napier and Brian Kelly, respectively. It was reported that Kiffin’s family was in Gainesville, Florida, on Sunday, Nov. 16 and in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Monday, Nov. 17.

On Nov. 17, word broke that Ole Miss gave Kiffin an ultimatum to decide by the Egg Bowl next weekend vs. Mississippi State. Kiffin denied that it was the case while joining the Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday, Nov. 18.

Here’s the full debate between Finebaum and Smith:

Paul Finebaum, Stephen A. Smith debate Lane Kiffin

Here’s the full transcript between Finebaum and Smith on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

Finebaum: “The bottom line is, if you want to stay at Ole Miss, and I don’t think he wants to, you say, ‘Yeah, I’m committed to Ole Miss. I got a new contract coming out in a couple of days and you have a signing ceremony. He attacked the question of whether there was an ultimatum. Certainly Ole Miss has told him, ‘You need to make a decision at some point.’

‘But think about this for a second, his family got a plane Sunday and then took that plane from Gainesville to Baton Rouge, and what are they doing? They’re looking around. His son is a top prospect, they wanted to look at high schools, which is perfectly alright, but this is all going on when Ole Miss is having its best season in about 60 years, hasn’t won a SEC championship since John Kennedy was president. And Lane is raging about all this stuff going on. Lane, it’s up to you. If you want to end the speculation, end it right now. But you haven’t ended it. All you have done is exacerbate it.”

Stephen A: “Y’all leave Lane Kiffin alone! We’re not going to do this! We not going to do this to this man. Listen, I’m going to bring it home: He’s in Oxford, Mississippi. OK? Let’s get this out of the way. Now listen ladies and gentlemen, I’m going to say it, y’all can’t say it. Don’t you dare say it, Paul. Don’t you dare say it, Doggie. Leave it to me. I’ll say it! The brothers ain’t trying to come to Oxford, Mississippi for the most part, compared to Gainesville or Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Lets just call it what it is. You look at the job Lane Kiffin has done at Ole Miss, it’s phenomenal.

‘The man has won 74% of his games over the last six years. Ole Miss is in the picture. They can win a national championship. Lane Kiffin, his personality, his cache, it ain’t  Nick Saban, he got to worry about. He’s got the potential to be another Nick Saban, but it’s not going to happen at Ole Miss. Not for years down the road to come. No, no, no, no, no. But Gainesville? At the University of Florida? Baton Rouge? Death Valley? LSU? That’s a different animal… From a recruiting standpoint, in terms of longevity, establishing the stayed level of success for many, many years to come, when you’re going up against Alabama, when you’re going up against Georgia, when you’re going up against teams like that. Ole Miss? I don’t have that kind of faith that a sustained level of excellence is incomparable to what those two programs have done under Kirby Smart and Nick Saban.

‘I don’t have that type of confidence. But that man, Lane Kiffin at LSU, that man, Lane Kiffin at Florida, oh that’s a different beast right there. Lane Kiffin knows what he’s talking about. The man has done his job, go out there, try and win a national championship, and then get your ass to Baton Rouge or get your ass to Gainesville, Florida. Stop playing games. He ain’t staying at Ole Miss. Get over it. Be happy you had him all of these years and be prepared to wave bye bye. That man will be gone to either Gainesville or Death Valley come January. You can book it because he ain’t stupid. He knows, everybody knows.”

Former San Diego Padres pitcher Randy Jones, who won the National League Cy Young award in 1976, has died at the age of 75.

The Padres announced that Jones died on Nov. 18 in a statement released Wednesday morning.

‘With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, the Padres mourn the passing of our beloved left-hander, Randy Jones,’ the statement read. ‘Randy was a cornerstone of our franchise for over five decades, highlighted by becoming the first Padres pitcher to win the Cy Young Award …

‘Randy was committed to San Diego, the Padres, and his family. He was a giant in our lives and our franchise history.’

Jones was a classic crafty left-hander who used his sinker and slider to disrupt hitters’ timing while rarely topping 80 mph.

Selected by the Padres in the fifth round of the 1972 draft, Jones made his major league debut one year later. He started 19 games as a rookie and led the National League with 22 losses in 1974.

However, he earned the first of his two All-Star berths in 1975, winning 20 games and leading the league with a 2.24 ERA for a Padres team that finished the season 71-91. Jones finished second to the Mets’ Tom Seaver in the NL Cy Young award voting.

Jones was an All-Star again in 1976, going 22-14 with a 2.74 ERA and leading the majors in wins, innings pitched (315 ⅓) and complete games (25). He was the runaway winner for the Cy Young award over Jerry Koosman of the Mets and Don Sutton of the Dodgers.

Randy Jones stats, Padres legacy

After eight years in San Diego, Jones was traded to the New York Mets for the final two seasons of his career. He finished with a record of 100-123 and 3.42 ERA over 1,933 major league innings, but never appeared in a postseason game.

After his playing career ended, Jones returned to San Diego, working as an ambassador for the Padres. He frequently appeared on the team’s pregame and postgame broadcasts and had his own BBQ stand, first at Qualcomm Stadium and then at Petco Park.

The Padres retired Jones’ uniform No. 35 in 1997 and he was inducted into the Padres Hall of Fame in 1999 as part of its inaugural class.

The Baltimore Orioles traded starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Los Angeles Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward.
Rodriguez, a former first-round pick, missed all of last season with injuries but has four years of team control remaining.
Ward is coming off a career-high 36 home runs for the Angels and is in the final year of his contract.

The first major trade of the Hot Stove season came with little warning Tuesday night as the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels made a classic 1-for-1 swap.

The Orioles sent starting pitcher Grayson Rodriguez to the Angels for outfielder Taylor Ward in a deal that hints of additional moves to come.

Rodriguez, 26, is a former first-round draft pick, taken 11th overall in 2018. However, he missed all of last season with several different injuries, and he hasn’t appeared in a major league game since July 31, 2024.

Ward, 31, was also a first-rounder (26th overall in 2015) who hit a career-high 36 home runs last season for the Angels.

How did the two teams do in the deal? Here’s our instant analysis.

Baltimore Orioles trade grade: C

Rodriguez has been a solid pitcher during his two seasons in the Orioles rotation, and he was showing signs of a breakout in 2024 before he was shut down in August.

That season, he was 13-4 with a 3.86 ERA in 20 starts — with 130 strikeouts in 116 2/3 innings.

However, the injuries have persisted with a lat injury, followed by a bone spur in his elbow. With the Orioles looking to return to the playoffs after missing out this past season, Rodriguez’s injury history — and possibly his prospects of returning to full health — apparently made him too much of a risk for the Orioles front office to take.

However, trading away Rodriguez when the team’s greatest offseason need is to upgrade its starting pitching is a head-scratcher. It only makes sense if Baltimore can add one (or maybe two) established starters in free agency or via another trade.

In Ward, the O’s get an established right-handed power hitter coming off the best season of his career. He appeared in a career-high 157 games, posting a .228/.317/.475 slash line. His 36 homers more than doubled the Orioles’ team leaders in that category last season. However, he’s in the last year of arbitration and can become a free agent at the end of the season.

The Orioles will likely have Colton Cowser as their full-time center fielder, with Ward in left and a mix of Tyler O’Neill, Dylan Beavers and Heston Kjerstad battling for the job in right. They also signed veteran Leody Taveras earlier this month as a free agent.

Los Angeles Angels trade grade: B+

The Angels are clearly in the rebuilding process after finishing last in the AL West with a record of 72-90. And there are plenty of holes on the roster.

Rodriguez could fill one of the most important ones — staff ace — if he can stay healthy. Plus, at age 26, he still has four more years of team control and won’t be eligible for free agency until after the 2029 season.

With Ward in his final season before free agency and due around $13.7 million in arbitration, the Angels turned his career year into a lottery ticket that could pay major dividends well into the future.

Trading Ward also allows the Angels to deal from a position of strength and address an area of need.

They finished fourth in the majors in 2025 with 226 home runs. Only the Yankees, Dodgers and Mariners had more. Meanwhile, their 4.89 team ERA was the worst in the American League and third-worst overall behind the Rockies and Nationals.

And they still have Mike Trout, Jo Adell and Jorge Soler to fill the corner outfield and DH slots.

The Orioles said they expected Rodriguez to be ready for the start of spring training. If that’s the case, he’ll likely slot in as either the Angels’ No. 1 or No. 2 starter to begin the regular season under first-year manager Kurt Suzuki.

Potential Angels starting rotation

LHP Yusei Kikuchi
RHP Grayson Rodriguez
RHP Jose Soriano
LHP Reid Detmers
RHP Caden Dana

Jessie Diggins’ incredible career is coming to an end.

The most decorated cross country skier in U.S. history announced Wednesday, Nov. 19, that this will be her final season. She plans to compete at the Milano-Cortina Olympics, her fourth, before finishing her career on home snow at the World Cup Finals in Lake Placid, New York. The finals are March 19-22.

‘I hope I’m remembered not just for the pain cave and ability to suffer deeply for a team that I love and a sport I care about so much, but for the joy, sense of fun on snow, heart-on-sleeve racing, deep vulnerability and openness that I’ve brought to everything I do,’ Diggins said in the release announcing her retirement.

Diggins, 34, set new standards for U.S. cross country skiers. She and Kikkan Randall gave the United States its first Olympic gold in cross country when they won the team sprint at the Pyeongchang Games in 2018. Four years later, Diggins became the first American to win an individual sprint medal at the Games, taking bronze. She also won silver in the 30k freestyle in Beijing.

Diggins is the reigning overall champion, a title she’s won three times. Her first, in 2021, was the first by a U.S. woman and first for any American since Bill Koch did it in 1982. She’s the only non-European woman to win the overall trophy.

Diggins also was the first American to win an individual gold at the world championships, winning the 10k skate in 2023. She has seven medals overall from the world championships.

But she didn’t just leave her mark on the snow. Diggins has been an outspoken advocate for mental health, sharing details of her eating disorder and her recovery.

‘I’m proud of how hard I’ve worked to lead a team as well as how I’ve worked to help change an entire sport’s culture around mental health – how we talk about it, how we’re allowed to ask for help and how we help athletes in need,’ Diggins said.

‘I’ve tried to become the advocate and role model that 18-year-old Jessie needed,’ said Diggins, who puts sparkles on her cheeks when she races to remind herself to have fun. ‘Whether or not I’ve succeeded in that, I am deeply proud of having the courage to put my own life story out there to bring about the change I wanted to see.”

A former Los Angeles Angels teammate of pitcher Tyler Skaggs testified in the wrongful death civil suit against the team that he, Skaggs, and former communications director Eric Kay hid their drug use from the Angels.

Skaggs’ family is suing the Angels for wrongful death, seeking at least $118 million in lost earnings, compensation for pain and suffering, and punitive damages against the team, claiming they should have been aware that Kay was giving him drugs.

Mike Morin, who pitched for the Angels from 2014 through 2017, said that he had an arm injury during his last season with the team and that Kay provided him with drugs. The pills would be dropped off in his locker, and Kay would pick up the money that Morin left for him there.

Morin said Kay gave him ‘blue boys,’ a term used to identify blue, 30-milligram oxycodone pills, and said he and Skaggs used the clubhouse bathroom for their drug use, crushing up pills and snorting them on a toilet paper dispenser.

Morin said during his testimony that he had five to eight dealings with Kay involving payment for drugs and added that he feels that Skaggs was responsible for his own actions, a key point in the Angels’ defense.

‘It’s impossible for anyone to understand what it’s like to play at the MLB level,’ Morin said. ‘Only people that get it are in the same room. It’s immense highs and immense lows. What it feels like to devote your life to something and fail, yeah, there’s not a whole lot of other people that can fully understand what it takes to get there and to stay there.’

Kay is currently serving 22 years in federal prison after being found guilty of distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances in the July 1, 2019, death of Skaggs, who was found dead in a Southlake, Texas, hotel room as the Angels were set to play a four-game series against the Texas Rangers. Authorities said that Kay distributed the fentanyl-laced pills that killed Skaggs.

Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season features five games between teams with a .500 record or better.
Key matchups include the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts visiting the 5-5 Kansas City Chiefs.
In the NFC, the 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the 8-2 Los Angeles Rams in a primetime game.
This season has seen a record number of close contests, with 43 games decided in the final two minutes or overtime.

NFL season is officially in Week 12. This week features five games between teams that have at least a .500 record.

The 5-5 Kansas City Chiefs desperately need a win when they host the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts. Two of the best teams in the NFC meet up in primetime on Sunday night when the 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the 8-2 Los Angeles Rams.  

There are bound to be plenty of close contests this week. There have been 43 games with a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime this season, the most-ever through Week 11, via NFL Research.

Here is a look at picks and predictions for all of the Week 12 games on the 2025 NFL schedule.

NFL Week 12 game predictions, picks

Odds courtesy of BetMGM.

Week 12 game predictions

Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans

Date: Thursday, Nov. 20
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
TV: None
Streaming: Amazon Prime, NFL+
Spread: Bills (-6)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Bills 27, Texans 20

C.J. Stroud is still in concussion protocol. The Texans defensive line should make life difficult for Josh Allen, but the Bills are the more complete team are a trying to keep pace with the Patriots. I believe Buffalo wins this one on the road.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Bills 27, Texans 20

“The Texans have allowed an NFL-best 163 points, but they face a Bills team that just had Josh Allen score six touchdowns and put up 44 points. Buffalo will be able to outscore Houston.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Bills 28, Texans 17 

“Will C.J. Stroud (concussion) return for the Texans? Houston is 2-2 S/U at home, but those losses to Denver and Tampa Bay were by a combined total of four points. Buffalo is 2-2 S/U on the road. Josh Allen is coming off a six-TD performance. This is go-time for the Bills if they want to catch the Patriots in the AFC East.”

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
TV: CBS
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Bears (-2.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Steelers 25, Bears 24

Ben Johnson deserves coach of the year consideration with how he’s helped turn around the Bears. Johnson’s helped Caleb Williams play with more structure within the offense. However, I think the combination of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will disrupt Chicago’s offensive attack. Plus, DK Metcalf and Pittsburgh’s tight ends are going to make enough plays on offense.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Bears 24, Steelers 23

“Will Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph start for the Steelers? Will it matter? Caleb Williams and the Bears will win a fourth straight close game.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Bears 20, Steelers 19

“The Bears have not turned the ball over in those three wins – might be primed for something more, especially if they force two or more turnovers from Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. This is a tough pick, but we will stick with Chicago.”

New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
TV: CBS
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Patriots (8-5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Patriots 26, Bengals 20

TreVeyon Henderson is coming off a three-touchdown game. He’s added some explosiveness to New England’s offense. Stefon Diggs is really starting to build a rapport with Drake Maye who’s emerging as a star. The Bengals don’t have the defense to stop the Patriots offense.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Patriots 31, Bengals 20

“The Patriots are 5-0 on the road this season. They will be 6-0 after Drake Maye and New England beat the Bengals in Cincinnati.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Patriots 30, Bengals 20

“The Patriots are on an eight-game winning streak, and the Bengals have not forced a turnover in their last three losses. It’s a bad defense made worse when Trey Hendrickson is not on the field. TreVeyon Henderson – a former Ohio State running back with four rushing TDs the last two weeks – could have a monster game here. The Pats are 3-0-1 ATS when favored by more than five points.”

New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
TV: FOX
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Lions (-11)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Lions 28, Giants 20

The Lions offensive line versus the Giants defensive line is a matchup to watch. But Detroit has multiple ways to win against an inferior Giants club. The Lions roar in this one.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Lions 33, Giants 17

“Jared Goff and the Lions have not lost back-to-back games all season. They are not going to start here. Detroit will rebound with a big offensive performance at home.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Lions 31, Giants 16

“The Lions are 3-1 at home, and they won those games by an average margin of 23.3 points per game. Jameis Winston had two turnovers in the loss to the Packers in Week 12. Detroit will get on track in a convincing fashion here to get ready for the rematch with Green Bay on Thanksgiving.”

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
TV: FOX
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Packers (-6.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Packers 26, Vikings 17

The Vikings swept the season series last year. I think the Packers return the favor this season. Green Bay’s offense has struggled in recent weeks, but the Packers should have some advantages vertically.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Packers 21, Vikings 20

“The injuries are starting to take a toll on the Packers, but Jordan Love will make some big throws late to help Green Bay edge Minnesota in an NFC North thriller.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Packers 23, Vikings 19 

“The Vikings are in desperation mode here after a heartbreaking loss to the Bears. JJ McCarthy did not take a sack in the loss to Chicago, but he has struggled with accuracy (50.5%) the last three weeks. Four of Minnesota’s five road games have been decided by one score. Will the Packers lose a third straight game at Lambeau Field?”

Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
TV: FOX
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Seahawks (-13.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Seahawks 28, Titans 17

Let’s face it, the Titans are rebuilding and lack talent outside of building blocks, Cam Ward and Jeffery Simmons. The Seahawks are one of the top teams in the NFL. Mike Macdonald deserves coach of the year consideration.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Seahawks 27, Titans 14

“We don’t see Sam Darnold throwing four interceptions in this game and Seattle almost beat the Los Angeles Rams last week when he did.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Seahawks 28, Titans 19

“Is this a potential emotional letdown spot for the Seahawks coming off the loss to the Rams? The Titans have lost consecutive one-score games, and the inability to run the football with a league-worst 78.9 rushing yards per game continues to be a problem. That’s a lot of points for a road team to cover.”

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
TV: CBS
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Chiefs (-3.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Chiefs 26, Colts 24

Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones are MVP candidates, but I this is a must-win game for the Chiefs. The AFC West might be out of reach for Kansas City, but a playoff berth isn’t.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Chiefs 28, Colts 24

“The Chiefs are a much better team at home (4-1) than on the road (1-4). This is a must-win game for Kansas City against an Indianapolis team coming off a bye. Patrick Mahomes and company will get it done.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Chiefs 27, Colts 20 

“The Chiefs are .500 and face the Colts coming off a bye week. Kansas City is 0-5 S/U in one-score games this year – a bad omen against Indianapolis. The Colts are 3-2 S/U in one-score games. The Chiefs allow 100 rushing yards per game. How much will they give up to MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor? That is going to be the key at Arrowhead Stadium.”

New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
TV: CBS
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Ravens (-13.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Ravens 28, Jets 17

The Ravens have won four straight games and are beginning to resemble the team many picked to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 60. The Jets are in the infancy stages of a rebuild after gutting their team at the trade deadline.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Ravens 30, Jets 14

“The Ravens needed to rally to win their fourth straight game last week. Lamar Jackson and company won’t need to rally in this game. Baltimore will cruise to a fifth straight win.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Ravens 35, Jets 17

“Is this blowout waiting to happen? New York has actually played better on the road – where their three losses are by an average of seven points per game. It’s just difficult to entertain an upset knowing the Jets have a passing attack that averages a league-worst 139.9 yards per game and benched Justin Fields. Lamar Jackson will get the Ravens’ offense going against a Jets’ defense that has forced one turnover all season.”

Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
TV: CBS
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Raiders (-3.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Browns 17-16

The is a pick ‘em game between two bad teams. Somebody has to win, right (maybe)? The Browns have one of the NFL’s top defensive units. I think Myles Garrett and Cleveland’s defense force a couple turnovers that lead to a victory.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Raiders 20, Browns 17

“The Browns will be starting a rookie QB on the road. Advantage: Las Vegas. But not by much with Cleveland’s defense keeping it close.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Raiders 20, Browns 19

“Will Shedeur Sanders start? That’s one of the burning questions for two teams that rank in the bottom five in scoring offense. Myles Garrett — who had four sacks in Week 10 — and Maxx Crosby – who has heated up at home – are going to be key players in what should be an ugly matchup. The Raiders are 3-0 S/U against the Browns since moving to Las Vegas.”

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Arizona Cardinals

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
TV: CBS
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Jaguars (-2.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Jaguars 26, Cardinals 20

The Jaguars are coming off a big Week 11 win. Jacksonville carries that momentum into Arizona. I would’ve loved to see Travis Hunter matched up against Marvin Harrison Jr. in this game.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Jaguars 24, Cardinals 20

“The Cardinals have given up 85 points in their last two games. They won’t give up that many to Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, but they will give up more than they score.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Jaguars 26, Cardinals 21

‘The Cardinals have allowed an average of 42.5 points the last two weeks. Jacksonville has scored 29 or more points in its last three games and is coming off a blowout victory against the Chargers. Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten against a middle-of-the-pack Arizona run defense. This is the Jaguars’ third West Coast trip this season – and they are 2-0 S/U.’

Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
TV: FOX
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Eagles (-3.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Eagles 26, Cowboys 21

The Eagles swept the season series against the Cowboys last season. Philadelphia is bound to do it again this year. I expect Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown to have big performances against a leaky but improved Cowboys defense, unlike the Week 1 matchup.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Eagles 30, Cowboys 23

“The Cowboys are a much better team at home than on the road, but are coming off a short week for this game. We trust Philadelphia’s defense more.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Eagles 27, Cowboys 17

‘Keep doubting the Eagles at your own peril. Philadelphia allowed 16 total points in victories against the Packers and Lions. Defense is the identity of this team. Jalen Hurts is 1-3 S/U in four career starts at AT&T Stadium, but he should be able to control the game against Dallas’ defense. The Eagles have a chance to make it four in a row in the series.’ 

Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
TV: FOX
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Saints (-1.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Falcons 20, Saints 17

Bijan Robinson and Atlanta’s run game have some advantages against the Saints defense. Kirk Cousins’ goal should be to hand the ball off to Robinson and avoid costly mistakes. Losers of five straight games, the Falcons really need this game if they want to keep their season afloat.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Saints 21, Falcons 20

“The Falcons are favored, but the Saints are coming off a bye week and Tyler Shough had extra time to prepare for this start. New Orleans will win a second straight game and hand Atlanta a sixth straight loss.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Falcons 20, Saints 17 

“The Saints had a bye week, and the Falcons are stuck in a six-game losing streak that has peaked with overtime losses each of the last two weeks against the Colts and Panthers. Tyler Shough has taken three sacks or less in his three starts, but the Saints are averaging just 10 points per game in those matchups. New Orleans has won the last three home meetings. Kirk Cousins breaks the streak.”

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams

Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
TV: NBC
Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, NFL+
Spread: Rams (-6.5)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Rams 28, Bucs 25

The Rams are a contender, but they might just be the top team in the conference. A win against the Seahawks last week, followed by a victory against Tampa Bay this week would send a statement to the rest of the NFL.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Rams 28, Buccaneers 20

“Matthew Stafford may not be a dual threat like Josh Allen, but he will be able to pick apart Tampa Bay’s secondary in leading Los Angeles to a sixth straight win.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: Rams 34, Buccaneers 28 

“What can the Buccaneers do to slow down Matthew Stafford – who has 27 TDs, two interceptions and a 112.7 passer rating? Stafford has yet to throw an interception at home. Tampa Bay is 0-2 ATS as an underdog of six points or more. Will Baker Mayfield help Tampa Bay avoid a third consecutive loss?”

Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers

Date: Sunday, Nov. 24
Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
TV: ESPN
Streaming: Fubo, NFL+, ESPN+
Spread: (-7)

Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: 49ers 26, Panthers 21

Kyle Shanahan deserves a lot of credit for keeping the 49ers’ season afloat despite a depleted roster. Brock Purdy is back behind center, and he still has weapons Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.

Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: 49ers 24, Panthers 21

“Bryce Young and the Panthers have been a surprise in the NFC, but it would really be a surprise to us if Carolina upset Brock Purdy and San Francisco on the road.”

Bill Bender, Sporting News: 49ers 27, Panthers 21

“The Panthers might be the most-interesting boom-or-bust team in the NFL right now. Carolina has won its last two road games at Green Bay and Atlanta. Brock Purdy was efficient in his return for the 49ers. San Francisco is 3-2 ATS as a favorite this year, but Bryce Young continues to improve on the road.”

Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.