Bears Lead NFC as Rams Stumble: Week 13 NFL Highlights
INLIBER Sport's Week 13 roundup highlights Chicago's rise to NFC dominance, the Rams' upset, and the unpredictable playoff race.
Week 13 delivered more NFL drama, underscoring how open the season remains. The Chicago Bears surged to the top of the NFC while the Los Angeles Rams faced a setback, and Thanksgiving weekend offered upsets and standout performances across the league.
The Break Down: Bears take the NFC lead after Rams stumble
The Rams snapped a six-game win streak with a setback that opened the door for Chicago. Stafford briefly extended an NFL record by starting the season with 28 straight touchdown passes without an interception, but in this game he threw two first-half interceptions, including a pick-six, as the Rams' defense allowed 31 points and produced no takeaways.
That result pushed the Bears into the conference lead, aided by a five-game winning streak and nine wins in 10 games. Their win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Black Friday stood as a clear statement, showing they have moved from rebuilding to real contenders. The Bears’ offense has shown late-game resilience, and the defense has tightened, while they own a league-best turnover margin and a strong rushing attack.
Bears beat Eagles to extend their winning streak
In focus: Boos for birthday boy Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers turned 42 on Tuesday and faced a chorus of boos after a rough performance in Buffalo. Rodgers played with a cast on his left wrist and endured a cut or bleeding nose, while Buffalo used a dominant ground game that produced 249 rushing yards—the most by a visiting team in Pittsburgh since 1975. Josh Allen added a rushing TD and James Cook wore down the Steelers, while Rodgers completed 10 of 20 passes for 117 yards.
Head coach Mike Tomlin faces pressure as Pittsburgh seeks a late-season push in the AFC North, with two upcoming meetings against the Ravens. Rodgers acknowledged the crowd’s reaction, saying the performance warranted the boos while vowing to improve.
Talking point: Are 49ers the best of the rest?
In a season defined by injuries, several teams have stepped forward. The San Francisco 49ers improved to 9-4 by defeating Cleveland in tough conditions, showcasing poise and discipline with a turnover-free game. Brock Purdy remained calm under pressure, and the defense has started to stabilize after key injuries. If Christian McCaffrey stays healthy, San Francisco remains a strong threat in January.
Week 14 preview: Pivotal divisional clashes on Sunday
The schedule features three major divisional bouts that could reshape the postseason race. These teams will meet twice more before season's end, and rivals like Detroit and Houston may still have a say. Expect intense matchups with high stakes.
Week 14's big games
AFC South: Indianapolis Colts (8-4) at Jacksonville Jaguars (8-4)
AFC North: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-6) at Baltimore Ravens (6-6)
NFC North: Chicago Bears (9-3) at Green Bay Packers (8-3-1)
Live text commentary on all these games will be available on the INLIBER Sport website and app from 17:30 GMT on Sunday.
NFL Week 13: Stats, records & notes
As the season nears its end, several teams have been officially eliminated from the playoffs, including the Titans, Raiders, Saints, and Cardinals, joining the Giants in ending their campaigns early. Saints kicker Charlie Smyth nailed his first NFL field goal from 56 yards, a memorable moment for the Northern Irish kicker.
The Denver Broncos extended their winning run to nine straight, reaching 10-2 with another overtime win, while their defense added two more sacks to push their season total. Baker Mayfield connected with offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs for a touchdown in a 20-17 win over Arizona. CJ Stroud returned for the Texans, and their defense again limited the Colts to fewer than 20 points, helping Houston win 20-16. The Texans have allowed 20 or fewer points in most games this season, making them a potential playoff headache for opponents.
The Seattle Seahawks delivered their first shutout victory in ten years, powered by a stout defense, but Vikings rookie Max Brosmer struggled in his NFL debut with four interceptions.
'I was absolutely buzzing' - Smyth on NFL debut
NFL Week 13 – Thanksgiving highlights
Thanksgiving weekend brought several memorable moments, including late-game drama, clutch plays, and notable records that added energy to the season’s final stretch.
Expert comment
The Bears' late-season surge demonstrates how strong defense and reliable special teams can change an NFC race quickly. San Francisco's health and depth will be crucial if they want to stay in the hunt for the conference title.
Short summary
Week 13 proved once again that the NFL season can swing rapidly. A resurgent Bears moved to the forefront of the NFC, while the Rams faced a harsh setback. Across the league, veteran leadership, young playmakers, and a tough defense collectively shaped the playoff picture as December approaches.
Key insight: Week 13 underscored the league's unpredictability, with the Bears rising to lead the NFC and the Rams stumbling as turnover margins and late-game plays become the deciding factor. Source: BBC Sport - NFL Week 13 recap