NFL Week 13: What's at Stake for Teams, Players This Weekend?

We’ve already reached Week 13 of the NFL season, which means playoff football is right around the corner. The holiday season is stressful for contending teams; one game can significantly alter the playoff picture. The stakes are rising for teams as the games dwindle down to a handful before the postseason commences.

This has been a crazy season thus far. While 14 franchises have a winning record, another six teams are either .500 or just one game below. That level of parity has created a playoff picture with almost every team still alive in some fashion.

Several head-to-head matchups this week will have a significant effect on the playoff race. We’re going to highlight six key games and which team or player has the most at stake in Week 13. Although there is still time to recover from mistakes, the window is rapidly closing.

Let’s take a look at the six players and teams with the most on the line this week. Don’t forget to leave your playoff predictions in the comments section below.

Eli Manning: Justify Your Extension

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

When the New York Giants handed 34-year old Eli Manning a fresh four-year, $84 million contract, they were counting on him to once again deliver postseason magic to the franchise. But Manning and the Giants have been inconsistent in their play, and the Giants now trail the Redskins in the NFC East race. It’s time for Eli to justify that gaudy extension.

Manning’s luck on dropped interceptions has ended in recent weeks somewhat, as he’s been picked off five times in the last three weeks. I counted three more should-be interceptions over that same time frame. For the Giants to against the Jets this week, Manning must be more accurate on throws or make better decisions.

Now, it’s not all on Manning. He had a dropped pass that was tipped right to a defender last week that wasn’t his fault. But as the leader of this franchise, these big games are where the return on investment will come for the Giants. The organization expects no less than the playoffs from this roster and staff.

Mike McCarthy: Stop the Bleeding Before It’s Too Late

Jim Mone/Associated Press

Flashing back to Week 7, after the Green Bay Packers had just defeated the San Diego Chargers, the Packers’ outlook on the season was bright. The team was 6-0 and appeared to be a Super Bowl favorite. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense was humming despite the loss of Jordy Nelson in the preseason.

Five weeks and four losses later, this Packers team no longer looks like a playoff team. They’re currently sitting in the first wild-card spot and have a two-game lead, but the losses must stop soon. They get another crack at beating the Detroit Lions in Week 13.

Their last matchup resulted in a stunning 18-16 defeat at home. Green Bay’s defense has been solid, but their offense has been stagnant in the passing game. Rodgers’ lack of trust in his young wide receivers and battered offensive line is warranted but also resulting in poor play from the All-Pro.

It’s up to head coach Mike McCarthy to scheme up plays that get his receivers into space. Boosting their confidence early in games can increase execution when the offense needs a clutch play. So far, McCarthy’s bland approach hasn’t helped his team overcome its growing pains.

Matt Ryan: Show the Falcons You’re Still the Franchise Quarterback

Butch Dill/Associated Press

Despite being aided by a much-improved running game and offensive line, Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan has not been the same guy this season. Usually known for his ability to maximize weapons and great accuracy, Ryan’s arm looks gassed, and he’s been reckless with the football. His struggles could lead the Falcons to start looking for replacements.

Ryan has some time to recover in 2015, though. He has a great offensive coordinator in Kyle Shanahan, a top-three receiver in Julio Jones and a stud running back in Devonta Freeman. Ryan can rely on those assets to be more efficient.

If the Falcons continue to lose games and Ryan doesn’t show he’s able to win with a decent supporting cast, maybe they need to consider developing a better long-term option than Ryan. He’s had excellent playmakers around him for most of his career yet always comes up as the weak link for the team. That needs to change down the stretch.

Mike Pettine: Save Your Job

Ron Schwane/Associated Press

The avalanche of negativity has once again engulfed the Cleveland Browns. Six straight losses have the Browns on the fast track to a top-three NFL draft pick, but that’s possibly the best news moving forward. The overarching issues in Cleveland reach much deeper.

The team’s hard but fair stance on quarterback Johnny Manziel for lying to his bosses has villainized head coach Mike Pettine to some fans. The reality is that Manziel is not ready for the NFL as a person, seeing as he cannot act responsibly for a 23-year old adult with a fantastic job.  But ownership in Cleveland hasn’t been on the same page as Pettine for much of his tenure there, and the situation could cost him his job.

If there’s any hope for Pettine to save his job for 2016, if he even wants to be back, then his defense must step up and help win a few games. Cleveland has allowed at least 24 points in all but one game this year. For a coach known for his supposed defensive chops, Pettine may want to play nice with management to appease its wishes and improve his defense.

Russell Wilson: Continue the Hot Streak

Ted S. Warren/Associated Press

The Seattle Seahawks’ struggles this season on both sides of the ball are surprising, but maybe this should have been expected. The lack of investment into the offensive line has greatly affected quarterback Russell Wilson this season. Until two weeks ago, he was often just an average quarterback this year.

The last two games have been much better, though. Wilson has thrown for 605 yards and eight touchdowns combined in two consecutive victories. The level of competition wasn’t overly good, but the positive is that Wilson is getting used to doing a little more.

It’s not ideal to ask your quarterback to do as much heavy lifting, but the Seahawks need Wilson to be the franchise player they invested in. Traveling to Minnesota this week to play a tough Vikings team will require another solid game from Wilson. If not, the Seahawks may lose ground in the playoff chase.

Amari Cooper: Flash Dominance vs. Talented Chiefs Secondary

Mark Zaleski/Associated Press

Amari Cooper’s rookie season has been as good as anyone could have expected. Through 11 games, the Raiders’ star has 851 yards and four touchdowns. He’s logged four 100-yard games already.

His toughest test of the season awaits him against the Kansas City Chiefs. If Cooper lines up outside, he’ll face either Sean Smith or Marcus Peters. Each has been terrific in 2015. Cooper hasn’t seen talent and length like this in his career.

The Raiders are still in the playoff mix, but a win Sunday would keep them very relevant. A loss means the Raiders will be a considerable long shot. Cooper won’t single-handedly win or lose the game, but his contributions must be significant for Oakland to be victorious.

All stats used are from sports-reference.com.