JO_75
Hall of Famer
The 2025 NFL Season has certainly been one that many fans never saw coming. In the AFC, Drake Maye, Bo Nix and Daniel Jones have flipped the conference on it's head as they have led their respective teams to the top of the AFC. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen & Lamar Jackson find themselves fighting for wild card spots...... just like we all predicted in August. So what will Week 12 bring us this week?
Thursday Night Football
Bills @ Texans: Week 12 opens in Houston as the Buffalo Bills travel to the Lone Star State to face the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. The major storyline for Houston is under center: Davis Mills will make his second straight start with C.J. Stroud still sidelined due to a concussion. The Texans enter the week fighting to stay in the AFC playoff picture, but their offense has noticeably struggled without Stroud’s playmaking and efficiency. Buffalo finds themselves without several playmakers this week as Dalton Kincaid has already been ruled out along with Mecole Hardman and Curtis Samuel. Houston's defense did hold Allen in check last season and they hope to do the same again on Sunday. If Houston is to have a chance to win, they will have to lean on the ground game to limit Josh Allen's opportunities and keep him on the sideline as much as possible.
Sunday 1PM Early Games
Steelers @ Bears: For Pittsburgh, all eyes are on the quarterback position as the Steelers head to Chicago to take on the surprising NFC North leading Chicago Bears. Aaron Rodgers, still battling a wrist injury, remains uncertain for Sunday. If he plays, this could mark what may be his final matchup against the Bears, a rivalry he dominated for over a decade with Green Bay. If Rodgers can’t go, the Steelers will turn to Mason Rudolph, who made several late-season starts last year and is familiar with the system. Both teams are looking for a win here to stay atop their respective divisions after Sunday, with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens catching up to Pittsburgh and the NFC North being a three team race, a win is crucial for both teams.
Jets @ Ravens: It's been an up and down season so far for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. From the team's 1-5 start, Lamar Jackson missing games, it seemed their season was over. When Lamar returned to the lineup, the Ravens have come back to life on a four game win streak looking to extend it to five against a New York Jets team that may want the season to end already. Tyrod Taylor gets the start for the Jets this week at quarterback as the former Raven returns to Baltimore to face his former team. Without Garrett Wilson, look for the Jets to lean on Breece Hall as he faces a Ravens defense that has been vulnerable to the run this season. This is a trap game for a revived Ravens team that is playing well on both sides of the ball, a win here would give them momentum heading into the next three games which are all Divisional games that very well could determine who wins the AFC North at the end of the season.
Patriots @ Bengals: The AFC North got taken by surprise Wednesday when the Bengals announced Joe Burrow as a full participant in practice as he recovers from his turf toe injury suffered in week two against Jacksonville. Could this mean Joe Burrow will suit up on Sunday in a must win game for Cincinnati? Cincinnati has a short week ahead and a loss would drop them to 3–8, making a late-season push nearly impossible in a division led by Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Even with Burrow, the matchup is difficult: the Bengals’ defense has allowed the most total yards in the NFL this season and ranks dead last in rushing yards surrendered per game. Oh and Ja'Marr Chase is suspended meaning he will miss the game on Sunday. Drake Maye is playing it cool but he is a front runner for MVP as the Patriots sit at 9-2 atop the AFC. Look for Maye and company to take advantage of a Cincinnati defense that has given up the most yards this season and allows the most rushing yards.
Colts @ Chiefs:
Giants @ Lions: It has not been a good year for New York sports teams, and while the Jets have their issues, the Giants continue to go through the growing pains with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Unfortunately, they will be without Dart this week as he remains in concussion protocol meaning Jameis Winston will get the start in the Motor City. The Detroit Lions look to rebound following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. As the Giants evaluate their long-term pieces and search for a new Head Coach next season, facing a high-powered opponent like Detroit offers a true test of their development. Interim Head Coach Mike Kafka was praised by Dan Campbell when he said Kafka has brought new energy to the Giants. The Lions offense comes into this one banged up as they will be without Tight End Sam LaPorta while both Taylor Decker & Penei Sewell missed practice on Wednesday. If Detroit is without one or both of their tackles, this may open the door for an upset at a time the Lions need to keep pace with the Bears & Packers in the NFC North.
Vikings @ Packers: The Minnesota Vikings head to Green Bay looking for third straight road win against the Green Bay Packers. At 4-6, the Vikings are playing catch up behind the Lions (6-4), Packers (6-3-1) and the Bears (7-3). It's been a rough outing for J.J. McCarthy this season meaning the Vikings will have to lean on the run game and former Packer Aaron Jones Sr. to help take the load off McCarthy. Look for that to get a boost with Center Ryan Kelly returning to the lineup on Sunday. As for the Packers, it's been a rough go at home this season losing their last two games at Lambeau. The best thing they can say is that their defense has had six takeaways in the past five games, and the Vikings are 1-5 when losing the turnover battle. If Green Bay can continue creating turnovers, it will be a long day for J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings.
Seahawks @ Titans: Mike Macdonald and the 7-3 Seattle Seahawks head to Nashville to take on the lowly 1-9 Tennessee Titans. The Seahawks division hopes took a hit as they lost to NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams last weekend, and look to rebound to keep pace in a highly contested division. Sam Darnold threw 4 interceptions in the loss last week to the Rams, seven interceptions in the past four games, while losing three fumbles. That is music to the ears of a Tennessee defensive line that ranks 9th according to PFF as Jeffery Simmons looks to disrupt the passing game of the Seahawks. If Darnold can avoid turnovers this week, this should be a easy Seahawks win for Mike Macdonald and company. If not, and Darnold continues with the turnovers, this could end up being a surprising upset of week 12.
Sunday 4PM Late Window
Browns @ Raiders: It’s officially Shedeur Sanders time in Cleveland as the Browns turn to their rookie quarterback for his first career NFL start, and it comes on the road in one of football’s toughest environments: Las Vegas. Sanders made headlines leading up to the draft with reported interest in the Raiders, but instead of wearing silver and black, he’ll walk into Allegiant Stadium as the opposing starter with Maxx Crosby eagerly awaiting his chance to welcome the rookie to the league. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Week 12 comes after a disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys, continuing what has been a season-long struggle to find offensive consistency. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith remains the starter for now, but with production lagging and frustrations mounting, Kenny Pickett looms as a possible change if Pete Carroll decides the team needs a spark.
Jaguars @ Cardinals:
Eagles @ Cowboys: The Eagles took the first meeting back in Week 1 on opening night despite the chaos of Jalen Carter being ejected before kickoff for spitting toward Dak Prescott. Philadelphia still found a way to win, and they’ll need Carter this time as they face a surging Cowboys offense firing on all cylinders. Dallas enters the week boasting the No. 1 passing offense in the NFL and one of the league’s most balanced attacks. The breakout of Javonte Williams, currently fifth in the NFL in rushing yards, has transformed the Cowboys into a complete offensive force. Combined with Prescott’s elite efficiency and their explosive receiving corps, Dallas has become one of the toughest teams in the league to slow down.
Falcons @ Saints:
Sunday Night Football
Buccaneers @ Rams: Matthew Stafford might be 37 but he's playing what might be his best season to date, and a MVP worthy one at that. With an incredible 27 Touchdowns to only two interceptions so far this season, Stafford is seemingly on his way to his first MVP this season. He will look to add to his season on Sunday Night as the Rams take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are looking to get back on track. Coming off losses to the Bills & Patriots, Tampa has found themselves in a slump as they are now finding themselves looking back at a Carolina Panthers team that is trailing them in the NFC South. Tampa's defense and special teams will be key as they have allowed four touchdowns of 40-plus yards in the past two games. Their special teams meanwhile has given up long returns which plays right into the hand of Matthew Stafford and company on Sunday Night.
Monday Night Football
Panthers @ 49ers:
Thursday Night Football
Bills @ Texans: Week 12 opens in Houston as the Buffalo Bills travel to the Lone Star State to face the Houston Texans on Thursday Night Football. The major storyline for Houston is under center: Davis Mills will make his second straight start with C.J. Stroud still sidelined due to a concussion. The Texans enter the week fighting to stay in the AFC playoff picture, but their offense has noticeably struggled without Stroud’s playmaking and efficiency. Buffalo finds themselves without several playmakers this week as Dalton Kincaid has already been ruled out along with Mecole Hardman and Curtis Samuel. Houston's defense did hold Allen in check last season and they hope to do the same again on Sunday. If Houston is to have a chance to win, they will have to lean on the ground game to limit Josh Allen's opportunities and keep him on the sideline as much as possible.
Sunday 1PM Early Games
Steelers @ Bears: For Pittsburgh, all eyes are on the quarterback position as the Steelers head to Chicago to take on the surprising NFC North leading Chicago Bears. Aaron Rodgers, still battling a wrist injury, remains uncertain for Sunday. If he plays, this could mark what may be his final matchup against the Bears, a rivalry he dominated for over a decade with Green Bay. If Rodgers can’t go, the Steelers will turn to Mason Rudolph, who made several late-season starts last year and is familiar with the system. Both teams are looking for a win here to stay atop their respective divisions after Sunday, with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens catching up to Pittsburgh and the NFC North being a three team race, a win is crucial for both teams.
Jets @ Ravens: It's been an up and down season so far for the Baltimore Ravens in 2025. From the team's 1-5 start, Lamar Jackson missing games, it seemed their season was over. When Lamar returned to the lineup, the Ravens have come back to life on a four game win streak looking to extend it to five against a New York Jets team that may want the season to end already. Tyrod Taylor gets the start for the Jets this week at quarterback as the former Raven returns to Baltimore to face his former team. Without Garrett Wilson, look for the Jets to lean on Breece Hall as he faces a Ravens defense that has been vulnerable to the run this season. This is a trap game for a revived Ravens team that is playing well on both sides of the ball, a win here would give them momentum heading into the next three games which are all Divisional games that very well could determine who wins the AFC North at the end of the season.
Patriots @ Bengals: The AFC North got taken by surprise Wednesday when the Bengals announced Joe Burrow as a full participant in practice as he recovers from his turf toe injury suffered in week two against Jacksonville. Could this mean Joe Burrow will suit up on Sunday in a must win game for Cincinnati? Cincinnati has a short week ahead and a loss would drop them to 3–8, making a late-season push nearly impossible in a division led by Baltimore and Pittsburgh. Even with Burrow, the matchup is difficult: the Bengals’ defense has allowed the most total yards in the NFL this season and ranks dead last in rushing yards surrendered per game. Oh and Ja'Marr Chase is suspended meaning he will miss the game on Sunday. Drake Maye is playing it cool but he is a front runner for MVP as the Patriots sit at 9-2 atop the AFC. Look for Maye and company to take advantage of a Cincinnati defense that has given up the most yards this season and allows the most rushing yards.
Colts @ Chiefs:
Giants @ Lions: It has not been a good year for New York sports teams, and while the Jets have their issues, the Giants continue to go through the growing pains with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. Unfortunately, they will be without Dart this week as he remains in concussion protocol meaning Jameis Winston will get the start in the Motor City. The Detroit Lions look to rebound following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. As the Giants evaluate their long-term pieces and search for a new Head Coach next season, facing a high-powered opponent like Detroit offers a true test of their development. Interim Head Coach Mike Kafka was praised by Dan Campbell when he said Kafka has brought new energy to the Giants. The Lions offense comes into this one banged up as they will be without Tight End Sam LaPorta while both Taylor Decker & Penei Sewell missed practice on Wednesday. If Detroit is without one or both of their tackles, this may open the door for an upset at a time the Lions need to keep pace with the Bears & Packers in the NFC North.
Vikings @ Packers: The Minnesota Vikings head to Green Bay looking for third straight road win against the Green Bay Packers. At 4-6, the Vikings are playing catch up behind the Lions (6-4), Packers (6-3-1) and the Bears (7-3). It's been a rough outing for J.J. McCarthy this season meaning the Vikings will have to lean on the run game and former Packer Aaron Jones Sr. to help take the load off McCarthy. Look for that to get a boost with Center Ryan Kelly returning to the lineup on Sunday. As for the Packers, it's been a rough go at home this season losing their last two games at Lambeau. The best thing they can say is that their defense has had six takeaways in the past five games, and the Vikings are 1-5 when losing the turnover battle. If Green Bay can continue creating turnovers, it will be a long day for J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings.
Seahawks @ Titans: Mike Macdonald and the 7-3 Seattle Seahawks head to Nashville to take on the lowly 1-9 Tennessee Titans. The Seahawks division hopes took a hit as they lost to NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams last weekend, and look to rebound to keep pace in a highly contested division. Sam Darnold threw 4 interceptions in the loss last week to the Rams, seven interceptions in the past four games, while losing three fumbles. That is music to the ears of a Tennessee defensive line that ranks 9th according to PFF as Jeffery Simmons looks to disrupt the passing game of the Seahawks. If Darnold can avoid turnovers this week, this should be a easy Seahawks win for Mike Macdonald and company. If not, and Darnold continues with the turnovers, this could end up being a surprising upset of week 12.
Sunday 4PM Late Window
Browns @ Raiders: It’s officially Shedeur Sanders time in Cleveland as the Browns turn to their rookie quarterback for his first career NFL start, and it comes on the road in one of football’s toughest environments: Las Vegas. Sanders made headlines leading up to the draft with reported interest in the Raiders, but instead of wearing silver and black, he’ll walk into Allegiant Stadium as the opposing starter with Maxx Crosby eagerly awaiting his chance to welcome the rookie to the league. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Week 12 comes after a disappointing loss to the Dallas Cowboys, continuing what has been a season-long struggle to find offensive consistency. Veteran quarterback Geno Smith remains the starter for now, but with production lagging and frustrations mounting, Kenny Pickett looms as a possible change if Pete Carroll decides the team needs a spark.
Jaguars @ Cardinals:
Eagles @ Cowboys: The Eagles took the first meeting back in Week 1 on opening night despite the chaos of Jalen Carter being ejected before kickoff for spitting toward Dak Prescott. Philadelphia still found a way to win, and they’ll need Carter this time as they face a surging Cowboys offense firing on all cylinders. Dallas enters the week boasting the No. 1 passing offense in the NFL and one of the league’s most balanced attacks. The breakout of Javonte Williams, currently fifth in the NFL in rushing yards, has transformed the Cowboys into a complete offensive force. Combined with Prescott’s elite efficiency and their explosive receiving corps, Dallas has become one of the toughest teams in the league to slow down.
Falcons @ Saints:
Sunday Night Football
Buccaneers @ Rams: Matthew Stafford might be 37 but he's playing what might be his best season to date, and a MVP worthy one at that. With an incredible 27 Touchdowns to only two interceptions so far this season, Stafford is seemingly on his way to his first MVP this season. He will look to add to his season on Sunday Night as the Rams take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who are looking to get back on track. Coming off losses to the Bills & Patriots, Tampa has found themselves in a slump as they are now finding themselves looking back at a Carolina Panthers team that is trailing them in the NFC South. Tampa's defense and special teams will be key as they have allowed four touchdowns of 40-plus yards in the past two games. Their special teams meanwhile has given up long returns which plays right into the hand of Matthew Stafford and company on Sunday Night.
Monday Night Football
Panthers @ 49ers:
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