Week 12 of the NFL is upon us, and it’s stacked with great games and matchups. I have covered everything you need to know, including analysis and predictions for each game. Week 12 includes Tom Brady trying to extend the Bucs’ winning streak to three games against a tough Browns’ defense, the reigning Super Bowl champs taking on Patrick Mahomes, and both the Jets and Bears will be without their starting quarterbacks.
Denver Broncos (3-7) at Carolina Panthers (3-8)
WHERE: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, N.C
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Panthers +2.5
The Denver Broncos have been one of the most disappointing teams so far this season, with the highly-rated addition of Russell Wilson, who has been underperforming. That being said, they are coming off a nail-biting loss over the Raiders, and they will come out hungry with Latavius Murray and Wilson at the reins. The Panthers have struggled to score all season long, which was showcased in a loss to the Ravens last week, where they scored a measly 3 points. As bad as the Broncos’ offense has been, it might just be enough with their solid defense to outlast Carolina.
Prediction: 14-10 Broncos
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) at Clevland Browns (3-7)
WHERE: FirstEnergy Stadium: Cleveland, Ohio
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Browns +3.5
In the last three weeks, Cleveland has been toe to toe with three contending teams in the AFC, which is better than anybody expected. This could be Jacoby Brissette’s last game as a starter for the Cleveland Browns, and it is against his former teammate, Tom Brady. Tampa has been shaky this season but still managing to be first in the NFC south. Both of these teams have been lacking a consistent defense, so the Browns could be a pesky upset. Expect a Browns team that is hungry after their close loss to the Bills last weekend.
Prediction: 35-27 Bucs
Baltimore Ravens (7-3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)
WHERE: TIAA Bank Field: Jacksonville, FL
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Jaguars +4
The Jaguars will host the thriving Ravens for what most people expect to be a fairly easy win for Baltimore. Lamar Jackson is looking great and should tear up this Jaguar’s defense on the ground and in the air. Trevor Lawrence has taken a step up this season, and he should have a decent game against a Ravens defense that has allowed the 7th most passing yards this season. The Jaguar’s rushing game with Travis Etienne has been the focal point of their offense which will be tough to run against Raven’s stellar run defense, who are 3rd in yards given up. This should be a good game for Lamar and keep Baltimore’s four game winning streak alive.
Prediction: 35-20 Ravens
Houston Texans (7-3) at Miami Dolphins (1-8-1)
WHERE: Hard Rock Stadium: Miami Gardens, FL
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Texans +13.5
Tua Tagavailoa has been the star of the NFL this year. With the help of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, they have turned this mediocre Dolphins team into an absolute machine of offense. Newly acquired Jeff Wilson should also have a great game, as Houston’s defense has given up the most rushing yards in the league. The Texans will be starting Kyle Allen at quarterback, so there could possibly be a boost offensively from that, as Davis Mills and the passing game have been one of the worst so far this year, going against a below-average passing defense. Tua and the dolphins need to take this game, as they have a very difficult schedule heading into the playoffs. As for the Texans, this should boost their number one position in the draft.
Prediction: 25-13 Dolphins
Chicago Bears (3-8) at New York Jets (6-4)
WHERE: MetLife Stadium: East Rutherford New Jersey
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Jets -4.5
The Jets are competing for an AFC playoff appearance. That hasn’t happened in a while. This is an important game for the city of New York, as they host Justin Fields and the Bears. Though Justin Fields has been breaking out the last six or so weeks, the rest of the team has not quite caught up with his performance, leaving them just 3-8. It will be fun to watch Fields go up against an elite defense led by rookie CB Sauce Gardner. Though the Jet’s offense is nothing stellar, they will do fine against a weak Chicago one who just let up 27 to Atlanta and 31 to Detroit. Although it is possible that the Bears could pull off the upset to snap their four-game losing streak, we know New York will not go down without a fight.
Prediction: 28-27 Jets
Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) at Tennessee Titans (7-3)
WHERE: Nissan Stadium: Nashville, TN
TIME: 1:00 p.m
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Titans +2
Many sports fans will have their eyes glued to the TV for the Titans and Bengals game, with both solid teams currently in the playoffs. Joe Burrow has been spectacular this season, despite losing top WR Jamar Chase. It will be a good game for Burrow as he will go against a weak Titans secondary. On the other side, Derek Henry has been awesome for the Titans after a weak start to the season. This game could prove to be very important in the AFC playoff picture down the stretch.
Prediction: 35-32 Titans
Atlanta Falcons (5-6) at Washington Commaders (6-5)
WHERE: FedExField: Landover, MD
TIME: 1:00 p.m.
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Commanders -4.5
The Falcons will be taking on the Washington Commanders at FedEx field Sunday afternoon, both in fierce competition for the 7th wild card spot in the NFC. The Falcon’s run game has been spectacular, especially as Cordarrelle Patterson is getting back to 100% after his recent knee injury; the run game should flourish against Washington. Both passing games are weak, but Taylor Heinicke gets his 6th start this Sunday following Wentz’s injury. His performance has been fair, though Washington has pulled off some impressive victories over the Eagles, Colts, Packers, and Texans over his tenure. Though the Falcons will struggle with the loss of Kyle Pitts, their run game might be too much to bear for Rivera’s defense.
Prediction: 27-21 Falcons
Los Angles Chargers (5-5) at Arizona Cardinals (4-7)
WHERE: State Farm Stadium: Glendale, AZ
TIME: 4:05 p.m.
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Cardinals +4.5
The Chargers will take on the Cardinals in a game where both teams have been rather disappointing this season. Despite the absence of star receivers, Keenan Allen for the Chargers and Deandre Hopkins for the Cardinals have played a significant role. With both players back, it should be a good matchup . They both have young quarterbacks who, to be clear, are not doing badly but also not quite living up to their potential. This game could showcase their talents as both teams have struggling pass defenses. This is a pivotal game for both teams if they want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: 17-14 Chargers
Las Vegas Raiders (3-6) at Seattle Seahawks (2-7)
WHERE: Lumen Field: Seattle, WA
TIME: 4:05 p.m.
NETWORK: CBS
SPREAD: Seahawks -3.5
The Seahawks and the Raiders have been two of the most surprising teams this season, except unfortunately for the Raiders, for they have been surprising for all the wrong reasons. They were supposed to take a huge step forward with the addition of Devante Adams and other pieces. On the other hand, the Seahawks have hit their stride with Geno Smith at the helm. Still, with the encouraging victory over Denver last weekend, it could be a sign of improvement for Las Vegas, and they are not quite out of the postseason yet. This is a crucial game for Derek Carr and the Raiders to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: 22-20 Raiders
Los Angels Rams (6-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (8-1)
WHERE: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium: Kansas City, KS
TIME: 4:25 p.m.
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: Chiefs -14.5
The defending champs take on the Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs in Kansas City Sunday afternoon in a matchup that should not be much of a battle. Mahomes is proving to everybody why he is currently the best quarterback in the NFL, with the chiefs having the most yards and touchdowns in the NFL. To put it kindly, the Rams have not been great this season, and the loss of Cooper Kupp will not help against this powerhouse. On the other hand, Kelce has been having a historic season, as he is on pace for the best-ever season by a tight end. I do not see Ramsey and the Rams stopping him and Mahomes.
Prediction: 31-20 Chiefs
New Orleans Saints (4-7) at San Francisco 49ers (6-4)
WHERE: Levi’s Stadium: Santa Clara, CA
TIME: 4:25 p.m.
NETWORK: FOX
SPREAD: 49ers -9.5
The San Francisco 49ers will host the Saints as the heavy 9.5-point favorites. The 49ers have been rolling these last couple of games, beating the Rams, Cardinals, and Chargers, propelling them to first in the NFC West. They have been good but fairly inconsistent against inferior teams, only putting up ten against Denver and losing to Atlanta, and New Orleans could fit into that category coming off a win over the Rams. Both teams have game-changing running backs, Christian McCaffery and Alvin Kamara, and I could see this game turning into a runoff between them.
Prediction: 28-14 49ers
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My name is Ben Belford-Peltzman and I am the creator and writer of The Patriots Beat. I am a 17-year kid who is an optimistic pessimist about the City of Champions. I started The Patriots Beat in August of 2022 and never expected to grow so much but here we are. Feel free to email Thepatriotsbeat@gmail.com with any inquires.
