Hey everybody, welcome back to another NFL weekly preview! As we near Thanksgiving week, many teams are trying to separate themselves from the rest of the field, and from the rest of their division. Week 12 features some pretty good matchups, as well as a few stinkers. One of those stinkers will actually have a lot of eyes glued to the game, as rookie QB Shedeur Sanders will be making his first career start against the Raiders. Let’s jump into the preview!
PICKS (107-57 Overall)
Buffalo Bills (7-3) @ Houston Texans (5-5)
- For once, we get an interesting Thursday Night Football game! Both of these teams are in the hunt for their own divisions, and a win here would certainly keep them alive in the playoff race. The Texans have a stellar defense, but their offense has struggled a bit this year, especially on the offensive line. The Bills’ have reigning MVP Josh Allen, but their defense has been pretty awful against the run. I think Bills pick up a road win, due to some Josh Allen heroics.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) @ Chicago Bears (7-3)
- Who would’ve thought these two teams would be sitting atop their divisions this late into the season?! Certainly not me! The Bears are one of the more exciting offenses to watch, especially with Caleb Williams steadily progressing in his quarterback play. The big news in this game is whether or not Aaron Rodgers will play, after fracturing his wrist last week. I could see this game going either way, but I think the Steelers get it done on the ground and get another win.
New England Patriots (9-2) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-7)
- So, Joe Burrow might actually be back? I think it’s quite unlikely that he actually plays in this one after having surgery on his toe earlier this year, but as of Thursday, he has put together two full practices. I would bet he sits out one more game to heal up. Either way, I think the Patriots are one of the hottest teams in the NFL, and they keep it rolling against THE worst defense.
New York Giants (2-9) @ Detroit Lions (6-4)
- This one shouldn’t be super close. The Lions at home are a WAGON, and the Giants have had their struggles all around this season, but specifically on the defensive side of the ball. The Lions need to stack together some wins to stay alive in the NFC North race, and I think they win this one by 10+.
Minnesota Vikings (4-6) @ Green Bay Packers (6-3-1)
- Is JJ McCarthy the guy? Many of us are wondering the same thing. The young QB has not impressed so far this season, and he gets to face an extremely talented Packers’ defense in Lambeau. Josh Jacobs could be out for this game after suffering a knee contusion, but even if he misses, I still think the Packers take care of business.
Seattle Seahawks (7-3) @ Tennessee Titans (1-9)
- Yeahhhhh the Titans are still a trainwreck. They really should be winless at this point, if it weren’t for several gaffes from the Cardinals earlier in the year. Meanwhile, the Seahawks are putting together a surprisingly solid season. I think their defense will be too much for Cam Ward, so they pick up their eighth win of the season in Tennessee.
Indianapolis Colts (8-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)
- What a game this will be! The Colts are fresh and healthy off of the bye, and the Chiefs are in desperation mode, needing to win to stay alive in the playoff hunt. If they lose here, things are looking super bleak for them, as they will most likely need to win out to sneak into the playoffs. I’m going with the better team here.
New York Jets (2-8) @ Baltimore Ravens (5-5)
- Justin Fields got benched for the Jets, meaning Tyrod Taylor will get the start on the road. The Ravens need every win they can get to keep pace with the Steelers in the AFC North race. I don’t see this game being particularly close, with the Ravens handling the Jets.
Cleveland Browns (2-8) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-8)
- Normally, not many people would be excited about a matchup featuring two 2-8 teams. However, Shedeur Sanders gets his first career start, and I can’t lie – I am pretty excited to see how it goes. The Raiders are favored, but they have looked terrible for most of the season. The Browns’ D-line should cause a boatload of problems for the Raiders O-line. Browns win in a low-scoring affair.
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-7)
- The Jags are fresh off of a game in which they throttled the Chargers at home, and now they travel to Arizona to take on the Cardinals. The Jaguars should be the more talented team here, especially with Marvin Harrison Jr. possibly missing another game. I’ll take the Jags to get to seven wins.
Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1)
- A rematch of the season opener between two NFC East teams that hate each other. The Eagles keep winning games, mostly because of their incredible defense. However, they can’t seem to get the offense going, which has frustrated many fans and players like. I’m going with the upset here, as I think the Cowboys offense at home will put on a show against their division rival.
Atlanta Falcons (3-7) @ New Orleans Saints (2-8)
- With Michael Penix Jr. being out for the season, it’s now the Kirk Cousins show. He hasn’t looked as spry as he did in former years, and the Saints are a team that really puts forth a strong effort at home, no matter how poor their record is. I’ll go Saints here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) @ Los Angeles Rams (8-2)
- Many consider the Rams to be a team that is hiding in plain sight. They are 8-2 and are fresh off of a victory against the Seahawks. I expect their offense to keep rolling, against a Bucs defense that gave up 44 points to the Bills last week.
Carolina Panthers (6-5) @ San Francisco 49ers (7-4)
- For some reason, this one feels a little hard to choose. The Niners are a fun watch in primetime at home, especially with Brock Purdy back under center. The Panthers are still putting together a nice season, but they’ll be without their two starting linebackers in this one. I give the advantage to Christian McCaffrey and the Niners.
BETS (20-12 Overall)
Hunter Henry Anytime TD (+135)
Lions/Giants Over 49.5 points (-115)
Tetairoa McMillan 6+ Receptions (+118)
FANTASY
Last Week’s Pick: Aaron Rodgers (9.44 – he did get injured, unfortunately).
The Cleveland Browns DEF should be a great start against the Raiders.
Enjoy the weekend!