NFL Week 12 predictions

 We're now 2/3rds of the way through the 2025 NFL season. We've had some surprises. We've had some strange moments. And we've even had a tie. But how will this week's slate of games go? Here's what I think. Before that, here's how I did last week. I had a solid 11-4 record, bringing my total for the year to 111-56-1. That being said, let's get into it.

Bills vs Texans (Thursday night) Bills win 31-13

The Bills had a great win over the Buccaneers. Josh Allen had 3 passing touchdowns and 3 rushing touchdowns, becoming the first player to do that twice in his career. Tyrell Shavers had a breakout game with 90 yards and a touchdown. The Texans struggled mightily, but squeaked out a win over the 1-8 Titans. Davis Mills looked a little shaky, but overall not terrible. The offense just shot themselves in the foot repeatedly. Going up against a team like the Bills, they need to get it together. I don't trust them to do that. Bills win.

Steelers vs Bears- Bears win 28-17

The Steelers blew out the Bengals, but Aaron Rodgers broke his wrist and might not be playing. Mason Rudolph was good in relief, with 12/16, 127 yards and a score. The defense had 2 touchdowns as well. The Bears got a last second win over the Vikings, and are now on top of the NFC North for the first time in 7 years. Caleb Williams wasn't great, but the offense as a whole wasn't. The defense had a solid showing that carried them to victory. I'm predicting this as if Rodgers isn't going to play. I don't think he will. Bears win.

Patriots vs Bengals- Patriots win 38-14

The Patriots beat up on the Jets on Thursday Night Football. Drake Maye was good, with 281 yards and a score. But the story of the game was Treveyon Henderson, who had 2 rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown. The defense was great also, shutting down Justin Fields. The Bengals were a mess. They were blown out by the Steelers, and Ja'Marr Chase is suspended for this game for spitting on Jalen Ramsey. Joe Flacco threw a pick 6 and Noah Fant's fumble was returned for a touchdown. The defense still is not good, and they're playing probably the best offense in the league. This isn't gonna go well. Pats win.

Giants vs Lions- Lions win 30-14

The Giants were competitive, but couldn't overcome penalties and turnovers, and lost to the Packers. Jameis Winston wasn't his best, with 201 yards and an interception. The defense wasn't great either, allowing 2 passing scores. The Lions lost in Philadelphia on Sunday Night Football, mainly because Dan Campbell was wayyyy too aggressive, going for it on 4th down 5 times and missing all 5 times. Jared Goff was horrible, completing just 14 of his 37 passes. They can blame the refs all they want, but it doesn't change the fact that the offense was putrid. I do think they'll rebound against a sad Giants defense. 

Vikings vs Packers- Packers win 28-15

The Vikings lost at home to the Bears, and JJ McCarthy was horrible. He had the same completion percentage as Caleb Williams, but unlike Williams, McCarthy threw 2 picks. Jordan Mason had 45 yards and a touchdown on the ground. The defense was good, but it wasn't enough. The Packers, as previously mentioned, defeated the Giants in New Jersey, and Jordan Love had 2 scores. Micah Parsons had 1.5 sacks, his first sacks since week 8. Malik Willis came in for an injured Love for a few drives and threw a touchdown. Things were really clicking for Green Bay, and I think things will continue. Packers win.

Seahawks vs Titans- Seahawks win 38-17

The Seahawks had a tough loss to the Rams in LA. Sam Darnold was awful, throwing 4 interceptions. Kenneth Walker had a heck of a game, with 67 yards and a touchdown. They just couldn't overcome the 4 interceptions in this game. The Titans had another loss, this time to the Texans at home. Cam Ward was mediocre with 194 yards and a touchdown. He was also the leading rusher. The defense was good, but you can't really overcome offensive struggles. And I think those offensive struggles will continue.

Colts vs Chiefs- Colts win 27-24

The Colts were on a bye last week. The Chiefs lost in Denver for the 3rd year in a row, and it looks like their reign over the AFC West might be done. Patrick Mahomes had a very mediocre showing, with 29-45 passing, 276 yards and a score. Travis Kelce had a good game with 91 yards and a score. The defense was good, but not when it mattered most. I think this will be a tight game, but I have the Colts winning.

Jets vs Ravens- Ravens win 27-13

The Jets lost on Thursday Night Football. Justin Fields wasn't good, and that led to his benching. The offense just...sputtered as a whole. The defense wasn't any better. The Ravens had a tight win. Lamar Jackson sucked, but Derrick Henry saved his ass, with over 100 yards and a score. I'd be very surprised if the Jets won this. If the Ravens lose, they might as well kiss their playoff hopes goodbye.

Browns vs Raiders- Raiders win 17-10

This won't be fun. The Browns lost at home, and lost Dillon Gabriel to a concussion. That means Shedeur Sanders is playing this week. He looked like hot trash in relief of Gabriel, but we'll see if things turn around. The Raiders were smoked on prime time against the Cowboys. Geno Smith wasn't that good, and he was the leading rusher with FOURTEEN rushing yards. They couldn't run the ball at all. Chip Kelly is a hack, which I've said since the beginning, and he needs to go. This is a tossup. I'm going with the Raiders because they're at home, so maybe it'll give them a boost.

Jaguars vs Cardinals- Jaguars win 30-17

The Jaguars blew the Chargers out of the water last week. Travis Etienne ran for 2 scores. The defense was fantastic, shutting down Justin Herbert. Things are clicking in Duval. The Cardinals, not so much. They were blown out at home by the 49ers. The defense was terrible. Jacoby Brissett broke the completion record, but he was playing against a backup secondary. I am taking the Jags here. I think they're on a roll right now.

Eagles vs Cowboys- Eagles win 21-10

The Eagles squeaked by the Lions on Sunday Night. The offense was putrid, but the defense was fantastic. Kevin Patullo sucks, and the offense is suffering because of it. The Cowboys blew out the Raiders, and Dak Prescott was great. The defense was good as well. I am taking the Eagles, because the defense is so good.

Falcons vs Saints- Saints win 13-9

The Falcons lost in overtime to the Panthers, and lost Michael Penix Jr for the year with an ACL tear, so things weren't great for the Falcons. Bijan Robinson is fantastic though. The Saints were on a bye week. I am taking New Orleans because they're at home and Kirk Cousins is trash.

Buccaneers vs Rams (Sunday night)- Rams win 28-26

The Bucs lost a heartbreaker in Buffalo. Sean Tucker and Baker Mayfield were great. But they couldn't stop Josh Allen. The Rams beat the Seahawks by picking off Sam Darnold 4 times, and Kyren Williams running all over the defense. I'm going with the Rams here because I just think they're a better team.

Panthers vs 49ers (Monday night) 49ers win 27-20

The Panthers beat out the Falcons and Bryce Young set the franchise record for passing yards in a game. Tetairoa McMillan was great also. The defense was solid also. The 49ers blew out the Cardinals in Brock Purdy's return. He had 200 yards and 3 touchdowns, 2 of them to George Kittle. Christian McCaffrey ran for 2 scores. The offense was incredible. I don't think they're going to slow down.

One more week until Thanksgiving week. I'm excited to see my Eagles on Black Friday this year. See you next week!