NFL Week 12 games: Odds, expert predictions for every matchup
- Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season features five games between teams with a .500 record or better.
- Key matchups include the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts visiting the 5-5 Kansas City Chiefs.
- In the NFC, the 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will face the 8-2 Los Angeles Rams in a primetime game.
- This season has seen a record number of close contests, with 43 games decided in the final two minutes or overtime.
NFL season is officially in Week 12. This week features five games between teams that have at least a .500 record.
The 5-5 Kansas City Chiefs desperately need a win when they host the 8-2 Indianapolis Colts. Two of the best teams in the NFC meet up in primetime on Sunday night when the 6-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers face the 8-2 Los Angeles Rams.
There are bound to be plenty of close contests this week. There have been 43 games with a game-winning score in the final two minutes of regulation or in overtime this season, the most-ever through Week 11, via NFL Research.
Here is a look at picks and predictions for all of the Week 12 games on the 2025 NFL schedule.
NFL Week 12 game predictions, picks
Odds courtesy of BetMGM.
Week 12 game predictions
Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
- Date: Thursday, Nov. 20
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- TV: None
- Streaming: Amazon Prime, NFL+
- Spread: Bills (-6)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Bills 27, Texans 20
C.J. Stroud is still in concussion protocol. The Texans defensive line should make life difficult for Josh Allen, but the Bills are the more complete team are a trying to keep pace with the Patriots. I believe Buffalo wins this one on the road.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Bills 27, Texans 20
“The Texans have allowed an NFL-best 163 points, but they face a Bills team that just had Josh Allen score six touchdowns and put up 44 points. Buffalo will be able to outscore Houston.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Bills 28, Texans 17
“Will C.J. Stroud (concussion) return for the Texans? Houston is 2-2 S/U at home, but those losses to Denver and Tampa Bay were by a combined total of four points. Buffalo is 2-2 S/U on the road. Josh Allen is coming off a six-TD performance. This is go-time for the Bills if they want to catch the Patriots in the AFC East.”
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Soldier Field, Chicago, IL
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Bears (-2.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Steelers 25, Bears 24
Ben Johnson deserves coach of the year consideration with how he’s helped turn around the Bears. Johnson’s helped Caleb Williams play with more structure within the offense. However, I think the combination of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith will disrupt Chicago’s offensive attack. Plus, DK Metcalf and Pittsburgh’s tight ends are going to make enough plays on offense.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Bears 24, Steelers 23
“Will Aaron Rodgers or Mason Rudolph start for the Steelers? Will it matter? Caleb Williams and the Bears will win a fourth straight close game.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Bears 20, Steelers 19
“The Bears have not turned the ball over in those three wins – might be primed for something more, especially if they force two or more turnovers from Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. This is a tough pick, but we will stick with Chicago.”
New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Patriots (8-5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Patriots 26, Bengals 20
TreVeyon Henderson is coming off a three-touchdown game. He’s added some explosiveness to New England’s offense. Stefon Diggs is really starting to build a rapport with Drake Maye who’s emerging as a star. The Bengals don’t have the defense to stop the Patriots offense.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Patriots 31, Bengals 20
“The Patriots are 5-0 on the road this season. They will be 6-0 after Drake Maye and New England beat the Bengals in Cincinnati.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Patriots 30, Bengals 20
“The Patriots are on an eight-game winning streak, and the Bengals have not forced a turnover in their last three losses. It’s a bad defense made worse when Trey Hendrickson is not on the field. TreVeyon Henderson – a former Ohio State running back with four rushing TDs the last two weeks – could have a monster game here. The Pats are 3-0-1 ATS when favored by more than five points.”
New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Lions (-11)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Lions 28, Giants 20
The Lions offensive line versus the Giants defensive line is a matchup to watch. But Detroit has multiple ways to win against an inferior Giants club. The Lions roar in this one.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Lions 33, Giants 17
“Jared Goff and the Lions have not lost back-to-back games all season. They are not going to start here. Detroit will rebound with a big offensive performance at home.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Lions 31, Giants 16
“The Lions are 3-1 at home, and they won those games by an average margin of 23.3 points per game. Jameis Winston had two turnovers in the loss to the Packers in Week 12. Detroit will get on track in a convincing fashion here to get ready for the rematch with Green Bay on Thanksgiving.”
Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Packers (-6.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Packers 26, Vikings 17
The Vikings swept the season series last year. I think the Packers return the favor this season. Green Bay’s offense has struggled in recent weeks, but the Packers should have some advantages vertically.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Packers 21, Vikings 20
“The injuries are starting to take a toll on the Packers, but Jordan Love will make some big throws late to help Green Bay edge Minnesota in an NFC North thriller.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Packers 23, Vikings 19
“The Vikings are in desperation mode here after a heartbreaking loss to the Bears. JJ McCarthy did not take a sack in the loss to Chicago, but he has struggled with accuracy (50.5%) the last three weeks. Four of Minnesota’s five road games have been decided by one score. Will the Packers lose a third straight game at Lambeau Field?”
Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Seahawks (-13.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Seahawks 28, Titans 17
Let’s face it, the Titans are rebuilding and lack talent outside of building blocks, Cam Ward and Jeffery Simmons. The Seahawks are one of the top teams in the NFL. Mike Macdonald deserves coach of the year consideration.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Seahawks 27, Titans 14
“We don’t see Sam Darnold throwing four interceptions in this game and Seattle almost beat the Los Angeles Rams last week when he did.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Seahawks 28, Titans 19
“Is this a potential emotional letdown spot for the Seahawks coming off the loss to the Rams? The Titans have lost consecutive one-score games, and the inability to run the football with a league-worst 78.9 rushing yards per game continues to be a problem. That’s a lot of points for a road team to cover.”
Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Chiefs (-3.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Chiefs 26, Colts 24
Jonathan Taylor and Daniel Jones are MVP candidates, but I this is a must-win game for the Chiefs. The AFC West might be out of reach for Kansas City, but a playoff berth isn’t.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Chiefs 28, Colts 24
“The Chiefs are a much better team at home (4-1) than on the road (1-4). This is a must-win game for Kansas City against an Indianapolis team coming off a bye. Patrick Mahomes and company will get it done.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Chiefs 27, Colts 20
“The Chiefs are .500 and face the Colts coming off a bye week. Kansas City is 0-5 S/U in one-score games this year – a bad omen against Indianapolis. The Colts are 3-2 S/U in one-score games. The Chiefs allow 100 rushing yards per game. How much will they give up to MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor? That is going to be the key at Arrowhead Stadium.”
New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- Location: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Ravens (-13.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Ravens 28, Jets 17
The Ravens have won four straight games and are beginning to resemble the team many picked to represent the AFC in Super Bowl 60. The Jets are in the infancy stages of a rebuild after gutting their team at the trade deadline.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Ravens 30, Jets 14
“The Ravens needed to rally to win their fourth straight game last week. Lamar Jackson and company won’t need to rally in this game. Baltimore will cruise to a fifth straight win.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Ravens 35, Jets 17
“Is this blowout waiting to happen? New York has actually played better on the road – where their three losses are by an average of seven points per game. It’s just difficult to entertain an upset knowing the Jets have a passing attack that averages a league-worst 139.9 yards per game and benched Justin Fields. Lamar Jackson will get the Ravens’ offense going against a Jets’ defense that has forced one turnover all season.”
Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Location: Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Raiders (-3.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Browns 17-16
The is a pick ‘em game between two bad teams. Somebody has to win, right (maybe)? The Browns have one of the NFL’s top defensive units. I think Myles Garrett and Cleveland’s defense force a couple turnovers that lead to a victory.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Raiders 20, Browns 17
“The Browns will be starting a rookie QB on the road. Advantage: Las Vegas. But not by much with Cleveland’s defense keeping it close.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Raiders 20, Browns 19
“Will Shedeur Sanders start? That’s one of the burning questions for two teams that rank in the bottom five in scoring offense. Myles Garrett — who had four sacks in Week 10 — and Maxx Crosby – who has heated up at home – are going to be key players in what should be an ugly matchup. The Raiders are 3-0 S/U against the Browns since moving to Las Vegas.”
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Arizona Cardinals
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 4:05 p.m. ET
- Location: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
- TV: CBS
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Jaguars (-2.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Jaguars 26, Cardinals 20
The Jaguars are coming off a big Week 11 win. Jacksonville carries that momentum into Arizona. I would’ve loved to see Travis Hunter matched up against Marvin Harrison Jr. in this game.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Jaguars 24, Cardinals 20
“The Cardinals have given up 85 points in their last two games. They won’t give up that many to Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, but they will give up more than they score.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Jaguars 26, Cardinals 21
‘The Cardinals have allowed an average of 42.5 points the last two weeks. Jacksonville has scored 29 or more points in its last three games and is coming off a blowout victory against the Chargers. Travis Etienne and Bhayshul Tuten against a middle-of-the-pack Arizona run defense. This is the Jaguars’ third West Coast trip this season – and they are 2-0 S/U.’
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Eagles (-3.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Eagles 26, Cowboys 21
The Eagles swept the season series against the Cowboys last season. Philadelphia is bound to do it again this year. I expect Saquon Barkley and A.J. Brown to have big performances against a leaky but improved Cowboys defense, unlike the Week 1 matchup.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Eagles 30, Cowboys 23
“The Cowboys are a much better team at home than on the road, but are coming off a short week for this game. We trust Philadelphia’s defense more.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Eagles 27, Cowboys 17
‘Keep doubting the Eagles at your own peril. Philadelphia allowed 16 total points in victories against the Packers and Lions. Defense is the identity of this team. Jalen Hurts is 1-3 S/U in four career starts at AT&T Stadium, but he should be able to control the game against Dallas’ defense. The Eagles have a chance to make it four in a row in the series.’
Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Saints (-1.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Falcons 20, Saints 17
Bijan Robinson and Atlanta’s run game have some advantages against the Saints defense. Kirk Cousins’ goal should be to hand the ball off to Robinson and avoid costly mistakes. Losers of five straight games, the Falcons really need this game if they want to keep their season afloat.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Saints 21, Falcons 20
“The Falcons are favored, but the Saints are coming off a bye week and Tyler Shough had extra time to prepare for this start. New Orleans will win a second straight game and hand Atlanta a sixth straight loss.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Falcons 20, Saints 17
“The Saints had a bye week, and the Falcons are stuck in a six-game losing streak that has peaked with overtime losses each of the last two weeks against the Colts and Panthers. Tyler Shough has taken three sacks or less in his three starts, but the Saints are averaging just 10 points per game in those matchups. New Orleans has won the last three home meetings. Kirk Cousins breaks the streak.”
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 23
- Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
- Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock, Fubo, NFL+
- Spread: Rams (-6.5)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: Rams 28, Bucs 25
The Rams are a contender, but they might just be the top team in the conference. A win against the Seahawks last week, followed by a victory against Tampa Bay this week would send a statement to the rest of the NFL.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: Rams 28, Buccaneers 20
“Matthew Stafford may not be a dual threat like Josh Allen, but he will be able to pick apart Tampa Bay’s secondary in leading Los Angeles to a sixth straight win.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: Rams 34, Buccaneers 28
“What can the Buccaneers do to slow down Matthew Stafford – who has 27 TDs, two interceptions and a 112.7 passer rating? Stafford has yet to throw an interception at home. Tampa Bay is 0-2 ATS as an underdog of six points or more. Will Baker Mayfield help Tampa Bay avoid a third consecutive loss?”
Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers
- Date: Sunday, Nov. 24
- Time: 8:15 p.m. ET
- Location: Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA
- TV: ESPN
- Streaming: Fubo, NFL+, ESPN+
- Spread: (-7)
Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY: 49ers 26, Panthers 21
Kyle Shanahan deserves a lot of credit for keeping the 49ers’ season afloat despite a depleted roster. Brock Purdy is back behind center, and he still has weapons Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle.
Jeremy Cluff, Arizona Republic: 49ers 24, Panthers 21
“Bryce Young and the Panthers have been a surprise in the NFC, but it would really be a surprise to us if Carolina upset Brock Purdy and San Francisco on the road.”
Bill Bender, Sporting News: 49ers 27, Panthers 21
“The Panthers might be the most-interesting boom-or-bust team in the NFL right now. Carolina has won its last two road games at Green Bay and Atlanta. Brock Purdy was efficient in his return for the 49ers. San Francisco is 3-2 ATS as a favorite this year, but Bryce Young continues to improve on the road.”
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
