Our guide to every Week 12 NFL game: Matchup previews, predictions, picks and nuggets

The Week 12 NFL schedule for the 2025 season brings some exciting matchups.

The Chiefs hope to get their season back on track against the Colts, historical nemesis Aaron Rodgers could make his return to Chicago, and two of the league’s most exciting offenses — the Bucs and the Rams — face off.

We have you covered with everything you need to know. Our NFL Nation reporters take you inside the locker room with the best thing they heard this week, and ESPN Research provides a key stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest. Plus, analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody shares fantasy football intel. We also have Football Power Index (FPI) game projections, and three analysts — Pamela Maldonado, Moody and Walder — give us final score picks for every game.

Let’s get into the full Week 12 slate, which culminates with a «Monday Night Football» matchup between the Panthers and 49ers on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)

Jump to a matchup:
IND-KC | MIN-GB | NYG-DET
NE-CIN | PIT-CHI | NYJ-BAL
SEA-TEN | JAX-ARI | CLE-LV
PHI-DAL | ATL-NO | TB-LAR
CAR-SF

Thursday: BUF-HOU
Bye: DEN, MIA, LAC, WSH

1 p.m. ET | CBS
ESPN BET: KC -3.5 (49.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Colts: The Colts could have their full, revamped secondary intact for the first time this season with CB Charvarius Ward nearing his return from injured reserve (concussion). That could give the Colts a lineup of Ward, Sauce Gardner and Kenny Moore II (slot) at CB, with Cam Bynum and Nick Cross at safety. It gives the Colts unlimited flexibility in terms of matchups and coverages and comes just in time to face QB Patrick Mahomes on the road. — Stephen Holder

What we’re hearing on the Chiefs: The Chiefs are expressing plenty of urgency for their final seven games of the regular season and hope a win can propel them to make a run to clinch a playoff spot. Mahomes essentially said the Chiefs’ season comes down to the next seven weeks. «Obviously we’re 5-5 and not where we want to be at, but we get to write the rest of this season’s story — it starts this week against the Colts at Arrowhead,» Mahomes said. «I’m excited for us to go out there and do it.» — Nate Taylor

Stat to know: Colts QB Daniel Jones has four interceptions in his past two games after throwing only three in his first eight games this season. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Chiefs WR Rashee Rice will record at least eight receptions. Thirty-eight percent of targets against the Colts go to players aligned in the slot, which is third most of all defenses. Rice can have success from playing inside. — Walder

Colts | Chiefs

Fantasy nugget: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce is trending up at the perfect time. He had a season-high 13 targets and 24.1 fantasy points last week, and he has scored at least 21 points in two of his past three games. The total suggests this could be a high-scoring matchup, and the rapport between Kelce and Mahomes is well documented. Indianapolis’ defense has also allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to TEs. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Colts are 7-3 ATS (against the spread) this season. Overs are 4-1 in their past five games. Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Colts 30, Chiefs 27
Moody’s pick: Chiefs 27, Colts 24
Walder’s pick: Chiefs 24, Colts 20
FPI prediction: KC, 61.5% (by an average of 4.5 points)

Matchup must-reads: RB Taylor and four QBs; handicapping the NFL MVP race … Why Chiefs are 5-5 and what’s next … Chiefs LT Simmons mum on 22-day absence

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1 p.m. ET | Fox
ESPN BET: GB -6 (41.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Vikings: Minnesota has won 38 games since hiring coach Kevin O’Connell prior to the 2022 season. Of those victories, 33 have come when the Vikings were ahead or even in the turnover battle. This season, turnovers have been a key metric in their disappointing start. They have committed the second-most turnovers (18) and are tied for sixth fewest in takeaways (nine), five of which came in one game. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores said this week that he believes in the team’s process for forcing turnovers, but the Vikings will have to earn them against the Packers, whose seven turnovers this season are tied for the fourth fewest. — Kevin Seifert

What we’re hearing on the Packers: The Packers had realistic shots at four or five interceptions against Jameis Winston and the Giants last week and came up with just one, by safety Evan Williams. The others slipped through their hands or were tipped. Green Bay has intercepted only four passes through the first 10 games after picking off 17 passes last season. «The picks are going to come,» said safety Xavier McKinney, who has two. «Just believe me when I tell you. The. Picks. Will. Come.» Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy has thrown eight interceptions in just five games this season. Only five quarterbacks have thrown more picks this season. — Rob Demovsky

Stat to know: The Packers offense has an NFL-best 49% third-down conversion rate this season. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: The Vikings will have a minus-10% or lower pass rate over expectation, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. With McCarthy struggling, I expect Minnesota will try to take a more run-heavy approach as it attempts to upset its division rival. — Walder

Injuries: Vikings | Packers

Fantasy nugget: Vikings RB Aaron Jones Sr. faces his former team, and while I’m buying into the revenge-game narrative, the matchup is legitimately favorable given how Green Bay has struggled against RBs lately. The Packers defense has allowed the seventh-most rushing yards per game over the past three weeks. And Jones has scored at least 11 fantasy points in three straight games. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Packers are 1-5 ATS against teams with losing records this season. Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Packers 27, Vikings 13
Moody’s pick: Packers 27, Vikings 20
Walder’s pick: Packers 24, Vikings 16
FPI prediction: GB, 71.3% (by an average of 8.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: QB McCarthy’s struggles limiting Vikings’ chances to win … Why Packers’ playoff hopes might rest on next three games

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1 p.m. ET | Fox
ESPN BET: DET -10 (50.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Giants: «Aggressive.» That is how Giants offensive coordinator Tim Kelly described the Lions’ defense under Kelvin Sheppard. Detroit hasn’t allowed a 300-yard passer or a 100-yard rusher this season. Consider that a challenge for rookie QB Jaxson Dart, who has already helped the Giants score 30-plus points against the Broncos and Eagles this season. — Jordan Raanan

What we’re hearing on the Lions: Coach Dan Campbell was selected by the Giants as the 79th pick of the 1999 NFL draft. He suited up with them from 1999 to 2002 and developed his foundation there. «Obviously, [Giants president and CEO] Mr. [John] Mara is still there, and he was there when I was there and that Mara family will always mean something to me,» Campbell said. «… I had four good years there, and it felt like a family.» — Eric Woodyard

Stat to know: Since Campbell became coach in 2021, the Lions have gone for it on fourth down 32% of the time, the highest mark in the NFL. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Giants edge Abdul Carter will have a big enough game that he’ll vault himself into second place in the Defensive Rookie of the Year odds. (He’s currently sixth.) Perhaps last week’s opening series benching will be a wake-up call. — Walder

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Injuries: Giants | Lions

Fantasy nugget: Lions WR Jameson Williams has been exceptional for managers over the past three games since the Lions came out of their bye. He has seen at least six targets and scored 16.0 or more fantasy points in three straight games, including a season-high 23.9 points in Week 10. Williams is in a great spot against a Giants defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Giants are 8-15 ATS on the road since 2023. They are 0-6 outright on the road this season (3-3 ATS). Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Lions 34, Giants 10
Moody’s pick: Lions 34, Giants 17
Walder’s pick: Lions 25, Giants 24
FPI prediction: DET, 70.9% (by an average of 8 points)

Matchup must-reads: Giants’ coaching search: What it means for Schoen to run it … Lions’ Hutchinson ‘excited’ for key 3-game stretch … Goff, Lions shut down in loss to Eagles

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1 p.m. ET | CBS
ESPN BET: NE -6.5 (50.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Patriots: New England is 5-0 on the road this season — the NFL’s only undefeated team away from home — and WR Stefon Diggs said coach Mike Vrabel has preached a «pack the identity» message to players. The Patriots pride themselves on an identity that begins with «effort and finish» and that sometimes requires an extra edge on the road. «Going into a hostile environment, bringing your guys with you. Going in with a f— it mindset,» Diggs said. — Mike Reiss

What we’re hearing on the Bengals: No matter whether it’s Joe Burrow or Joe Flacco at QB on Sunday, the Bengals’ starter will have to contend with a strong Patriots secondary. WR Tee Higgins has scored touchdowns in four straight games. With Ja’Marr Chase suspended, Higgins will likely be matched up against New England’s Christian Gonzalez, who has not allowed a touchdown as the nearest defender this season. Said Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher: «They probably view [Gonzalez] as their best one if that’s the one they’re traveling on the opponent’s top guy. And I think they’re right to feel that way about him.» — Ben Baby

Stat to know: The Bengals have allowed 27-plus points in nine consecutive games, which is tied with the 1964 Broncos and 2020 Chargers for the longest single-season streak in NFL history. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Patriots WR DeMario Douglas will record four or more receptions, at least tying his season high. Douglas works over the middle of the field, which is where offenses tend to attack the Bengals defense. 53% of targets against Cincinnati are between the numbers, the sixth-highest rate in the league. — Walder

Injuries: Patriots | Bengals

Fantasy nugget: Patriots RB TreVeyon Henderson has been superb over the past three games with Rhamondre Stevenson out with a toe injury. He had at least 15 touches in each matchup, including 24 in Week 11. Henderson averaged 24.3 fantasy points over that span. Even if Stevenson returns this week, Henderson should still lead the Patriots backfield. Cincinnati’s defense has given up the most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: All five Bengals home games have gone over the total. Overs are 4-1 in Bengals games if Flacco starts. Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Patriots 28, Bengals 7
Moody’s pick: Patriots 31, Bengals 20
Walder’s pick: Patriots 30, Bengals 27
FPI prediction: NE, 53.6% (by an average of 1.4 points)

Matchup must-reads: The race for NFL MVP: How does QB Maye stack up?

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1 p.m. ET | CBS
ESPN BET: CHI -2.5 (45.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Steelers: All eyes are on QB Aaron Rodgers’ left wrist a week after he sustained a fracture late in the second quarter against the Bengals. Rodgers didn’t return in that game, but he’s not ruling out playing this week in a city where he has had plenty of previous success. «There’s incentive for every opponent, but I have enjoyed many a Sunday and Monday and Thursdays in that city,» he said of playing Chicago. Rodgers said the key to his availability is less about pain management and more about «safety» and being able to protect himself. He stated that it’s more comfortable to receive the snap in shotgun than it is under center, but his goal is to be able to take snaps under center, too. — Brooke Pryor

What we’re hearing on the Bears: A week after the Vikings blitzed Caleb Williams on a whopping 66.7% of his dropbacks, the Bears anticipate a similarly aggressive approach from a Steelers defense that has blitzed at the fourth-highest rate (34%) in the NFL this season. «They’ve got some werewolves on the outside that shows up,» coach Ben Johnson said, referencing the quick pressures generated by edge rushers T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. «When you have both sides that you’re concerned about, that’s where you got to be pretty creative as a play designer to make sure that they don’t affect the game in a negative fashion.» Williams has seven touchdowns to zero interceptions when blitzed but has either over- or under-thrown a receiver on 28% of his pass attempts when facing added pressure. — Courtney Cronin

Stat to know: The Bears have an NFL-best 22 takeaways and 15 interceptions this season. Chicago has a 7-1 record, outscoring its opponents by 39 points, when finishing with at least one takeaway. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: The Steelers’ defense will force a turnover against play-action. Chicago runs play-action 31% of the time, third most in the NFL, but the Steelers are one of the best defenses against it (despite being a middle-of-the-pack defense on all other plays), with a minus-.15 EPA per play allowed (second best) and 43% success rate allowed (sixth best). — Walder

Game picks from our NFL experts »
&#8226 Betting notes » | More NFL coverage »

Injuries: Steelers | Bears

Fantasy nugget: Bears WR Rome Odunze had a hot start to the season, averaging 19.9 fantasy points over the first five games. However, since Chicago’s bye, he has scored double-digit fantasy points in only two of his past six games. The talent is there, and Odunze has produced whenever he gets targets. He should get a chance against a Steelers defense that has allowed the most receptions and fantasy points per game to WRs. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Steelers are 1-5 ATS in their past six road games (1-3 ATS this season). Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Bears 16, Steelers 15
Moody’s pick: Bears 24, Steelers 17
Walder’s pick: Steelers 19, Bears 16
FPI prediction: CHI, 52.5% (by an average of 0.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Steelers’ QB Rodgers: Have to be able to protect self to play

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1 p.m. ET | CBS
ESPN BET: BAL -13.5 (44.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Jets: The Jets hope that QB Tyrod Taylor, who replaces the struggling Justin Fields, will allow them to open up the passing attack. The goal is to get young pass catchers Adonai Mitchell, John Metchie III and Mason Taylor more involved. That wasn’t happening with Fields, as the Jets were held to under 140 net passing yards in three of the past four games. «We have to do something to get this team going offensively in the passing game, and I just felt like it was time to [change QBs].» — Rich Cimini

What we’re hearing on the Ravens: Protecting QB Lamar Jackson has been an issue. He has been sacked an average of 3.2 times per game, which is the most of his eight-year career. Baltimore is facing a Jets defense that has recorded 8.0 sacks in its past two games. «We’re putting the best five players out there, and they’re playing pretty darn good,» coach John Harbaugh said of his offensive line. «Can they play better? Sure.» Injuries are starting to pile up for Jackson, who has an ankle issue after dealing with knee soreness last week. — Jamison Hensley

Stat to know: The Jets’ lone takeaway this season is the fewest by any team through 10 games in a season all time. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Mitchell will record 70 or more receiving yards. I still believe! Mitchell was targeted six times in his Jets debut, but he struggled mightily to hold on to the ball. Eventually, he is going to break out for a big game. — Walder

Injuries: Jets | Ravens

Fantasy nugget: Ravens WR Zay Flowers hasn’t put up big fantasy numbers since coming out of the Week 7 bye, averaging just 6.2 targets and 12.2 fantasy points per game. That’s a reasonable floor for Flowers, but his ceiling could be higher this week. Over the past four weeks, New York’s defense ranks inside the top 10 in fantasy points allowed to WRs. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Jackson is 11-5-1 ATS as a double-digit favorite in the regular season (17-0 outright) with three straight covers (1-0 ATS this season). Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Ravens 27, Jets 19
Moody’s pick: Ravens 34, Jets 17
Walder’s pick: Ravens 26, Jets 16
FPI prediction: BAL, 79.7% (by an average of 13.1 points)

Matchup must-reads: What does Fields’ benching mean for Jets? … What happened to last year’s AFC juggernauts? … Despite the drops, Jets’ Mitchell shows promise in debut

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1 p.m. ET | Fox
ESPN BET: SEA -13 (40.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Seahawks: The Seahawks had a chance to beat the Rams last week, despite QB Sam Darnold’s four interceptions, because their defense kept giving them chances. That unit goes from one end of the opposing QB spectrum to the other this week. Whereas Matthew Stafford is a 17th-year veteran and playing at an MVP level, Titans rookie Cam Ward ranks last among 33 qualified QBs in Total QBR (28.1). But Seattle isn’t overlooking his ability. «Incredible arm talent, he makes a ton of throws, and from funky platforms,» coach Mike Macdonald said. «So you’ve got to play the whole play through it and if you start making things up and not handling your assignments through the echo of the whistle, he can definitely make you pay.» — Brady Henderson

What we’re hearing on the Titans: The Titans have the NFL’s worst rushing attack, averaging 78.9 yards per game. Interim coach Mike McCoy said he’d like to get back to some of the success the team had before struggling with only 58 rushing yards in last week’s 16-13 loss to Houston. Ward pointed to the run game also helping set up the passing game with play-action. The Seahawks’ sixth-ranked run defense poses a significant challenge this week. — Turron Davenport

Stat to know: Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba has a league-leading seven games this season with 100 receiving yards (most in a season in Seahawks history). — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Titans LB Cedric Gray, who played 100% of the team’s defensive snaps last week for the first time this season, will record at least 12 combined tackles. I expect Seattle to get out to a big lead and then rely on the running game to work the clock, resulting in plenty of tackle opportunities for Titans LBs. — Walder

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Injuries: Seahawks | Titans

Fantasy nugget: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III was one of the few bright spots last week, posting 19 touches and a season-high 20.1 fantasy points. He also finished with six more touches than Zach Charbonnet, and Walker now averages 4.2 yards per carry compared with Charbonnet’s 3.4. He’s in a great spot behind an offensive line that ranks eighth in run block win rate (72.8%), facing a Titans defense that has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Titans have covered back-to-back games entering this week. This is the first time they have covered consecutive games since the first two weeks of 2023. Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Seahawks 28, Titans 7
Moody’s pick: Seahawks 37, Titans 14
Walder’s pick: Seahawks 30, Titans 13
FPI prediction: SEA, 75.8% (by an average of 10.7 points)

Matchup must-reads: Simmons fed up with Titans’ false starts … Darnold says NFL-worst 20 turnovers ‘unacceptable’ … Titans run game has struggled since RB Henry’s departure

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4:05 p.m. ET | CBS
ESPN BET: JAX -3 (47.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Jaguars: Cardinals tight end Trey McBride is not a good matchup for the Jaguars, who rank sixth in receiving yards allowed (694) and seventh in receptions (64) by TEs. McBride leads the position in catches (71) and yards (718). «You’ve got to have eyes on him and understand where he is in the formation at all times,» coach Liam Coen said. «Building a plan around stopping guys like that is mixing up looks … and present them and make sure that maybe you have some areas in the red area, whatever it is, to double him or take away their best player.» — Michael DiRocco

What we’re hearing on the Cardinals: A topic all week has been the Cardinals’ 17 penalties against the 49ers and how they can prevent that kind of performance from happening again — especially the pre-snap penalties, which coach Jonathan Gannon calls «non-negotiables.» It comes down to better decision-making, he said. It’s also «very challenging» to keep players confident, and it’s «deflating» after going backward before the snap. «I think that was an anomaly in this process, but it definitely goes back to process,» QB Jacoby Brissett said. — Josh Weinfuss

Stat to know: The Jaguars have 13 drops by WRs this season, five more than any other team. (Their 21 drops overall lead the NFL.) — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Jaguars DT Arik Armstead will record a sack. Armstead has 5.5 sacks on the season and ranks eighth in pass rush win rate as a defensive tackle (11.8%), and Brissett has taken sacks at a 7.5% clip, a slightly above average rate. — Walder

Injuries: Jaguars | Cardinals

Fantasy nugget: Jaguars RB Travis Etienne Jr. has had at least 18 touches and 15 or more fantasy points in each of his past three games, including 19.3 points last week. He’s in a great spot, running behind an offensive line that ranks first in run block win rate (75%). Arizona’s defense has allowed the eighth-most rushing yards per game over the past three weeks. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Overs are 4-1 when Brissett starts this season (Cardinals: 3-2 ATS, 0-2 ATS in past two). Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Jaguars 17, Cardinals 10
Moody’s pick: Cardinals 28, Jaguars 24
Walder’s pick: Jaguars 23, Cardinals 16
FPI prediction: JAX, 54.2% (by an average of 1.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Why Coen wants QB Lawrence, Jaguars to ‘cut it loose’ … Cards’ Harrison out as appendectomy recovery continues … Source: Cardinals’ Demercado has high ankle sprain

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4:05 p.m. ET | CBS
ESPN BET: LV -4 (36.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Browns: QB Shedeur Sanders will make his first start for the Browns, and after an uneven NFL debut in the second half against the Ravens, he’s getting all the practice reps as he prepares to face Las Vegas. With a week of practice as the starter and a game plan tailored to him, the hope is that Sanders is more comfortable as he tries to become the first Browns rookie to win his first start since Eric Zeier in 1995, breaking a string of 17 consecutive losses. «I think it’s going to be exciting … I know you can’t miss it — you cannot miss this moment,» Sanders said. «… We going out there with a purpose, going out there mentally ready, no distractions, no anything, and I’ll be excited.» — Daniel Oyefusi

What we’re hearing on the Raiders: The offensive line, which featured backups Stone Forsythe and Will Putnam, failed to hold up on Monday night. Las Vegas gave up 16 pressures, four sacks and averaged 2.3 yards per carry. The unit faces another big test: Browns edge rusher Myles Garrett. «He’s got speed, he’s got power, and he’s very disruptive,» QB Geno Smith said. «You can see it. He’s had a really hot past three weeks, and we got to cool him down.» — Ryan McFadden

Stat to know: Smith has 12 touchdowns and 13 interceptions this season, making him one of two qualified QBs with more interceptions than passing touchdowns. (The other is J.J. McCarthy.) — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Raiders edge Maxx Crosby will record at least 2.0 sacks. Last season at Colorado, Sanders took sacks on 7.5% of his dropbacks, which ranked 105th out of 127 qualifying passers. — Walder

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Injuries: Browns | Raiders

Fantasy nugget: Browns RB Quinshon Judkins has only 16.4 total fantasy points in two games since the Browns’ bye, hurt by Cleveland’s struggling offense and a nonexistent passing game that has let defenses key on him. Still, he has seen at least 17 touches in both games. Sanders and the Browns may rely more on Judkins and the ground game. It helps that Las Vegas ranks inside the top 10 in both rushing yards allowed and yards per carry allowed to RBs. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Four straight Browns games have gone over the total. Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Raiders 17, Browns 10
Moody’s pick: Browns 16, Raiders 13
Walder’s pick: Raiders 14, Browns 10
FPI prediction: LV, 65.1% (by an average of 5.8 points)

Matchup must-reads: Browns’ Sanders to start at QB1: Answering key questions about the move … Raiders’ Carroll: ‘No hesitation’ in defending struggling Smith … Why did the Raiders abandon the run game vs. the Cowboys?

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4:25 p.m. ET | Fox
ESPN BET: PHI -3.5 (47.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Eagles: Part of the reason the Eagles’ defense has taken off recently is the improvement against the run — and that has a lot to do with the return of LB Nakobe Dean from a torn patellar tendon. Philadelphia was allowing 4.7 yards per rush and 127 yards per game in Weeks 1-5, compared with 3.9 yards per rush and 101.4 yards per game since Dean was reinserted into the defensive lineup in Week 6. «I think as a unit we’re just playing it better,» said coordinator Vic Fangio. «Obviously, Nakobe helps. Last two weeks, [Jaelan] Phillips helps. I think Jalen Carter has really kicked up his game here lately, so it’s a combination of a bunch of things.» — Tim McManus

What we’re hearing on the Cowboys: Was the defensive success on Monday just because they were playing against the Raiders, or is there something different about a defense that now has Quinnen Williams, Logan Wilson, DeMarvion Overshown and starting safeties Malik Hooker and Donovan Wilson on the field and healthy? The Eagles’ offense represents a much more difficult test with Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown and Saquon Barkley, though the Cowboys did allow just 302 yards and 24 points when these teams met in Week 1. — Todd Archer

Stat to know: Cowboys QB Dak Prescott has won 18 straight home division games that he has started, tied with Brett Favre (1994-98) for the second-longest streak by a starting QB since the 1970 merger after Tom Brady’s 20-game streak from 2007 to 2014. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Hurts will complete multiple 40-plus-yard passes in a win. The Eagles rank second in air yards per attempt (8.7), while Dallas’ defense ranks second in air yards allowed per attempt (8.0) — Walder

Injuries: Eagles | Cowboys

Fantasy nugget: The Eagles offense has struggled this season, as Philadelphia ranks 25th in total yards per game. This has obviously impacted WRs Brown and Smith from a fantasy perspective, with the duo averaging just 13.9 targets per game and both ranking outside the top 15 in fantasy points at the position. However, it’s tough to fade this pair against a Cowboys defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing receivers. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Cowboys are 3-1 ATS as underdogs this season, including covering as 7.5-point road underdogs against the Eagles in Week 1 (lost 24-20; under 47.5 points). Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Eagles 27, Cowboys 20
Moody’s pick: Eagles 24, Cowboys 21
Walder’s pick: Eagles 28, Cowboys 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 56.6% (by an average of 2.7 points)

Matchup must-reads: How much longer do the Eagles O-Line have to miss Johnson’s dominance? … A Cowboys run to the playoffs? QB Prescott says, ‘Why not?’

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4:25 p.m. ET | Fox
ESPN BET: NO -1.5 (38.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Falcons: Atlanta will be going into the game against its biggest rival without starting QB Michael Penix Jr. (torn ACL) and top WR Drake London (posterior cruciate ligament injury). Without London, offensive coordinator Zac Robinson said he expects a high volume of targets for Darnell Mooney, and it’s a matter of time before Mooney breaks out after early-season injuries. — Marc Raimondi

What we’re hearing on the Saints: The Saints parted ways with another receiver after Brandin Cooks asked for his release. That means another changeup for rookie QB Tyler Shough, who is coming off his first win as a starter. Without Cooks and Rashid Shaheed, who was traded to the Seahawks, Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton will be next in line to get more snaps. But Shough has been building chemistry with TE Juwan Johnson and WR Chris Olave, both of whom had big games against the Panthers before the bye. — Katherine Terrell

Stat to know: Falcons RB Bijan Robinson has six career games with multiple rushing touchdowns; another would break the tie with Devonta Freeman and William Andrews for third most in franchise history. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Saints RB Alvin Kamara will record his second straight game with 100-plus combined rushing and receiving yards. The Falcons defense is allowing a 48% success rate to designed runs, third worst among defenses. So Kamara should have an easier time than normal running the ball. — Walder

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Injuries: Falcons | Saints

Fantasy nugget: Over his past four games, Olave has averaged 7.7 targets and 17.7 fantasy points per game. Another Saints player trending up is Johnson, who has scored 10 or more fantasy points in four straight games, including a 19.2-point performance. The matchup is particularly good for Olave against a Falcons defense that has struggled recently against outside receivers. Over the past three games, Atlanta has allowed the third-most passing yards per game. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Kirk Cousins is 1-5 ATS in his past six starts. Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Falcons 25, Saints 20
Moody’s pick: Saints 24, Falcons 20
Walder’s pick: Saints 20, Falcons 17
FPI prediction: ATL, 55% (by an average of 1.6 points)

Matchup must-reads: Shough ‘feels more comfortable each day’ as Saints QB1 … Saints waive veteran WR Cooks at his request

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8:20 p.m. ET | NBC
ESPN BET: LAR -7 (49.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Buccaneers: Tampa Bay will have to figure out a way to navigate the Rams’ stingy defense. The Bucs allow the second-fewest points (17.2) and are tied for the second-most takeaways (18). «They have invested a lot of capital into the front seven in the last few drafts,» QB Baker Mayfield said. «… [Jared] Verse and [Byron] Young on the edges, the interior guys are also playing well. … They’re winning a lot of one-on-ones, making plays and the back-end guys are playing aggressively because of it.» — ESPN Staff

What we’re hearing on the Rams: QB Matthew Stafford has 20 passing touchdowns against the blitz this season, which leads the NFL. According to ESPN Research, he is tied with Tom Brady (2012) for the third most by any QB in a season since ESPN began tracking blitzes. On Sunday, he will be facing a Bucs team that has blitzed at the highest rate of any team (37%) since coach Todd Bowles joined the team in 2019. Tampa Bay is blitzing 33% of the time this season. — Sarah Barshop

Stat to know: WR Davante Adams has four consecutive games with a touchdown reception, which is one shy of tying the second-longest streak by a Rams player since the 1970 merger (1973 Harold Jackson, 2003 Torry Holt, 2006 Torry Holt and 2019 Cooper Kupp) trailing only Henry Ellard (six straight, 1988-89). — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: Stafford will throw for 350-plus passing yards. The Bucs have a pass-inducing defense, with the third-highest pass rate over expectation against them (plus-1%) per NFL Next Gen Stats, which should result in a major bounce-back in production after his 130-yard game last week. — Walder

Injuries: Buccaneers | Rams

Fantasy nugget: Rams RB Kyren Williams is sharing some of his workload with Blake Corum, but he’s still a must-start in an offense that ranks eighth in total yards and sixth in points per game. Since coming out of their Week 8 bye, Williams has scored 16 or more fantasy points in three straight games. The Buccaneers defense allows the seventh-most fantasy points per game to RBs. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: Tampa Bay is 8-2 ATS after a loss since the start of last season (13-5 ATS with Mayfield). Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: Rams 31, Buccaneers 25
Moody’s pick: Rams 33, Buccaneers 20
Walder’s pick: Rams 30, Buccaneers 17
FPI prediction: LAR, 64.2% (by an average of 5.5 points)

Matchup must-reads: How QB Mayfield’s ‘spark’ came back after five games with the Rams: ‘It was life-changing’

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Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN
ESPN BET: SF -7 (49.5 O/U)

What we’re hearing on the Panthers: You could call this the Christian McCaffrey game. It’s the first time the Panthers have faced the RB since trading him midway through the 2022 season. Current Carolina RB Chuba Hubbard calls McCaffrey, who leads the NFL in scrimmage yards, the best back he has seen. To remain relevant in the NFC and keep pace with the Bucs in the South, the league’s 17th-ranked run defense is going to have to find a way to stop their No. 8 pick in 2017 — which by coincidence is the last year the Panthers won a Monday night game. — David Newton

What we’re hearing on the 49ers: This game has all the makings of a shootout considering both teams have consistently struggled to generate pass rush this season. The Panthers are 25th in pass rush win rate (33.3%) and 31st in pressure rate (25.1%), while the Niners are 31st in pass rush win rate (30.8%) and 32nd in pressure rate (21.5%). It’s unlikely either side will suddenly fix this issue but the side that protects better and takes care of the ball will undoubtedly have a leg up in a game with serious NFC playoff implications. — Nick Wagoner

Stat to know: The 49ers are using motion at the snap 41% of the time this season, which is the fourth-highest rate in NFL. Meanwhile, the Panthers are allowing the fifth-most yards per play (6.2) and second-most yards per game (141.0) when opponents use motion at the snap this season. — ESPN Research

Bold prediction: McCaffrey will record 100 or more receiving yards. Not that the 49ers need much of an excuse to get the ball to their star RB, but the Panthers allow targets to the position 21% of the time, third most of all defenses. — Walder

Injuries: Panthers | 49ers

Fantasy nugget: Panthers QB Bryce Young is coming off a season-high 31.8 fantasy points. He has struggled as a passer for most of the season but could be in store for another huge game, along with his No. 1 receiver Tetairoa McMillan, against a 49ers defense that has given up the fifth-most passing yards per game this season. San Francisco’s defense did give up 21.8 fantasy points to Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett last week. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting nugget: The Panthers are 6-4 outright as underdogs this season (7-3 ATS), the most outright wins in the NFL. Read more. — ESPN Research

Maldonado’s pick: 49ers 26, Panthers 17
Moody’s pick: 49ers 38, Panthers 27
Walder’s pick: 49ers 27, Panthers 17
FPI prediction: SF, 72.6% (by an average of 9.2 points)

Matchup must-reads: Why RB McCaffrey trade helped 49ers, not the Panthers … With QB Purdy back, are 49ers poised to make playoff run?