First-place Detroit could form a stranglehold on the NFC North with a victory and losses from Chicago and Green Bay, while the New York Giants can send Dallas into panic mode if they extend their winning streak to five games.
Kansas City faces an underachieving San Diego squad, and a second straight loss for the Chiefs further entrenches Denver in first in AFC West. But the Broncos don’t have an easy matchup either, facing a New England squad infuriated by last week’s controversial loss to Carolina.
The Panthers have crept up behind New Orleans in the NFC South, while Baltimore could spoil the N.Y. Jets playoff hopes.
The AFC North is especially interesting with three teams (Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland) still in line for a Wild Card spot.
Picks for each game with point spreads are below.
New Orleans -10 At Atlanta
The Saints must win in the short week, with matchups at Seattle and a pivotal home game versus Carolina looming. The Falcons can only hope to play spoiler, but Matt Ryan is 3-7 in 10 career starts against New Orleans.
Time: Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET
Channel: NFL Network
Prediction: New Orleans 37, Atlanta 24
Tampa Bay At Detroit -10
A nasty loss in Week 11 has critics questioning the Lions defense, and just how good they could be in the playoffs. The Buccaneers have found their groove with two straight wins, and quarterback Mike Glennon has the chance to shred Detroit’s 30 th ranked secondary.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Prediction: Tampa Bay 30, Detroit 27
Jacksonville At Houston -10
The NFL’s worst losing streak should come to an end, even if Jags linebacker Paul Posluszny plays.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Prediction: Houston 33, Jacksonville 17
Minnesota At Green Bay -5
Scott Tolzien struggled with three interceptions in Week 11, but he’ll have a much easier time at home against Minnesota’s 29 th ranked pass defense. Vikes running back Adrian Peterson is the obvious x-factor, averaging 115.5 yards in 13 career games against the Pack.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Prediction: Green Bay 20, Minnesota 17
San Diego At Kansas City -5
The Chiefs largely contained Denver, but slipped up in the second half. San Diego is very capable of putting up serious points, but Kansas City should bounce back.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Prediction: Kansas City 24, San Diego 10
Carolina -4.5 At Miami
Controversy aside, the Panthers are still on fire with Cam Newton entering the MVP discussion. Miami has won some difficult games this season (Cincinnati Week Nine, Indianapolis Week Two), but Carolina’s defense will be too much for Ryan Tannehill.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Prediction: Carolina 20, Miami 10
Pittsburgh At Cleveland -1
The playoffs technically aren’t out of reach for the Steelers or Browns. Pittsburgh should have plenty of confidence after their comeback win over Detroit last week, and Cleveland is reeling from its worst loss of the season. Assuming Jason Campbell takes care of the ball, the Browns should hold out enough for the win.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Prediction: Cleveland 24, Pittsburgh 13
Chicago At St. Louis -1
The Bears battled through the elements and won their first overtime game since 2009 last week, but St. Louis is rested after the bye and Zac Stacy could break out for a big game. The younger St. Louis defense should contain running back Matt Forte and pull out the win.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: FOX
Prediction: St. Louis 30, Chicago 24
N.Y. Jets At Baltimore -4
Unless Geno Smith gets his turnovers under control, Baltimore will increase their playoff chances and send the Jets into a tailspin.
Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Channel: CBS
Prediction: Baltimore 20, N.Y. 10
Tennessee -1 At Oakland
Oakland backup Matt McGloin already tore up the NFL’s top ranked pass defense, but Tennessee has a stronger pass rush than Houston. The game comes down to running backs Rashad Jennings and Chris Johnson.
Time: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Channel: CBS
Prediction: Oakland 17, Tennessee 13
Indianapolis At Arizona -2.5
The Cardinals have quietly moved up the NFC West, and are the last team to beat Carolina. The Colts have a comfortable lead in the AFC South, and have proven they don’t need Andrew Luck to throw touchdowns to win. Luck hasn’t completed a touchdown pass in two games this season, both victories for Indy.
Time: Sunday, 4:05 p.m.
Channel: CBS
Prediction: Indianapolis 34, Arizona 30
Dallas At N.Y. Giants -2.5
The Giants defense has been terrific the last four weeks, but they haven’t faced a top quarterback like Tony Romo during the four-game run. Pressuring the quarterback will be the key for both teams, and it’s unclear if Cowboys defensive end DeMarcus Ware is 100 percent healthy.
Time: Sunday, 4:25 p.m.
Channel: FOX
Prediction: N.Y. 27, Dallas 17
Denver -2.5 At New England
Tom Brady and Peyton Manning meet once again, with New England coming off its worst loss of the year, and Denver its best win. Fans would love to see a shootout that comes down to the final moments, but the Broncos will build an early lead and then pummel the Pats 27 th ranked rush defense.
Time: Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Channel: NBC
Prediction: Denver 35, New England 24
San Francisco -5 At Washington
At the start of the season this seemed like an awesome matchup of Robert Griffin III and Colin Kaepernick. But injuries and confidence issues have marred their seasons. Instead Frank Gore and Alfred Morris will duel, and the 49ers should walk away with a win.
Time: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET
Channel: ESPN
Prediction: San Francisco 17, Washington 13
NFL Week 12: Predictions, Point Spreads For Each Football Game
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