NFL Week 12 Predictions 2021: Upset Picks, Straight Up Winners Include Vikings, Jets

The 2021 NFL season continues to be the year of the underdog. The No. 1 seed in both the AFC and NFC were upset last week. There are barely any sizable favorites on the upcoming schedule.

Here are the best upset picks for Week 12. Betting odds come from DraftKings Sportsbook.

Minnesota Vikings (+145) at San Francisco 49ers

In a matchup between a pair of 5-5 teams, the betting odds should be close to even. Two of Minnesota’s losses came in overtime against teams in the current playoff picture. The Vikings were a 37-yard field goal away from beating the No. 1 seed Cardinals on the road.

Home-field advantage has meant little across the league for two seasons, and the 49ers are the perfect example. San Francisco is 1-4 at Levi’s Stadium this season, giving up at least 28 points in each defeat. Kirk Cousins has been as good as any quarterback on the road, throwing 12 touchdown passes and no interceptions. Cousins ranks third in the NFL with a 106.3 passer rating. When facing quarterbacks who rank in the top-13, the 49ers are 1-5.

The Vikings are the better team, and they should expect to win Sunday in San Francisco.

New York Jets (+120) at Houston Texans

Houston has to show more in order to be favored by a field goal against anyone. This game is a toss-up, making the Jets a worthwhile bet as underdogs.

There isn’t much difference between the Texans and Jets. Both teams have a 2-8 record. Houston recently upset Tennessee, just as New York managed to stun the Titans earlier this year. Injuries have forced the two teams to shuffle through unproven quarterbacks. They rank in the bottom three of the NFL in total defense.

The Texans are last in points, yards and yards per play by a considerable margin. The Jets have had more bright spots offensively, and it could be the difference in a New York victory.