NFL Week 12: Predictions, Point Spreads For Each Football Game

There are several key matchups in Week 12, with plenty of playoff implications.

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.

The Chiefs face an underachieving Chargers squad, and a second straight loss for Kansas City 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 30th 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 29th 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. The Chargers are 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. The Dolphins have won some difficult games this season (Cincinnati in Week Nine, and Indianapolis in 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 the Browns are reeling from their 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 the Rams are 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. Expect the Ravens to pull away in the final minutes.

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