Each week, we like to make bold predictions for the upcoming NFL schedule. With 14 matchups on the NFL Week 12 schedule, we have an action-packed slate to dive into. Will Shedeur Sanders come out flat in his first NFL start?
Can some of the NFL’s worst teams get another win? Find out below, as we make one bold prediction for every game on the Week 12 NFL schedule.
Related: NFL Power Rankings 2025: Week-by-Week NFL Evaluations of All 32 Teams
Texans Make Statement With Bills Shutout
NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
While Houston’s offense still has a lot of room for improvement, there’s no denying that the Texans have the NFL’s best defense. Of course, Buffalo’s offense, led by Josh Allen, is also elite. Houston’s defense has held seven offenses to under 20 points this season, and they’ve had one shutout. Buffalo’s been limited to under 15 points just twice, but they haven’t faced a defense as good as Houston’s quite yet.
Aaron Jones’ 120-Yard Day Helps Vikings Sail Past Packers
NFL
Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
There was a time when Aaron Jones was the Packers’ leading tailback, but they cut him loose in 2024, and he promptly signed with the rival Vikings. The one-time Pro Bowler has yet to cross the century mark from scrimmage this season, but that will change going up against his old team
Aaron Rodgers Owns Bears With 4 TD Game
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Aaron Rodgers’ ownership of the Bears is well-documented. He just fractured his wrist, and the Steelers are working out new quarterbacks. Yet, we know he’s motivated to beat his old rival. We won’t be surprised when Rodgers surgically slices up the Bears’ defense again on Sunday.
Bengals’ 45 Points Stifle Patriots
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Flacco has started five games for the Bengals, and Cincinnati has scored 30 or more in three of them. Their defense allows the most points in the NFL, so Flacco will have to keep firing to beat the Patriots on Sunday. But if the Bengals’ defense keeps giving up points, we could see Cincinnati score a season-high 45 points.
Related: 2025 NFL QB Rankings: Maye and Stafford’s Dominance Set Tone
Lions Score 50 in Huge Giants Win
NFL
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Giants are falling apart at the seams, and injuries to their best playmakers haven’t helped matters. The Lions still boast one of the NFL’s best scoring offenses, and we expect them to get back on track against one of the NFL’s worst defenses this week.
Titans Lose to Seahawks by 20+ Points
Syndication: The Tennessean
Denny Simmons / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The Titans are the NFL’s worst team, averaging the fewest points per game and allowing the third-most. Meanwhile, Seattle has a top ten offense and defense. In other words, we expect a full-on bloodbath on Sunday, where the Seahawks can put in their backups in the fourth quarter.
Colts Intercept Patrick Mahomes 4 Times, Win
NFL: Berlin Game-Atlanta Falcons at Indianapolis Colts
Lisi Niesner/Reuters via Imagn Images
The Colts lost two weeks ago because they uncharacteristically turned the ball over six times. They’ve committed multiple turnovers just three times. Now it’s time for the Colts’ defense to impose its will by creating four turnovers against Patrick Mahomes, who hasn’t thrown more than two interceptions in a game all season long.
Tyrod Taylor Scores 3 TD in Jets Win Over Ravens
NFL: Cleveland Browns at New York Jets
Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
From 2011 to 2014, Tyrod Taylor was a member of the Baltimore Ravens, but that was long before they discovered Lamar Jackson. The one-time Pro Bowl QB is now 36 years old, but he’s managed to do enough to convince Jets coach Aaron Glenn that he’s a better fit than Justin Fields. Baltimore’s defense has been vulnerable at times, but they’ve been much better as of late, so a Jets win here would be a significant shock.
Related: NFL Report Card: Grading All 32 Teams Before Week 12
Shedeur Sanders Helps Browns Score 30 in Big Win Over Raiders
NFL: Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
A somewhat impressive preseason showing was followed by a disastrous NFL debut for Shedeur Sanders. Though, to be fair, the fifth-round rookie hadn’t received a single first-team rep with Cleveland’s offense. Now that he’s been practicing with Cleveland’s starting offense, we expect a much smoother operation, especially over a bad Raiders team.
Trey McBride’s 130-Yard Day Helps Cardinals Beat Jaguars
Syndication: Arizona Republic
Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Trey McBride’s production has drastically increased since Jacoby Brissett took over for Kyler Murray. The 25-year-old Pro Bowler recorded his first 1,000-yard season last year, but after back-to-back 100-yard games, McBride is on track for another career year.
Lamb + Pickens’ 100-Yard Days Lift Cowboys Past Eagles
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Las Vegas Raiders
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens make up one of the NFL’s best receiver tandems in 2025. Yet, we’ve rarely seen them both in top form together, but they’ve both been individually dominant on their own. If Dak Prescott can keep the Eagles guessing by targeting both of his top receivers often, we could see a big upset in the NFC East.
Kirk Cousins’ 350-Yard Day Helps Falcons Crush Saints
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
This wasn’t the way it was supposed to happen, but Kirk Cousins is getting another chance to show NFL teams what he can do after Michael Penix’s injury. Cousins doesn’t have the most arm strength, but he still has top-notch accuracy. We expect him to put on a strong showing with at least a 300-yard day to beat the Saints with ease.
Baker Mayfield’s 4 TDs Help Bucs Beat Rams
NFL
Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
There was a brief period when Baker Mayfield was a member of the Rams, but with Matthew Stafford healthy and thriving, his return is nothing more than a fun footnote. That is, unless Mayfield wakes up feeling dangerous and can shock the Rams with a memorable performance.
Tetairoa McMillan’s 150-Yard Game Lifts Panthers Past 49ers
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, some wondered whether Tetairoa McMillan would be quick enough to adjust to the NFL. That debate is dead, thanks to the rookie ranking sixth in receiving yards through Week 11. Already on pace for a 1,000-yard season, McMillan can become a household name with a huge 150-yard game on Monday night in primetime.
avatar
Sports fan since birth. I am also passionate about cars, music, and anything funny. Minnesotan, born and raised. Maybe ... More about Andrew Buller-Russ