Each team will look to gain traction as things heat up in the NFC North. The division is up for grabs, and plenty is in play with seven divisional games left. This week, Chicago welcomes Pittsburgh, Detroit hosts New York, and Minnesota heads to Green Bay for a showdown at Lambeau Field. As the Bears look for their fourth consecutive win, the Lions are ready to rebound after a tough loss to the Eagles. Here are bold predictions heading into Week 12.
Chicago Bears
Caleb Williams throws pass against Bengals
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. The Bears led 10-3 at halftime. | Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK
Caleb Williams Has First 300-Yard Game of the Season
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Williams struggled during last week’s win over Minnesota, completing 50% of his passes. Looking to rebound, Chicago’s quarterback faces Pittsburgh and the league’s 32nd–ranked defense in passing yards allowed per game. Caleb Williams will execute Ben Johnson’s game plan and secure his first 300-yard passing game of the season.
Tight End Colston Loveland Goes for 80 Yards & One Touchdown
Pittsburgh’s defense ranks 32nd in passing yards per game and 28th against opposing tight ends. Chicago tight end Colston Loveland had his breakout performance on November 2nd versus Cincinnati. The rookie has been quiet since, but had his second breakout performance on Sunday. Caleb Williams connects with his tight end five times, and Loveland will finish the game with 80 yards and one touchdown.
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Detroit Lions
Jared Goff
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws downfield during the second quarter against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium. Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Jared Goff Throws Four Touchdown Passes
The Detroit quarterback will be chomping at the bit while facing a New York defense that ranks 22nd in passing yards allowed per game and 29th in total yards allowed per game. Jared Goff takes advantage of the Giants’ porous defense and adds to the league’s 8th–most passing yards and 2nd–ranked passing touchdowns totals. He finishes the game with 300 yards passing and four passing touchdowns.
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Aidan Hutchinson Adds Three Sacks
New York has allowed the 7th–most quarterback sacks this season. Detroit ranks 6th in total sacks, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson is tied for 10th among the league leaders in sacks. The Lions will be relentless and apply constant pressure to the Giants’ quarterback. Aidan Hutchinson will finish the game with a three-sack performance.
Green Bay Packers
Jordan Love
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) warms up prior to a game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lambeau Field. Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Packers Lose Third Game in Four Weeks
The Packers have had a rough go in recent weeks. Their offense has searched for an identity for the better part of the season, and they lost their best playmaker in tight end Tucker Kraft. Divisional matchups are always tough, and Minnesota comes out firing on all cylinders, proving too much for Green Bay to handle.
Green Bay’s Defense Keeps Game Close
The defensive unit has been the bright spot in Green Bay’s season. They enter Week 12 ranked 6th in yards allowed per game, 7th in points allowed per game, and 10th in opposing quarterback rating. They will be the main reason the score is within reach come the fourth quarter.
Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
Justin Jefferson Leads All Receivers
Green Bay ranks 8th in yards per game to opposing wide receivers, but that goes out the window when talking about one of the league’s premier players. Justin Jefferson leads the Vikings in receptions, targets, and yards, while averaging 9.3 targets per game. In his career, Jefferson has dominated the Packers, averaging five receptions and 142 yards with five touchdowns. The elite wideout gets his, finishing the game with 100 receiving yards and one touchdown.
J.J. McCarthy Has First Three-Touchdown Game
Green Bay’s defense doesn’t let the game get out of hand, but that doesn’t stop J.J. McCarthy from giving his best performance of the season. The young quarterback has struggled since his five-game absence, but that doesn’t deter him from achieving success. He rebounds from last week’s loss with a win, passing for three touchdowns for the first time in his career.
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