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The Loop NFL Picks: Week 12

Vikings at Packers (-6½)

Minnesota quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who claims his alter-ego “Nine” actually runs the Vikings’ offense, had another poor outing in last Sunday’s loss to Baltimore. The only thing more amateurish and disappointing for Minnesotans was their governor’s run for the vice presidency.

Pick: Packers by 3

Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaks during a vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News, with Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Patriots at Bengals (+8½)

Ken Burns’ “The American Revolution” has been drawing rave reviews since its debut on PBS. Viewers have been captivated by the 18th century tales of bravery, brutality and Joe Flacco’s recollections of the Battle of Bunker Hill.

Pick: Patriots by 7

GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - OCTOBER 12: Joe Flacco #16 of the Cincinnati Bengals warms up prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on October 12, 2025 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Steelers at Bears (-3½)

Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers insists that may play Sunday against his old foes despite a broken wrist. He reported that he has done his own research and will not need surgery, opting instead for copious consumption of horse dewormer.

Pick: Bears by 7

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) gets up after being sacked during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals in Pittsburgh Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Falcons at Saints (-2½)

Former Vikings QB Kirk Cousins insists there’s “no magic formula” as he steps in for the rest of the season to replace injured Michael Penix Jr. But Captain Kirk is confident that the $27.5 million he’s making this season will cushion the blow.

Pick: Saints by 3

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws under pressure from Carolina Panthers linebacker D.J. Wonnum (98) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)

Browns at Raiders (-3½)

Cleveland rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders is making his first NFL start. While no pregame ceremony is planned, there could be a postgame event marking the historic occasion of Sanders’ final NFL start.

Pick: Raiders by 7

Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) reacts after coming up short of a first down during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 16 2025, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Kirk Irwin)

Jets at Ravens (-13½)

Embattled New York quarterback Justin Fields has been benched for the second time this season. The only way the inadequate passer will return to the starting lineup is if replacement Tyrod Taylor is either injured or named in the Epstein files.

Pick: Ravens by 17

New York Jets quarterback Justin Fields (7) is sacked by New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper)

Colts at Chiefs (-3½)

The defending AFC champion Chiefs have dropped to 5-5 and are currently out of playoff position. League officials are responding to this crisis by making plans to double up penalties on Kansas City’s foes.

Pick: Chiefs by 7

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) urges the referees to call a touchdown during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Friday, Aug. 27, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)

Giants at Lions (-10½)

Former Giants receiver Odell Beckham Jr. is now eligible to be signed by any NFL team after completing his suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs. He won’t find another team unless its front office is found to be using delusion-enhancing drugs.

Pick: Lions by 17

US football player Odell Beckham Jr arrives to attend the annual American Foundation for AIDS Research amfAR Gala Cannes 2025 at the Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc in Cap d'Antibes, southern France, on the sidelines of the 78th Cannes Film Festival, on May 22, 2025. (Photo by Julie SEBADELHA / AFP) (Photo by JULIE SEBADELHA/AFP via Getty Images)

Seahawks at Titans (+12½)

Seattle’s Ernest Jones gave a profane defense of quarterback Sam Darnold last Sunday after his four-interception meltdown against the Rams. To his credit, Jones was almost as convincing at defending the indefensible as Karoline Leavitt.

Pick: Seahawks by 17

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 16: Sam Darnold #14 of the Seattle Seahawks passes the ball under pressure from Nate Landman #53 of the Los Angeles Rams during the second quarter at SoFi Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Jaguars at Cardinals (+2½)

Arizona QB Jacoby Brissett made NFL history in Week 11 by completing a record 47 passes against San Francisco. It’s certainly the most cherished NFLrecord ever held by a career clipboard holder.

Pick: Jaguars by 3

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - NOVEMBER 16: Jacoby Brissett #7 of the Arizona Cardinals passes the ball under pressure from Keion White #56 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at State Farm Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Mike Christy/Getty Images)

OTHER GAMES

Eagles at Cowboys (+3½)

Pick: Eagles by 11

Buccaneers at Rams (-6½)

Pick: Rams by 3

Panthers at 49ers (-7½)

Pick: 49ers by 3

Rico Dowdle #5 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball for yardage during the NFL 2025 game against the Dallas Cowboys at Bank of America Stadium on Oct. 12, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)

BYE WEEK

Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders

RECORD

Week 11

9-6 straight up

4-11 vs. spread

Season

102-61-1 straight up (.626)

84-80 vs. spread (.512)

All-time (2003-25)

3921-2162-15 straight up (.645)

2995-2959-145 vs spread (.503)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Thursdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on X– @theloopnow. He can be reached at kcusick@pioneerpress.com.

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