Our complete Week 12 guide: Keys, score picks for every remaining game

The NFL’s Week 12 schedule for the 2023 campaign features a series of compelling contests, and our experts offer insights to guide you through the weekend’s action. NFL Nation correspondents present crucial elements for every match and an adventurous projection for each.

In addition, ESPN Stats & Information divulges an intriguing stat and a wagering snippet for every duel, while our Football Power Index (FPI) delves into the odds with a forecast. Analytics expert Seth Walder highlights the most significant X factor of each clash, and fantasy analyst Eric Moody provides valuable fantasy football advice. Lastly, both Walder and Moody share their projected outcomes for every game. Here’s everything you need to prepare for an action-packed NFL weekend.

Delve into the comprehensive slate post-Thanksgiving in Week 12, including Trevor Lawrence taking on C.J. Stroud, the Bills’ journey to Philadelphia, and a noteworthy AFC conflict between the Ravens and Chargers on Sunday evening. The grand finale is a “Monday Night Football” face-off between the Bears and Vikings on ESPN. (Note that all game times are for Sunday unless stated otherwise.)

Navigate to a game:
JAX-HOU | NO-ATL
PIT-CIN | TB-IND | NE-NYG
CAR-TEN | CLE-DEN | LAR-ARI
KC-LV | BUF-PHI | BAL-LAC | CHI-MIN

Jaguars (7-3) at Texans (6-4)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Point Spread: JAX -1 (46.5)

Tale to observe: Should the Texans emerge victorious in this clash, they’ll match the Jaguars’ record atop the AFC South and possess the advantage in tiebreakers. A crucial factor in this battle is the performance of Jaguars signal-caller Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence’s record against the Texans adds up to a disappointing 1-4, with more interceptions (seven) than touchdown passes (four). However, it’s not only Lawrence who has found it tough; the Texans have long held sway over Jacksonville, notching wins in 16 of their last 19 encounters. — DJ Bien-Aime

Daring forecast: Altogether, the Texans and Jaguars will rack up in excess of 800 yards on offense. The Texans have been averaging a potent 486.3 yards in their last three outings, and while the Jaguars haven’t been quite as dynamic, they still managed 404 yards in their earlier meeting. Freshman quarterback C.J. Stroud for Houston has not delivered less than 336 yards passing during their trio of victories, whereas Lawrence is riding the momentum from his strongest performance of the year (262 passing yards, two through the air touchdowns, with a pair on the ground against the Titans). — Mike DiRocco

Statistic to ponder: This game highlights a fascinating battle of fortitudes with Stroud pitted against the Jaguars’ zone defense. The Jaguars utilize a zone scheme at the fifth-highest frequency in the NFL (67%) and have surrendered the fourth-lowest quarterback rating in such situations. On the other side, Stroud leads the league in quarterback rating when faced with zone defenses.

Decisive factor at play: Texans receiver Tank Dell. He’s become a notable game-changer, and his high open score from early in the season — he was ranked sixth entering Week 11 — has translated into tangible outcomes. Dell has collected 22 receptions for 319 yards across his latest three matches. — Walder

Player Absences: Jaguars | Texans

Fantasy football tips: Stroud and Dell have amassed 659 yards thus far this season, which is the most for any rookie quarterback-wide receiver duo within their first 10 games in NFL history. The Jaguars defense is among the top 10 units for points surrendered per game to quarterbacks. Consult Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering snippet: The Texans have successfully covered the spread in four of their last five matchups with the Jaguars. Since 2018, the Texans boast a 10-1 win-loss record and an 8-3 record against the spread (ATS) when facing off with the Jaguars. Explore further.

Moody’s projection: Texans 28, Jaguars 25
Walder’s projection: Jaguars 23, Texans 22
FPI forecast: JAX, with a 57.2% chance of victory (by an estimated margin of 2.5 points)

Essential reading: Jaguars in a solid position as Lawrence secures a win … Running back Singletary becomes a pivotal player for Texans

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Saints (5-5) at Falcons (4-6)

1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: ATL -1 (42.5)

Narrative to follow: Despite less than stellar records, the quest for the NFC South’s top spot as we head into December will be determined Sunday afternoon. There’s plenty of football left — including a second matchup in New Orleans at the end of the regular season — but this clash could mark a pivotal moment, with the Falcons turning once again to Desmond Ridder at quarterback after three consecutive losses, while the Saints have secured victories in two of their last three matches. This scenario underscores the unpredicability of the NFL’s most erratic division over the last couple of seasons, where we might witness the division champion finish with a record below .500 for the second consecutive year. Just last season, Tampa Bay clinched the division with an 8-9 standing. — Michael Rothstein

Daring forecast: The Saints’ defense will induce at least two turnovers from Ridder. The Saints ended their streak of causing a turnover in every game with their defeat to the Vikings before the bye, but they plan to initiate a new streak with the Falcons shifting back to Ridder this time. Ridder has suffered seven fumbles this season and experienced two games with multiple interceptions. Despite Marshon Lattimore being absent, Alontae Taylor is anticipated to snag his inaugural career interception among those turnovers. — Katherine Terrell

Statistic to consider: Saints running back Alvin Kamara is the sole running back with 50 catches this season. He’s logged four seasons with more than 60 receptions, matching Christian McCaffrey‘s record for the most among active RBs. Moreover, he’s on track to become the fourth back to achieve five seasons of 60 or more receptions since 1990.

Key aspect of the matchup: Ridder. Since the Saints excel in halting the run, ranking highest in EPA surrendered per designated run, the Falcons will need Ridder to improve their passing game to stand a chance. — Walder

Health updates: Saints | Falcons

Insights for fantasy players: The Saints’ defense is among the best in limiting opposing teams’ passing yards per game. To date, Ridder has garnered an average of 12.2 fantasy points per game when he has started. Consult Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering snippet: Every time the Saints have come up against a team with a current losing record, which has been six instances so far, the game’s total points have fallen below the over/under line. Discover further betting insights.

Moody’s projection: Saints 24, Falcons 20
Walder’s projection: Saints 22, Falcons 19
FPI prognostication: NO, 56.7% (with an average margin of 2.3 points)

Essential pregame reads: Saints’ WR Thomas heads to IR with knee injury … Falcons revert to Ridder for season’s remainder

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Steelers (6-4) at Bengals (5-5)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: PIT -1 (34.5)

Plot to observe: As they head into Sunday’s contest, both squads are in the process of establishing their offensive strategies. The Bengals are shifting to Jake Browning as their starting quarterback following Joe Burrow‘s potentially season-ending wrist injury, while the Steelers dismissed Matt Canada as offensive coordinator on Tuesday after the team secured a dismal rank of 28th in offensive points per game (15.0). — Ben Baby

Audacious prediction: Steelers QB Kenny Pickett will notch several passing touchdowns, marking only his second such achievement to date. A change in offensive coordinators can sometimes catalyze offensive momentum. Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan will be calling plays and he shares a rapport with Pickett, providing Pickett with an opportunity to demonstrate his NFL quarterback capabilities against a Bengals squad that has shown vulnerability in their passing defense, having allowed an average of 284.3 passing yards in their last three games. — Brooke Pryor

Statistic to acknowledge: The Steelers possess a 6-4 record this season despite being outpaced in terms of total yardage in every single game. They are the 20th team in history with such a ten-game start, noteworthy for maintaining a winning record despite this statistic.

Decisive factor in the matchup: Cincinnati’s defense against the run. Given Burrow’s absence for the season, it’s doubtful that either team will excel offensively. For the Bengals, the troublesome point is their run defense, which ranks 29th in EPA allowed per designed run. — Walder

Injury status: Steelers | Bengals

Fantasy tips: The Steelers are currently ranked 28th in points per game, total yards, and pass yards per outing (170). Pickett has managed a mere 9.9 fantasy points on average each game this season. Notable quarterbacks like Bryce Young (10.8), Zach Wilson (10.2), and Desmond Ridder (12.2) all have superior per-game averages. Review Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Gambling tidbit: The Bengals have failed to win or beat the spread in all three division games this season. They are also 1-5 in both wins and against the spread within conference games. Learn more.

Moody’s selection: Bengals 21, Steelers 16
Walder’s selection: Steelers 23, Bengals 16
FPI estimation: PIT, 51.2% (with an approximated differential of 0.5 points)

Readings of import for the matchup: Potential outcomes following Matt Canada’s dismissal from Steelers’ offense? … Burrow likely out forflavor with an arm ailment … Arguments for and against the Bengals’ chances of clinching a playoff berth

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Buccaneers (4-6) at Colts (5-5)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | Spread: IND -2 (42.5)

Confrontation to keep an eye on: The battle between the Colts’ faltering run defense and the Buccaneers’ sluggish ground game poses an intrigue. Lacking the services of suspended key nose tackle Grover Stewart, Indianapolis has given up an average of 154 rushing yards over its previous four contests. Contrarily, Tampa Bay holds the bottom rank in both rushing yards (769) and yards per rush (3.1), heightening the pressure on quarterback Baker Mayfield and their aerial attack. Can either side reverse their patterns? — Stephen Holder

Audacious forecast: The Buccaneers will feature a player, running back Rachaad White, surpassing 100 rushing yards for the initial time since Week 10 of last year against the Seahawks. In their four most recent outings, the Colts have conceded the most ground yards in the league. White’s personal best this season is 73 yards versus both the Bears and the Texans. — Jenna Laine

Point of interest: Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has not exceeded the 100 rushing yards mark in 10 successive games, marking his career’s lengthiest stretch. His previous centurion performance came in Week 10 of the preceding season.

Pivotal matchup: Buccaneers left guards Matt Feiler or Aaron Stinnie. The Colts offer a surprisingly robust pass rush, spearheaded by DeForest Buckner, who ranks fifth with a 17% victory rate in pass rush among defensive tackles. He’s primarily positioned against the left guard spot, which Stinnie has been covering for Feiler during his absence due to a knee condition. Both have held steady with identical 92% rates of success in pass blocking (slightly over the mean), yet Buckner represents a formidable test. — Walder

Health updates: Buccaneers | Colts

Essential fantasy insights: Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. has captured on average 9.8 targets, 72 receiving yards, and tallied 15.8 points in fantasy over his last half-dozen appearances. He confronts a Buccaneers defense during Week 12 that has been generous to wide receivers, ranking fourth in fantasy points conceded to the position per game. Peruse the Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering snippet: The Buccaneers are undefeated at 5-0 ATS while on the road this season, all as underdogs. ‘Unders’ are 4-1 in those matchups. Explore further.

Moody’s selection: Colts 23, Buccaneers 20
Walder’s choice: Buccaneers 26, Colts 20
FPI forecast: IND, 54.6% (by a mean of 1.6 points)

Necessary reading on the matchup: Bucs yearn that ‘minor details’ won’t impede their playoff path … Colts dismiss All-Pro LB Leonard in an unexpected move

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Patriots (2-8) at Giants (3-8)

1 p.m. ET | FOX | Spread: NE -3.5 (33.5)

Narrative to observe: This contest features the two squads with the lowest average scores in the league; the Giants at the very bottom with 13.5 points per game, just beneath the Patriots’ average of 14.1 points per outing, despite a 31-point surge against Washington. Giants coach Brian Daboll maintains that undrafted rookie signal-caller Tommy DeVito is “progressing.” — Jordan Raanan

Striking prediction: The Patriots will tally 20 or more points for only the third instance this campaign. This expectation is partly attributed to the Giants being ranked 28th in points surrendered on average per game (25.9). Offensive production has been tough for New England, but their ground game has been a brighter spot recently, an area the Giants have been weak against (with adversaries averaging 135.1 yards per game and 4.8 yards per attempt). — Mike Reiss

Figure of note: Giants pass rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux registered two sacks on the preceding week versus the Commanders, totaling 10.5 for the season. He becomes the initial Giants player to amass a double-digit sack count within the team’s opening 11 games since Jason Pierre-Paul achieved 10.5 in the same stretch during 2011.

Decisive matchup factor: Patriots’ starting quarterback, no matter who it is. A revival in the passing domain is essential. Provided they can ignite their aerial offense, the Patriots ought to emerge victorious with DeVito directing the Giants (acknowledging the outcome against the Commanders, yet still). — Walder

Roster health notice: Patriots | Giants

Crucial fantasy facts: Patriots WR Demario Douglas has received 16 looks over the prior two matches and is set to be heavily involved for the Patriots post-bye versus the Giants. The Giants concede the fifth-most fantasy points on average to receivers weekly. Consult the Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Gambling tidbit: The Patriots, alongside the Falcons, are tied for the league’s poorest performance ATS at 2-8. They are1-6 ATS in their last seven contests. Discover more.

Moody’s forecast: Patriots 21, Giants 20
Walder’s forecast: Patriots 23, Giants 13
FPI prognostication: NE, 72.7% (with an average margin of 8.1 points)

Essential readings for this matchup: O’Brien suggests practice will direct QB decision

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Panthers (1-9) at Titans (3-7)

1 p.m. ET | FOX | Odds: TEN -3.5 (37.5)

Headline to track: This match will feature a duel of first-year signal-callers. Bryce Young and the Panthers’ attack square off against a Tennessee defense yielding 230 aerial yards each outing. Titans quarterback Will Levis faces a stiffer challenge with Carolina’s sixth-best passing defense (179 yards per contest). The outcome hinges on which rookie quarterback can outperform the other. — Turron Davenport

Daring forecast: Second-rounder Levis will pass for over 250 yards and three scores without an interception, while top pick Young will again find it challenging to surpass 200 yards through the air. Levis, who possesses 857 aerial yards and six passing scores across four starter appearances, could become the fourth quarterback in Titans history to reach at least eight TD passes and 1,000 passing yards within his inaugural five starts. — David Newton

Statistic to consider: Titans running back Derrick Henry has logged just four rushing touchdowns this campaign, his least since 2018 through ten outings. His rushing yard average is at 66.3 per game, a dip from the past four campaigns where he logged at least 95 on average.

Key factor in the matchup: The Panthers’ offensive frontline. Carolina posted the lowest pass block victory rate in Week 11, with Ikem Ekwonu ranking at the bottom amongst tackles for the previous four weeks. Young’s subpar play isn’t being aided by the line. — Walder

Health updates: Panthers | Titans

Fantasy advice: In his last duo of contests, Henry has garnered a mere 8.4 fantasy points. Apart from the Broncos, no other squad has surrendered more fantasy points per game than the Panthers. It’s a prime opportunity for the Titans back to make a comeback, but the question remains if he will grab the chance. Consult Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering snippet: The previous four Panthers matchups have all stayed under the total points. Further, they’re among two squads yet to be favored this season heading into this week (alongside the Cardinals). Discover more.

Moody’s projection: Titans 21, Panthers 13
Walder’s projection: Panthers 20, Titans 17
FPI forecast: TEN, 61.5% (with an average advantage of 3.9 points)

Compulsory articles for this duel: A glimmer of hope despite Panthers’ defeat to Cowboys? … Titans’ Vrabel in quest of solutions as setbacks accumulate

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Browns (7-3) at Broncos (5-5)

4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | Odds: DEN -1.5 (34.5)

Narrative to observe: The Broncos are experiencing a quartet of consecutive triumphs, yet the offensive unit stumbles in establishing a flow even though quarterback Russell Wilson is contributing to victories. Wilson is counted third for touchdown passes (19) and leads the league with the most final quarter revivals and game-winning drives. Notwithstanding, finding that harmony and shielding Wilson from danger seems challenging, especially with Browns’ Myles Garrett leading in sacks (13) and Cleveland’s defense pressuring quarterbacks on 12.5% of pass attempts, the highest in the NFL. The Browns also reign supreme in total defense, pass defense, and are ranked sixth in points allowed. — Jeff Legwold

Audacious prediction: Cleveland is anticipated to claim another victory with a decisive drive late in Denver. They will then hold a new team record for four wins in a season clinched by a final drive in the concluding two minutes of a match. — Jake Trotter

Statistic of note: Broncos wideout Courtland Sutton tallies five consecutive outings with a touchdown reception, the longest stretch since 2014 for a Broncos player (Julius Thomas, five in a row) and one short of matching the franchise record (achieved five times before, most recently by Wes Welker in 2013).

Crucial element in the clash: Broncos defensive back Pat Surtain II. Should Surtain manage to check WR Amari Cooper, it would detrimentally impact an already waning Browns’ offense in absence of Deshaun Watson. — Walder

Medical updates: Browns | Broncos

Insights for fantasy players: The Browns’ defense is restricting to only 0.9 passing touchdowns each game on average. Set expectations accordingly for Wilson and the Broncos’ receiving corps. Review Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering tidbit: All away games for the Browns have exceeded the total points this season, however, five sequential Broncos contests have stayed under. Discover more.

Moody’s selection: Browns 27, Broncos 24
Walder’s selection: Browns 19, Broncos 16
FPI prediction: CLE, 52.4% (averaging a lead of 0.9 points)

Essential pregame reads: Thompson-Robinson steers Browns’ campaign in the right direction … Courtland Sutton’s timely upswing for Denver … Browns confirm Thompson-Robinson as persisting starter at QB

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Rams (4-6) at Cardinals (2-9)

4:05 p.m. ET | FOX | Odds: TIED (44.5)

Narrative to observe: The quarterbacks from each team—Arizona’s Kyler Murray and Los Angeles’ Matthew Stafford—are intent on making a statement. Stafford has been underperforming, with his statistics showing nine touchdowns to eight interceptions. Conversely, Murray is participating in his third match post-ACL operation and is eager to establish a steady pace and claim another victory. — Josh Weinfuss

Daring forecast: Rams WR Puka Nacua will grab seven receptions totaling 150 yards. During Week 6’s confrontation with the Cardinals, Nacua recorded his poorest performance of the season, securing only four receptions for 26 yards. However, in the likely absence of WR Cooper Kupp (twisted right ankle), expect Nacua to be the primary target, particularly against a Cardinals defense that is ranked 29th in pass DVOA. — Sarah Barshop

Statistic to consider: This season in 10 games, the Rams average 19.5 points per game (their second-lowest score after 10 games under Sean McVay since 2017) and have managed 20 points or fewer in four consecutive matches. A fifth consecutive sub-20-point game would tie for their longest streak under McVay, established during Weeks 8-12 in the previous season.

Key matchup component: Cardinals guards Will Hernandez and Carter O’Donnell have the crucial role of halting Aaron Donald. Yet there’s hope: Hernandez is currently ranked seventh in pass block win rate at 95% amongst guards, and O’Donnell showcases a 94% rate, placing him in a similar range. — Walder

Condition report: Rams | Cardinals

Fantasy football insight: The Cardinals defense is among the most generous in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Consult Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering snippet: Under coach Sean McVay’s leadership, the Rams have a 12-2 record against the spread (ATS) when facing the Cardinals, including postseason (11-2 ATS in the regular season). Yet, they have failed to cover (0-4 ATS) in their four most recent games. Discover more.

Moody’s prediction: Rams 20, Cardinals 17
Walder’s projection: Cardinals 27, Rams 24
FPI estimation: LAR, 65.9% (leading by an average of 5.5 points)

Compulsory pregame reads: How the Rams’ youthful defense is securing L.A.’s competitiveness … Murray laments that Cardinals’ offense ‘failed the team’

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Chiefs (7-3) against Raiders (5-6)

4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Odds: KC -8.5 (42.5)

Plot to watch: An intriguing individual contest on the field is between Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Raiders edge defender Maxx Crosby. Since Crosby’s debut in the NFL in 2019, the Chiefs have claimed victory in seven of their eight encounters with the Raiders, during which Mahomes has racked up 2,464 yards, 21 touchdowns, and a mere two interceptions. However, Crosby has notably achieved three sacks and nine quarterback hits against Mahomes in the previous season alone. — Paul Gutierrez

Audacious prediction: Kansas City will not tally any points in the second half for the fourth consecutive game. Accounting for penalties, dropped balls, and turnovers, there’s no indication they’re on the verge of sorting out their assortment of problems. The Raiders, since adjusting their coaching staff, have been limiting opponents to an average of 13 points in the second half, indicating they have ample capability to trouble the misfiring Chiefs outfit. — Adam Teicher

Number to take into account: Against the Raiders, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has caught 11 touchdown passes, more than against any other team he has faced. The only players with more touchdown receptions against the Raiders are Antonio Gates (13) and Steve Largent (12). Also, the only currently active player with more TD receptions against a single adversary is Davante Adams, amassing 13 against the Vikings.

Element of the matchup to focus on: Chiefs corner L’Jarius Sneed. After shadowing A.J. Brown in last week’s game, Sneed might be designated to follow Davante Adams closely. This could spell trouble for the Raiders, as Sneed is permitting only 1.0 yard per coverage snap according to NFL Next Gen Stats (which is superior to the average for outside corners), and Brown concluded last week’s game versus the Chiefs with just a single reception. — Walder

Health updates: Chiefs | Raiders

Fantasy football essentials: Mahomes’ receivers are failing to secure 9.2% of his throws, marking the worst drop rate for any quarterback recorded within the initial 10 games over the past decade. Although the secondarHave gone over.

Opposing forecast: The Chargers are the underdogs at home with an edge at +4.

Raider’s performance under the guidance of Coach Andy Reid boasts an impressive record of 17-3 straight up. Discover more.

Forecast by Moody: Chiefs 24, Raiders 16
Forecast by Walder: Chiefs 27, Raiders 13
FPI prognosis: KC holds a dominant chance of winning at 85.6%, with an average margin of 14.2 points.

Essential readings for the matchup: Raiders dealing with O’Connell’s maturation challenges

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Bills (6-5) versus Eagles (9-1)

Time: 4:25 p.m. ET | CBS | Line: PHI -3.5 (48.5)

Narrative to observe: The Bills outperform the Eagles in average yards gained per match and have a superior point differential (+104 compared to Philly’s +61). However, Buffalo has surrendered the ball five more times this season and has not come out on top in any games they’ve lost by six points or fewer. Alternatively, the Eagles have consistently emerged victorious in tight contests. — Tim McManus

Daring forecast: Josh Allen will put an end to his consecutive games with an interception streak. Despite the challenge of taking on the league’s top-record team on their turf, Allen’s seven-game stretch with at least one interception will conclude. With the Jets as their most recent opponents, the Bills offense and Allen’s confidence have significantly improved, which is expected to persist in this critical game. Additionally, the Eagles’ defense, while presenting a formidable challenge to the Bills, has only managed to secure a total of five interceptions this year, sharing the rank for the second least in the league. — Alaina Getzenberg

Statistic of interest: Allen has recorded both a passing and rushing touchdown in seven contests this year, while Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts has accomplished the same in six matchups. Only four quarterbacks have ever had eight such games in a single season, with the record being set at nine by Kyler Murray in 2020.

Key matchup element: Bills cornerback Rasul Douglas. He has been a critical asset to the depleted Bills defense, yielding merely 0.8 yards per coverage snap and securing two interceptions over his trio of games with Buffalo. — Walder

Roster updates: Bills | Eagles

What fantasy managers should know: With the Eagles’ ground attack led by D’Andre Swift, they are advantaged against the Bills’ defensive line that ranks 16th in thwarting the run. Swift boasts an average of 18.0 touches and garners 14.9 fantasy points each game. Consult Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting tidbit: Buffalo’s Allen has an admirable record against the spread (ATS) of 11-5-1 when playing as a visiting underdog. Discover more.

Moody’s selection: Eagles 28, Bills 21
Walder’s selection: Bills 28, Eagles 24
FPI forecast: BUF is slightly favored at 55.9%, with an average victory margin of 2 points.

Must-reads for this matchup: Rising star Kincaid becoming Allen’s favored asset on Bills … Eagles still hungry after Super Bowl do-over triumph against Chiefs

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Ravens (8-3) confront Chargers (4-6)

Time: 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC | Line: BAL -4 (46.5)

Narrative to observe: This contest showcases a battle between what is arguably the NFL’s formidable defense and the weakest. The Chargers lag in defensive capabilities, allowing the most passing yards (291.6 per game), the second-most total yards (393.6 per game), and the highest number of completed passes (26.5 per game). Conversely, Baltimore sits among the top echelon in several defensive metrics: points per game (16.1), passing yards per game (169.7), and total yards per game (273.5). In their previous encounter, back in 2021 during Coach Brandon Staley’s inaugural season, the Ravens emerged victorious with a resounding 34-6. — Kris Rhim

Daring forecast: Rookie receiver for the Ravens, Zay Flowers, will achieve his premiere game surpassing 100 yards in receiving. Flowers, the primary receiver for Baltimore, has yet to exceed 78 receiving yards in a match this season but is anticipated to see increased action following the probable season-ending ankle injury of Mark Andrews. Over the past six games, the Chargers have allowed five different wideouts to notch at least 80 receiving yards, including St. Brown (156 yards), Lamb (117), Wicks (91), Valdes-Scantling (84), and Wilson (80). — Jamison Hensley

Statistic of interest: Both quarterbacks, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert, have demonstrated proficiency outside the pocket and via play-action, ranking in the top five in QBR for those categories. Nonetheless, while the Ravens’ defense also ranks among the top in opposing QBR in those areas, the Chargers’ defense falls into the bottom two, including being the absolute worst in opponent QBR outside the pocket.

Key matchup element: Isaiah Likely, the tight end for the Ravens. He has the daunting task of replacing Andrews, but he’s entering the matchup against a team struggling to defend the pass, which could enable him to immediately make an impact. — Walder

Roster updates: Ravens | Chargers

Fantasy insights: Jackson is up against a Chargers squad that has allowed the second-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. On the road, Jackson averages 18.4 fantasy points per game, while the defense of the Chargers permits the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers per game. Check Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Betting tidbit:The past eight encounters featuring the Chargers have resulted in unders, juxtaposed with four of the last five games involving the Ravens which have seen overs.I have exceeded the aggregate score. Discover more.

Moody’s selection: Ravens 27, Chargers 23
Walder’s selection: Ravens 38, Chargers 23
FPI forecast: BAL, 55.7% (winning margin of 2 points on average)

Articles to peruse: John Harbaugh: Slight possibility of Andrews’ seasonal return … Chargers’ Bosa (foot injury) probably moving to IR, according to Staley … Resilient Lamar Jackson approaches final stretch

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Bears (3-8) at Vikings (6-5)

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN | Odds: MIN -3.5 (43.5)

Aspect to observe: Logic dictates this match could hinge on the Vikings’ defense’s ability to impede the mobility of quarterback Justin Fields, who accrued 46 yards over eight carries in a total of 35 plays in the earlier encounter of Week 6 before an injury to his finger forced an exit. Despite a commendable defensive display lately, they rank poorly in thwarting quarterback scrambles, at 35%. — Kevin Seifert

Audacious forecast: The Vikings will push forth their triumphant streak against their divisional rival to six, marking the second-longest succession of victories over the Bears in their annals (which stands at eight from 1972 to ’76), and will secure this through a third narrow victory in their last quartet of matches. Quarterback Joshua Dobbs will orchestrate a winning drive in the concluding moments and will find tight end Josh Oliver for the clinching score. — Courtney Cronin

Statistic of note: Minnesota’s T.J. Hockenson dominates the tight end position with the highest number of receptions (75) and receiving yards (736). He is nine catches away from setting a Vikings tight end seasonal record, surpassing Kyle Rudolph‘s 83 in 2016.

Factor in matchup: Bears cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Tyrique Stevenson. Johnson is at the apex, having the third-lowest yards per coverage snap (0.9) among exterior corners, as per NFL Next Gen Stats. And despite Stevenson’s earlier trials this season, he’s coming from an admirable Week 11 performance. They potentially hold the key to immobilizing Dobbs’ air assault. — Walder

Health Updates: Bears | Vikings

Fantasy pointers: Given that the Bears’ defense surrenders the sixth most fantasy points to tight ends, this provides Hockenson with a favorable scenario. Consult Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering snippet: The Vikings are undefeated outright in five games and possess a 4-1 record against the spread (ATS) when facing the Bears since 2021. Discover more.

Moody’s selection: Vikings 27, Bears 19
Walder’s selection: Vikings 24, Bears 22
FPI forecast: MIN, 61.6% (win margin of 4 points on average)

Articles to peruse: Bears’ Fields thrives post-injury … Jefferson says health trumps fantasy football

The Friday encounter

Note: Miami triumphed over New York 34-13. Our preview of the match has been originally posted on Friday morning.

Dolphins (7-3) at Jets (4-6)

Friday, 3 p.m. ET | Prime Video | Odds: MIA -7.5 (41.5)

Aspect to observe: The inaugural NFL game set for the day after Thanksgiving spotlights the offenses at both ends of the spectrum. The Dolphins average a peak 30.5 points each bout; they’ve amassed more touchdowns in a sole game (10) than the entire seasonal output of the Jets’ offense (nine). The Jets are hopeful that Tim Boyle, an experienced signal-caller stepping in for the benched Zach Wilson, will ignite their offense. — Rich Cimini

Audacious forecast: No opponent quarterback has passed for 300 yards against the Jets this season — that streak will likely snap on Friday as Tua Tagovailoa faces the division rival for his first time since last year. Furthermore, Dolphins’ wide receiver Tyreek Hill will likely surpass 100 receiving yards, a feat he did not achieve in matchups against New York the prior season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

Statistic of note: The Jets’ 22.9% efficiency on third-down conversions this year is a potential record low since the 1970 union (1970 Patriots held a 23.1% rate). Also, their red zone touchdown rate of 26.1% could end up as the poorest performance over the last 45 years, with only the 1997 Chargers faring worse (25.0%).

Factor in matchup: Boyle is assuming QB1 duties for the Jets with a career QBR of 29. With playoff ambitions, the Jets must clinch victories long enough for Aaron Rodgers to possibly return, requiring Boyle to deliver an unmatched performance this Friday. — Walder

Health Updates: Dolphins | Jets

Fantasy pointers: The Jets’ defense allows the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs per game, presenting an ideal occasion for the Dolphins’ second-ranked rushing offense, averaging 143.0 yards per game, to excel. Consult Week 12 rankings. — Moody

Wagering snippet: Under coach Robert Saleh, the Jets are 0-4 ATS following short rest. And they’ve failed to cover the spread in their last seven such situations. Discover more.

Moody’s selection: Dolphins 28, Jets 13
Walder’s selection: Dolphins 30, Jets 9
FPI forecast: MIA, 76.4% (anticipated win margin of 9.6 points)

Articles to peruse: Dolphins’ McDaniel ensures authenticity … Finest trick play? Marino’s fake spike marks 29 years … Dolphins sideline RB Achane following knee impact … Jets to bench Wilson, start Boyle as QB against Dolphins