Football is a powerful tool that unites families, fills the void of awkward conversations, and creates lighthearted moments when they gather around the television. The NFL knows how important this week is on the calendar because all 32 teams are to play this weekend. On paper, the schedule appears to have lopsided wins, with the Dolphins and Chiefs favored by 12.5 and 15 points over the Texans and Rams. Several playoff-contending teams are favored over struggling teams on the docket but it’s the NFL in 2022, and they are bound to be surprises. So the warning is DON’T SLIP UP! With that said, let’s predict the outcome of the FIVE hottest games in week 12.
Last Week: 3-2
Overall Record: 35-20
1. Buffalo Bills (7-3) at Detroit Lions (4-6)-Thursday 12:30 p.m. ET, CBS
The Bills are the road team in this game, but four days ago, they were the home team at Ford Field when they faced the Cleveland Browns due to a snowstorm. Josh Allen struggled in the game by completing 18 of 27 passes for 197 yards and a touchdown. However, the Bills will be encouraged by the running game, with Devin Singletary and James Cook combining for 29 carries, 172 yards, and one touchdown in the win against the Browns. The Lions also impressed in week 11 by going on the road to beat the New York Giants 31-18. The Lions’ young defense impressed with two interceptions and holding Saquon Barkley to 22 yards on 15 carries. I think this Lions team will come out to fight and attack the Bills in the traditional holiday game. Unlike most analysts, I think this will be a classic holiday encounter, but the Bills escape in the end.
Bills 30-Lions 27
2. New York Giants (7-3)at Dallas Cowboys (7-3)-Thursday, 4:30 p.m. ET, Fox
The Cowboys had the most impressive win in week 11 by going on the road and throttling the Minnesota Vikings. The Cowboys’ plan worked brilliantly in running the football, getting ahead, and teeing up the elite pass rush. The only chance for the Giants in this game on the road is to run the football through Saquon Barkley, but if they fall behind hen it will be hard to stick to the plan. If Daniel Jones is in a position of having to throw, I like the Cowboys’ defense to capitalize with a few interceptions. I have the Cowboys winning comfortably.
Cowboys 33-Giants 20
3. New England Patriots (6-4) at Minnesota Vikings (8-2)-Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET NBC
These two teams played ugly games on Sunday, but the Patriots at least won their game in improbable fashion thanks to a punt return touchdown at the buzzer. On the other hand, Kirk Cousins and the Vikings were embarrassed in their home building and will be seeking to make amends. I think Belichick’s defense will have a good game against a prototypical quarterback like Cousins. The game will come down to the effectiveness of the Patriots and whether they can get the running game going and protect Mac Jone,s who made only four incompletions last week. I think Belichick’s game plans to stop Justin Jefferson, and the offense generates enough offense to grab the win.
Patriots 23-Vikings 17
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) at Cleveland Browns (3-7)- Sunday, 1 p.m. ET Fox
The Bucs are coming off their bye week after their exploits in Germany and riding a two-game win streak. The Buccaneers appear primed for a second-half run with several key players getting healthy. The Cleveland Browns are having a tough season, and the fans will be eager to have Deshaun Watson return under center soon after his lengthy suspension. The dog pound is a difficult stadium to play in, but Tom will have his team ready to play as he nears the finish line. I have the Bucs winning a competitive game.
Bucs 27-Browns 20
5. Cincinnati Bengals (6-4) at Tennessee Titans (7-3)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS
This will be the top game this weekend. It is a rematch of the divisional round last January with the Bengals winning in a tight matchup. The Bengals have bounced back from a rough start, but protection issues still linger, and they generally lose their way because of not running the football. I like the Titans in this matchup because Derrick Henry looks back to his best, and Ryan Tannehill made some big-time throws against Green Bay. The Titans have enjoyed three additional days of rest, and the Bengals will be playing back-to-back road games.
Titans 27-Bengals 23