Week 12 of the 2025-26 NFL season opens with a fantastic matchup, unlike in Week 11, as AFC powerhouses the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans battle for conference supremacy on Thursday Night Football. Is this the year that the Bills or Texans make the Super Bowl?

Unfortunately, it’s mostly downhill after that elite matchup as the rest of the Week 12 slate lacks any thrilling matchups.

The only games that would make our watchlist are the Steelers vs. Bears, Vikings vs. Packers, Eagles vs. Cowboys and Buccaneers vs. Rams. Outside of this group of games, we can only hope that teams will exceed preseason expectations and improve their Week 12 matchups.

There are four NFL teams on bye this week: Broncos, Dolphins, Chargers and Commanders.

With that said, there are plenty of games that should be easy pickings for NFL bettors. Let’s take a look at the NFL Week 12 odds and make our early Week 12 picks. There’s no shame in getting your Week 12 NFL bets in early as there is some value on the boards even with this lackluster slate.

NFL Week 12 Schedule

NFL Week 12 Odds

The top sports betting sites have released early Week 12 NFL odds, and there’s potential for us to make some money. However, before we get into our Week 12 predictions below, let’s take a higher-level view of the Week 12 odds.

The Detroit Lions (-395), Kansas City Chiefs (-425), and the Baltimore Ravens (-575) are all massive betting favorites in Week 12 as they host vastly inferior opponents.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are the Buffalo Bills (-175) and the Philadelphia Eagles (-198) who are the biggest road favorites of the week.

As of this writing, the highest Total for the week is 47.5 points. That’s lower than most weeks up to this point in the season. And, this is largely due to some mismatches along with a few tough divisional matchups. The lowest O/U of the week is 41.5 points for the Browns vs. Raiders game.

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NFL Week 12 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 12 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans Odds

The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills have played against each other 12 times coming into this season. Houston leads the Bills with a 7-5 record. Additionally, the Texans have won three of the last four meetings and six of the last eight matchups.

Making matters worse for Bills fans is the fact that the Texans have won five straight home games over Buffalo, including last year’s matchup.

Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans Predictions

With less than two months left in the season, this Week 12 TNF matchup is a big one for the AFC Conference standings. In fact, by this point of the season, I expect the Buffalo Bills to be running away with the AFC East just like they did last year. And, I expect the same from the Houston Texans in a terrible division – the AFC South.

When you think back on some of Josh Allen’s most notable disasters on the field, it’s hard not to think about two of his matchups against the Texans, especially the AFC Wild Card game in January 2020. With that in mind, I believe this Bills team will use that for extra motivation this week.

I think Houston is being slept on by sportsbooks and pundits alike. However, I do believe the Bills are a better overall team and it’s largely due the QBs. Yet, Buffalo’s improved defense will be the true difference maker in this matchup.

Take the Bills to win the game, but the Texans to cover the spread.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-175), Texans +3.5 (-110)

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs Odds

Entering Week 12, the Indianapolis Colts lead this head-to-head series with an 18-10 record over the Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, the Colts have won two games in a row over Kansas City including their last matchup in 2022.

Surprisingly, the Colts have also won three of their last four trips to KC and eight of the last 10 games played at Arrowhead. Indy holds a 10-5 record in games at Kansas City, which is shocking to us all.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs Predictions

It wouldn’t surprise me if this spread climbed up over 10 points if the Colts are a bad team. In fact, if Indy gets off to a sluggish start to the season, I would come back to this Week 12 game and hammer the Chiefs.

I also suggest looking out for some of the best Chiefs player prop bets as this is a plus-matchup for KC at home.

The Colts will be lucky to finish with a winning record this season. I don’t see it happening though. However, I do see the Chiefs winning another AFC West crown for the 100^th time in a row, or so it seems.

Chris Jones will lead this defense to a big performance and KC will run away with the game in the second half both on the field and on the scoreboard.

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-425), Chiefs -9.5 (-110)

New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

After 28 games played against each other, the New England Patriots lead this series over the Cincinnati Bengals with a record of 18-10. Furthermore, the Patriots have won four of the last five meetings and eight of the last 10.

If you recall, New England beat Cincy last year in Week 1, which was arguably one of the ugliest games of the year. The Patriots have gone 4-1 in their last five trips to Cincinnati. The Bengals last home win over the Pats came in 2013.

New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

The Bills vs. Texans is the best matchup of the week. However, this game could be sneaky important to the AFC Wild Card picture. The Patriots are expected to be a better team this season and contend for the second spot in the AFC East.

The Bengals, depending on how great the Ravens are, could end up contending for the AFC North title if Cincy’s defense shows up this year. If not, then look for Cincy to battle for a Wild Card spot and make the Playoffs unlike how they fell short last year.

As for the winner of this game, I like the Bengals at home. I think Joe Burrow and company find a way to put up points and the Patriots won’t be able to keep pace on the scoreboard. However, I like the idea of New England’s QB Drake Maye having his best statistical performance of the year in this game.

Bet: Cincinnati Bengals (-205), Bengals -4.5 (-110)

New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

After 12 games played between these two teams, the Baltimore Ravens own this rivalry with a 10-2 record. In fact, the Ravens are 10-1 against the New York Jets. Other than winning in 1997, the Jets have one other victory in this rivalry and that came in 2016.

The last time these teams played against each other was in 2022, and Baltimore won 24-9. When it comes to these franchises playing in Baltimore, the Ravens are a perfect 6-0. Their last home game versus the Jets was in 2019, and Baltimore won 42-21.

New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions

By this point of the season, I fully expect the Jets to be mathematically eliminated from the Playoffs. Yeah, it sounds harsh, but there’s no way this team will even sniff .500 in late-November.

New York needs at least one more off-season before they turn things around. Don’t fret Jets fans because the Steelers will suffer the same fate after Aaron Rodgers plays there as well.

The Ravens have the better team and coaching staff in this matchup. I believe that Lamar Jackson will be playing at an MVP caliber level once again, and that’s bad news for the rest of the league especially inferior opponents like the Jets.

Baltimore’s opportunistic defense will cause chaos for the Jets offense, while the Ravens run all over New York’s worn-out defense. Baltimore wins by two touchdowns or more.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens (-575), Ravens -11.5 (-110)

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears Odds

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears have played against each other 28 times. And, it’s the Bears with a commanding 19-8-1 series lead. Chicago has won three of the last four meetings. Yet, it was Pittsburgh that was victorious in their most recent encounter. That game took place in 2021, and the Steelers won 29-27.

Since 1936, which was the first time these teams played against each other in Chicago, the Bears have gone 12-1 versus the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s only win at Chicago came in 1995, when they won 37-34 in OT.

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Chicago Bears Predictions

I think this matchup could be the turning point in the season for both franchises. This is usually the time of the year where the contenders start rising to the top and the pretenders start piling up the losses.

I believe in Chicago’s chances of fighting for a Wild Card spot. In fact, I like their chances more than I do the Steelers’ chances. Sure, Aaron Rodgers has played well against the Bears in the past, but we’re not watching past Rodgers. Instead, we’re watching Rodgers who is past his prime.

Pittsburgh’s offense won’t put up enough points in this matchup and Rodgers will throw two picks as the Bears reign supreme at home. Look for Caleb Williams to find success this week against an elite defense, which will mark the point in time where the young QB establishes himself as a Top 15 quarterback.

Bet: Chicago Bears (-130), Bears -2.5 (-110)

New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions Odds

The first time these two NFC teams played against each other was in 1930, when the Detroit Lions were known as the Portsmouth Spartans. After 47 head-to-head meetings, the Lions hold a slight advantage over the New York Giants with a 25-21-1 record.

Detroit has won four of the last five matchups, including three in a row. Their most recent game came in 2022, and the Lions won 31-18. Detroit has won two straight games at home over Detroit and are 15-9-1 all-time at home versus the Giants.

New York Giants vs. Detroit Lions Predictions

In case you didn’t pick up on this, there’s a theme of mismatches in the Week 12 slate. For example, we’ve got the Jets at Ravens, Colts at Chiefs, and Giants at Lions.

I’m actually surprised that Detroit’s line isn’t higher. Clearly, sportsbooks think higher of the Giants than I do. They should be at least as big of an underdog as the Jets at Baltimore.

Detroit is a beast at home and the Giants are not known for being a road warrior. In fact, the Giants have been known more for being a doormat than anything else these last few years.

There’s no way that Russell Wilson can keep New York in this game against Jared Goff and that explosive Lions offense.

Goff will pick apart this New York secondary, which will eventually open up running lanes where the Lions rushing attack will maul the Giants’ defense. Detroit wins by at least 10 points in what should be an easy pick.

Bet: Detroit Lions (-395), Lions -8.5 (-110)

Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans Odds

This head-to-head series dates back to when the Tennessee Titans were known as the Houston Oilers and both teams played in the AFC. After 19 meetings, the Seattle Seahawks hold a slim advantage over the Titans with an 11-8 record.

Their last meeting came in 2023, and the Seahawks won this matchup 20 to 17. Seattle has taken seven of the last 10 games. Seattle has also won three of their last four road games in this series, which includes trips to Tennessee and Houston.

Seattle Seahawks vs. Tennessee Titans Predictions

The Seattle Seahawks might not be a real contender in the NFC West this season, but they are still a better team than the Tennessee Titans.

This spread is too close as the oddsmakers are off on this one. Seattle has enough talent on both sides of the ball to win this game on the road.

I expect Seattle’s defense to have a statement game as they force turnovers and get after Cam Ward. Offensively, I like Seattle’s run game to set up the play-action where they hit some big plays on this suspect Titans defense.

I’m cool with taking Seattle up to -3 points in this matchup. Right now, these lines are a gift for NFL bettors.

Bet: Seattle Seahawks (-120), Seahawks -1.5 (-110)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers Odds

This longtime rivalry spans back to 1961, and covers 129 games between these franchises heading into the 2025 NFL season. Currently, the Green Bay Packers hold the advantage with a 66-60-3 record.

However, the Minnesota Vikings have won three of the last four games, six of the last nine meetings, and swept the Packers last season by a total of four points.

The Vikings have also won three of the last four games at Green Bay, which includes two in a row. The Packers are 35-28-3 all-time in home meetings versus the Vikings.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers Predictions

Depending on how good Minnesota is this year, this NFC North divisional battle could be a fantastic game.

Unfortunately, I don’t see the Vikings be as good as they were last year. And, I actually believe we see Green Bay improve from last season’s Wild Card team.

Jordan Love will have one more season under his belt and a plethora of passing weapons. Not to mention, this running game should be lethal with Josh Jacobs leading the platoon.

I actually think we’ll start hearing Love’s name in MVP discussions around this time of the year as he not only leads the Packers to an emphatic win over Minnesota, but as he continues to add to a strong statistical output this season.

Bet: Green Bay Packers (-175), Packers -3.5 (-110)

Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders Odds

The Cleveland Browns and Las Vegas Raiders have played against each other 28 times, and it’s the Raiders that hold an 18-10 advantage in his series.

Furthermore, the Raiders have won five games in a row over the Browns, which includes two consecutive victories at home against Cleveland.

These two teams played last season in Las Vegas, and the Raiders won that game by the score of 20-16. The Raiders hold a 10-7 record in home games versus the Browns.

Cleveland Browns vs. Las Vegas Raiders Predictions

Can we just dub this matchup the “toilet bowl”? We’ll be lucky if this game has a combined five wins between the two teams. More than likely, the Raiders and Browns will be battling the Titans for the #1 draft pick next year.

As for this matchup, I don’t see how the Raiders are favored by more than a field goal. It’s not like they have a great team. Sure, Geno Smith is a better QB than anything the Browns have, but Cleveland’s defense will create all kinds of problems for the Raiders.

I think these lines should be closer to Even. So, there’s small value with the Browns to cover the spread. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised of they pulled off the victory. This is a plus matchup for that talented Cleveland defense.

On the other side of field, the Browns have enough on offense to keep pace with the Raiders on the scoreboard. Also, because Las Vegas’ defense is pretty bad. Ok, I have now talked myself into taking the Browns to win the game outright.

Bet: Cleveland Browns (+145), Browns +3.5 (-110)

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

It’s only a small sample size, but the Arizona Cardinals lead the Jacksonville Jaguars in this series with a 4-2 record. Additionally, the Cardinals have won four consecutive meetings.

Their last matchup came in 2021, and the Cardinals won 31-19. The last time these two teams played against each other in Arizona came in 2017, and the Cardinals won 27-24.

Jacksonville has not defeated the Cardinals since 2005. That game took place in Arizona. The Cardinals are just 1-1 in home games versus the Jaguars.

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

In regards to fantasy football, this should be a fun matchup. In regards to betting, I like the Cardinals. I think Arizona is flying under the radar heading into the season. I have more confidence in the Cardinals than I do the Jaguars.

Other than maybe at Tennessee or Indy, I don’t see the Jaguars winning a road game. Certainly not at Arizona where they play better than on the road.

Look for Kyler Murray to have a big game for Arizona and lead this team to a victory of at least a touchdown. Give me the duo of McBride and Harrison over Hunter and Thomas. Could this be the week that Trey Benson breaks out and steamrolls the Jags?

Bet: Arizona Cardinals (-155), Cardinals -3 (-110)

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys Odds

Coming into this season, these divisional rivals have played against each other 132 times, which includes four postseason matchups. Currently, the Philadelphia Eagles hold a sizable lead in this rivalry with a 74-58 record.

Additionally, the Eagles have won three of the last four meetings between these two franchises including sweeping the Dallas Cowboys last season.

With that said, the Cowboys have gone 6-1 in their last seven home games versus the Eagles. Philly broke a six-game losing streak at Dallas by beating the Cowboys 34-6 last season.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys Predictions

If you want an emotional matchup, then it gets no bigger in Week 12 than this NFC East battle.

At this point of the season, I see the Eagles perched at the top of the NFC Conference standings while the Cowboys are fighting for a Wild Card spot. I don’t Dallas having a shot at winning the division because they’re not better than Philly or Washington.

Until the Cowboys prove they can beat an elite team like the Eagles, you have to bet against them. Prescott and company have a way of folding when the pressure intensifies. And, he will definitely face pressure from this Philly front seven.

The Cowboys might do a respectable job in containing this passing attack by the Eagles, but they won’t stop Saquon Barkley. Or, conversely, if they stack the box to try and stop Barkley, look for Jalen Hurts to have a big game against a Dallas secondary that was terrible last year.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-198), Eagles -4.5 (-110)

Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints Odds

Prior to the 2025 NFL season, these divisional rivals have played against each other 112 times. And, it’s deadlocked with each team winning 56 games apiece. However, the New Orleans Saints have taken eight of the last 11 games in this rivalry.

With that said, Atlanta has won two in a row at New Orleans including a 26-24 victory last year. In fact, the Falcons are 29-27 all-time in games played at New Orleans.

Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints Predictions

I’m really surprised by these lines as well. By Week 12, the Saints will be out of the running for the NFC South division and the Playoffs in general. Yet, the Falcons will be battling the Buccaneers for the divisional crown.

Furthermore, the Falcons have improved this offseason, whereas the Saints have gotten worse. Plus, Michael Penix will have one more offseason under his belt and the chemistry between him and Drake London will be Top 5 in the league. Also, that Atlanta running game will be vicious this year.

Take the Falcons to win this game by at least a field goal, and that’s being generous. I think we’ll see a six to seven-point win.

Bet: Atlanta Falcons (-125), Falcons -2.5 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Los Angeles Rams have played against each other 29 times, which includes three postseason matchups. The Rams lead the series with a 19-10 record.

Over the last 10 head-to-head meetings, the Rams have gone 8-2 versus the Bucs. Additionally, LA is 9-2 in home games versus Tampa Bay and have won four of their last five meetings at home. The last game to be played in LA by these two teams took place in 2021, where the Rams won 34-24.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Rams Predictions

The Sunday Night Football matchup for Week 12 is going to be an exciting one as we have two teams that should be leading their divisions at this point of the season. Additionally, I expect both teams to make the Playoffs just like last year.

However, since we have to pick one team to win this game, I like the Rams at home over a scrappy Tampa team.

The Bucs will slow down LA’s rushing game, but the Rams will pick apart a Tampa Bay secondary that was their weak link last year. And, it hasn’t gotten any better.

Stafford, Nacua and Adams will have a big game as they lead LA to a statement win on Sunday Night Football.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams (-145), Rams -2.5 (-110)

Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers Odds

The Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers have played against each other 23 times, and it’s the Panthers that hold the slight lead in this series with a 13-10 record.

However, the 49ers have won two games in a row over the Panthers. These teams last played against each other in 2022, and the 49ers won 37-15.

The Panthers have won three of their last four trips to the Bay Area, and have a surprising 7-4 all-time record when playing at San Francisco.

Carolina Panthers vs. San Francisco 49ers Predictions

You have to admit, this is a pretty ugly Monday Night Football matchup. The Panthers will be lucky to sniff .500 at this point in this season, and the 49ers will clearly show that they’re not a true contender in the NFC, let alone their division.

If we’re looking at the season as one big event, then this MNF matchup would be time for a bathroom break.

With that said, the MNF spotlight could be too bright for Carolina’s young stars like QB Bryce Young. I like the 49ers in this game as they’re more experienced and should have enough to win at home. Yet, don’t touch this spread. Instead, take the Under as I don’t see these two offenses being great this season.

Bet: San Francisco 49ers (-295), Under 46.5 (-110)

NFL Week 12 Best Bets

Check out our best NFL bets for Week 12:

• Kansas City Chiefs (-425)
• Detroit Lions (-395)
• Baltimore Ravens (-575)
• Philadelphia Eagles (-198)

Week 12 is one for the favorites. It’s just too much to think either of these teams will lose especially the first three as they’re all at home.

The Chiefs will cook the Colts, the Lions will maul the Giants, and the Ravens will scratch the Jets in easy wins.

Dallas might come out and play solid in the first half, but the Eagles will expose them in the second half and run away with the victory literally and figuratively.

There are other games to test the Underdog status like with the Browns over the Raiders. Don’t get cute here and think that the Giants, Jets, Colts or Cowboys will pull off the upset. Ride the favorites and enjoy close to a 2x ROI.

If you want to combine all of these picks into an NFL parlay, then you would win $174 on a $100 wager.