NFL Week 12 Odds, Overview & Picks for Each Game

Week 11 in the National Football League brought some surprises on the field — none more unpleasant than the broken tibia and fibula that Washington quarterback Alex Smith suffered against the Houston Texans, 33 years to the day that Washington quarterback Joe Theismann suffered the same injury on national television against the Giants. The first start for Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson gave the Ravens a boost in their win over Cincinnati. The Saints hung 48 points on a Philadelphia defense that is now reeling. What can we expect this week? We have NFL betting predictions for each game. As always, the home team is in all caps.

NFL Week 12 Odds, Overview & Picks for Each Game

Regardless of what happens tonight, there’s no debate: The Saints rule the NFL right now. Expert rankings: https://t.co/fCjCw16yGH pic.twitter.com/BuaBEoT6Gq

— Bleacher Report NFL (@BR_NFL) November 19, 2018

• Bye Week: Kansas City, Los Angeles Rams

Thursday, November 22, 12:30pm ET

Chicago (-3) over DETROIT

Khalil Mack led the Chicago defense in a rousing effort that took down the Minnesota Vikings at home last week. Will that confidence carry over on a trip to Detroit on a short week? Yes — and Mitch Trubisky looks like the real deal at quarterback.

Thursday, November 22, 4:30pm ET

Washington (+7.5) over DALLAS

Colt McCoy will start for Washington in this game after the awful injury to Alex Smith. When did McCoy last pick up a win as a starting quarterback? That’s right, in Dallas on October 27, 2014. Washington pounds the ball and relies on their defense, and they’ve already beaten Dallas once. While Dallas might eke out a win, they won’t cover this spread with their own offensive issues.

Thursday, November 22, 8:20pm ET

NEW ORLEANS (-13) over Atlanta

Atlanta lost at home to Dallas by three on Sunday, in a game that saw Atlanta put up exactly six points in their first three quarters. The Saints will shred the Falcons’ defense with their passing game and roll to another big win.

Sunday, November 25, 1:00pm ET

BUFFALO (+3) over Jacksonville

The Jaguars are reeling right now, after losing again at home to Pittsburgh this week. Josh Allen will take advantage of a Jaguars’ defense that couldn’t cover down the field, and the Bills’ defense will drive the rhythm of the game.

CINCINNATI (-3) over Cleveland

The Bengals got demolished by New Orleans two weeks ago and then lost to Lamar Jackson and the Ravens on Sunday. The Browns are looking a lot better with Baker Mayfield than they have in a long time, but the Bengals will take out some frustrations here.

New England (-7.5) over N.Y. JETS

New England comes out of their bye week with a chance to visit the Jets, who are enjoying some growth thanks to the arrival of Sam Darnold at quarterback, and no coach does better preparation than Bill Belichick.

N.Y. Giants (+6) over PHILADELPHIA

The Giants are getting crazy on offense these days as they just scored 38 in a barnburner of a win over Tampa Bay on Sunday. Philadelphia is having a hard time stopping the run and the pass, so while Carson Wentz might be able to lead the Eagles to a win, I see it coming as a last-drive sort of win if he does.

BALTIMORE (NL) over Oakland

Yes, the Raiders held off Josh Rosen and the Arizona Cardinals. But Lamar Jackson looks better than Rosen, and the Ravens have a better defense than the Cardinals.

Sunday, November 25, 4:05pm ET

L.A. CHARGERS (-11.5) over Arizona

The Cardinals couldn’t hold off Oakland at home, so now they go on the road to face a Chargers team that is scoring on all cylinders. I see this one turning into a track meet in a hurry.

Sunday, November 25, 4:25pm ET

Pittsburgh (-3.5) over DENVER

Ben Roethlisberger continues to have an all-world season, and James Conner has replaced Le’Veon Bell quite ably. Denver’s defense won’t be able to keep up, and Case Keenum hasn’t played as well at quarterback as he did last year.

INDIANAPOLIS (NL) over Miami

Andrew Luck appears to be back to his old self throwing the ball. Miami can be cantankerous on defense, but Luck should be able to outduel the Miami offense.

Sunday, November 25, 8:20pm ET

MINNESOTA (-4.5) over Green Bay

The Vikings should be able to mount enough of a pass rush to keep Aaron Rodgers reeling, while Kirk Cousins can find Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen down the field.

Monday, November 26, 8:15pm ET

HOUSTON (NL) over Tennessee

The Texans overcame a game Washington team last week, and they prepare to host a Tennessee team that has played well as of late. However, I see the Texans’ defense restoring some order and keeping Tennessee limited in their drives.