It’s time for our NFL Week 12 picks and predictions, starting with a trio of intriguing Thanksgiving Day clashes. Enjoy the turkey!
Matchup
Buffalo Bills
7-3
Detroit Lions
4-6
Thursday, Nov. 24
12:30 p.m. ET
CBS
BUF -9
The Lions have won three straight, and the Bills are now playing a second consecutive game in Detroit. The world is on tilt. That said, Buffalo might not have to put on Thanksgiving.
Pick: Buffalo 34, Detroit 27
Matchup
New York Giants
7-3
Dallas Cowboys
7-3
Thursday, Nov. 24
4:30 p.m. ET
FOX
DAL -9
Great matchup on a holiday. The Cowboys and Giants both need to win or face dropping down the NFC playoff picture. Dallas won the first matchup, and it should handle business here at home.
Pick: Dallas 26, New York 19
Matchup
New England Patriots
6-4
Minnesota Vikings
8-2
Thursday, Nov. 24
8:20 p.m. ET
NBC
MIN -3
The Vikings are coming off a humiliating loss to the Cowboys. One would think they come out with fire and squash New England, who has no offense to speak of.
Pick: Minnesota 23, New England 19
Matchup
Denver Broncos
3-7
Carolina Panthers
3-8
Sunday, Nov. 27
1 p.m. ET
FOX
DEN -2.5
I’d rather write about supply-side economics than this game.
Pick: Denver 13, Carolina 10
Matchup
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5-5
Cleveland Browns
3-7
Sunday, Nov. 27
1 p.m. ET
The Buccaneers are coming off their bye and playing a Browns team which, without Deshaun Watson, simply doesn’t have a passing game to fear.
Pick: Tampa Bay 22, Cleveland 16
Matchup
Atlanta Falcons
5-6
Washington Commanders
6-5
Sunday, Nov. 27
1 p.m. ET
FOX
WSH -3.5
Washington is making a push beyond quarterback Taylor Heinicke, going 4-1 in his starts. Like the Commanders to keep rolling here.
Pick: Washington 30, Atlanta 24
Matchup
Baltimore Ravens
7-3
Jacksonville Jaguars
3-7
Sunday, Nov. 27
1 p.m. ET
CBS
BAL -4
The Ravens have had some close calls against bad teams this season, but the Jaguars might not have enough offensive punch to pull the upset.
Pick: Baltimore 24, Jacksonville 21
Matchup
Chicago Bears
3-8
New York Jets
6-4
Sunday, Nov. 27
1 p.m. ET
FOX
NYJ -6
If Justin Fields doesn’t play, this might be the worst quarterback play we see this week. And keep in mind the Broncos and Panthers are meeting up.
Pick: New York 23, Chicago 18
Matchup
Cincinnati Bengals
6-4
Tennessee Titans
7-3
Sunday, Nov. 27
1 p.m. ET
CBS
CIN -1
Great game. The Bengals need to keep winning while the Titans are free and clear in the AFC South. Much more important for Cincinnati, and it shows.
Pick: Cincinnati 24, Tennessee 22
Matchup
Houston Texans
1-8-1
Miami Dolphins
7-3
Sunday, Nov. 27
1 p.m. ET
CBS
MIA -12
This could be a ritualistic killing. Tough to see the Texans being competitive for more than a half in this one.
Pick: Miami 38, Houston 20