-
NFL Nation, ESPNNov 22, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
The Week 12 NFL schedule for the 2024 season features an array of electrifying matchups that promise an action-packed weekend of football.
ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters uncover the critical narratives for every game, while analytics expert Seth Walder offers daring predictions for each contest. The research division at ESPN highlights significant statistics and insights regarding betting trends for every matchup. Additionally, our Football Power Index (FPI) deconstructs the figures to deliver game projections. Fantasy football guru Eric Moody identifies key fantasy X factors. Furthermore, analysts Kalyn Kahler, Moody, and Walder provide their final score predictions, consolidating everything you need to prepare for a thrilling weekend of NFL action.
Among the standout events this week is quarterback Tommy Devito making his first start of the season against the Buccaneers, as well as a pivotal NFC West clash between the Cardinals and the Seahawks. The excitement peaks on “Monday Night Football” with a highly anticipated game featuring the Ravens taking on the Chargers, broadcasting live on ESPN. (Game times listed are for Sunday unless specified otherwise.)
Jump to a matchup:
MIN-CHI | DET-IND | NE-MIA
TB-NYG | DAL-WSH | KC-CAR
TEN-HOU | DEN-LV | SF-GB
ARI-SEA | PHI-LAR | BAL-LAC
Thursday: CLE 24, PIT 19
Byes: ATL, BUF, CIN, NO, NYJ, JAX
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: MIN -3.5 (39.5 O/U)
Vikings storyline to watch: Under the leadership of coach Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have posted an impressive 8-4 record on grass fields since the 2022 season, showing a remarkable 2-0 record at Soldier Field. This marks a significant shift from the historical challenges the franchise faced when shifting indoors to the Metrodome in 1982 and later to U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016. Historically, over four decades, the franchise held a dismal .402 winning percentage on grass versus a .586 success rate on artificial turf. — Kevin Seifert
Editor’s Picks
2 Related
Bears storyline to watch: The Chicago Bears find themselves in a tough spot, grappling with a four-game losing streak, the most difficult remaining schedule in the NFL, as per ESPN Research. Following a recent switch in offensive coordinators from Shane Waldron to Thomas Brown, Chicago managed to score its highest point total since Week 6 in a narrow 20-19 defeat against Green Bay. Currently, the Bears are averaging just 11.5 points per game during this losing streak; the lowest in the league since Week 8. Coach Matt Eberflus holds a 2-11 record against NFC North rivals, the worst since his hiring in 2022. — Courtney Cronin
Stat to know: Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has faced multiple turnovers in four games this season; however, Minnesota has remained undefeated in these contests.
Bold prediction: Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will throw at least two interceptions. He may have played better last week, but facing the Vikings’ unconventional and effective defense presents significant challenges. — Walder
Injuries: Vikings | Bears
Fantasy X factor: Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze. The future looks bright for Odunze, who has seen seven-plus targets for the third time this season. He also led the Bears in targets ahead of DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Odunze now faces a Vikings defense that concedes the third-highest fantasy points to wide receivers. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Vikings 28, Bears 25
Moody’s pick: Vikings 23, Bears 14
Walder’s pick: Vikings 24, Bears 16
FPI prediction: MIN, 57.0% (by an average of 3.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: How legitimate are the 8-2 Vikings? You might be surprised … How will the offensive coordinator change impact Bears QB Williams? … Eberflus defends decision to run clock before kick
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: DET -7 (49.5 O/U)
Lions storyline to watch: Even though considered favorites this week, the Lions are keenly aware of the need to be vigilant against the Colts. Riding high on an eight-game winning streak, they stand as the only NFL team with a perfect 5-0 record on the road this season. Coach Dan Campbell emphasizes discipline: “We’re not the underdogs, but we have certain standards of preparation for games, and as long as we uphold those standards, you will continue to be a tough team to beat.” — Eric Woodyard
Colts storyline to watch: To overcome a robust offense like the Lions, establishing dominance in time of possession is crucial; however, Indianapolis has struggled. Currently, they rank 31st in time of possession, averaging just 26:40 per game. This is detrimental for their defense, which has been overworked, ranking second in defensive snaps with an average of 66.9 per game. — Stephen Holder
Stat to know: This season, the Lions have achieved four games where they recorded more touchdowns than incompletions—the highest total since 1933.
Bold prediction: The combined play-action snaps during the game will surpass any game this season (current high is 32). The Lions and Colts rank first and third in play-action rate, respectively. — Walder
Injuries: Lions | Colts
Fantasy X factor: Colts wide receiver Josh Downs. After a standout Week 11 performance, Downs caught all five of his targets from quarterback Anthony Richardson, yielding an impressive 19.4 fantasy points. This week, he faces a Lions secondary that has struggled, allowing the most receiving yards per game to wide receivers. Naching this defensive matchup, Downs appears set for another major performance. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Lions 40, Colts 24
Moody’s pick: Lions 37, Colts 20
Walder’s pick: Lions 30, Colts 21
FPI prediction: DET, 73.4% (by an average of 9.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Goff: Lions aiming for ‘perfection’ offensively … QB Richardson’s running ability is crucial for Colts … Lions lose LB Anzalone for 6-8 weeks … Paye’s heroics keep Colts in contention for the AFC South
play
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: MIA -7.5 (46.5 O/U)
Patriots storyline to watch: The Patriots’ defense has only forced one turnover in their past five games. With a minus-6 turnover differential, they rank tied for 26th in the NFL. Disrupting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, along with disrupting the Dolphins’ offensive flow, is vital. The Dolphins are coming off a turnover-free win over the Raiders. — Mike Reiss
Dolphins storyline to watch: Sunday’s contest features two of the league’s most accurate passers over the last month. Since Week 6, Patriots QB Drake Maye boasts the lowest off-target throw percentage in the league at 9.2%; Tagovailoa follows closely at 9.4%. Both signal-callers also excel in completion percentage over expectation, placing in the top 10. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Stat to know: The Dolphins currently hold a 14.6% chance to snag a playoff spot, which rises to 18.9% with a win and drops to 5.9% with a loss, according to ESPN Analytics.
Bold prediction: Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill will manage to catch a pass that covers at least 30 air yards. This is crucial as teams deploy more two-high coverage against the Dolphins, a strategy aimed to neutralize Hill. However, the Patriots run such coverage just 39% of the time, which is below the league average. — Walder
Injuries: Patriots | Dolphins
Fantasy X factor: Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson has been a focal point lately, logging 20-plus touches in three of the past four games and surpassing 20 fantasy points in two of those outings. This week he faces a Dolphins defense that gives up the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs. Given Miami’s 24th ranking in run stop win rate (29.5%), Stevenson’s workload paired with this matchup makes him a solid fantasy choice. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Patriots 22, Dolphins 20
Moody’s pick: Dolphins 28, Patriots 21
Walder’s pick: Dolphins 24, Patriots 20
FPI prediction: MIA, 68.0% (by an average of 6.8 points)
Matchup must-reads: Through six starts, Maye continues to impress as the Patriots’ QB … Transitioning Miami’s offense from explosive to efficient … Hill confirms he will play through wrist surgery concerns
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: TB -6 (41.5 O/U)
Buccaneers storyline to watch: According to center Graham Barton, “The playoffs for us really start now.” Entering this critical week at 4-6, coming off a bye and mired in a four-game losing streak, the Bucs find themselves in a situation reminiscent of last season. They previously clawed back to win five out of their last six games. Assuming no setbacks, the expected return of wide receiver Mike Evans and cornerback Jamel Dean should enhance their chances, while the statuses of Tristan Wirfs (MCL sprain) and Zyon McCollum (hamstring) remain uncertain. — Jenna Laine
Giants storyline to watch: Tommy DeVito takes over as the Giants’ starting quarterback, replacing Daniel Jones. DeVito aims to recapture the success he had last season when he led the team to three consecutive victories as an undrafted free agent. During his rookie season, he threw eight touchdown passes to just three interceptions; however, he also ended with a total QBR of 26.9, the lowest for any qualifying quarterback during Weeks 10-16. With minimal pre-season reps with the first-team offense, he faces an uphill battle ahead of him. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to know: The Buccaneers are one of only three teams in the Super Bowl era to average at least 27.9 points yet remain under .500. The other teams (the 2016 Saints and Chargers) did not make playoff appearances.
Bold prediction: Buccaneers edge rusher Yaya Diaby will record a sack, capitalizing on matchups against Evan Neal, the 2022 first-round pick who has had difficulty remaining on the field this season. Last season, DeVito had a 15.6% sack rate. — Walder
Injuries: Buccaneers | Giants
Fantasy X factor: Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. is in a prominent position with DeVito now at quarterback. Since assuming the lead back role in Week 5, he has scored over 14 fantasy points in four of his past six games. Against a Buccaneers defense that concedes the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs, Tracy is set for a solid outing as the Giants are likely to lean heavily on his contributions. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Buccaneers 28, Giants 14
Moody’s pick: Buccaneers 27, Giants 17
Walder’s pick: Buccaneers 26, Giants 10
FPI prediction: TB, 68.9% (by an average of 7.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: Can the Bucs embark on a playoff push with the easiest remaining schedule? … New Giants starter DeVito seeks to avoid the stress … Could WR Evans miss his 1,000-yard milestone? … Giants’ decision to bench Jones raises questions
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: WSH -10 (45.5 O/U)
Cowboys storyline to watch: Currently at 3-7, the Cowboys are striving to avoid their first six-game losing streak since 2015, a season that culminated in a disappointing 4-12 record. To accomplish this, they must overcome their former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, along with a few former teammates who joined the Commanders this offseason, including Tyler Biadasz, Dorance Armstrong, and Dante Fowler Jr. Despite winning five of the last six encounters against Washington, injuries will affect the current team composition, with at least four opening-day starters absent. Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) is forecast to return for his season debut. — Todd Archer
Commanders storyline to watch: The Commanders’ offense needs to reinvigorate their running game after struggling against formidable rushing defenses in recent matchups against Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. Establishing a running game is crucial for unlocking their offensive potential. Washington averages 5.2 yards per carry in their seven wins but drops to just 3.5 yards during losses. This marks a two-way street, as Jayden Daniels’ rushing ability also contributes significantly to their success. The good news for Washington is that Dallas ranks 24th in yards per carry allowed (4.7). — John Keim
Stat to know: Cowboys receiver CeeDee Lamb has accumulated 106 targets this season, tying him with Garrett Wilson for the league lead. However, he has managed just one game exceeding 100 yards after achieving eight such performances in 2023.
NFL Playoff Machine
Simulate your own scenarios and check the latest playoff picture. Playoff Machine »
• Playoff picture » | Standings » | More »
Bold prediction: The Commanders—including their running backs and Daniels—will achieve a combined 200 rushing yards to triumph over the Cowboys. Washington stands first in run block win rate (74.7%), while Dallas ranks 30th in the run stop win rate (26.9%). — Walder
Injuries: Cowboys | Commanders
Fantasy X factor: Robinson had 17 touches and logged 14.2 fantasy points against the Eagles in Week 11. Notably, he delivered an outstanding performance against Dallas, with the Texans’ Joe Mixon finding room for 35.3 fantasy points last week. Overall, Robinson is well-positioned to shine for his fantasy managers. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Commanders 40, Cowboys 17
Moody’s pick: Commanders 34, Cowboys 16
Walder’s pick: Commanders 37, Cowboys 13
FPI prediction: WSH, 78.3% (by an average of 11.4 points)
Matchup must-reads: Transition challenges for the Cowboys amidst the coaching shift … The Commanders’ offensive struggles are concerning … Dan Quinn’s rejuvenation has the Commanders in contention
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: KC -10.5 (45.5 O/U)
Chiefs storyline to watch: The Chiefs have consistently demonstrated stellar run defense all season. They rank third in yards allowed per carry at 3.6 and per game at 85.3. However, they will face a formidable challenge against Panther’s Chuba Hubbard, who has recorded three 100-yard games and boasts an impressive 5.1 yards per carry average this season. The question remains: can the Panthers utilize their running game effectively against the Chiefs? — Adam Teicher
Panthers storyline to watch: The Panthers’ defense has improved, particularly with the return of outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum, adding critical depth to their pass rush. A strong running game has allowed Carolina to remain competitive in recent contests with Bryce Young under center. Nonetheless, the Chiefs possess the third-best run defense in the NFL, which could force Young into a greater reliance on his passing abilities. Young has showcased his skills, throwing for 297 yards and one touchdown in leading the Panthers to two consecutive victories. — David Newton
Stat to know: A win for the Panthers would match their longest win streak over the past five years, having previously won two straight before their bye.
Bold prediction: Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco, if playing, will average over 5.5 yards per carry. The Panthers rank 28th in EPA allowed per designed carry, providing a favorable opportunity for the running back returning from injury. — Walder
Injuries: Chiefs | Panthers
Fantasy X factor: Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt is set to take a prominent role since Pacheco may be eased back into action. Hunt has consistently logged 20-plus touches in four of his last five games. He also scored 17+ fantasy points in three of those outings. This matchup against a Panthers defense that concedes the most fantasy points per game to running backs sets the stage for Hunt’s impactful performance. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Chiefs 34, Panthers 17
Moody’s pick: Chiefs 31, Panthers 16
Walder’s pick: Chiefs 27, Panthers 13
FPI prediction: KC, 77.0% (by an average of 11.3 points)
Matchup must-reads: Analysis of Andy Reid’s play calling … Panthers’ Young enjoying newfound success
play
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: HOU -7.5 (40.5 O/U)
Titans storyline to watch: Texans defensive lineman Denico Autry faces his former team for the first time this week. An 11-year veteran, Autry has recorded three sacks in five games. He will face Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, allowing six sacks. This matchup is crucial for Houston, especially in key situations. — Turron Davenport
Texans storyline to watch: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud averages 259 passing yards per game; however, the Titans are the league’s toughest against the pass, allowing the fewest passing yards per game at 164.6. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledges how effectively the Titans play tight coverage, particularly on third down—they rank third-lowest in conversion rate allowed at 32.5%. — DJ Bien-Aime
Stat to know: The Titans hold a 14% chance at snagging the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL draft, per ESPN Analytics. Their chances improve to 19% with a loss; conversely, they drop to 5% with a win.
Bold prediction: Texans wide receiver Nico Collins will register a touchdown reception of over 50-yards. The Titans allow an average depth of target of 10.5 yards downfield, raising expectations for deep shots to Collins. — Walder
Injuries: Titans | Texans
Fantasy X factor: Texans D/ST is a formidable unit, ranking second in run stop win rate (34.7%) and first in pass rush win rate (50.2%). This could compel Tennessee to increase reliance on their passing game, which poses risks given their offensive line ranks 28th in pass block win rate (52.3%). See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Texans 28, Titans 14
Moody’s pick: Texans 23, Titans 16
Walder’s pick: Texans 27, Titans 16
FPI prediction: HOU, 71.1% (by an average of 8.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: Callahan stands behind Titans’ coach despite losing … Stingley adjusting to covering top receivers
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: DEN -6 (41.5 O/U)
Broncos storyline to watch: The Broncos have struggled in Las Vegas, holding an 0-4 record since the Raiders’ move to the desert. Ending this pattern hinges on how effectively the Broncos’ offense can capitalize in the red zone. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix recently delivered the best performance of his young career (307 yards, 4 TDs, 84.8% completion percentage) in a triumph over the Falcons. The Broncos have converted only 5-of-15 red zone visits in their five losses, while achieving a more favorable 16-of-21 in their six wins. The Raiders have allowed touchdowns on at least 75% of red zone opportunities in four of their last six games. — Jeff Legwold
Raiders storyline to watch: The Raiders boast the NFL’s most anemic running game, averaging just 75.2 yards per game. Their two leading running backs, Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quad), missed practice on Wednesday. This situation leaves the team relying on veteran Ameer Abdullah, who rushed for 82 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries this season, as well as rookie Dylan Laube, and practice squad player Sincere McCormick. Denver counters with the sixth-best run defense league-wide. “I’m ready,” Abdullah stated, having recently rushed for 42 yards—his highest total since 2017—against Denver in Week 5. — Paul Gutierrez
Stat to know: The Raiders have faltered against rookie starting quarterbacks, facing a seven-game losing streak in such matchups since 2020—the latest stretch in the NFL.
Bold prediction: The Raiders will avoid targeting Pat Surtain II altogether. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Surtain possesses a mere 9.5% target rate this season, marking the second-lowest among outside corners. The Raiders lack a receiver capable of forcing that action. — Walder
Injuries: Broncos | Raiders
Fantasy X factor: Nix is at the helm of Denver’s offense—set up for another explosive game against a Raiders defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Nix has consistently demonstrated scoring 16 or more fantasy points in seven consecutive games with three surpassing 23 points. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Broncos 28, Raiders 20
Moody’s pick: Broncos 24, Raiders 10
Walder’s pick: Broncos 20, Raiders 13
FPI prediction: DEN, 56.2% (by an average of 2.2 points)
Matchup must-reads: Broncos are building youthful talent amidst salary cap challenges … Raiders’ new offense relies on Bowers … Rookie Nix keeping Broncos playoff hopes alive
play
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: GB -2 (47.5 O/U)
49ers storyline to watch: The 49ers continue to deal with injuries, particularly concerning defensive end Nick Bosa, who has played through hip and oblique issues for the third consecutive week. The 49ers risk a lackluster pass rush if Bosa can’t contribute. With Bosa on the field, the Niners maintain a pressure rate of 33% and sack rate of 8%. If Bosa is absent or impaired, those metrics combust to 18% and 2%—the worst in the league. His participation is crucial for San Francisco’s desperate playoff ambitions. — Nick Wagoner
Packers storyline to watch: Quarterback Jordan Love excelled last week, completing all six attempts for deep throws of 15 or more yards against the Bears—four of which connected with receiver Christian Watson. Love ranks among the top five in air yards per attempt. Still, the 49ers’ defense presents strong opposition against long passes, holding opposing quarterbacks to the lowest Total QBR and second-lowest completion percentage on such throws, along with a dismal ratio of three touchdown passes to seven picks. — Rob Demovsky
Stat to know: The Packers are undefeated at 5-0 against teams with .500 or worse records, but only hold a 2-3 mark against winning teams this season.
Follow the NFL all season long
• Full schedule » | Standings »
• Depth charts for every team »
• Transactions » | Injuries »
• Football Power Index »
• Playoff picture projections »
More NFL coverage »
Bold prediction: 49ers tight end George Kittle will register over 90 receiving yards in the matchup. ESPN’s receiver scores favor Kittle this season, boasting the second-highest overall score among all wide receivers and tight ends, second only to A.J. Brown. — Walder
Injuries: 49ers | Packers
Fantasy X factor: 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings has emerged as a key figure, leading the team with 11 targets for two consecutive games and exceeding 16 fantasy points each time. His efficiency, reflected in a remarkable 2.66 yards per route run, places him alongside elite performers like Puka Nacua and Justin Jefferson. Jennings is positioning himself as a primary option within the 49ers offense. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: 49ers 28, Packers 26
Moody’s pick: 49ers 27, Packers 24
Walder’s pick: Packers 24, 49ers 23
FPI prediction: GB, 54.6% (by an average of 1.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Kittle pledges to play versus Packers … Packers’ Love learns from previous playoff defeat against 49ers … Williams remains a top contender for best OT at 36
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: ARI -1 (47.5 O/U)
Cardinals storyline to watch: This Sunday will provide crucial insights into how the Cardinals manage their momentum coming off a bye week after securing four consecutive victories. So far, players express confidence in practice, but translating focus into on-field performance remains paramount. A victory against the Seahawks would solidify the Cardinals’ place as the leaders of the NFC West, setting up a rematch against Seattle in two weeks. — Josh Weinfuss
Seahawks storyline to watch: The Seahawks’ offensive line has been a consistent liability throughout the first nine games; however, they turned in one of their best performances of the season against the 49ers. Abraham Lucas made his season debut at right tackle, while Olu Oluwatimi stepped in at center after Connor Williams’ unexpected retirement. Facing the Cardinals, who struggle in pass rush win rate and pressure, Seattle aims for an advantage in the upcoming matchups. — Brady Henderson
Stat to know: Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray currently holds the dubious distinction of losing his last five matches against the Seahawks. Another defeat would tie the franchise record for the longest losing streak by a starting quarterback against Seattle.
Bold prediction: Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen will limit receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to a maximum of 20 receiving yards. This season, Woolen has posted exceptional defensive numbers, allowing only 0.7 yards per coverage snap, the fifth fewest among outside corners, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. — Walder
Injuries: Cardinals | Seahawks
Fantasy X factor: Harrison’s production has fluctuated, commanding a 40% target share in the red zone, the eighth-highest rate in the league. The Seahawks’ defense has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to wide receivers and the ninth-most receiving touchdowns. With these statistics, Harrison could have a breakout performance. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Cardinals 30, Seahawks 27
Moody’s pick: Cardinals 28, Seahawks 24
Walder’s pick: Cardinals 29, Seahawks 26
FPI prediction: ARI, 54.4% (by an average of 1.6 points)
Matchup must-reads: Robinson focused on day-to-day improvements as he returns from injury … Power outage at Seahawks’ training facility coincided with a storm
play
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: PHI -2.5 (48.5 O/U)
Eagles storyline to watch: The Rams just played their second game of the season without a turnover. After recording only two takeaways—an NFL low—from Weeks 1 to 7, the Eagles have taken the ball away 11 times since Week 8. Philadelphia leads the NFL with 43 points scored off turnovers during that timeframe. — Tim McManus
Rams storyline to watch: The Eagles have heavily relied on running back Saquon Barkley, who leads the league with 1,347 scrimmage yards. Defensive game plans are likely to adjust, which would require quarterback Jalen Hurts and the passing game to step up. A key battle will revolve around receiver A.J. Brown versus the Rams’ pass defense, which has allowed 18 touchdown passes so far this season. Brown boasts an average of 88.3 receiving yards per game, ranking fourth behind elite receivers like Nico Collins and Justin Jefferson. — Sarah Barshop
Stat to know: The Eagles have recorded at least 150 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns across five consecutive games—the longest such streak since the Bengals in 1988.
Bold prediction: Eagles guard Landon Dickerson will successfully fend off pass block losses against either Braden Fiske or Kobie Turner. Though a challenging matchup, Dickerson has registered an impressive 94% pass block win rate. — Walder
Injuries: Eagles | Rams
Fantasy X factor: Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith has faltered recently, amassing just 10.3 fantasy points over the past two matchups. However, it is advised not to overlook him. This week’s matchup against the Rams holds potential, and Smith has consistently accumulated over 15 fantasy points in six of nine games played this season. His return to form seems imminent, making him a promising option. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Eagles 28, Rams 23
Moody’s pick: Eagles 31, Rams 19
Walder’s pick: Eagles 27, Rams 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 58.6% (by an average of 3.5 points)
Matchup must-reads: Eagles navigate dual corners, Slay and Mitchell … Rams will aim to disrupt Philadelphia’s dynamic ‘tush push’ offense
8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC | ESPN BET: BAL -3 (50.5 O/U)
Ravens storyline to watch: Lamar Jackson has set a remarkable record as the best quarterback in “Monday Night Football” history. In his eight appearances, he has thrown 20 touchdown passes with zero interceptions and boasts an 86 QBR—the highest among quarterbacks with at least five starts. Conversely, the Chargers have displayed formidable defense this season, allowing only 14.5 points per game—the lowest average after 11 weeks since the 2019 Patriots. — Jamison Hensley
Chargers storyline to watch: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is enjoying one of the finest stretches of his career. He has gone 246 pass attempts without an interception, representing the longest streak in team history. Additionally, he has six touchdowns on passes exceeding 20 yards, tied for the most in the league. This particular matchup may favor him, as the Ravens continue to suffer from coverage issues in their pass defense, yielding an average of 284.5 yards per game. — Kris Rhim
Stat to know: Jackson and Herbert currently lead the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio at 8.3 and 13.0, respectively. This marks the third such matchup in the past 20 seasons where the outright leaders meet in Week 12 or later.
Bold prediction: Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins will achieve his first career interception. Baltimore’s pass defense has struggled, but Wiggins has permitted only 0.8 yards per coverage snap, which is significantly lower than the league average of 1.2, despite having a somewhat standard 17% target rate. — Walder
Injuries: Ravens | Chargers
Fantasy X factor: Herbert. The Ravens’ defense is one of the most generous, conceding the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Recently, the Chargers have relied heavily on their passing attack through Herbert. He has amassed 19-plus fantasy points in four straight matchups. Given the matchup, expect the Chargers to remain aggressive and keep airing it out, establishing Herbert and his receivers as exceptional fantasy options this week. See Week 12 rankings. — Moody
Kahler’s pick: Chargers 28, Ravens 25
Moody’s pick: Chargers 23, Ravens 20
Walder’s pick: Ravens 24, Chargers 17
FPI prediction: BAL, 60.4% (by an average of 4.1 points)
Matchup must-reads: Tucker’s reflections on missed field goals: ‘Nobody takes it more personally than I do’ … McConkey’s signature rookie moment emerged during a key victory over the Bengals