Week 12 arrives with the league settling into the stretch run, and with Thanksgiving just a week away, every matchup feels increasingly tied to the playoff picture and the momentum teams are trying to build before the holiday slate. The week begins with one of the strongest Thursday night pairings of the season, as Josh Allen and the Bills face a relentless Texans defense that has kept Houston afloat despite recent offensive inconsistency. Buffalo is fighting to stay atop the AFC East, while Houston is clawing to re-enter the postseason conversation. Sunday gets rolling with a marquee matchup in Kansas City, where the reigning AFC champion Chiefs look to regain their rhythm against a Colts team that continues to surprise with its efficiency and physicality. Later in the afternoon, Chicago welcomes a Steelers team led by Aaron Rodgers, giving the Bears another chance to exorcise long-standing demons tied to a quarterback who has tormented them for years, whether he’s on the field or not. The NFC spotlight intensifies when the Eagles travel to Dallas for another chapter in their storied rivalry, followed by a Sunday night showdown between two division leaders as the Buccaneers visit the Rams. The week wraps with a meaningful Monday night reunion, as Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers host the Panthers in the star running back’s first shot at his former team. With postseason stakes rising fast, competition seems to be at an all time high. With that in mind, here are my previews for this week’s action:

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Thursday, November 20

Bills (-5.5) @ Texans (O/U: 44.5)

NRG Stadium, Houston, TX

8:15 pm, Prime Video

Best Bet: Josh Allen o34.5 Rushing Yards

Prediction

Final Score: Bills 23, Texans 17

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Sunday, November 23

Colts @ Chiefs (-3.5) (O/U: 49.5)

GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, MO

1 pm, CBS

Best Bet: Tyler Warren o4.5 Receptions

Prediction

Final Score: Chiefs 28, Colts 24

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Steelers @ Bears (-2.5) (O/U: 46.5)

Soldier Field, Chicago, IL

1 pm, CBS

Best Bet: Steelers ML

Prediction

Final Score: Steelers 24, Bears 20

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Patriots (-7.5) @ Bengals (O/U: 50.5)

Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

1 pm, CBS

Best Bet: TreVeyon Henderson o55.5 Rushing Yards

Prediction

Final Score: Patriots 34, Bengals 23

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Jets @ Ravens (-13.5) (O/U: 45.5)

M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, MD

1 pm, CBS

Best Bet: Under 45.5

Prediction

Final Score: Ravens 27, Jets 10

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Giants @ Lions (-13.5) (O/U: 50.5)

Ford Field, Detroit, MI

1 pm, FOX

Best Bet: Lions -13.5

Prediction

Final Score: Lions 31, Giants 13

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Vikings @ Packers (-6.5) (O/U: 41.5)

Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI

1 pm, FOX

Best Bet: JJ McCarthy o0.5 Pass Interceptions

Prediction

Final Score: Packers 23, Vikings 16

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Seahawks (-12.5) @ Titans (O/U: 41.5)

Nissan Stadium, Nashville, TN

1 pm, FOX

Best Bet: Seahawks -12.5

Prediction

Final Score: Seahawks 30, Titans 13

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Browns @ Raiders (-3.5) (O/U: 36.5)

Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV

4:05 pm, CBS

Best Bet: Raiders -3.5

Prediction

Final Score: Raiders 20, Browns 10

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Jaguars (-1.5) @ Cardinals (O/U: 46.5)

State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ

4:05 pm, CBS

Best Bet: Jacoby Brissett o36.5 Pass Attempts

Prediction

Final Score: Jaguars 27, Cardinals 23

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Falcons @ Saints (-1.5) (O/U: 41.5)

Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA

4:25 pm, FOX

Best Bet: Falcons ML

Prediction

Final Score: Falcons 24, Saints 16

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Eagles (-3.5) @ Cowboys (O/U: 47.5)

AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX

4:25 pm, FOX

Best Bet: Over 47.5

Prediction

Final Score: Eagles 31, Cowboys 24

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Buccaneers @ Rams (-7.5) (O/U: 49.5)

SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, CA

8:20 pm, NBC/Peacock

Best Bet: Emeka Egbuka o70.5 Receiving Yards

Prediction

Final Score: Rams 24, Buccaneers 21

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Monday, November 24

Panthers @ 49ers (-7.5) (O/U: 49.5)

Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, CA

8:15 pm, ABC/ESPN

Best Bet: Christian McCaffrey o122.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards

Prediction

Final Score: 49ers 31, Panthers 17

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Make sure to keep an eye out for more picks as another big weekend of football progresses!