Week 12 of the NFL schedule is about to kick off and this season has shown that anyone can be beat any given Sunday. As we approach the final seven games of the NFL season the playoff picture is becoming clearer, but the upsets are still likely to shake things up a bit. Very few teams have shown they can be dominant completely down the stretch. The Kansas City Chiefs are no longer undefeated, the Detroit Lions had one of their worst games two weeks ago against the Texans. No team is simply unbeatable, and this week will prove just that.
Bears Will Take Down The Vikings
The Chicago Bears came dangerously close to knocking off the Green Bay Packers once and for all last week. A blocked field goal being the only thing keeping Chicago fans from singing quarterback Caleb Williams‘ praises.
The rookie passer would complete 23 out of 31 attempts for 231 yards. Williams would also add 70 rushing yards to their offensive attack. This was potentially one of Williams best performances as a pro since being selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft.
The Minnesota Vikings have struggled as of late, in large part due to quarterback Sam Darnold. Before this season Darnold was considered just one of the NFL Drafts latest busts. To begin the year he played so well, analysts were putting him in MVP conversations. Now, the old Darnold has appeared with a vengeance as he continues to force throws into tight windows resulting in being intercepted.
Prediction:
The Bears defense feasts on Darnold’s high risk throws, picking him off at least twice. Caleb Williams won’t have a great game against the Brian Flores defense but should be able to do just enough with his legs to keep the Bears in it. Expect a low scoring and ugly game.
Vikings- 17 Bears-19
Patriots End Dolphins Playoff Hopes
The New England Patriots knew coming into the year it would be a rebuilding type of season. Rookie Drake Maye hasn’t always played great, given his vulnerable offensive line and lack of a true number one receiver. But each week he has continued to grow and get better, Maye is looking like a very good young quarterback for the Patriots. If they can get the run game going with Rhamondre Stevenson, this could turn into a breakout game for the Patriots.
The Miami Dolphins struggled when quarterback Tua Tagovailoa missed four games due to another concussion. This team’s injury woes don’t stop there though, Tyreek Hill has been dealing with a wrist injury, and it may become a factor at any moment. The Dolphins beating up on the bottom dwelling Raiders have convinced some people that they are back in the playoff hunt.
Except, Miami has yet to win a game over an opponent with a winning record. They’ve feasted on teams like the Raiders or Jaguars, but when put up against a team such as the Bills or even the Cardinals they falter. There is a good chance this Dolphins offensive line can’t stop the Patriots surging pass rushers.
Prediction
Drake Maye and Rhamondre Stevenson each rush for over 50 yards, Maye will have one of his best statistical performances against a Dolphins team desperate to win. Tua will be sacked at least four times and turn the ball over. The Miami offense will struggle to move the ball on an up-and-coming defense.
Patriots- 23 Dolphins- 17
49ers Beat The Packers…Again
The San Francisco 49ers come into this game desperately needing a win to keep pace in the playoff hunt. Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey will have to wield their team to victory and avoid falling further down in the standings. The 49ers ended the Packers season last year in the divisional round of the playoffs, they have the firepower to beat them again.
McCaffrey hasn’t missed a beat since returning from IR, proving why he is the best back in the league. Green Bay has the 14th ranked run defense, not horrible but enough to make you worry that McCaffrey could be in for a big day. The star running back will be the key to the 49ers’ success in this game.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love has struggled with turnovers this year, throwing 11 interceptions. Green Bay was almost upset last week against the Chicago Bears, and it took a blocked field goal for them to squeak by with a 20-19 win. There won’t be any squeaking by with a team like the 49ers.
Unless Love drastically improves his play on Sunday, expect the Niners defense to take full advantage and create multiple turnovers. San Francisco has a top 10 defense in every category, this won’t be an easy test for the Packers.
Prediction:
Christian McCaffrey runs wild, topping 100 yards and two scores. Jordan Love will struggle against the 49ers defense, as they will most likely shut down running back Josh Jacobs. Leaving the game on Love’s shoulders, in those type of games he likes to throw interceptions at costly times. Expect the same here.
49ers- 27 Packers- 20
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