The NFL’s Week 12 of the 2025 season is underway, following the Texans’ victory over the Bills with a score of 23-19 on Thursday night. To prepare us for the rest of the action, our NFL analysts offer you comprehensive coverage.
Contents
Pre-Match Analysis: Week 12 Keys
We begin with an in-depth analysis of key statistical trends, prominent fantasy football players, potential surprises, crucial matchups, and the most promising bets of the week.- Statistical Trends: An analysis of the key trends that could define the Week 12 results.
- Fantasy Revelation Players: Names that could surprise in your fantasy teams.
- Possible Surprises: Matches that could take unexpected turns.
- Key Matchups: Individual duels that could change the course of the matches.
- Bet of the Week: The bet recommended by our experts.
- Quarterback Questions: Interesting quarterback situations around the league.
Key Statistical Trends
Our analyst, Seth Walder, presents us with three statistical trends that could be crucial in determining the winners of Week 12.Will the Chiefs be able to stop the Colts’ play-action attack?Play-action is fundamental in the Colts’ offense, using it in 33% of their plays, the second-highest percentage in the NFL. The Chiefs, despite being a solid defense, have struggled against play-action. They rank last in EPA allowed per play-action play (0.38) and have allowed a 62% success rate against play-action, the second-worst among all defenses.Will the Raiders be able to stop Shedeur Sanders, the Browns’ quarterback?
Although the Raiders’ defensive line isn’t particularly threatening, they could have an advantage against Sanders in his first NFL start. Sanders showed difficulties under pressure in college, which could be exploited by the Las Vegas defense.Will the Cowboys be able to throw deep passes against the Eagles?The Cowboys lead the league with 31% of their routes being vertical, a key tactic in their aerial attack. However, the Eagles are experts at defending this type of play, allowing the lowest EPA per play when opponents attempt vertical routes (0.04).Breakout Players for Fantasy Football
Eric Moody presents us with five players who could be key on your fantasy teams and who are available in a low percentage of leagues.Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans (36.2% on rosters)
Spears continues to share the workload with Tony Pollard, but his increasing involvement in the passing game is promising. He has achieved at least three receptions and averaged 10.1 fantasy points in the last five games. He could see even more work this week due to the injuries of the Titans’ receivers. The Seahawks also allow the fourth-most receptions and the fifth-most receiving yards per game to running backs.Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals (32.4% rostered)
Wilson is an excellent option for Week 12, especially after Marvin Harrison Jr.’s absence due to an appendectomy. He comes from a record-breaking game with 15 receptions for 185 yards, showing to be Arizona’s number one receiver. Jacksonville’s defense has allowed the most fantasy points per game to wide receivers since Week 6, where Wilson performs.
AJ Barner, TE, Seattle Seahawks (13.3% on rosters)
Barner had a personal record of 11 targets against the Rams in Week 11, finishing with 17.1 fantasy points. He has emerged as Seattle’s second option behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. In addition, the team uses him in their version of the “tush push”, which gives him a rare advantage in the end zone for a tight end. Barner has scored at least 11 fantasy points in two of his last three games and has an excellent opportunity against the Titans.Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers (10.8% on rosters)
Young is coming off his best performance of the season with 31.8 fantasy points against the Falcons and seems to finally be in sync with his number one receiver, Tetairoa McMillan. The 49ers’ defense has been decimated by injuries and is giving up the fifth-most passing yards per game. San Francisco also allowed 21.8 fantasy points to Jacoby Brissett of the Cardinals in Week 11.Andrei Iosivas, WR, Cincinnati Bengals (5.6% on rosters)
Ja’Marr Chase’s suspension opens the door for Iosivas to receive more targets against the Patriots. He has had three games this season with more than four targets and has scored at least 13 fantasy points in two of them. Iosivas averages 13.5 yards per reception, so even limited volume can translate into significant fantasy production. The Patriots will be without key defensive players and their defense allows the second-most touchdowns per game to receivers. With Tee Higgins drawing the most defensive attention, Iosivas could see more favorable coverage.Possible Surprises
Ben Solak presents us with two possible surprises in Week 12.The Cardinals will surprise the Jaguars
Despite Arizona’s recent losses, Solak believes in the offense led by Brissett against a Jaguars defense that needs turnovers to succeed. He expects a desperate performance at home from the Cardinals.The Browns will win by running the ball against the RaidersSolak predicts that the Browns’ path to offensive victory will be based on a physical running game. The Las Vegas defense has weaknesses, and Cleveland’s running game has improved with the emergence of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins.Key Confrontation
Matt Bowen highlights the key matchup of the week.Jalen Hurts vs. Matt EberflusBowen highlights the matchup between Jalen Hurts and Cowboys defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. In the first matchup of the season, Eberflus’ defense used zone coverage on 87.9% of Hurts’ pass attempts. The Eagles should have answers for Hurts this week, looking to create opportunities for their quarterback.
Bet of the Week
Pamela Maldonado shares her favorite bet for Week 12.Indianapolis Colts +3.5 against Kansas City ChiefsMaldonado is betting on the Colts, arguing that they are designed to exploit the Chiefs’ weaknesses. The Colts’ ability to run the ball, make explosive plays through play-action, and maintain efficiency on early downs should keep the game within a field goal margin. Despite the presence of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs haven’t shown significant differences in their games.Questions about Quarterbacks
We analyze the situations of the quarterbacks in the league.What did the Seahawks learn from Sam Darnold’s performance with four interceptions against the Rams?
Darnold highlighted two issues: he needed to better recognize the Rams’ coverage and advance his progressions instead of focusing on one or two targets. Coach Mike Macdonald emphasized the importance of balancing Darnold’s game, allowing him to be a playmaker but avoiding risking the ball on the field.What should we expect from Shedeur Sanders this week, now that he has time to work with the first team?
The practice week will allow the Browns to create a game plan that maximizes Sanders’ strengths and minimizes his weaknesses. Concepts that highlight his long passing accuracy are expected to be used, and solutions will be found for the blitzes that caused him problems against the Ravens. The Browns are anticipated to move the pocket and allow Sanders to throw the ball in rhythm.What improvements do the Saints expect from Tyler Shough after the bye week?Shough has been developing chemistry with Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson. He is expected to continue improving in his first home start, especially with the confidence that the victory against the Panthers gives him.What will be the biggest difference in the Falcons’ game plan with Kirk Cousins?Cousins is expected to throw more passes to running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, and to target Kyle Pitts Sr. more, especially with Drake London out. Cousins will likely attack the middle of the field more with intermediate routes. The Falcons could play less with the “pistol” formation.
