Detailed Analysis of NFL Week 12 of 2025
Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season is underway, following the Texans’ victory over the Bills with a score of 23-19 on Thursday night. Alofoke Deportes analysts bring you the key information to prepare you for the rest of the day. Our team of experts has prepared an exhaustive analysis that includes crucial statistical trends, “sleeper” players for your Fantasy teams, potential surprises, key matchups, and the best bets for the week. In addition, Alofoke Deportes reporters answer burning questions about the quarterback situations across the league.Will the Raiders spoil Shedeur Sanders’ debut as the Browns’ starter? Will Michael Wilson, Cardinals wide receiver, have a standout Fantasy performance? What impact will Bucky Irving’s return have for the Bucs? And, what did Sam Darnold, Seahawks quarterback, learn from last week’s loss to the Rams?
Here’s a breakdown of the week’s most relevant points, starting with the key data.Key Statistical Trends
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 passing plays, the second-highest figure in the NFL. This resource could be particularly effective in Week 12, as the Chiefs, despite being a solid defense (13th in EPA allowed per pass play), have struggled against play-action, ranking last in EPA allowed per play-action play (0.38) and allowing a 62% success rate, the second-worst mark in the league.
Will the Raiders be able to pressure Shedeur Sanders, Browns quarterback?
In general, the Raiders’ pass rush isn’t very aggressive. Although Maxx Crosby is a constant threat, Las Vegas ranks 15th in pass rush win rate (38.0%), 26th in pressure rate (27.7%), and 26th in sack rate (5.2%). However, against Sanders in his starting debut, they might not need to be very effective to generate impact. In 2024, Sanders had a pressure rate of 39.2% (17th highest out of 129 FBS players) and suffered sacks on 7.5% of his pass plays (25th highest). This happened despite being blitzed only 17.9% of the time (third lowest) and with the first pressure occurring after an average of 3.1 seconds (fourth lowest). This indicates that he himself generated the pressure. In the NFL, that will be a challenge.Will the Cowboys be able to throw long passes against the Eagles?The Cowboys’ 31% route rate this season has been vertical, the highest rate in the league. This has been key in their aerial attack, averaging 0.66 EPA when targeting vertical routes. Unfortunately for Dak Prescott and the Cowboys, their strength might not be ideal against the Eagles, who allow the lowest EPA per play when opponents target a vertical route (0.04).“Sleeper” Players for Fantasy
Tyjae Spears, RB, Tennessee Titans (36.2% on rosters)
Spears continues to share the workload with Tony Pollard, but his growing role in the passing game is promising. He has recorded at least three receptions and averaged 10.1 Fantasy points in the last five games. This gives him a reliable floor, and he could have even more work this week due to injuries to Tennessee’s wide receivers. The Seahawks also allow the fourth-most receptions and the fifth-most receiving yards to running backs.Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals (32.4% rostered)
Wilson is a solid option to start in Week 12, especially with Marvin Harrison Jr.’s absence due to an appendectomy. He’s coming off a record day with 15 receptions for 185 yards, with a 31.6% target share against the 49ers, making him Arizona’s number 1 receiver. Although he won’t have that volume every week, Wilson should be heavily involved against the Jaguars. The matchup also favors him, as Jacksonville has allowed the most Fantasy points per game to wide receivers since Week 6.
Description: Should Fantasy managers start Michael Wilson in Week 12? Tristan H. Cockcroft analyzes Michael Wilson’s production in Week 11 for the Cardinals.
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. The team also uses him in their version of the “tush push”, giving 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 a great opportunity against the Titans.Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers (10.8% on rosters)
Young hasn’t been a reliable starter this season, but he’s coming off scoring 31.8 Fantasy points against the Falcons and finally seems to be in sync with his number 1 receiver, Tetairoa McMillan. Meanwhile, the 49ers’ defense has been decimated by injuries and is allowing the fifth-most passing yards per game. San Francisco also allowed 21.8 Fantasy points to Jacoby Brissett of the Cardinals in Week 11, despite Wilson and Greg Dortch being their only significant wide receiver options.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 also averages 13.5 yards per reception, so even limited volume can turn into significant Fantasy production. The Patriots will be without key defensive players, and their defense allows the second-most touchdowns per game to wide receivers. With Tee Higgins drawing most of the defensive attention, Iosivas is positioned to see more favorable coverage.Possible Surprises
Joe Burrow will win his first game after his toe injury.Burrow is questionable to play, so this prediction assumes he will be on the field. Although the Bengals’ defense has been the worst in the league all season, their performance against the Steelers was the best they’ve had. The energy in Cincinnati will be incredible if Burrow returns, and the Patriots’ defense is more vulnerable through the air than on the ground. This should be a shootout that the Bengals can win.The Cardinals will surprise the Jaguars.Arizona’s last two games have been disappointing, with 44 and 41 points against them. But early deficits in the first quarter have thrown off their games, and I still trust this Brissett-led offense against a Jaguars defense that needs turnovers to succeed. Arizona has a 3-7 record, but that coaching staff is fighting for their jobs. I expect a desperate performance at home.The Browns will win by running the ball against the Raiders.Everyone is excited to see Sanders, but the Browns’ path to offensive victory depends on a physical, under-center running game. The Las Vegas defense has holes everywhere (besides defensive end Maxx Crosby), and Cleveland’s running game has improved with the emergence of rookie running back Quinshon Judkins. Sanders’ best plays this week could be short passes.Bucky Irving will revolutionize the Buccaneers’ offense against the Rams.We saw a glimpse of what the talent in the backfield could bring to the Buccaneers’ offense last week, when Sean Tucker had a great performance against the Bills with two touchdowns and 140 total yards. Tampa’s short passing game hasn’t been as potent in the absence of Irving (foot and shoulder injuries), and very few runs that generate explosive gains have been made. Tucker’s success, along with Irving’s return, could bring a much-needed “ease” button back to the Tampa Bay offense, at a time when it desperately needs a boost.Key Confrontation
Jalen Hurts, Eagles quarterback, vs. Matt Eberflus, Cowboys defensive coordinator.The Eagles need to improve their passing game, and they have a plan to study with Dallas’ defense. In the Week 1 matchup between both teams, Eberflus’ unit played zone coverage on 87.9% of Hurts’ passing plays. The Eagles should have answers for Hurts this week. They can create open spaces for the quarterback, while also putting him in a position to throw passes in the middle of the field.The Week’s Bet
Indianapolis Colts +3.5 against Kansas City Chiefs.Indy is designed to exploit all the Chiefs’ weaknesses. The Colts love to run the ball, make explosive plays through play-action, and dictate efficiency on early downs, which should keep the score within a field goal. Patrick Mahomes is still a difficult opponent, but this version of the team hasn’t created large margins. With the Colts’ EPA profile, their improved man coverage with cornerback Sauce Gardner, and their ability to score on sustained drives, +3.5 is the right bet.Questions about Quarterbacks
What did the Seahawks learn from Sam Darnold’s performance with four interceptions against the Rams?Darnold pointed out two problems: he needed to better recognize the Rams’ coverage and advance his progressions instead of focusing on one or two targets. On his second interception, cornerback Cobie Durant jumped Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s out route because Darnold’s eyes never left his number 1 receiver. Darnold’s fourth interception was on an extended play. As coach Mike Macdonald pointed out, those off-platform plays have produced some of his best moments.What should we expect from Shedeur Sanders this week, with time to work with the first team?You don’t want to take away his ability to make plays, but you also understand when we need to move on to the next play instead of putting the ball in danger on the field.
Mike Macdonald, Coach
One of the main advantages of a practice week is to work on a game plan designed to maximize Sanders’ strengths and minimize his weaknesses. That means using concepts that highlight his accuracy on the field and also finding answers to the blitzes he struggled with against the Ravens. With Maxx Crosby pressuring, expect the Browns to move the pocket a bit and allow Sanders to get the ball out of his hands with rhythm.
What improvements do the Saints expect from Tyler Shough after the bye week?Shough began to establish chemistry with Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson in the game against the Panthers before the bye week, and was able to open up the long passing game and make plays with his feet. Shough said he feels more comfortable as a leader each week. The expectation is that Shough will continue to take steps forward in his first home start, especially now that he has the confidence after the 17-7 victory against the Panthers.What will be the biggest difference in the Falcons’ game plan with Kirk Cousins?Expect more passes to running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier and more targets for tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., especially with Drake London out. Michael Penix Jr. likes to throw the ball, especially outside the numbers. Cousins is more likely to attack the middle of the field with intermediate routes. The Falcons are likely to play less in “pistol” formation. Atlanta has lined up in “pistol” on a league-high 48.8% of plays, more than double any other team this season.
