NFL Week 12 picks, schedule, odds, injuries, fantasy tips

The Week 12 NFL schedule for the 2024 season is stacked with great matchups, and we have you covered with what you need to know heading into the weekend.

Our NFL Nation reporters bring us the biggest keys to every game, and analytics writer Seth Walder makes a bold prediction for each matchup. The ESPN Research team provides a big stat to know and a betting nugget for each contest, while our Football Power Index (FPI) goes inside the numbers with a game projection. Fantasy analyst Eric Moody finds fantasy football X factors, and three analysts -- Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder -- give us final score picks for every game. Everything you want to know is here in one spot to help you get ready for a loaded weekend of NFL football.

Let's get into the full Week 12 slate, including quarterback Tommy Devito's first start of the season against the Bucs and the Cardinals facing the Seahawks in a key NFC West matchup. It all culminates with a "Monday Night Football" matchup between the Ravens and the Chargers on ESPN. (Game times are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)

Jump to a matchup:br/>MIN-CHI | DET-IND | NE-MIAbr/>TB-NYG | DAL-WSH | KC-CARbr/>TEN-HOU | DEN-LV | SF-GBbr/>ARI-SEA | PHI-LAR | BAL-LAC

Thursday: CLE 24, PIT 19br/>Byes: ATL, BUF, CIN, NO, NYJ, JAX

Vikings (8-2) at Bears (4-6)

1 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: MIN -3.5 (39.5 O/U)

Vikings storyline to watch: The Vikings are 8-4 on grass surfaces under coach Kevin O'Connell since the start of the 2022 season, including 2-0 at Soldier Field. That's a decided departure from the franchise's history after it moved indoors to the Metrodome in 1982 and later U.S. Bank Stadium in 2016. During those four decades, the team had a .402 winning percentage on grass and .586 on artificial surfaces. -- Kevin Seifert

Bears storyline to watch: The Bears are in the midst of a four-game losing streak with the toughest remaining strength of schedule in the NFL, according to ESPN Research. After switching offensive coordinators from Shane Waldron to Thomas Brown last week, Chicago notched its highest point total since Week 6 in a 20-19 loss to Green Bay. The Bears are averaging 11.5 points per game during this losing streak, which is the fewest points per game in the NFL in that span (since Week 8). Coach Matt Eberflus' 2-11 record against NFC North opponents is the worst in the league since he was hired in 2022. -- Courtney Cronin

Stat to know:Vikings quarterbackSam Darnold has had multiple turnovers in four games this season. Minnesota is undefeated in those contests.

Bold prediction: Bears quarterback Caleb Williams will throw at least two interceptions. He played better last week, but I certainly don't fancy his chances against the unorthodox and very successful Vikings defense. -- Walder

Injuries: Vikings | Bears

Fantasy X factor: Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze. The rest of the season seems bright for Odunze. In Week 11, he saw seven-plus targets for the third time this season. He also led the Bears in targets ahead of DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. Now, he faces a Vikings defense that allows the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Vikings have won and covered four straight meetings in Chicago. The past five meetings in Chicago all went under the total. Read more.

Matchup must-reads: How legit are the 8-2 Vikings? You might be surprised ... How will OC change affect Bears QB Williams? ...Bears' Matt Eberflus defends decision to run clock before kick

Lions (9-1) at Colts (5-6)

1 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: DET -7 (49.5 O/U)

Lions storyline to watch: Despite being the favorites to win this week, the Lions aren't taking this game against the Colts lightly. Detroit is riding an eight-game winning streak and is the NFL's lone team with a perfect road record (5-0), but coach Dan Campbell isn't allowing his squad to buy into the hype. "We're not the underdogs, but we have certain standards of the way we approach things, the way that we prepare for games, and as long as we do that, you will continue to be a tough team to beat, and that's important," Campbell said Monday.-- Eric Woodyard

Colts storyline to watch: One strategy for beating a team with a high-powered offense like the Lions is to win the time-of-possession battle, thereby limiting the opponent's possessions. But the Colts haven't proven they can do this. The Colts rank 31st in time of possession at 26:40 per game. That has been detrimental for their defense because the unit has played too many snaps. Indianapolis is second in the league in defensive snaps, averaging 66.9 per game. -- Stephen Holder

Stat to know: The Lions have four games this season with more touchdowns than incompletions. That's the most such games in a season by any team since 1933.

Bold prediction: The two teams will have more combined play-action snaps than 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. He had a standout performance in Week 11, catching all five of his targets from quarterback Anthony Richardson for 19.4 fantasy points. Downs now faces a Lions secondary that's struggling, allowing the most receiving yards per game to wide receivers. With that in mind, Downs could be in for another huge performance. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Colts have not closed as seven-point home underdogs since 2017 (plus-11 versus the Steelers). Read more.

Matchup must-reads: Goff: Lions striving for 'perfection' on offense ... QB Richardson's running is key for Colts ... Lions lose LB Anzalone for 6-8 weeks ... Paye's heroics keep Colts in the running in AFC South

Patriots (3-8) at Dolphins (4-6)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: MIA -7.5 (46.5 O/U)

Patriots storyline to watch: The Patriots' defense has forced only one turnover in its past five games. New England's minus-6 turnover differential is tied for 26th in the NFL, and finding a way to disrupt quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the rhythm of the Dolphins' passing game will be key. The Dolphins (minus-2 on the season) are coming off a turnover-free game in a win over the Raiders. -- Mike Reiss

Dolphins storyline to watch: Sunday's matchup will feature two of the most accurate quarterbacks in the NFL over the past month. Since Week 6, Patriots signal-callerDrake Maye owns the lowest off-target throw percentage in the league at 9.2%; right behind him is Tagovailoa at 9.4%. Both players are also completing passes at a higher rate than expected, as both Tagovailoa (4.9%) and Maye (3%) rank in the top 10 in completion percentage over expectation. -- Marcel Louis-Jacques

Stat to know: The Dolphins have a 14.6% chance to make the playoffs, according to ESPN Analytics. Those chances increase to 18.9% with a win and drop to 5.9% with a loss.

Bold prediction: Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill will catch a pass of at least 30 air yards. The Dolphins face more two-high coverage than any other team, presumably in part to stop Hill. But the Patriots run two-high coverage only 39% of the time, which is below league average. -- Walder

Injuries: Patriots | Dolphins

Fantasy X factor: Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson. He has been on a roll with 20-plus touches in three of his past four games, topping 20 fantasy points in two of them. This week, he faces a Dolphins defense allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to running backs. Miami's defensive front ranks 24th in run stop win rate (29.5%). Stevenson's volume and this matchup make him a strong play. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Patriots won the game outright in their past two appearances as at least six-point underdogs (Weeks 8 and 10 versus the Jets and at the Bears, respectively). Read more.

Matchup must-reads: Through six starts, Pats QB Maye continues to impress ... How Miami's offense transitioned from explosive to consistent ...Hill: Wrist surgery 'brought up' but I'm playing through it

Buccaneers (4-6) at Giants (2-8)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: TB -6 (41.5 O/U)

Buccaneers storyline to watch: Bucs center Graham Barton couldn't have put it any better: "The playoffs for us really start now." Coming off their bye week at 4-6, having lost four straight, the Bucs are in a similar predicament as they were last season. They were able to win five out of their final six games. Barring any setbacks, wide receiver Mike Evans and cornerback Jamel Dean should return, and that should give them a boost, while the statuses of Tristan Wirfs (MCL sprain) and Zyon McCollum (hamstring) are up in the air. -- Jenna Laine

Giants storyline to watch: Tommy DeVito is the Giants' new starting quarterback in place of Daniel Jones. DeVito will be trying to rediscover the magic from last season, when he won three straight games as an undrafted free agent. He threw eight touchdown passes to just three interceptions as a rookie. But DeVito also finished with a total QBR of 26.9 as a starter, which was the worst of any qualifying quarterback from Weeks 10 to 16. He'll have his work cut out for him after not having any reps with the first-team offense this summer and season. -- Jordan Raanan

Stat to know: The Buccaneers are one of three teams in the Super Bowl era to average at least 27.9 points and be under .500. The other two teams (2016 Saints and 2016 Chargers) didn't make the playoffs.

Bold prediction: Buccaneers edge rusher Yaya Diaby will record a sack. He should get some pass rushes against Evan Neal, the 2022 first-round pick who has struggled to see the field this season. DeVito recorded a 15.6% sack rate last season. -- Walder

Injuries: Buccaneers | Giants

Fantasy X factor: Giants running backTyrone Tracy Jr. He could be key for the Giants with DeVito now under center. Since taking over as the lead back in Week 5, Tracy has scored 14-plus fantasy points in four of his past six games. Facing a Buccaneers defense that allows the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs, Tracy is set up for another strong performance. Expect New York to lean on him heavily. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget:DeVito is 3-3 outright in his career despite being at least a 4.5-point underdog in each game. Read more.

Matchup must-reads: With easiest remaining schedule, can Bucs make a playoff push? ... New Giants starter DeVito trying to avoid 'fun and games' ... Is Bucs WR Evans' 1,000-yard streak in jeopardy? ... Giants bench QB Jones -- what now?

Cowboys (3-7) at Commanders (7-4)

1 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: WSH -10 (45.5 O/U)

Cowboys storyline to watch: At 3-7, the Cowboys are looking to avoid their first six-game losing streak since 2015, when they finished 4-12. To do so, they will have to beat their former defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn, and several former teammates (Tyler Biadasz, Dorance Armstrong and Dante Fowler Jr. among them) who joined the Commanders in the offseason. The Cowboys have beaten Washington in five of the past six meetings but bring a different team that will be without at least four opening-day starters because of injuries, though Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland (foot) is expected to make his season debut. -- Todd Archer

Commanders storyline to watch: The Commanders need to get their run game untracked after two lackluster showings against stout run defenses in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. If they do so, it unlocks their offense. In Washington's seven wins, it has averaged 5.2 yards per carry, but in the four losses it's 3.5. It's not just about Brian Robinson Jr., who averages 4.7 yards per rush in wins, it's also about the quarterback runs. In the seven wins, Jayden Daniels has rushed for 5.3 yards per carry. The good news for Washington: Dallas ranks 24th in yards per carry allowed (4.7). -- John Keim

Stat to know:Cowboys receiverCeeDee Lamb has 106 targets this season, which is tied with Garrett Wilson for most in the NFL. But he has had only one game with 100-plus receiving yards after eight such games in 2023.

Bold prediction: The Commanders -- including their running backs and Daniels -- will combine to rush for 200 yards in a win over the Cowboys. Washington ranks first in run block win rate (74.7%), and the Cowboys rank 30th in run stop win rate (26.9%). -- Walder

Injuries: Cowboys | Commanders

Fantasy X factor:Robinson.He logged 17 touches and 14.2 fantasy points against the Eagles in Week 11. Just last week, Dallas allowed the Texans' Joe Mixon to go off for 35.3 fantasy points. Robinson is in a great spot to deliver for fantasy managers. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Cowboys are 0-5 ATS in their past five games. It's their longest ATS losing streak since 2020 (eight straight). Read more.

Matchup must-reads: The Cowboys' tough transition from Quinn to Zimmer as DC ... What's happened to the Commanders' offense? ...How Dan Quinn reinvented himself and has Commanders contending

Chiefs (9-1) at Panthers (3-7)

1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: KC -10.5 (45.5 O/U)

Chiefs storyline to watch: The Chiefs have played excellent run defense all season and are third in yards allowed per carry (3.6) and per game (85.3). But they get a difficult test against the Panthers' Chuba Hubbard, who has three 100-yard games and a healthy 5.1 yard-per carry average this season. Can the Panthers shorten the game by successfully running on the Chiefs? -- Adam Teicher

Panthers storyline to watch: The Panthers are getting healthy defensively, particularly with the addition of outside linebacker D.J. Wonnum, who adds a new dimension to their much-needed pass rush. A strong running game has kept Carolina close enough to win its past two games with Bryce Young at quarterback, but the Chiefs have the third-best run defense in the NFL. This might force Young to make more plays. Young has led the Panthers to two straight wins, throwing for 297 yards and one touchdown. -- David Newton

Stat to know: Another win for the Panthers would tie their longest win streak over past five seasons. They won two straight before their bye.

Bold prediction: Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco will, if he plays, average over 5.5 yards per carry. The Panthers rank 28th in EPA allowed per designed carry, so it should be a nice soft landing for the running back potentially returning from injury. -- Walder

Injuries: Chiefs | Panthers

Fantasy X factor: Chiefs running back Kareem Hunt. Kansas City might ease Pacheco back in his return from injury. That sets the stage for Hunt against a Panthers defense allowing the most fantasy points per game to running backs. Hunt has had 20-plus touches in four of his past five games and scored 17 or more fantasy points in three of them. This could be his last big game before Pacheco takes over. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Panthers have covered in back-to-back games after starting the season 1-7 ATS. Read more.

Matchup must-reads: What's gone right and wrong for playcaller Andy Reid so far? ... With recent success, Panthers' Young finally having fun

Titans (2-8) at Texans (7-4)

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. After posting three sacks in five games, Autry, an 11-year veteran, will face Titans right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, who has allowed six sacks. This matchup is a huge advantage for Houston, especially in third-and-long situations."It's almost miraculous he can still do it at his age the way he does it as a physical edge setter that can rush," coachBrian Callahan said.-- Turron Davenport

Texans storyline to watch: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has averaged 259 passing yards per game in his career, but the Titans are allowing the fewest passing yards per game in the league this season (164.6), so two strengths will collide. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans pointed out how the Titans' third-down defense does "a really good job of playing tight coverage." Tennessee has allowed the third-lowest conversion rate (32.5%) on defense, so if the Texans want to get Stroud going, winning on the key downs is important. -- DJ Bien-Aime

Stat to know: The Titans have a 14% chance for No. 1 pick in 2025 NFL draft, per ESPN Analytics. Their chances improve to 19% with a loss and fall to 5% with a win.

Bold prediction: Texans wide receiver Nico Collins will catch a 50-plus-yard touchdown. The Titans allow an average depth of target of 10.5 yards downfield, so I'd expect some deep shots to Collins. -- Walder

Injuries: Titans | Texans

Fantasy X factor: Texans D/ST. Houston's defensive front is elite, ranking second in run stop win rate (34.7%) and first in pass rush win rate (50.2%). It's also tough on running backs, allowing the fifth-fewest fantasy points per game. That might force Tennessee to lean on quarterbackWill Levis and the passing game -- a risky move with an offensive line that ranks 28th in pass block win rate (52.3%). See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Titans are the third team since 2000 to start 1-9 or worse ATS (2012 Eagles and 2007 Ravens). Read more.

Matchup must-reads: Titans back coach Brian Callahan despite losing ways ... Stingley taking on task of covering top WRs

Broncos (6-5) at Raiders (2-8)

4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: DEN -6 (41.5 O/U)

Broncos storyline to watch: The Broncos are 0-4 in Las Vegas since the Raiders made the move to the desert. To end the trend, it might come down to how well the Broncos' offense closes the deal in the red zone. Rookie quarterbackBo Nix is coming offthe best game of his young career (307 yards, 4 TDs, 84.8% completion percentage) in the win over the Falcons. The Broncos are 5-of-15 in red zone trips in their five losses as compared to 16-of-21 in their six wins. The Raiders have allowed offenses to score touchdowns on at least 75% of their red zone trips in four of the past six games. If the Broncos can show some efficiency on offense and avoid the turnovers that have plagued them in past losses in Las Vegas they should end their Nevada losing streak. -- Jeff Legwold

Raiders storyline to watch: The Raiders already have the worst-ranked running game (75.2 yards per game) in the NFL, and their top two running backs -- Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quad) -- missed practice Wednesday. So Raider Nation turns its eyes to 10th-year vet Ameer Abdullah, who has rushed for 82 yards and a TD on 17 carries this season; rookie Dylan Laube, who has one carry, no yards and a lost fumble, and Sincere McCormick, who is on the practice squad and has appeared in one game in his career. Oh, and Denver boasts the sixth-best run defense in the league. "I'm ready," said Abdullah, who rushed for 42 yards, his highest total since 2017, and a TD on five carries at Denver in Week 5. -- Paul Gutierrez

Stat to know: The Raiders have lost seven straight to rookie starting quarterbacks since 2020. That's the longest active streak in the NFL.

Bold prediction: The Raiders will not target Pat Surtain II at all. The Broncos' star cornerback has just a 9.5% target rate this season, per NFL Next Gen Stats, which is second lowest among outside corners. And the Raiders don't have a receiver good enough to force the ball to. -- Walder

Injuries: Broncos | Raiders

Fantasy X factor:Nix. He is in complete control of Denver's offense, and he's set up for another big game against a Raiders defense that allows the eighth-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. With wide receiverCourtland Sutton as a key target, expect the passing game to thrive. Nix has been on fire, scoring 16 or more fantasy points in seven straight games, including three with more than 23 points. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Broncos are 4-0 ATS as favorites this season, and they've covered five straight games in that role. Read more.

Matchup must-reads: Broncos building young core amid salary cap constraints ... Bowers central to Raiders' new offense ... How rookie Nix is keeping Broncos in playoff hunt

49ers (5-5) at Packers (7-3)

4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: GB -2 (47.5 O/U)

49ers storyline to watch: The 49ers are still banged up, but their chances of slowing down Packers quarterback Jordan Love & Co. took a big hit this week with defensive end Nick Bosaruled out with left hip and oblique injuries. San Francisco simply doesn't have a reliable pass rush when Bosa isn't on the field. With Bosa on the field, the Niners have a 33% pressure rate and 8% sack rate. Without Bosa, those numbers drop to 18% and 2%, both of which would rank last in the NFL. As if that wasn't enough, the 49ers will also be without starting QB Brock Purdy, who is dealing with a right shoulder injury. That should make for quite the uphill climb in a game San Francisco desperately needs to win to stay in the NFC playoff picture. -- Nick Wagoner

Packers storyline to watch: Love was a perfect 6-for-6 last week against the Bears on throws of 15 or more yards downfield -- four which went to receiver Christian Watson-- and he's in the top five in the NFL in air yards per attempt. But the 49ers' defense has been strong against deep throws. According to ESPN Research, quarterbacks facing the 49ers have the lowest Total QBR and second-lowest completion percentage on such throws, with three touchdown passes to seven interceptions. -- Rob Demovsky

Stat to know: The Packers are 5-0 this season against teams with records of .500 or worse. They're 2-3 against teams with winning records.

Bold prediction: 49ers tight end George Kittle will have 90-plus receiving yards. ESPN's receiver scores are loving Kittle this season. He has the second-highest overall score among all wide receivers and tight ends (onlyA.J. Brown is ahead of him). -- Walder

Injuries: 49ers | Packers

Fantasy X factor: 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings. Since the Week 9 bye, Jennings has led the team with 11 targets in back-to-back games, scoring 16-plus fantasy points each time. His efficiency stands out, too, as his 2.66 yards per route run is in elite company -- close to players such asPuka Nacua (3.13) and Justin Jefferson (2.75). Jennings is making his case as a go-to option for the 49ers. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: The Packers are 0-4 ATS in their past four games, which is tied for their longest ATS losing streak under coach Matt LaFleur. Read more.

Matchup must-reads: 49ers TE Kittle vows to play vs. Packers ... Packers' Love learning from playoff loss to 49ers ... How Williams is trying to remain NFL's best OT at 36...49ers rule out Purdy, Nick Bosa; Allen to start

Cardinals (6-4) at Seahawks (5-5)

4:25 p.m. ET | Fox | ESPN BET: ARI -1 (47.5 O/U)

Cardinals storyline to watch: Sunday will be telling. How the Cardinals handle coming off their bye week after four straight wins could set the tone for the home stretch. Thus far, players say the focus has been there at practice, but how that translates to the field is yet to be seen. With a win over the Seahawks, the Cardinals will be in the undisputed driver's seat of the NFC West with another matchup against Seattle coming in two weeks. -- Josh Weinfuss

Seahawks storyline to watch: The Seahawks' offensive line was a glaring weakness over their first nine games, but it had perhaps its best performance of the season in Seattle's win over the 49ers. Abraham Lucas made his season debut at right tackle, and Olu Oluwatimi stepped in at center after Connor Williams'abrupt retirement. The first-place Cardinals, whom Seattle faces twice over the next three weeks, rank in the bottom five in both pass rush win rate and pressure rate. -- Brady Henderson

Stat to know:Cardinals quarterbackKyler Murray has lost his past five games against Seattle. Another defeat would tie the second-longest losing streak by any starting quarterback against the Seahawks in the franchise's history.

Bold prediction: Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen will allow no more than 20 receiving yards to receiverMarvin Harrison Jr. Woolen has put up strong numbers as a nearest defender this season, allowing 0.7 yards per coverage snap -- fifth fewest among outside corners, per NFL Next Gen Stats. -- Walder

Injuries: Cardinals | Seahawks

Fantasy X factor:Harrison. The Seahawks' defense has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers, and while Harrison's production has been up and down, he's still commanding a 40% target share in the red zone -- the eighth-highest share in the league. With the Seahawks also giving up the ninth-most receiving touchdowns to wideouts, Harrison could be in for a big day. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: Four straight Seahawks games have gone under the total. Read more.

Matchup must-reads: Cards' Robinson 'taking it one day at a time' in injury return ... Seahawks' training center loses power as huge storm hits state

Eagles (8-2) at Rams (5-5)

8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: PHI -2.5 (48.5 O/U)

Eagles storyline to watch: The Rams are coming off only their second game of the season without a turnover. After having an NFL-low two takeaways from Weeks 1 to 7, the Eagles lead the NFL with 11 takeaways since Week 8. According to ESPN Research, Philadelphia leads the NFL with 43 points off turnovers since Week 8. -- Tim McManus

Rams storyline to watch: The Eagles have leaned heavily on running back Saquon Barkley, who leads the NFL with 1,347 scrimmage yards. Players are expecting defenses to focus more on Philly's ground game down the stretch, which would put more of the onus on quarterback Jalen Hurts and the passing game. A key matchup will be receiver A.J. Brown versus a Rams pass defense that has yielded 18 touchdown passes this season. Brown's 88.3 receiving yards per game ranks fourth behind only Nico Collins (103.5), Ja'Marr Chase (96.0) and Justin Jefferson (91.2). -- Sarah Barshop

Stat to know: The Eagles have had 150 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns in five straight games. That's the longest such streak since the 1988 Bengals (also five straight).

Bold prediction: Eagles guard Landon Dickerson will not surrender a pass block loss to either Braden Fiske or Kobie Turner. It's a tough assignment, but Dickerson's 94% pass block win rate ranks 10th among guards this season. -- Walder

Injuries: Eagles | Rams

Fantasy X factor:Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert. Wide receiverDeVonta Smith is out with a hamstring injurywhich means Goedert could see a bigger role in the passing game. The Rams' defense has struggled against tight ends, giving up the seventh-most fantasy points per game to the position. Back in Week 4, when Smith was out, Goedert caught seven of eight targets for 62 yards against the Buccaneers. He's proven he can step up when needed, and this matchup sets him up for another solid outing.See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget:Rams quarterbackMatthew Stafford is 8-13 ATS as a prime-time underdog (2-4 ATS with Rams). Read more.

Matchup must-reads: Eagles' yin and yang CBs: Slay and Mitchell ... Rams hope to edge out Eagles by disrupting 'tush push'

Ravens (7-4) at Chargers (7-3)

8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC | ESPN BET: BAL -3 (50.5 O/U)

Ravens storyline to watch: Lamar Jackson has been the best quarterback in "Monday Night Football" history. In eight games, he has thrown 20 touchdown passes and no interceptions for an 86 QBR, which is the highest among QBs with at least five starts. The Chargers have been the stingiest defense in the NFL, though, allowing an NFL-best 14.5 points per game -- the lowest scoring average after 11 weeks since the 2019 Patriots (10.8). -- Jamison Hensley

Chargers storyline to watch: Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is playing some of the best football of his career. He is on a streak of 246 pass attempts without an interception, which is the longest in team history. He also has six touchdowns on passes of 20-plus yards downfield, tied for the most in the NFL. This matchup could be in his favor as the Ravens' have the NFL's worst pass defense, allowing 284.5 yards per game. -- Kris Rhim

Stat to know:Jackson (8.3) and Herbert (13.0) lead the NFL in touchdown-to-interception ratio. This will be the third instance in the past 20 seasons in which the outright leaders in that mark have met in Week 12 or later.

Bold prediction: Ravens cornerback Nate Wiggins will record the first interception of his career. Though the Baltimore pass defense has struggled overall, Wiggins is allowing just 0.8 yards per coverage snap (average is 1.2) despite being targeted at a roughly average 17% rate. -- Walder

Injuries: Ravens | Chargers

Fantasy X factor:Herbert. The Ravens' defense has given up the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Meanwhile, the Chargers have leaned heavily on Herbert and the passing game recently. He has scored 19-plus fantasy points in four straight games. With this matchup, expect the Chargers to keep airing it out, making Herbert and his receivers very good fantasy options this week. See Week 12 rankings. -- Moody

Betting nugget: Overs are 9-2 in Ravens games this season, which is the highest over rate in the NFL. Read more.