2024 Week 12 NFL Score Predictions: Expert Gives Exact Scores For 13 Games
Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season is upon us, and fans could not be more excited about the action that awaits. In a season where tight matchups have been the trend, each game seems to be more critical than ever before. The playoff picture is starting to take form, and every win counts as teams look to solidify a spot in the postseason. As we roll into the tail end of the campaign, expect fireworks all across the league this week. And if you’re a sports betting fan or a daily fantasy player, you’re probably seeking the best insight possible to gain that edge.
The expert predictions for this week’s games come from Stephen Oh, a proven data scientist who has an extraordinary track record in accurately forecasting final scores. He’s crushed the numbers, used countless simulations, and come up with intriguing outcomes for 13 upcoming games. So buckle up as we dive into each matchup!
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
In this AFC South showdown, the Houston Texans are set to host the Tennessee Titans. The Texans shocked the sports world this season with their sudden rebound behind the arm of quarterback C.J. Stroud. Boasting a 6-4 record, they’ve got a real shot at clinching the division if they keep going strong.
Meanwhile, the Titans haven’t been that fortunate this year, plummeting to a 4-7 record. They’re stuck in a challenging rebuilding mode, even though they’ve got future star Will Levis taking the reins under center. However, that’s not enough to secure them victories.
Prediction: Texans 24, Titans 17
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
This NFC North face-off presents two teams in different segments of their development. The Vikings were caught by surprise this year when veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins went down with a season-ending injury, allowing journeyman Joshua Dobbs to take over. Given all the injuries and shifts, Minnesota managed to hang on with a respectable 6-5 mark.
The Bears, on the other hand, enter with a dismal 3-8 record, lacking consistency despite the flashes of brilliance from Justin Fields and his squad. Unfortunately for Chicago, things seem unlikely to fall in their favor this week.
Prediction: Vikings 27, Bears 20
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts
NFC versus AFC—the Buccaneers travel to face the Colts in a compelling matchup. Coming off a 4-6 record, Tampa Bay is desperate for wins to climb their way into playoff contention. Starting quarterback Baker Mayfield has been under fire with inconsistent play throughout the season.
The Colts, on the other hand, appear to be holding their own despite the shaky season from Gardner Minshew, posting a solid 5-5 record. Indianapolis has managed to remain surprisingly competitive in an awkward transition period post the Andrew Luck era.
Prediction: Colts 24, Buccaneers 20
New England Patriots at New York Giants
Forget ESPN highlights—this game is for die-hard NFL fans only. Both the Patriots and Giants have abysmal 2024 seasons, and their fanbases have likely already moved on to the 2025 NFL Draft. With young quarterbacks trying to find their way in the league—Mac Jones for the Patriots and the combination of Tommy DeVito or Daniel Jones (when healthy) for the Giants—the clash between struggling programs doesn’t promise much excitement for neutral spectators.
However, both teams share 2-8 records, so winning might offer a glimmer of optimism heading into the NFL’s later stages.
Prediction: Patriots 17, Giants 13
Carolina Panthers at Dallas Cowboys
On paper, this looks like a mismatch. The Dallas Cowboys are emerging as serious playoff contenders with a stellar 7-3 record. Week after week, Dak Prescott and the Cowboys have proven to be one of the most dangerous teams in the league, showing off their high-flying offense alongside an elite defensive lineup that includes Mica Parsons and Trevon Diggs. Dallas seems primed for a playoff push, eyeing Super Bowl aspirations.
As for the Carolina Panthers, it’s been a season to forget. Standing at 1-9, the Panthers are in full-on rebuild mode after selecting Bryce Young as the number one overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. While Young has shown promise at times, it’s clear the franchise isn’t ready to contend just yet.
Prediction: Cowboys 34, Panthers 14
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
A matchup between offense and defense—two teams with differing philosophies hit the gridiron when the Cleveland Browns (7-3) travel to face the Denver Broncos (4-6). Cleveland leverages the league’s most dominant defense, featuring stars like Myles Garrett and a revitalized secondary that’s been shutting down opponents. Despite losing starting quarterback Deshaun Watson to injury, the Browns’ defense has carried them to success, with backup quarterbacks like Dorian Thompson-Robinson helping them ice out tight wins.
The Broncos, under Russell Wilson, are holding on for dear life, managing a somewhat underwhelming 4-6 on the season but showing signs of improvement. Denver has been tough at home, where Sean Payton has started to find rhythm within his squad.
Prediction: Browns 21, Broncos 17
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams
This year’s NFC West may lack substantial fireworks, yet intra-divisional games often provide surprises. The always thrilling Kyler Murray is back at quarterback for the Cardinals, but too much disjointed play has landed them at 2-9 so far. With rookie head coach Jonathan Gannon still getting his feet wet, Arizona has some soul-searching to do before they can be real contenders again.
The Rams, also rebuilding but in a more hopeful place, have played solid football under Matthew Stafford when he’s been healthy, bringing them to an average 5-6 record. Despite their ups and downs, Los Angeles looks like a team that could still sneak in as a playoff wildcard.
Prediction: Rams 28, Cardinals 21
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
It wouldn’t be a proper AFC West rivalry without a classic showdown between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders. Patrick Mahomes and his 8-2 Chiefs enter this week fresh off their ambitions of another trip to the Super Bowl. Despite some grinding moments this season, Mahomes finds ways to light up the scoreboard, and the Chiefs defense has stepped up behind stars like Chris Jones to solidify themselves as one of the league’s most well-balanced teams.
The Raiders? Well, their quarterback carousel doesn’t help, currently settling with Aidan O’Connell under center. Despite a rough start, they have recovered somewhat to sit at 5-6, and interim head coach Antonio Pierce has injected fresh energy into the team.
Prediction: Chiefs 30, Raiders 20
Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles
This could be the game of the week! Two elite teams face off as Josh Allen and the 6-5 Buffalo Bills travel to take on Jalen Hurts and his 9-1 Philadelphia Eagles, who still hold the top spot in the NFC. The Eagles are just one season removed from a Super Bowl heartbreak loss to the Chiefs, and they’re on a mission. With an incredible offensive line and weapons like A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, this team is an offensive juggernaut.
Yet, don’t sleep on the Bills. Even though their 6-5 record suggests problems, Buffalo remains loaded with talent. Josh Allen is capable of putting points on the board in a hurry, and although they’ve been inconsistent, this Buffalo squad has the ability to challenge the best of them.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Bills 28
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
The NFC South is anyone’s game, and whenever the Saints and Falcons square off, bad blood is inevitable. Sitting at 5-5, this game is a critical one for the New Orleans Saints. With Derek Carr back from injury and Chris Olave catching passes, New Orleans is aiming for a chance to overcome their mediocre start to 2024.
Meanwhile, Atlanta, also at 5-5, has had its youthful roster prove resilient. Talented pieces like Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier give them offensive flexibility, and head coach Arthur Smith is starting to blend these youthful talents into a working machine.
Prediction: Falcons 23, Saints 20
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
In one of the AFC North’s fiercest rivalries, the Steelers visit the Bengals in a high-stakes divisional contest. Cincinnati unfortunately lost Joe Burrow to a season-ending injury, leaving them massively short on offensive firepower. This absence has severely crippled the Bengals’ chances of making a deep playoff run.
Pittsburgh, however, continues to grind their way through the season, sitting at 6-4 and relying on their pesky defense and the ever-improving play of young quarterback Kenny Pickett. The Steelers have done enough to remain in the playoff discussion.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Bengals 16
Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions
Looking for some Thanksgiving rivalry action? The 7-3 Detroit Lions welcome the 4-6 Green Bay Packers to town in an NFC North matchup. Led by underrated star Jared Goff and dynamic running back duo David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions have been one of 2024’s biggest surprises. They’re eyeing their first postseason success in years.
Meanwhile, the Packers, transitioning from the Aaron Rodgers era, have pinned their hopes on Jordan Love. With Green Bay hovering below .500 at 4-6, Love and his young teammates look to add some excitement to Packers football again.
Prediction: Lions 29, Packers 17
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
It’s a battle for NFC West supremacy on Thanksgiving night as the San Francisco 49ers face off against the Seattle Seahawks. The Niners stand at 8-3, looking to cement themselves as the NFC’s most complete team. Brock Purdy continues to shine while under center, supported by an arsenal of playmakers like Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel.
The Seahawks, although still in the hunt with a respectable 6-4 mark, will need to play perfect football to take down a Niners team that’s been great on both sides of the ball this year. For Geno Smith and the Seahawks, it’s a must-win to maintain their shot at the divisional crown.
Prediction: 49ers 26, Seahawks 23
There you have it, folks! Are you excited for these intense matchups? Whether you’re a fan of a playoff-bound team or rooting for the underdog, Week 12 in the NFL will bring plenty of drama, and thanks to expert number-crunching from Stephen Oh, we have some tantalizing predictions to consider before the games even kick off. Stay tuned, and let’s see if these forecasts hit the mark.
Originally Written by: Stephen Oh
