NFL Week Twelve Betting Preview

Week 12 of the NFL season delivers another round of pivotal clashes with seeding scenarios and postseason places on the line. The Colts face the Chiefs in a crucial AFC showdown, while the Lions look to bounce back against the Giants at Ford Field and the Cowboys host the Eagles in a divisional clash that could shape the NFC playoff picture. UK viewers can catch the action on Sky Sports NFL, with RedZone available via NFL Game Pass. Sunday’s early window kicks off at 6pm GMT, with late games beginning at 9:25pm and primetime fixtures running into the early hours of Monday and Tuesday.

Game 1 – Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans (Friday 1:15am GMT)

The 7-3 Bills remain in hot pursuit of the Patriots in the AFC East and cannot afford any further slip-ups. Buffalo are fresh off a morale-boosting 44-32 win over Tampa Bay, with Josh Allen taking centre stage. The reigning NFL MVP threw for over 300 yards and three scores, while adding another three touchdowns on the ground. 

Houston will again be without C.J. Stroud due to a lingering concussion, so it will be up to backup passer Davis Mills to try and earn a third win in a row. Mills has not done much wrong in relief, but the Texans’ defence carried the load in a 16-13 win over Tennessee last week. With Houston ranking bottom-five in red-zone efficiency and Buffalo sitting fourth in scoring, the Bills look well placed to cover.

Tip: Buffalo Bills -6.0 @ 10/11

Game 2 – Indianapolis Colts vs Kansas City Chiefs (Sunday 6:00pm GMT)

The 8-2 Colts return from their bye with Jonathan Taylor in Offensive Player of the Year form. The timely break allowed Charvarius Ward to recover and gave new cornerback Sauce Gardner more time to settle in. Kansas City continue to sputter offensively, with Patrick Mahomes throwing more interceptions than touchdowns during their recent two-game slide.

Indianapolis’ defence has been strong against the run but vulnerable against the pass, which may actually match up well against the Chiefs’ current strengths. Expect a tight contest at Arrowhead, with the Colts good value to cover.

Tip: Indianapolis Colts +3.0 @ 1/1

Game 3 – New York Giants vs Detroit Lions (Sunday 6:00pm GMT)

The 6-4 Lions return home after a tough loss in Philadelphia, with Jared Goff coming off his worst game in Detroit colours. This is a prime bounce-back spot for them as they move on from an elite pass rush outdoors to a bottom-four defence inside their dome. Jahmyr Gibbs leads a rushing attack that faces a Giants unit allowing nearly 150 yards per game. New York are on a five-game losing streak, have parted ways with their head coach, and remain decimated by injuries. 

Detroit’s home form and balanced offence make them strong favourites to cover a double-digit spread.

Tip: Detroit Lions -10.0 @ 20/23

Game 4 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Los Angeles Rams (Monday 1:20am GMT)

The 8-2 Rams are battling the Eagles for the NFC’s top seed and will look to extend their five-game win streak against a Tampa Bay team coming off a tough loss in Buffalo. The Bucs showed plenty of fight with Sean Tucker taking a starring role with three touchdowns, but Baker Mayfield threw an interception and lost a fumble when he was sacked on Tampa Bay’s final drive. 

Todd Bowles’ team will have to clean up a lot on both sides of the ball to compete with the streaking Rams at SoFi Stadium, where Los Angeles’ only defeat this year came in overtime against the 49ers. The Rams’ defence has been dominant and the Bucs may not have enough penetration from their pass rush to throw Matthew Stafford out of his stride.

Tip: Los Angeles Rams -6.5 @ 20/23