Week 12 began with three delicious matches thanks to Thanksgiving, but there are still many fascinating matchups scheduled for this weekend. The Jets are starting Mike White instead of Zach Wilson to revive their playoff chances.
The Commanders and Falcons are facing off in a matchup of wild-card contenders. And Aaron Rodgers is on his way to Philadelphia to save the Packers’ season against the 9-1 Eagles.
Here are five audacious predictions for the games that will take place throughout the remaining games of Week 12:
The Panthers defeated the Broncos thanks to Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold, who will make his 2022 debut as Carolina’s third starting quarterback in as many weeks, has a well-established rapport with No. 1 wide receiver D.J. Moore, who has dealt with extended dry spells while receiving throws from Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker.
The Broncos’ offense still struggling with Russell Wilson. He might be in for a long day against a Carolina front featuring top talent in Brian Burns and Derrick Brown. More significantly, D’Onta Foreman is due for a comeback against Denver’s weak run defense.
As the 49ers destroy the Saints, Jameis Winston steps in for Andy Dalton
Dalton has had hot and cold streaks since taking over for Winston in his eight games. However, after losing to stingy defenses in Pittsburgh and Baltimore, he may be set for a turnover binge against DeMeco Ryans’ high-flying team, which thrashed the Cardinals in prime time.
Dennis Allen could eventually realize he needs Winston’s potential if he wants to stay in the NFC wild-card race. The Saints are scheduled to play a rematch against Winston’s former teammates in Tampa. This is a move that would make for even bigger Week 13 drama.
White surpasses 175 yards on the ground against the Browns
The rookie reduced Leonard Fournette’s workload in Week 10 as the latter recovered from a hip ailment. The rookie then had the week following to heal up. Even if Fournette plays on Sunday, he won’t be at full strength. Bruce Arians, a Bucs adviser, and former coach, have openly referred to White as an offensive spark going forward.
The Arizona State product may have a big day, given all that and the fact that Cleveland allows more than 135 running yards per game.
The Steelers are defeated by the Colts on Monday Night Football
The game seems like it will be a nasty, low-scoring contest. But the Steelers might be without two critical players in center Mason Cole and rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett’s first line of defense, Jaylen Warren, who both provide much-needed pop to Najee Harris’ sluggish run attack.
Also, remember that Indianapolis has a top-10 “D” that just held the Eagles to 17 points. Matt Ryan and company may only need a couple of touchdown drives to win this game easily. Thanks to Pittsburgh’s weak secondary, Michael Pittman Jr. and Parris Campbell should have chances to score.
