Hello readers! Another week of exciting National Football League action is coming upon us yet again! Week 12 brings forth the annual tradition of the three F's: food, family and football. The NFL will make this Thanksgiving worthwhile as they dubbed it the "John Madden Thanksgiving Celebration" in honor of the late NFL coach and TV broadcaster. In this post, I will do an NFL Thankful 2023 edition, a Week 12 playoff picture, preview and picks as well as the Early and Late TV Broadcast Pairings. A lot to talk about so let's get to work!
NFL Thankful: 2023 Edition
With the Thanksgiving holiday coming up it is once again another edition of NFL Thankful. NFL Thankful is a list of what I think teams are most thankful for in the 2023 season. Here is the list!
Atlanta Falcons: Still in the NFC South race and that Bijan Robinson is a worthy running back to have.
Baltimore Ravens: Lamar Jackson's unpredictability to an opposing defense.
Buffalo Bills: Plastic chairs and tables being spared or possibly not even being sold in Buffalo department stores.
Carolina Panthers: You won a game.
Chicago Bears: Aaron Rodgers not being in the NFC North anymore.
Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow's injury not being a career-ending injury.
Cleveland Browns: Hopefully DeShaun Watson's injury verbiage requires him to not visit a masseuse. That defense though.
Dallas Cowboys: Not the playoffs yet.
Denver Broncos: That 70-20 loss to the Dolphins being a long, distant memory.
Detroit Lions: Ford Field rocking out on Thanksgiving instead of it being another home stadium for the opposing team.
Green Bay Packers: You aren't having the worst season ever in franchise history, compared to what most people think.
Houston Texans: That CJ Stroud kid is quite fun to watch, if only the Texans can put some more people around him.
Indianapolis Colts: The Colts being in the midst of a playoff spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars: That Urban Meyer guy not being on the sideline anymore.
Kansas City Chiefs: Let's be real, Patrick Mahomes and giving the Chiefs fans their 2nd Super Bowl in four seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders: Josh McDaniels not being a head coach for your team.
Los Angeles Chargers: Brandon Staley's hot seat getting unbearable like the Los Angeles sun.
Los Angeles Rams: Watching 2021 Rams highlights.
Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa not being injured yet.
Minnesota Vikings: A slow start and then a hot start to the season.
New England Patriots: 2001 to 2019 Patriots highlight videos.
New Orleans Saints: In the thick of a playoff race with the rest of the NFC South.
New York Giants: Not much to be thankful for but at least you have two wins.
New York Jets: Aaron Rodgers possibly coming back from a normally season-ending injury.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles Super Bowl appearance and possibly making another run.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Your team's record despite being outgained in every game thus far.
San Francisco 49ers: Your whole team not being on the Injured Reserve.
Seattle Seahawks: Still in the fight with a tough San Francisco 49ers team.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: In the thick of a huge division race with the Falcons and Saints.
Tennessee Titans: Derrick Henry still on your team.
Washington Commanders: Daniel Snyder not being your owner.
NFL Playoff Picture: Week 12
With the playoffs just seven weeks away it is time once again to look through the latest playoff picture. Not too many clinching scenarios this go around but it is fun to see what teams matchup if the playoffs start today. Let's start with the AFC.
Seeding
1st seed: Baltimore Ravens (8-3)
2nd seed: Kansas City Chiefs (7-3)
3rd seed: Jacksonville Jaguars (7-3)
4th seed: Miami Dolphins (7-3)
5th seed: Cleveland Browns (7-3)
6th seed: Houston Texans (6-4)
7th seed: Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups
Pittsburgh @ Kansas City
Houston @ Jacksonville
Cleveland @ Miami
In the Hunt
Buffalo (6-5), Indianapolis (5-5), Denver (5-5), Cincinnati (5-5), Las Vegas (5-6), LA Chargers (4-6), NY Jets (4-6), Tennessee (3-7), New England (2-8)
For seeding, the Chiefs are ahead of the Jaguars and Dolphins based on head-to-head. It looks like the Dolphins are behind the Jaguars based on division record. Houston is ahead of Pittsburgh based on head-to-head. The AFC is the most open conference with one team with eight wins and then four teams with seven wins. It feels like its also the most competitive as the Chiefs were knocked down a peg in their loss to the Eagles. Let's look at the NFC.
Seeding
1st seed: Philadelphia Eagles (9-1)
2nd seed: Detroit Lions (8-2)
3rd seed: San Francisco 49ers (7-3)
4th seed: New Orleans Saints (5-5)
5th seed: Dallas Cowboys (7-3)
6th seed: Seattle Seahawks (6-4)
7th seed: Minnesota Vikings (6-5)
Super Wild Card Weekend Matchups
Minnesota @ Detroit
Seattle @ San Francisco
Dallas @ New Orleans
In the Hunt
Green Bay (4-6), LA Rams (4-6), Atlanta (4-6), Tampa Bay (4-6), Washington (4-7), NY Giants (3-8), Chicago (3-8), Arizona (2-9), Carolina (1-9)
Not too many notes to the NFC. Each team in the seeding has a different record. Could there be a scenario where one of the 4-6 teams make a run and get in by the final week? Possibly. If the Rams can figure themselves out and get healthy and make a run, they could be lethal.
Week 12 Preview
The twelfth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Detroit, Michigan and finishes up in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Week 12 will have a 16-game slate where all 32 teams will play. No teams are on a bye this week. Week 12 will feature three Thursday games, a Friday game, six early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the doubleheader and FOX will have the single, regional game this week. Let's get to the picks!
Week 12 Picks
Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate.
Green Bay (4-6) @ Detroit (8-2) (FOX; 12:30 pm): TW: Lions; CV: Lions
The Packers beat the Chargers and the Lions beat the Bears last week. The Thanksgiving festivities start with a decent NFC North matchup. Green Bay comes into this game with a big win against the Chargers where their offense did enough to win. It feels like the Packers can be a team where they shoot themselves in the foot a bit more than needed. Their offense protected the ball and it feels like that should be their formula from now on. Detroit will have the Lions faithful rocking in Ford Field in a Thanksgiving game. It feels like a long time that the Lions fans have their team leading the division on Thanksgiving. The Lions in general have one of the better offenses in the league. They did commit a lot of turnovers against the Bears which needs to clean up. I think the Lions are the better team. Ironic in that the Lions 8-2 record is their best since 1962 (that team beat the undefeated Packers on Thanksgiving).
Washington (4-7) @ Dallas (7-3) (CBS; 4:30 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
The Commanders lost to the Giants and the Cowboys beat the Panthers last week. The sleeper game features a classic NFC East battle as Washington-Dallas renews their rivalry. As the tryptophan works your system you will either see a shootout or Dallas just dominating the Commanders. Washington's offense is good as Sam Howell is one of the passing yards leaders in the NFC. Their defense is not as good but neither is the offense's ball protection. Just don't throw the ball to Daron Bland who might turn it into a pick-six. Dallas outside of a few bad losses, their offense is just on fire. Dallas has somewhat dominated their rivals so I will take the Cowboys.
San Francisco (7-3) @ Seattle (6-4) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The Niners beat the Buccaneers and the Seahawks lost to the Rams last week. While the food is digesting and/or while you are shopping there is this matchup of lesser magnitude in the NFC West. San Francisco seems to finally get out of their funk during that three-game losing streak. Seattle seems to be regressing a fair bit. The rivalry might be diminished but the implications on the NFC playoff picture could be huge. San Francisco seems to be the better team in both sides of the ball. Seattle has seemed to lose a bit of confidence as their defense isn't as good this year compared to past years. I think the 49ers will be a bit too much for the Seahawks.
The Niners beat the Buccaneers and the Seahawks lost to the Rams last week. While the food is digesting and/or while you are shopping there is this matchup of lesser magnitude in the NFC West. San Francisco seems to finally get out of their funk during that three-game losing streak. Seattle seems to be regressing a fair bit. The rivalry might be diminished but the implications on the NFC playoff picture could be huge. San Francisco seems to be the better team in both sides of the ball. Seattle has seemed to lose a bit of confidence as their defense isn't as good this year compared to past years. I think the 49ers will be a bit too much for the Seahawks.
Miami (7-3) @ NY Jets (4-6) (Amazon; 3:00 pm): TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins
The Dolphins beat the Raiders and the Jets lost to the Bills last week. While you are breaking the bank during those Black Friday shopping deals, there's this piece of AFC East goodness. Miami's offense will face off against one of the better defenses in the NFL. The kind of defense that wished that they could play offense as well. In the aspect of the Dolphins defense vs Jets offense, I'd say that the Dolphins would take it. Zach Wilson got benched last week in the loss to Buffalo and I honestly don't know who could possibly take the reins at quarterback for the J-E-T-S. Maybe Tim Boyle but perhaps the man himself... Mike Whi... oh right he's with the Dolphins. Yeah sorry Jets fans but I'll take the Dolphins.
Carolina (1-9) @ Tennessee (3-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Titans; CV: Titans
The Panthers lost to the Cowboys and the Titans lost to the Jaguars last week. The Panthers record is what it is and it seems appropriate for them. They can't really stop people and they aren't making noise either. The Panthers offense has some alright pieces but they should build the offensive line. Otherwise it is a situation that Bryce Young will have to endure for the rest of this season. Tennessee is sort of the same deal but they do have at least a better offense, at least on the running back side. Derrick Henry has had a bit of a diminished season but that doesn't mean that the opposing team should not ignore him. I think the Titans should be able to take the game as if they lose to the Panthers then they should just give up on the season.
Jacksonville (7-3) @ Houston (6-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Texans; CV: Texans
The Jaguars beat the Titans and the Texans beat the Cardinals last week. A big AFC South matchup this late in the season. I never thought I'd say that. Let's be frank the AFC South was usually the rougher division to like. Jacksonville and Houston will get to face each other for the 2nd time. The last time these two teams played, it was a 37-17 win for the Texans. The Jaguars didn't know what hit them. Things have somewhat changed since that Week 3 game. Both teams possess two good pass offenses and similar numbers from the ground. I think it could be down to which quarterback gives up the ball a bit more. Recently it has been Trevor Lawrence with that moniker. I think the game is a toss-up but I'll take the Texans.
The Jaguars beat the Titans and the Texans beat the Cardinals last week. A big AFC South matchup this late in the season. I never thought I'd say that. Let's be frank the AFC South was usually the rougher division to like. Jacksonville and Houston will get to face each other for the 2nd time. The last time these two teams played, it was a 37-17 win for the Texans. The Jaguars didn't know what hit them. Things have somewhat changed since that Week 3 game. Both teams possess two good pass offenses and similar numbers from the ground. I think it could be down to which quarterback gives up the ball a bit more. Recently it has been Trevor Lawrence with that moniker. I think the game is a toss-up but I'll take the Texans.
New England (2-8) @ NY Giants (3-8) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Patriots had a bye and the Giants beat the Commanders last week. Oh boy what a doozy of a game. If you like watching offense you might want to skip this game. Mac Jones has reverted back even more despite the fact that Bill O'Brien was brought in to make the quarterback better. I hate to say that the kid is at a low for confidence. New England needs to get someone else in there with the chance to win. The Giants as well have some trouble at quarterback of their own but the emergence of Tommy DeVito as the Giants starter could be alright for Giants fans to relax a bit. I'm going into this game with the feeling that the Pats will go with someone other than Mac Jones. A breath of fresh air in the locker room can give somewhat of a boost to a beleaguered Patriots squad. The Giants could win in a convincing way but I'll go with a gut feeling.
The Patriots had a bye and the Giants beat the Commanders last week. Oh boy what a doozy of a game. If you like watching offense you might want to skip this game. Mac Jones has reverted back even more despite the fact that Bill O'Brien was brought in to make the quarterback better. I hate to say that the kid is at a low for confidence. New England needs to get someone else in there with the chance to win. The Giants as well have some trouble at quarterback of their own but the emergence of Tommy DeVito as the Giants starter could be alright for Giants fans to relax a bit. I'm going into this game with the feeling that the Pats will go with someone other than Mac Jones. A breath of fresh air in the locker room can give somewhat of a boost to a beleaguered Patriots squad. The Giants could win in a convincing way but I'll go with a gut feeling.
New Orleans (5-5) @ Atlanta (4-6) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Saints; CV: Saints
The Saints had a bye and the Falcons had a bye as well. An intriguing matchup in the NFC South. Currently the Saints hold the top spot in the division but the room for error is small. If the Falcons win this game they would hold the top spot due to head-to-head. I feel the Saints offense should be a lot better than they are currently showing. The health of their quarterbacks has been a factor in it. Jameis Winston would likely get the start in this game. The book on him is somewhat out on him this year. In past seasons he can get you three touchdowns in a game but he will also toss three interceptions in a game as well. Atlanta is a similar team with the Saints. Their offense is kind of similar to the Saints. Heck, both teams look really the mirror image of each other. I'll go on a whim and take a chance on the Saints.
Pittsburgh (6-4) @ Cincinnati (5-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The Steelers lost to the Browns and the Bengals lost to the Ravens last week. Pittsburgh missed a chance to really take a hold of the division but they played a rough game offensively against Cleveland. Their offense has been Jaylen Warren and not much else. Yet somehow the Steelers are keeping offensive coordinator Matt Canada on the staff. Cincinnati's season took a huge hit as Joe Burrow is lost to the season with an injury to his throwing hand. If the Bengals want to get anywhere, they will need to lean and carry the load while Jake Browning handles the reins of the offense. He has some help but they have to give him the help. I feel the Steelers will have their best shot to keep up with the AFC North with a win. If they don't win, they might have to think about cleaning the house a bit.
Tampa Bay (4-6) @ Indianapolis (5-5) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers lost to the 49ers and the Colts had a bye last week. Tampa has been an interesting team in 2023. They can win in close fashion and then lose in big fashion. The offense has done it's job somewhat while the defense is somewhat lacking. They really should try to run the ball a bit more to have success. Indy's rush defense gives up 129.7 yards/game on the ground. Just saying Tampa. Indianapolis possesses a good running game as well as they have the tandem of Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor. If they can better production from the air with Gardner Minshew they could be a dangerous team to get in the playoffs. Personally I like the Bucs in the matchup but the Colts could make a case to get it done as well. I'll take the Bucs.
The Buccaneers lost to the 49ers and the Colts had a bye last week. Tampa has been an interesting team in 2023. They can win in close fashion and then lose in big fashion. The offense has done it's job somewhat while the defense is somewhat lacking. They really should try to run the ball a bit more to have success. Indy's rush defense gives up 129.7 yards/game on the ground. Just saying Tampa. Indianapolis possesses a good running game as well as they have the tandem of Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor. If they can better production from the air with Gardner Minshew they could be a dangerous team to get in the playoffs. Personally I like the Bucs in the matchup but the Colts could make a case to get it done as well. I'll take the Bucs.
Cleveland (7-3) @ Denver (5-5) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Broncos; CV: Browns
The Browns beat the Steelers and the Broncos beat the Vikings last week. A matchup between two teams that are having some measure of success in different ways. The Browns are 7-3 for the 2nd time in four seasons while the Broncos have won four straight games. Cleveland will need to lean more on their defense more than ever. I like the Browns running game but the passing game is not quite as marvelous. Denver has finally found themselves in the midst of winning four straight games. I am not sure how they do it but they've done it with some decent defense and some luck on offense. I am not saying that Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the next great thing but he's going to need to play like it. I don't like the Browns chances in this one. I'll take the Broncos.
The Browns beat the Steelers and the Broncos beat the Vikings last week. A matchup between two teams that are having some measure of success in different ways. The Browns are 7-3 for the 2nd time in four seasons while the Broncos have won four straight games. Cleveland will need to lean more on their defense more than ever. I like the Browns running game but the passing game is not quite as marvelous. Denver has finally found themselves in the midst of winning four straight games. I am not sure how they do it but they've done it with some decent defense and some luck on offense. I am not saying that Dorian Thompson-Robinson is the next great thing but he's going to need to play like it. I don't like the Browns chances in this one. I'll take the Broncos.
LA Rams (4-6) @ Arizona (2-9) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The Rams beat the Seahawks and the Cardinals lost to the Texans last week. A matchup where both team's quarterbacks have had some measure of injury this season. Matthew Stafford has been a former shell of his self in 2023 but if he can keep getting better and lead the Rams to wins, they could be a sneaky team. Arizona has had a rough season but at least they have somewhat of a positive force in Kyler Murray playing for them in 2023. Ultimately he gives the Cardinals the best chance to win but the cast around him isn't particularly great. Matthew Stafford's cast is pretty good. You can guess my pick.
Buffalo (6-5) @ Philadelphia (9-1) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Eagles
The Bills beat the Jets and the Eagles beat the Chiefs last week. Both teams coming off big wins last week. Buffalo got off their snide on offense and produced a lot of points against a hapless Jets team. What they face this week is not the Jets by any stretch. Philly got some measure of revenge against the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. They have to have some measure of confidence that they are the best team in the NFL. I wouldn't underestimate the Bills as they have quite a few weapons on offense that can keep Jalen Hurts off the field and play physical football on offense. Keeping Hurts on the sideline is the best chance of the Bills achieving a win. I'll go with the Bills in an upset.
The Bills beat the Jets and the Eagles beat the Chiefs last week. Both teams coming off big wins last week. Buffalo got off their snide on offense and produced a lot of points against a hapless Jets team. What they face this week is not the Jets by any stretch. Philly got some measure of revenge against the Chiefs in a Super Bowl rematch. They have to have some measure of confidence that they are the best team in the NFL. I wouldn't underestimate the Bills as they have quite a few weapons on offense that can keep Jalen Hurts off the field and play physical football on offense. Keeping Hurts on the sideline is the best chance of the Bills achieving a win. I'll go with the Bills in an upset.
Kansas City (7-3) @ Las Vegas (5-6) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs (only if Taylor Swift is there)
The Chiefs lost to the Eagles and the Raiders lost to the Dolphins last week. Mistakes were abound and reared their ugly heads last week in the Chiefs loss to the Eagles. Turnovers, dropped passes and not sustaining drives were the issues with the Chiefs last week and well into this season. They will need to get it ironed out before they play their biggest rivals on the road. Las Vegas had been one of the worst teams on offense prior to the firing of Josh McDaniels. Since his firing the Raiders are 2-1 with the only loss coming on a 7-point loss to Miami. So it wasn't that big of a loss but in this late of the season, wins are important. Aidan O'Connell, the Raiders quarterback, will need to continue his progression and try to handle the beast of a Chiefs defense that is ranked 4th in overall defense. I still think the Chiefs will rebound and at least put forth some effort to whopping their rivals.
Baltimore (8-3) @ LA Chargers (4-6) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Ravens
The Ravens beat the Bengals and the Chargers lost to the Packers. Baltimore is going to be rested in this game. It helps when you have played last Thursday. Baltimore currently holds the #1 seed and if they play things right they can continue that path. Baltimore has gotten it done with a solid running game with many reliable backs. Los Angeles has been a complete opposite of a team. Their offense can put up points like any other team. Their defense is just not that good. The Little Giants could put up points on the Chargers defense. I feel the skid will have to end but they need to really do well on defense and keep the Ravens offense off the field. I'll go on a whim and take the Chargers.
Chicago (3-8) @ Minnesota (6-5) (ABC/ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Bears lost to the Lions and the Vikings lost to the Broncos last week. The Bears-Vikings rivalry renews on Monday night. The Bears nearly beat the Lions in one of the biggest upsets in the season. Unfortunately nearly doesn't cut it. The Bears defense kind of reared its ugly head as they let the Lions score points in the last four minutes of the game. Minnesota had one of the longest winning streaks in the season but unfortunately fell off a bit against Denver. The Josh Dobbs story is a nice one to see. At least Kirk Cousin's record on Monday night isn't in jeopardy. He can't lose a game on Monday night if he's not playing. Smart. I like the Vikings in the matchup. They can rebound.
Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings
Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings
CBS Early
Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Jacksonville @ Houston
Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan
Tampa Bay @ Indianapolis
Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
CBS Late
Buffalo @ Philadelphia
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
Kansas City @ Las Vegas
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
FOX Single
New Orleans @ Atlanta
Joe Davis, Daryl Johnston
New England @ NY Giants
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Carolina @ Tennessee
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth
Cleveland @ Denver (Late)
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
LA Rams @ Arizona (Late)
Chris Myers, Robert Smith
For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2023: Week 12 Maps
Records
Cardinal Viking:
2023:
Week 1: 10-6
Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 8-8
Week 4: 13-3
Week 5: 6-8
Week 5: 6-8
Week 6: 9-6
Week 7: 4-9
Week 8: 10-6
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 6-8
Week 10: 6-8
Week 11: 7-7
Total: 91-73
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2
My record:
2023:
Week 1: 9-7
Week 1: 9-7
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5
Week 4: 14-2
Week 5: 7-7
Week 6: 8-7
Week 7: 5-8
Week 8: 10-6
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 7-7
Week 10: 7-7
Week 11: 11-3
Total: 102-62
2012: 164-90-2
2013: 162-92-1
2014: 172-83-1
2017: 164-92
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1
2019: 161-94-1
2020: 167-88-1
2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2022: 166-103-2
See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 12 Recap! Enjoy the games!
-Tom
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