NFL Week 12 is here, and it’s desperation time for disappointing teams stuck on the bubble.
The Los Angeles Rams were NFC Champions in 2018, but they have regressed to a 6-4 record that leaves them outside of the top six playoff teams in the conference. They have played quality football in spots this season, but they have been undone by poor quarterbacking from last year’s breakout star, Jared Goff.
For teams like the Rams, Titans, Raiders and Steelers, every game is critical in the tight Wild Card races in both conferences. Meanwhile, teams like the Bears and Jaguars need to win every week in order to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Which high stakes games will be available in your area this Sunday? Below are full NFL coverage maps for Week 12’s televised games.
Thursday Night Football (FOX/NFL Network): Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts
This game might end up being the best Thursday Night Football matchup of the season, because both teams are 6-4. The winner will be in the lead for the AFC South and will have the tiebreaker advantage if their records even out after Week 17. Indianapolis won their meeting earlier this season 30-23, and they are back on track after last week’s 33-13 win over the Jaguars in sleeper MVP candidate Jacoby Brissett’s return.
CBS
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Red: New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers
Yellow: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos
Orange: Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Green: New York Jets vs. Oakland Raiders
Blue (LATE): Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Of the early games, the Panthers vs. Saints clearly deserves to be broadcast in the most homes around the country. While the Saints are heavy favorites, rivalry matchups are always a toss-up. If Kyle Allen bounces back, the Saints could face a stiff challenge.
The late game between Tennessee and Jacksonville is the other high-stakes AFC South matchup. Whoever loses this game can basically kiss their slim playoff hopes alive.
FOX Early
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Red: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks
Blue: Chicago Bears vs. New York Giants
Yellow: Washington Redskins vs. Detroit Lions
Orange: Cleveland Browns vs. Miami Dolphins
Green: Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Most of these games are skippable, so it’s unsurprising to see how much of the map is covered by the battle between Wild Card contenders. The Philadelphia Eagles have sufficient talent to win at home, but Russell Wilson is Lamar Jackson’s toughest competition for the MVP award for a reason; he can single-handedly carry his team to victory. Wilson and the Seahawks could run away with this one if Carson Wentz continues to play below his standard.
FOX Late
New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys
Literally everyone is watching the Patriots vs. the Cowboys, because they are the two most-discussed teams in the NFL; they also happen to be great teams right now. New England will be the favorites as the main Super Bowl contenders in the NFL after another championship last season, but don’t be surprised if Dak Prescott cooks up some magic. He’s on fire right now.
Sunday Night Football: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers
Don’t miss this game. Remember how insane the last Packers vs. 49ers game was in 2018 when both teams weren’t even good? This matchup will (fingers crossed) be twice as good.
Monday Night Football: Los Angeles Rams vs. Baltimore Ravens
Lamar Jackson is owning defenses this season, as even the Patriots defense, which was the best in the NFL, couldn’t stop him. Wade Phillips is about to get humbled by Jackson, while Goff will have the tall task of trying to go toe-to-toe with the MVP favorite.