Five Things to Watch this Weekend (Week 12)
November 20, 2025
Week 12 is packed with urgency as teams fight to stay alive in the playoff race and others look to prove they belong among the contenders. With quarterback questions, division battles, and make-or-break moments scattered across the slate, this week has the potential to shift the NFL landscape in a big way. Here are the top 5 stories you should be tracking:
1 . Colts vs. Chiefs
Few have more on the line in week 12 than the Kansas City Chiefs after their big loss in Denver last week. At 5-5, they’re certainly not out of it but they’ll have to claw back into the playoff picture after a disappointing start to the season has carrier into late November. Having to perform a 180 on your season with the 8-2 Colts coming to town won’t be an easy task. Jonathan Taylor has made quick work of (nearly) every defense he’s seen up to this point and the Daniel Jones resurgence is officially real. However, we aren’t that far from Mahomes and talks of winning his third MVP season. If anyone can pull this off, it’s Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes.
2. Steelers vs. Bears
Pittsburgh blew out Cincy last week. I know, who hasn’t? But the big loss they did take was potentially Aaron Rodgers and his left wrist. There’s rumors he could play through it if given the all clear. Reports this week indicate he’s been rehabbing each day and trying to get in a good spot by the end of the week. If Rodgers can’t go, Mason Rudolph will step in, and you never quite know what you’re going to get. Pittsburgh needs this one to keep their one game lead over the Ravens who just keep on winning and have a good shot at a victory in week 12 against the Jets. On the other side, the Bears are currently leading the NFC North. It’s a great test for a young team looking to take that next step in the NFL and to show that they’re for real. The outside still views the Lions or the Packers as the one to take this eventually, but the Bears are 7-3 and have been finding ways to win all season.
3. Browns vs. Raiders
We had to do it. You know you’ll check the box score a few times to see how he’s doing even if you avoid watching this one. Who, you’re asking? None other than Shedeur Sanders getting his first start. With Dillon Gabriel remaining in concussion protocol, it’s officially time for Sanders to step in and show what he’s learned all these weeks as a backup. Truthfully, it should be a lot. They had Joe Flacco there for a while to show the two young guys the ropes, and coaches have had the remaining weeks while Gabriel was starting to bring Shedeur along. Sanders stepped in for Gabriel last week when he went down and put up a legendary performance.. Just not the type of legendary he wanted. 4/16 for 47 yards and an interception. Their defense should have no problem shutting down Geno Smith and the Raiders which should make for quite the softball toss of a first start for the rookie out of Colorado. Turnovers, short fields, it should all be there for the Browns to take advantage of.
4. Eagles vs. Cowboys
Dallas got to finally debut their trade acquisitions and they immediately paid off in a big way. Quinnen Williams was pressuring the quarterback and added 1.5 sacks to his season total. Granted, the opposing quarterback was Geno Smith.. But still! The Cowboys looked rejuvenated, refreshed after their bye week and dominated Las Vegas. They’re still 4-5-1 with bad losses on their schedule and a tough road ahead if they want to see post-season football. It starts this Sunday with the 8-2 defending champion Eagles coming to town. Philly has had their struggles but, as always, they find a way to win. It’ll be interesting to see how these two match up with stars on both sides of the ball for both rosters. It’s either a good time for Dallas to strike and get their 5th win of the season or Philly will officially put them down for good. The next two weeks will see Dallas take on Kansas City for Thanksgiving then visit Detroit. They need this one.
5. Bucs vs. Rams
The Sunday night slot in week 12 features a hot Rams squad hosting Baker’s Bucs who are getting desperate for a win. Tampa Bay is coming off two very difficult matchups. First, dropping one to New England at home and then traveled to Buffalo last week and became the victim of Josh Allen’s six touchdown performance. The schedule will lighten up a little bit but the Panthers have officially closed the gap between them and they’ll face off twice down the stretch. The Bucs need to get back to their A game and this is the chance to make a statement. The Rams may be 8-2 but they just squeaked by the Seahawks even after forcing Darnold to throw four interceptions. Realistically they should have lost, but a game winning field goal by Seattle went wide. We’ll chalk that up to a tough divisional matchup and the Seahawks are one of the hottest teams in football. Los Angeles is now riding a 5 game win streak and hasn’t lost since October 2nd. Good luck.
Keith, Author
Keith runs youth flag football leagues by day, and by night he hosts the podcast and writes articles with the confidence of a man who’s been rushing quarterbacks since dial-up. A longtime flag football DE and lifelong Falcons fan, he’s no stranger to heartbreak and enjoys watching the bears get slaughtered each week. Equal parts coach, critic, and chaos, Keith calls it like he sees it… even if it hurts.
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