Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) and wide receiver George Pickens (3) celebrate after a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the third quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium.

The holidays are right around the corner, but we have one more NFL Sunday before the festivities begin.

This season has been a roller coaster, and the playoff hunt is heating up as we hit Week 12. We're in for a wild ride as teams and players battle out the next two months on the gridiron. Buckle up.

The USA TODAY Sports staff has returned to the roundtable to give the best NFL bets for today. With nearly three months of stats and data, we'll strive to make more informed decisions each NFL Sunday.

Bye weeks continue in Week 12, with four teams getting the week off: Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Denver Broncos. Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans kicked off the week on Thursday night. Don't fret, there are 12 more games still to come today.

As we do every week throughout the season, our staff of experts narrows down the best NFL bets for Sunday.

They have provided those NFL predictions for Week 12 below, supplying an in-depth analysis on spreads, totals, player props and anytime touchdowns with odds from BetMGM. Best of luck if you tail.

Best bets NFL Week 12

All odds listed are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook. Access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a complete list.

Arizona Cardinals (+3) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (+140)

Ayrton Ostly, NFL writer: I know, we all just watched the Cardinals get stomped by the San Francisco 49ers at home last week. But the team gave up two touchdowns in less than six minutes of game time and it's hard to come back against anyone in that scenario.

The Cardinals had a solid second half to make things a bit more respectable at 41-22 compared to the 35-10 deficit they faced at the opening of the third quarter.

Jacksonville also just dominated the Los Angeles Chargers 35-6. So again, what gives with this pick? Because it'd be the most quintessential Jaguars performance to lose to an NFC team set for a top-10 draft pick after running over a fellow AFC wild card contender.

Cleveland Browns (+3.5) at Las Vegas Raiders (-108)

Jacob Camenker, NFL writer: We get it. Nobody wants to back Shedeur Sanders in his first-ever NFL start, especially after he completed just 4 of 16 passes for 47 yards with an interception and two sacks in one half of action against the Baltimore Ravens.

But answer me this: when exactly have the Raiders looked good at any point this season? Sure, they have Maxx Crosby on defense and a mismatch threat at tight end in Brock Bowers, but two players do not a strong team make.

Geno Smith has struggled during his first season in Las Vegas. He is tied for the NFL lead in interceptions with Tua Tagovailoa (they both have 13) and the blocking in front of Smith and rookie running back Ashton Jeanty is, simply put, atrocious. That's part of the reason the offense has posted more than 20 points only once in the past six weeks, while averaging 13 points per game over that span.

So, forgive us if we're not willing to back the Raiders as favorites against a Browns defense that has reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett and ranks fourth in defensive EPA per play. This has all the makings of a low-scoring, grind-it-out game that is decided by a field goal, making Cleveland a risky-but-potentially-fun underdog to back.

Dallas Cowboys ML vs. Philadelphia Eagles (+145)

Nick Brinkerhoff, NFL writer: Stoppable force, meet movable object. Or perhaps it’s unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, depending on your perspective. Dallas has a great offense, but a subpar defense. Philadelphia has a great defense, but a subpar offense. While defense might win championships, they don’t always win regular-season games. In Week 12, it’s hard not to like the team with the weaker defense.

The Cowboys debuted some new pieces like Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson, but don’t discount the returns of Malik Hooker and DeMarvion Overshown or a healthy rookie corner like Shavon Revel. People will look at the Cowboys and say, “Eh, they beat the Raiders, big deal.”

We look at the Cowboys and think that’s a team we want to back as a home underdog against a division rival. It’s not often that an 8-2 team like the Eagles has this many issues, but the drama isn’t going away. Now they are without Lane Johnson, which has been problematic in the past – evidenced by Philly’s 15-23 record when the star tackle isn’t in the lineup.

More importantly, Dak Prescott is 21-2 against the NFC East at home in his career and a winner of 18 straight. The Cowboys nearly knocked off the Eagles on opening night. They get across the finish line this time and march into Thanksgiving with a real chance to get back into the playoff race.

Lions RB, David Montgomery Anytime TD (+100)

Tom Viera, NFL writer/editor: It's been a tough couple of weeks for the touchdown train but we've been on the right path. To get back on track in Week 12 we're firing up a wager that qualifies as a "banker" or a wager we are confident enough to put two units on. Detroit is coming off a tough loss in prime time on the road against defending champs, but gets the luxury of returning home to face the 2-9 New York Giants.

This will be the third game since Dan Campbell took over play calling for the Lions' offense and it's likely he returns to what has worked best for the unit since his arrival. David Montgomery had just six carries last Sunday after having 15 totes the week prior. The 28-year-old running back has become somewhat of an afterthought with Jahmyr Gibbs dominating, but Monty has scored five times in 10 games.

Detroit is a double-digit favorite, suggesting the game script will favor the run game, and Montgomery will be a direct beneficiary. The Giants defense has allowed a league-high 5.7 yards per carry and is one of five teams to allow 10 or more rushing touchdowns to opposing backfields. Big Blue is ranked 32nd in defensive rush EPA (0.148) and defensive rush DVOA (16.6%). Monty has scored four touchdowns in Detroit's six wins. Expect it to be five touchdowns in seven wins after Sunday.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are NFL best bets for Week 12? Our experts give top player props, anytime TDs

Reporting by Tom Viera, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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