We head into Week 12 of the 2024 NFL regular season after trying to get cute playing all underdogs last week. Let’s just say, it didn’t work out.
The Minnesota Vikings struggled offensively in a 12-7 victory at the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 10. So, the thinking was that in another outdoor game, this time at the Tennessee Titans, and the Vikings’ lockdown defense, the home team would be the one to back getting 6 points. It didn’t work out, as Minnesota won 23-13, grabbing the cover in the 4th quarter.
To make matters worse, we trusted the New England Patriots getting 4.5 points in a 28-22 loss at home against the Los Angeles Rams. While the Patriots made a valiant comeback to make it close, it was 28-13 heading into the 3rd quarter, and New England was honestly never the right side.
In the final game on our parlay card, we were on the Cincinnati Bengals straight up at the LA Chargers. Cincinnati lost 34-27. The Bengals got off to about as poor of a start in the 1st half as you can have as the Chargers dominated the first 30 minutes, although Cincinnati did pull ahead in the 4th quarter. However, the Bengals defense couldn’t maintain the lead, and we ended up with a doughnut for the week. Yuck.
After looking at BetMGM Sportsbook’s NFL Week 12 odds, here is our “Winner winner chicken dinner” NFL parlay bet to cash in on among SportsbookWire’s NFL expert picks and predictions.
FOOTBALL NEVER STOPS
Live games, analysis and more 7 days a week: Get ESPN+
Winner winner chicken dinner NFL parlay
WEEK 12
Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list of NFL odds. Lines last updated Saturday at 7:40 p.m. ET. All games Sunday and ET unless noted.
Leg 1: COLTS +7.5 (-115) vs. Lions – 1 p.m. (FOX)
The Indianapolis Colts (5-6) welcome the Detroit Lions (9-1) to Lucas Oil Stadium in an intriguing game.
The Lions worked over another AFC South team last Sunday, throttling the Jaguars 52-6 at Ford Field to easily cover as 14-point favorites as the Over (47.5) cashed. Detroit is 7-1 against the spread (ATS) in the past 8 Games, including 4-1 ATS in 5 Games on the road this season.
Playing against the red-hot Lions takes a little bit of a leap of faith. However, the Colts are a strong 6-2 ATS in the past 8 outings, while going 6-2 ATS this season as underdogs.
The key here will be if QB Anthony Richardson can be accurate like he was in Week 11 against the New York Jets in a 28-27 win. He completed 20-for-30 passes for a career-high 272 yards with a TD pass, while adding 2 scoring runs, including the game winner late. It was just the third time he has accounted for 3 or more TDs in a single game.
The Lions have a couple of defensive backs, CBs Terrion Arnold (groin) and Emmanuel Moseley (pectoral) carrying questionable tags, while CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (hamstring) is out.
One of the biggest concerns playing the Colts is actually Lions TE Sam LaPorta. Indianapolis has been gouged by opposing tight ends, and LaPorta is reportedly healthy and off of the injury report. He could be a guy we’re cheering against frequently this Sunday.
Leg 2: PACKERS -5.5 (-110) vs. 49ers – 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
The San Francisco 49ers (5-5) are 1 game back of the division-leading Arizona Cardinals in the NFC North, but they’re tied with the other 2 teams in the division — the Rams and Seattle Seahawks. Of course, there is plenty of time left. San Francisco needs a signature win, and Sunday’s visit to Lambeau Field might provide that opportunity against the Green Bay Packers (7-3).
Unfortunately, while the Niners finally have RB Christian McCaffrey back, they’ll be without QB Brock Purdy, who is sidelined with a right shoulder injury. The 49ers will turn to veteran journeyman QB Brandon Allen to start this critical game. That’s great news for the home side.
While Allen will not have to deal with CB Jaire Alexander (knee), who is out for the Packers, going into Lambeau Field is a tough assignment. The good news is 49ers TE George Kittle is back from a hamstring injury, but you can expect this San Francisco offense to have a slow go Sunday.
The Packers are smack dab in the middle of the playoff race in the NFC, 2 games behind the first-place Lions. They’re just 3-2 straight up at home, though, and need a big win at home. Green Bay can’t afford to lose to San Francisco, another potential playoff team, especially when it is playing without its starting QB.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Leg 3: UNDER 47.5 — Cardinals at Seahawks – 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
The Cardinals (6-4) and Seahawks (5-5) square off at Lumen Field, and both teams will be battling the rain.
The forecast calls for chilly temperatures with a 90% chance of precipitation. While the wind won’t be a factor, the rain is likely to limit both of these teams in the air. A ground-based attack keeps the clock moving, and Under bettors love when that happens.
Both of these teams have high-quality tailbacks, too. Arizona RB James Conner and Seattle RB Kenneth Walker III will be more than willing to carry the mail. The only concern in rain games are silly miscues deep inside a team’s own territory, leading to cheap points.
Even in optimal conditions, the Under is 4-1-1 in the past 6 games for the Cardinals, and the total has gone Under in 4 straight games for the Seahawks.
PARLAY CARD
- COLTS +7.5 (-110) vs. Lions
- PACKERS -5.5 (-110) vs. 49ers
- UNDER 47.5 (-110): Cardinals at Seahawks
Parlay payout: Bet $10 to profit $59.58 (payout = $69.58).
Try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator.
For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.
Access more NFL coverage:
BetFTW | TheHuddle Fantasy Football | BearsWire | BengalsWire | BillsWire | BroncosWire | BrownsWire | BucsWire | CardsWire | ChargersWire | ChiefsWire | ColtsWire | CommandersWire | CowboysWire | DolphinsWire | EaglesWire | FalconsWire | GiantsWire | JaguarsWire | JetsWire | LionsWire | NinersWire | PackersWire | PanthersWire | PatriotsWire | RaidersWire | RamsWire | RavensWire | SaintsWire | SeahawksWire | SteelersWire | TexansWire | TitansWire | VikingsWire | DraftWire | TouchdownWire | ListWire
