Each week is hard when making an attempt to establish potential NFL upsets.
Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season could be harder than most.
Due to some video games between evenly-matched groups, and some potential blowouts on paper, our writers right here at SB Nation struggled to pick some potential upsets for this week.
However alas, we forge on. Listed here are 4 potential upsets for Week 12 of the 2024 NFL season.
New York Giants (+6) over Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Mark Schofield
That sound you hear?
That’s the sound of Tommy “Cutlets” DeVito returning to the beginning lineup for the New York Giants.
A 12 months in the past DeVito stepped into the beginning lineup for an injured Daniel Jones and never solely sparked the Giants offense, however he captured the eye of the whole league. Now, with Jones struggling — and a $23 million harm assure maybe forcing the workforce’s hand — the Giants are turning to DeVito as soon as extra.
Can he supply improved play from the pocket from New York? Maybe. Can he ship one other spark for the Giants this season? Completely. Will or not it’s sustainable? In all probability not.
Nevertheless it could be sufficient for one week not less than.
Chicago Bears (+3.5) over Minnesota Vikings — JP Acosta
After the firing of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, Bears’ rookie QB Caleb Williams and the Chicago offense seemed much more fluid and performed with way more vitality than earlier weeks. Regardless of having a large problem towards a Vikings’ protection that prides itself on making life hell for rookie QBs, I believe Williams is leaning extra into the out of construction performs that would result in some explosives towards this workforce.
On the opposite aspect, I believe this Bears’ protection can pressure Sam Darnold into some errors. Since their week seven loss to Detroit, Minnesota is twentieth in offensive EPA per play and 14th in Success Charge, down from a blistering begin to the season. With a ferocious entrance 4 I believe the Bears can fluster Darnold slightly bit.
The offense nonetheless could be a piece in progress, however I imagine in Williams’ potential to have some constructive volatility, bringing an upset to the Windy Metropolis.
Carolina Panthers (+11) over Kansas Metropolis Chiefs — James Dator
Belief me, I do know this sounds just like the dumbest choose on this planet — however +11 factors at house is a frankly silly unfold. Kansas Metropolis has solely gained one recreation by 11 or extra factors, and that got here in Week 5 towards the New Orleans Saints.
This season has been marred by the Chiefs taking part in all the way down to their opponent’s stage, and on the opposite aspect of the ball the Panthers have been taking part in a lot better soccer of late. Add in the truth that Adam Thielen is again from harm, including to a proficient younger receiving corps — and that second spherical rookie working again Jonathan Brooks is making his debut for the Panthers, and there’s an actual probability right here that the sport may very well be nearer than anybody expects.
I’m not saying Carolina wins this one, however I do assume it may very well be very shut. This has all of the options of a entice recreation for the Chiefs, who’re undoubtably looking forward to Week 14 once they face the Chargers.