NFL preview: Rams and Packers lock horns in Week 12

Week 12 of this NFL season has potential to be one of the best yet, headlined by the Los Angeles Rams as they take on the Green Bay Packers in what should be an enthralling contest.

We’ve previewed this and two other key games below.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Indianapolis Colts

Tom Brady has a long history of big games in Indianapolis, but Peyton Manning isn’t the one to worry about this week.

Instead, it’s Jonathan Taylor who averages 157.7 yards rushing in the last three weeks for the Colts.

Last time out, Indianapolis were sensational, they produced a third successive win thanks to a big victory over Buffalo Bills, with Taylor recording five TDs to showcase his excellent form.

Yet the Colts face another tough task this Sunday, with the reigning champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming into this on the back of a confidence-boosting win against the New York Giants.

That was their first win in three, they are 2-3 on the road this season and Tampa Bay do have the league’s best run defence, which will be tested.

However, the Buccaneers should have enough quality to pull away in the fourth quarter behind Brady, who is 5-4 at Indianapolis (including post-season).

Tampa Bay are 5/8 favourites on the Money Line, with the Colts 7/5. The total for this game is 53 points; Jonathan Taylor to have over 79.5 rushing yards is a tasty 5/6.

Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots

Tennessee sent shockwaves through the NFL last week as their six-match winning streak came to an end against the Houston Texans – who only had one win to their name prior.

The Titans face a difficult task in their effort to respond here as they head to the in-form New England Patriots.

With five straight wins to their name, the Pats sit at the top of the AFC thanks to another eye-catching performance last time out.

However, Mike Vrabel has led Tennessee to victories against the Patriots in the last two meetings so keep that in mind as they renew rivalries on Sunday.

That said, we’re going to trust the Patriots’ defence at home as they have only allowed 10 points per game in their last two and should have enough in their locker to see this out with home advantage.

The Pats are 10/29 favourites on the Money Line and they’re 3/1 to win by 1-6 points. The Titans are 49/20 outsiders for victory; total points over 43.5 is a cool 10/11.

Los Angeles Rams @ Green Bay Packers 

The Rams are coming off a bye week and the Packers desperately need a bye week, as their injury troubles continue to pile up.

Aaron Rodgers is also nursing a toe problem, and that’s not good news when facing a refreshed Rams’ team looking to jell around its new stars, Von Miller and Odell Beckham Jr.

Rodgers and the Packers offence did their part last Sunday, but their defence folded in Green Bay’s 34-31 defeat at the Vikings.

They’ll be inspired to avenge that here against the Rams – who themselves are coming off a two-game losing streak.

The Packers may be undefeated at home, but Matthew Stafford has the firepower to get the Rams back on track.

WR Cooper Kupp is still leading the NFL with 1,141 receiving yards, and a bye week has also given Odell Beckham Jr. an extra week to learn the playbook after his two-catch debut.

As the 5/6 favourites, a Rams win seems likely, with the Packers at EVS on the Money Line. The total for this game is 47 points, and over 5.5 Total Match Touchdowns is 6/5.