NFL 2023 Week 12 lookahead lines, picks: Three games to bet a week early from proven NFL expert

When you back a team favored by 2.5 points on a lookahead line, you hope for one outcome: that the spread will gravitate to -3 (or higher). Last week, we suggested a trio of such favorites for your consideration. The results were a split decision: one slightly good, one slightly bad, one neither.

We snared the Chargers at Green Bay because of their contrasting offenses. Los Angeles came through for us Sunday by piling up 38 points, though in defeat, while the Packers tallied half as many. L.A. enters with a No. 7 scoring rank, with Green Bay 21st, which largely explains the welcome shift to -3.

The Denver-Minnesota line moved half-point in the wrong direction to the Broncos at -2. We assumed the remarkable Vikings debut by QB Joshua Dobbs would be followed by a blah outing and the number could drift up. Nope. Dobbs' sequel was nearly as spectacular. Despite Denver's upset of Buffalo, the hook on the -2.5 disappeared.

The Chiefs-Eagles spread slid over to -3 for awhile but, as these words are being typed, was back at -2.5. Not surprising, given that both teams were enjoying a bye and no impactful news came out of either camp.

This time, we will pass on the lone -2.5 game (L.A. Rams at Arizona) from the Week 12 schedule and ride with three others.

Week 12 lookahead lines

(Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)

Packers at Lions (-7.5), O/U 44
Commanders at Cowboys (-9.5), O/U 45.0
49ers (-3.5) at Seahawks, O/U 44.0
Dolphins (-6) at Jets, O/U 42
Jaguars (-1) at Texans, O/U 45.0
Saints at Falcons (PK), O/U 40.5
Steelers at Bengals (-5), O/U 41.0
Patriots (-5.5) at Giants, O/U 35.0
Panthers at Titans (-4), O/U 38.5
Buccaneers at Colts (-1), O/U 41.5
Browns at Broncos (-1), O/U 38.5 
Rams (-2.5) at Cardinals, O/U 46.0
Chiefs (-9.5) at Raiders, O/U 45.0
Bills at Eagles (-3.5), O/U 47
Ravens (-3.5) at Chargers, O/U 44.0
Bears at Vikings (-3.5), O/U 44.0

Which Week 12 sides make for great plays before Week 11 kicks off? And which underdog offers a great betting opportunity? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 12 lookahead picks from NFL expert Mike Tierney!