A Super Bowl hangover and a head coach brothers’ clash: Five things to look out for in Week 12 of the NFL season

As the NFL season enters Week 12, there’s a lot to look forward to with playoff implications on the line, key matchups, and family drama brewing. Here’s a breakdown of five things to look out for:

1. Super Bowl Hangover: Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders

The Kansas City Chiefs have been riding the wave of their Super Bowl victory in 2024, but they’ve encountered some bumps along the way. With Patrick Mahomes leading the offense, the Chiefs are still a top team in the AFC, but they haven’t been quite as dominant as in previous seasons. The upcoming matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders is important for Kansas City to continue its march toward the postseason. The Raiders have been unpredictable, and while they lack the overall talent of the Chiefs, they can play spoilers. The Chiefs need to shake off any remnants of a Super Bowl hangover and get back to their dominant form to secure a win and stay atop the AFC West. Super Bowl Hangover & Head Coach Brothers.

2. Head Coach Brothers’ Clash: Andy Reid vs. Jon Gruden

In an intriguing family rivalry, Andy Reid, head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs, faces Jon Gruden, the newly hired head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. While the Chiefs are Super Bowl champions and contenders for another title, the Raiders are in the midst of rebuilding, and Gruden is working to instill his philosophy into a new roster. The personal stakes rise with the Kelsey brothers—Travis (Chiefs tight end) and Jason (Eagles center)—on the sidelines. It’s a rare opportunity for fans to watch two coaching legends from the same family go head-to-head in a highly charged divisional battle. This game is more than just X’s and O’s; it’s about family pride, too. Super Bowl Hangover & Head Coach Brothers.

3. Playoff Implications: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Dallas Cowboys

The NFC East is one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL, and Philadelphia and Dallas are at the center of it. The Eagles, the defending NFC champions, have been playing well but haven’t looked as invincible as in years past. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have been consistently strong, with Dak Prescott and a defense led by Micah Parsons. This matchup is crucial for both teams, as the winner could take a significant step toward securing the division crown or a high playoff seed. Expect a high-stakes, intense game, as both teams have explosive offenses and stout defenses, making this one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 12.

4. Rookie Quarterback Showdown: C.J. Stroud vs. Bryce Young

The future of the NFL is on display as C.J. Stroud of the Houston Texans faces Bryce Young of the Carolina Panthers. Both quarterbacks were selected highly in the 2024 draft, and while Stroud has impressed with his poise and playmaking ability, Young has had his ups and downs in a rebuilding Carolina squad. This game offers a unique opportunity to see two of the league’s future stars square off in a critical contest. With both teams fighting for their playoff lives, the performance of these young quarterbacks could have a big impact on how their teams finish the season and what the future holds for them in the league.

5. Minnesota Vikings vs. Green Bay Packers: A Crucial NFC North Battle

Both the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are fighting for Wild Card spots in the NFC, making their Week 12 matchup one to watch. The Vikings, led by Kirk Cousins, have been a surprise contender, with solid play on both sides of the ball. The Packers, led by rookie quarterback Jordan Love, have shown promise but also inconsistency. This game is crucial for both teams to stay in the playoff race. The Vikings will look to extend their winning ways, while the Packers need a statement victory to stay competitive in the NFC North.