Week 12 Matchup Preview: Colts @ Chiefs, Eagles @ Cowboys - Playoff Implications

Week 12 features several high-stakes matchups with significant playoff implications. The Indianapolis Colts travel to face the Kansas City Chiefs, while the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Dallas Cowboys in a crucial NFC East showdown. With four teams on bye (Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders), the spotlight shines on these pivotal games.

Week 12 Schedule: November 23-24, 2025 (Thanksgiving Week)

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Top Matchups

Colts (8-2) @ Chiefs (5-5)

Game Importance:

• Colts can solidify AFC playoff positioning
• Chiefs fighting to stay in playoff hunt
• Jonathan Taylor vs struggling Chiefs run defense

Key Storylines:

• Jonathan Taylor's historic season (1,139 yards, 15 TDs in 10 games)
• Chiefs' defensive struggles against elite RBs
• Playoff seeding implications for Colts

Fantasy Impact:

• Jonathan Taylor: Elite RB1 start with massive upside
• Michael Pittman Jr.: WR2 with touchdown potential
• Chiefs DST: Avoid against elite Colts offense

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Eagles (8-2) @ Cowboys (4-5)

Game Importance:

• Eagles can extend NFC East lead
• Cowboys fighting to stay in playoff contention
• Division rivalry with playoff implications

Key Storylines:

• Eagles' aggressive trade deadline moves paying off
• Cowboys' inconsistent season continues
• NFC East control at stake

Fantasy Impact:

• Eagles offense: Start your studs with confidence
• Cowboys DST: Risky play against elite Eagles offense

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Rams (8-2) @ Buccaneers (6-4) - Sunday Night Football

Game Importance:

• NFC playoff seeding battle
• Rams can solidify NFC West lead
• Buccaneers fighting for NFC South control

Key Storylines:

• Rams' 5-game winning streak
• Buccaneers' playoff push without Chris Godwin
• High-scoring potential in primetime

Fantasy Impact:

• Rams offense: Elite fantasy options in primetime
• Buccaneers offense: Start with confidence in shootout potential

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Patriots (9-2) @ Bengals (3-7)

Game Importance:

• Patriots aim to extend 8-game winning streak
• Patriots can move to 10-2 and strengthen #1 seed position
• Bengals fighting to stay mathematically alive

Key Storylines:

• Patriots' remarkable turnaround season
• Bengals' disappointing 2025 campaign
• AFC East dominance by New England

Fantasy Impact:

• Patriots DST: Elite streaming option vs struggling Bengals
• Bengals offense: Risky plays against elite Patriots defense

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Week 12 Thanksgiving Games

Traditional Thanksgiving Day Schedule

Thursday, November 28, 2025:

Thanksgiving Day features traditional matchups with high fantasy scoring potential.

Fantasy Strategy:

• Start your studs in Thanksgiving games
• Monitor weather conditions for outdoor games
• Consider game pace and scoring environment

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Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendations

Must-Start Players

Running Backs:

• Jonathan Taylor (@ Chiefs) - Elite RB1 matchup
• Christian McCaffrey (if playing) - Always start
• James Cook (if healthy) - RB2 value

Wide Receivers:

• Elite WR1s in all matchups
• Target receivers in high-scoring games
• Avoid receivers facing elite cornerbacks

Quarterbacks:

• QBs in high-scoring environments
• Avoid QBs facing elite pass defenses
• Stream based on matchup, not name

Sit Considerations

Players to Avoid:

• Players on bye (Broncos, Chargers, Dolphins, Commanders)
• Players facing elite defenses
• Injured players with questionable status

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Playoff Implications by Conference

AFC Playoff Race

Current Standings:

1. Patriots (9-2)
2. Broncos (9-2) - BYE
3. Colts (8-2)
4. Steelers (6-4)
5. Chargers (7-2) - BYE
6. Bills (6-4)

Week 12 Impact:

• Colts can gain ground with win over Chiefs
• Patriots can extend lead to 10-2
• Bills need wins to stay in wild card race

NFC Playoff Race

Current Standings:

1. Rams (8-2)
2. Eagles (8-2)
3. Lions (6-4)
4. Buccaneers (6-4)

Week 12 Impact:

• Eagles can solidify NFC East control
• Rams can extend NFC West lead
• Buccaneers fighting for division title

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Injury Updates to Monitor

Key Players to Watch:

• Check inactive lists before Sunday games
• Monitor questionable players' practice status
• Have backup plans for game-time decisions

Thanksgiving Day Considerations:

• Earlier kickoffs mean earlier lineup decisions
• Limited time to adjust for late scratches
• Set lineups early Thursday morning

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Weather Considerations

Outdoor Games:

• Monitor weather forecasts for outdoor stadiums
• Wind affects passing games significantly
• Cold weather favors running games

Indoor Games:

• Ideal conditions for passing attacks
• Higher scoring potential
• Fantasy-friendly environments

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Streaming Options

Defense/Special Teams

Top Week 12 Streaming Defenses:

• Patriots DST (@ Bengals)
• Defenses facing backup QBs
• Home defenses with strong pass rush

Quarterback Streaming

Favorable Matchups:

• QBs in high-scoring games
• QBs facing weak pass defenses
• QBs with rushing upside

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DFS Considerations

High-Ownership Players:

• Jonathan Taylor (Colts @ Chiefs)
• Elite WRs in primetime games
• QBs in high-scoring environments

Contrarian Plays:

• Lower-owned players in good matchups
• Value plays with increased opportunity
• Game stack opportunities

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Key Takeaways

• Colts @ Chiefs features Jonathan Taylor vs struggling run defense
• Eagles @ Cowboys has major NFC East implications
• Rams @ Bucs SNF promises high-scoring shootout
• Patriots @ Bengals gives New England chance for 10-2 record
• Four teams on bye creates streaming opportunities
• Thanksgiving games require early lineup decisions