2020 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 12

Carolina Panthers (4-6) at Minnesota Vikings (4-6)

Sunday, November 29, 1PM ET

At this point in the season, it’s do-or-die for both of these clubs. The Minnesota Vikings were heating up until they choked against the Cowboys last weekend, while the Carolina Panthers were on a five-game losing streak until they snapped it last weekend.

So who keeps their playoff hopes alive in Week 12, and who draws that much closer to preparing for an early offseason? Right now, I’m leaning towards the Vikings being the former and the Panthers being the latter.

The Vikings might have lost to Dallas, but they’ve still got a dynamic offensive attack led by Dalvin Cook. He’ll be going up against a middle-of-the-road Carolina run defense that’s given up 14 rushing touchdowns this season. If the Vikings can get him going early, he can feed on their defense while also opening the play-action game for Kirk Cousins.

Chances are P.J. Walker gets the start under center for the Panthers, which will be only his second. We’d love to see Teddy Bridgewater up against his former team, but that doesn’t seem to be in the cards. Either way, the Vikings should get just enough effort from their defense to help them get a desperation win in Week 12.

Prediction: Vikings win 24-23