The Houston Texans pushed their record above .500 for the first time of the 2025 NFL season with a 23-19 win over the Buffalo Bills on ‘Thursday Night Football.’

Houston earned the victory thanks to a superb defensive effort. The unit generated relentless pressure on Josh Allen throughout Thursday’s game, with Will Anderson (2.5 sacks) and Danielle Hunter (2 sacks) seemingly rattling the reigning NFL MVP.

Overall, the Texans sacked Allen eight times. He lost a whopping 70 yards because of those plays, which worked to keep Buffalo behind the chains for most of the evening.

The win marked Houston’s third consecutive, all of which have been started by backup quarterback Davis Mills. The fifth-year veteran got off to a slow start against the Bills, completing just 1 of his first 7 passes, but threw a couple of touchdown passes in the second quarter to keep the Texans in the back-and-forth game.

Mills has now won all three of his starts in place of the injured C.J. Stroud (concussion), and has breathed life back into the Texans, who are just a half-game back in the AFC wild-card race after their latest victory.

USA TODAY Sports provided live updates on score changes, highlights, and notable injuries throughout ‘Thursday Night Football’ in Week 12.

Bills-Texans TNF takeaways

The Texans’ defense is the league’s best: The Denver Broncos and Philadelphia Eagles could also stake a claim to this title, but the Texans’ performance against Josh Allen should put them at No. 1. Houston pressured Allen relentlessly, sacking him eight times and limiting the Bills to just 12 offensive points. The Texans have the league’s No. 1 defense in terms of EPA per play, and they have proven they can shut down even the league’s best quarterbacks. They will be a tough out if they can manage to claw their way into the AFC playoffs amid their hot streak.
Davis Mills is a strong backup quarterback in the NFL: The Texans had to rely on Mills to start three games with C.J. Stroud out of action due to a concussion. The fifth-year veteran led Houston to a 3-0 record across those games. Mills wasn’t always explosive – he completed 16 of 30 passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns against the Bills – but he largely avoided mistakes and was able to lead the Texans to an impressive, fourth-quarter comeback against the Jaguars in what was basically a must-win game. Houston has to be happy it has him behind Stroud.
The Bills desperately need another receiver to step up: Buffalo was without Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) and Keon Coleman (healthy scratch) against the Texans. That made Allen’s job harder, as he had to lean a lot on Khalil Shakir against a top-tier Houston pass defense. Shakir did very well, recording eight catches for 110 yards, but no other wide receiver recorded more than two catches. To emerge as a true Super Bowl contender, the Bills need another receiving option to play at a higher level. Coleman is probably the best bet to achieve that goal if he can get back into the good graces of the Buffalo coaching staff.
Joe Brady very nearly willed the Bills to a win: Brady deserves a ton of credit for his play call on a fourth-and-27 on Buffalo’s final drive. It seemed like the Texans had the Bills dead to rights, but Brady dialed up a hook-and-ladder-type play with Josh Palmer and Khalil Shakir that confused Houston’s defense. Buffalo converted and nearly had a chance to win as a result of the brilliant call.

Josh Allen stats vs. Texans

23-of-34 (67.6% completion rate)
253 passing yards
0 passing touchdowns
2 interceptions
67.4 passer rating
5 rushing attempts
20 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns

James Cook stats vs. Texans

17 rushing attempts
116 rushing yards
1 rushing touchdown
3 receptions (3 targets)
13 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns

Davis Mills stats vs. Bills

16-of-30 (53.3% completion rate)
153 passing yards
2 passing touchdowns
0 interceptions
90.0 passer rating
2 rushing attempts
4 rushing yards
0 rushing touchdowns

Nico Collins stats vs. Bills

3 receptions (3 targets)
55 receiving yards
0 receiving touchdowns

Texans vs. Bills highlights

Bills-Texans final score: Texans 23, Bills 19

Josh Allen throws game-ending interception on fourth down

The Bills came up short in their bid for a game-winning drive. Allen was pressured on fourth-and-6 and was forced to heave up a desperation pass downfield. His throw came up short, and Caleb Bullock made his second interception of the night.

Davis Mills will just need to take a knee to give the Texans a much-needed 23-19 win.

Buffalo converts fourth-and-27 with trick play

Joe Brady and the Bills dialed up a perfect play call on fourth-and-27. Josh Allen completed a pass to Josh Palmer, and the veteran flipped the ball back to Khalil Shakir while both were coming across the field.

The Texans defense didn’t have leverage, as many defenders were guarding the deep ball down the field, and that allowed Shakir to easily get a first down.

Texans run four plays before being forced to punt

Houston got off to a good start after a 16-yard pass from Davis Mills to Jayden Higgins, but they couldn’t get another first down. Buffalo’s defense rallied to tackle on a couple of Mills checkdowns, so the Bills will get the ball back with 2:48 left in regulation.

Buffalo still has all three of its timeouts remaining but is trailing 23-19 and needs a touchdown to overtake the Texans.

Texans vs. Bills score: Bills settle for 38-yard field goal after Texans get more pressure on Josh Allen

After Khalil Shakir’s big play, Allen was immediately sacked, putting Buffalo in a tough spot against an aggressive Houston defense. The Texans once again pressured Allen on third-and-10 and forced him into a throwaway.

The Bills then opted to kick a field goal, which Matt Prater made from 38 yards away. That cut Buffalo’s deficit to 23-19 with 5:44 left in regulation. The Bills have all three of their timeouts remaining, giving them plenty of time to stop the Texans and try to mount a game-winning touchdown drive.

Josh Allen hits Khalil Shakir for 44-yard gain on third-and-12

The Texans put Allen and the Bills in a tough spot after a second-down sack. However, a well-designed play where Shakir performed a modified orbit motion coming in and out of the backfield got the team’s top receiver in space on third-and-long.

Shakir managed to make a man miss before running down the sideline for a 44-yard gain, putting the Bills on the edge of the red zone.

Bills force three-and-out after pressuring Davis Mills on third down

The Texans found themselves behind the sticks after a 1-yard run by Woody Marks and a drop by Cade Stover. The Bills then proceeded to get pressure on Mills, who barely got the ball back to the line of scrimmage as he threw it away.

Tommy Townsend hit a 47-yard punt, but it was more of a line-drive kick. That allowed Khalil Shakir to find space for an 11-yard return, giving the Bills the ball back at their own 38-yard line, trailing 23-16 with 9:09 left in regulation.

Texans stuff James Cook for loss on fourth-and-1

The Bills were facing a fourth-and-1 just outside the red-zone and opted to go for it, trailing by a touchdown with about 10 minutes left in regulation. 

Rather than sneak it with Josh Allen as the team did earlier in the game, Buffalo opted to hand the ball to James Cook. The Texans were ready for it and tore him to the ground for a loss after getting quick penetration into the backfield.

Houston now has the ball, leading 23-16 with 10:09 left in the fourth quarter.

Texans leading Bills 23-16 after three quarters

Houston’s defense has given Buffalo’s offense fits outside of the team’s first drive of the game. Since James Cook’s 45-yard touchdown, the Bills have been unable to consistently put together drives, scoring just six offensive points as Josh Allen has been under constant pressure.

The Texans have racked up four sacks against Allen and have forced the star quarterback to lose a whopping 41 yards on those hits. The reigning MVP has still been efficient, completing 14 of 19 passes for 122 yards but has also tossed an interception and has only gained six rushing yards on four carries.

Allen was sacked on the final play of the third quarter, setting up a second-and-long to open the fourth quarter. He will need to get into rhythm quickly to give the Bills a chance to pull off a comeback.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbairn makes third field goal to give Texans 23-16 lead

The Texans offense continues to be plagued by penalties, but they managed to turn the Bills’ turnover into points. Fairbairn came on to attempt a 26-yard field goal after Davis Mills and Co. couldn’t get into the end zone, and the veteran was able to max the chip shot with ease.

The Texans are now leading 23-16 and figure to take that lead into the fourth quarter, as 17 seconds remain in the third.

NFL referee carted off after non-contact injury

Adrian Hill, the head referee for tonight’s game, suffered an injury in the third quarter of the contest and will not continue.

The injury occurred on a Bills punt midway through the third quarter. Hill was standing behind the play in the end-zone and pulled up and reached for his left leg after trying to run.

Hill’s injury was non-contact, and he was helped off the field by medical staff on hand for the game. He was unable to put much weight on his left leg, though he was seen standing on the sideline after getting off the field. He was eventually carted off.

Khalil Shakir loses fumble after third-down catch

The Bills were positioned to gain a first down after Josh Allen connected with Khalil Shakir on a third-down pass. However, Houston punched the ball out of Shakir’s hands, forcing a fumble and recovering it.

The Texans will take over with the ball already well within field goal range.

Texans and Bills continue to trade punts

Neither Houston nor Buffalo has been able to build offensive momentum in the third quarter. The Texans got into a fourth-and-short situation just outside of field goal range. Originally, it looked like they might fake a punt, but a false start penalty made them actually kick it deep.

The Bills are once again pinned deep and will look to get at least one first down as they try to flip the field back in their favor.

Texans offense derailed by penalties, punt back to Bills

The Texans were whistled for a penalty on their first offensive play of the second half. That was one of three they were flagged for after getting the ball, and the penalties ultimately prevented them from gaining a first down.

Tommy Townsend hit a nice, 56-yard punt, and a negative-7-yard return by Khalil Shakir, coupled with a holding penalty on Buffalo, backed the Bills up to their own 9-yard line.

Terrell Bernard injury update

Bernard, one of the Bills’ starting linebackers and a team captain, suffered an apparent arm injury while making a tackle on Buffalo’s first defensive drive of the half. He remained down and was tended to by medical staff before walking into the locker room with assistance and favoring his right arm.

The Bills did not immediately provide an update on Bernard’s status

Josh Allen sacked for 18-yard loss as Texans force Bills punt

Allen and the Bills were facing a third-and-6 on their opening drive of the second half when the reigning NFL MVP tried to make a big play. He scrambled away from a Will Anderson sack and tried to get to the left side of the field before doubling back.

Ultimately, Allen wasn’t able to find an open receiver while running around, and Anderson brought him down. That forced Mitch Wishnowsky to come on to punt after the 18-yard loss. 

Wishnowsky uncorked a 44-yarder and the Texans will get the ball at their own 31-yard line to open the second half after a fair catch.

Texans leading Bills 20-16 at halftime

The Texans started the game slowly on offense, but Davis Mills and Co. sprang to life in the second quarter. The veteran signal caller threw for two touchdowns and has now completed 11 of 21 passes for 122 yards after starting the game just 1 of 7 passing for 10 yards.

The Bills haven’t been as efficient as the Texans, as Buffalo has been outgained 201-155 over the first 30 minutes. They have had a couple of big plays, including a 97-yard Ray Davis kick return touchdown and a 45-yard James Cook touchdown scamper, but the Texans’ defense has done a decent job of keeping Josh Allen (11 of 15 passing, 88 yards, one interception) in check.

Buffalo will get the ball to open the second half, giving the Bills a quick chance to pull back in front of the Texans.

Texans vs. Bills score: Davis Mills finds Jayden Higgins for TD with 5 seconds left in half

The Texans managed to answer the Bills with a six-play, 75-yard touchdown drive. Mills found Higgins open for an 8-yard touchdown after the rookie receiver was able to run through a hold by defensive back Cam Lewis.

Ka’imi Fairbairn made the extra point, and the Texans will likely take a 20-16 lead into halftime.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ray Davis notches 97-yard kick return touchdown to give Bills lead back

The Bills didn’t even have to go back on offense to retake the lead. Davis was able to take the ensuing kick return to the house after bouncing off his own man and finding a lane in the Texans’ coverage unit.

Matt Prater was able to make the extra point and the Bills are back in front, leading 16-13. The Texans will have 1:43 remaining in the first half (and all three of their timeouts) to cut into the deficit.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbarn makes 43-yard field goal to give Texans 13-9 lead

The Texans turned their interception of Allen into points. They couldn’t get a first down after a penalty wiped out their defensive touchdown, but Fairbairn split the uprights down the middle on his mid-range attempt.

The Texans are now leading 13-9 and the Bills will have 1:56 and two timeouts left to score before halftime.

Calen Bullock intercepts Josh Allen on first play of Bills drive

On their first defensive snap after taking their first lead, the Texans forced Allen into an interception. Azeez Al-Shaair was able to tip a pass and Bullock, a safety, was able to grab it and initially returned it for a touchdown.

However, an illegal blindside block against the Texans wiped out the score. Still, the team will get the ball immediately in field goal range, leading 10-9 with time winding down in the first half.

Texans vs. Bills score: Davis Mills finds Christian Kirk for 2-yard touchdown to give Texans first lead

The Texans capped off a 12-play, 77-yard drive with a short pass from Mills to Kirk, as play action allowed the veteran receiver to get open in the end zone. Ka’imi Fairbairn made the extra point to give Houston its first lead of the day at 10-9.

Houston’s scoring drive was once again set up by some strong runs from Woody Marks and Nick Chubb, who have now combined for 62 yards on 11 carries in the opening frame. Five total players have carried the ball for the Texans (Davis Mills, Jaylin Noel and Xavier Hutchinson all have one carry).

Texans convert fourth-and-1 with strong run from Woody Marks

Both teams have now converted a fourth-and-short early in Thursday’s game. The Texans were able to do so with Marks, who ran through slot cornerback Taron Johnson in the backfield and across the line to gain to give Houston a fresh set of downs.

Texans vs. Bills score: Matt Prater makes 44-yard field goal to extend Bills’ lead

Prater missed an extra point earlier in the game, but he was able to make a 44-yard field goal after the Bills stalled out on their third drive.

Buffalo did well to convert a fourth-and-2 on a pass from Josh Allen to Ty Johnson to get the team into field goal range. However, Will Anderson and Houston’s defensive line finally got some pressure on Allen, forcing him into a costly sack that set up the field goal.

The Bills are now leading 9-3 with 9:35 left in the second quarter.

Bills leading 6-3 after first quarter of ‘Thursday Night Football’

The Bills have moved the ball well on the Texans’ top-ranked defense, outgaining Houston 116-64 over the first 15 minutes and being bolstered by a 45-yard James Cook touchdown run.

The Texans have been able to run the ball with Woody Marks (six carries, 38 yards) and Nick Chubb (three carries, 16 yards) but they have struggled through the air. Davis Mills has completed just 1 of 8 passes for 10 yards to open the game.

Josh Allen injury update: Bills QB returns to field after suffering apparent injury

Allen appeared to get hurt at the end of Buffalo’s second drive. However, he is injury wasn’t serious, as he was able to return to the field for the first snap of the team’s third drive.

Amazon’s sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung reported Allen had the Bills’ training staff work on his left elbow for what looked like the equivalent of turf burn.

Texans vs. Bills score: Ka’imi Fairbairn makes 24-yard field goal to cut into Buffalo lead

The Texans’ second drive was much better than their first, as Woody Marks and Nick Chubb were able to run the ball well against the Bills’ porous run defense. However, the Texans couldn’t convert their 54-yard drive into a touchdown, as Christian Kirk couldn’t haul in a well-thrown pass from Davis Mills on third-and-goal.

Houston trotted Fairbairn onto the field to attempt the 24-yard chip shot as a result. The veteran kicker made the kick with ease, cutting Buffalo’s lead to 6-3 with 4:32 left in the first quarter.

Texans vs. Bills score: James Cook rips off 45-yard touchdown run

The Bills were facing a third-and-inches from the Texans’ 45-yard line when fullback Reggie Gilliam sprung Cook with a great block on linebacker Azeez Al-Shaiir. Cook was able to hit the hole and build up to speed quickly, outrunning Houston’s defense to get the Bills on the board with an early touchdown.

Matt Prater’s extra point, however, was no good, so the Bills’ early lead will be 6-0.

Josh Allen leaps for first down on fourth-and-1 carry

The Bills decided to go for it on fourth-and-1 on their opening drive from deep in their own territory. Josh Allen, who is listed at 6-5, 237 pounds, was able to leap over the defense with ease, and a shove from fullback Reggie Gilliam allowed the Bills to easily keep their drive alive.

Texans open game with three-and-out

Davis Mills got off to a slow start on his first drive, though it wasn’t entirely his fault. His first pass was dropped by tight end Cade Stover while he was pressured heavily by Joey Bosa before overthrowing Jayden Higgins down the field.

Tommy Townsend’s punt traveled 43 yards but a 10-yard holding penalty on the Bills will cause Buffalo to start the game from its own 19-yard line.

What channel is Texans vs Bills on Monday Night Football?

TV channel (national): N/A
TV channel (Buffalo market): ABC 7 WKBW
TV channel (Houston market): FOX 26 KRIV

The Texans vs. Bills matchup will not air on TV, as it will be streamed on Amazon Prime Video. Viewers in the Buffalo market can watch via ABC, while those in the Houston TV market can catch it on Fox.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime

What time is Texans vs Bills on Thursday Night Football tonight?

Start time: 8:15 p.m. ET | 7:15 p.m. CT

The Texans and Bills are scheduled to kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET. Buffalo travels to NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas to take on Houston.

Texans vs. Bills live stream

Stream: Amazon Prime Video | Fubo (local market)

Amazon Prime Video will air the Jets-Patriots ‘Thursday Night Football’ matchup. Those in local TV markets can use Fubo to watch the matchup.

Watch ‘Thursday Night Football’ with Amazon Prime

Texans vs Bills prediction

The Texans still don’t have their starting quarterback, with Stroud still in concussion protocol. The Bills’ starting quarterback is coming off one of the most impressive games of his career with six total touchdowns. Houston backup Davis Mills may be 2-0, but this Buffalo team is a step above the inconsistent Jacksonville Jaguars and several steps above the 1-9 Tennessee Titans. The Bills’ offense will have its work cut out for them against a Texans defense that ranks among the best in the league, but Buffalo is ultimately the better team with Stroud still missing from Houston’s offense.

Prediction: Bills 17, Texans 14

Texans vs Bills live betting odds, moneyline, O/U

Texans inactives vs. Bills

Bills inactives vs. Texans

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Bills schedule 2025

Texans schedule 2025

Bills at Texans injury report

AFC East standings 

The Bills enter ‘Thursday Night Football’ in second place in the AFC East. Here’s how the division stacks up: 

New England Patriots (9-2) 
Buffalo Bills (7-3) 
Miami Dolphins (4-7) 
New York Jets (2-8) 

AFC South standings 

The Texans enter Week 12 in third place in the AFC South standings. 

Indianapolis Colts (8-2) 
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4) 
Houston Texans (5-5) 
Tennessee Titans (1-9) 

AFC playoff picture 

Denver Broncos (9-2; AFC West leaders) 
New England Patriots (9-2; AFC East leaders) 
Indianapolis Colts (8-2; AFC South leaders) 
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4; AFC North leaders) 
Buffalo Bills (7-3; wild card No. 1) 
Los Angeles Chargers (7-4; wild card No. 2) 
Jacksonville Jaguars (6-4; wild card No. 3) 

In the hunt: Houston Texans (5-5), Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), Baltimore Ravens (5-5), Miami Dolphins (4-7), Cincinnati Bengals (3-7) 

NFC playoff picture 

Philadelphia Eagles (8-2; NFC East leaders) 
Los Angeles Rams (8-2; NFC West leaders) 
Chicago Bears (7-3; NFC North leaders) 
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4; NFC South leaders) 
Seattle Seahawks (7-3; wild card No. 1) 
Green Bay Packers (6-3-1; wild card No. 2) 
San Francisco 49ers (7-4; wild card No. 3) 

In the hunt: Detroit Lions (6-4), Carolina Panthers (6-5), Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1), Minnesota Vikings (4-6), Arizona Cardinals (3-7), Atlanta Falcons (3-7) 

NFL MVP odds

Here’s how the top five look entering Week 12:

5. QB Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (+2000)
4. RB Jonathan Taylor, Indianapolis Colts (+750)
3. QB Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills (+450)
2. QB Drake Maye, New England Patriots (+175)
1. QB Matthew Stafford, Los Angeles Rams (+135)

Who is the Texans backup quarterback?

With C.J. Stroud missing his third consecutive game because of a concussion, the Texans will be turning to Davis Mills as their starter. That will leave rookie Graham Mertz to serve as the team’s backup quarterback behind Mills.

Mertz was a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft and spent his six-year college career at Wisconsin and Florida. His best season came in 2023 with the Gators, when he completed 72.9% of his passes for 2,903 yards, 20 touchdowns and three interceptions.

Mertz played in just five games as a super-senior, completing 76.6% of his passes for 791 yards, six touchdowns and two interceptions before suffering a season-ending ACL tear.

Who is Josh Allen married to?

Josh Allen is married to actress Hailee Steinfeld. The two were wed during the 2025 NFL offseason in California.

Steinfeld is best known for her roles in True Grit, The Edge of Seventeen, the Pitch Perfect movies and, most recently, Sinners.

Houston Texans uniforms tonight

The Texans are wearing their ‘Battle Red’ alternate uniforms for their ‘Thursday Night Football’ game against the Buffalo Bills.

The uniforms include an all-red ensemble, from the helmet to the cleats, but still include the team’s classic ‘bullhead’ logo as part of its design.

The Los Angeles Lakers are shaking up their scouting department, and the biggest moves involve jettisoning two members of the Buss family who still serve as part-owners of the team.

The Lakers suddenly fired longtime team executives Joey and Jesse Buss from front-office positions they had held within the organization for more than a decade on Thursday, Nov. 20, according to multiple reports.

Joey Buss, 41, was the Lakers’ alternate governor and vice president of research and development, and previously worked as president and CEO of the G League’s South Bay Lakers. Jesse Buss, 37, was the Lakers’ assistant general manager and director of scouting, with his work helping guide the team’s NBA draft decisions.

They are the younger sons of late former Lakers owner Jerry Buss and the younger brothers of Jeannie Buss. She still serves as the franchise’s primary governor at NBA meetings after majority ownership of the Lakers was sold to Los Angeles Dodgers owner Mark Walter at a $10 billion valuation.

The sale was formally approved by NBA owners last month. Joey and Jesse Buss will continue to serve as minority owners of the team, according to ESPN, despite Thursday’s decision to move on from them in a reorganization of the team’s basketball operations.

Buss brothers’ new venture

After the Buss family agreed to sell back in June, Joey and Jesse Buss announced a new investment firm called Buss Sports Capital in late September.

The business will be tasked with identifying acquisitions and partnerships across the global sports landscape.

‘Our vision is to really go after strategic investments and good partners – specifically sports-related investments,’ Joey Buss told ESPN back in September. ‘Buss Sports Capital is not going to compete with our interests in the Lakers or the NBA. This is our first step towards where the future of sports is going to lead us. It is exciting to see what growth opportunities exist – particularly opportunities that we can add value to, given our skill sets.’

Lakers find success on court

Despite all the off-court business surrounding the Lakers, the team has managed to produce positive results this season.

The Lakers are 11-4 while overcoming several changes to the lineup due to injury. LeBron James just made his season debut on Tuesday after being out due to sciatica.

The team is fairly healthy now and won’t play again until traveling to play the Utah Jazz on Nov. 23.

Jeanie Buss’ history with brothers

In 2017, Jeanie Buss prevented a legal attempt her older brothers, Johnny and Jim, had made to try and remove her from her seat on the team’s board of directors and controlling ownership of the team.

Jeanie Buss had temporarily filed a restraining order and a lawsuit to force the older brothers to comply with the terms of the family’s trust after viewing their actions as hostile, according to ESPN.

Cupcakes are tasty and all, but they’re not supposed to be the main course. Fortunately, there are some more hearty and more nutritiously satisfying options on the menu that is the Week 13 college football schedule.

Now, in fairness to the SEC, we should point out that some cupcake contests are actually conference games – sorry, Rutgers. So once again, most of the teams rated at or near the top of the polls will not be featured in this viewers’ guide. But we have found an assortment of options that should be worthy of attention as we embark on the penultimate weekend of the regular season.

No. 16 Southern California at No. 5 Oregon

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, CBS.

Why watch: As we said, we can’t really recommend taking in the events in Columbus for long. The biggest game on the Big Ten calendar is in Eugene, where the Ducks must add some meat to their postseason resume despite their 9-1 record. The Trojans for their part could shake up the entire pecking order with a win here. While a flashy offense has long been the Ducks’ primary identity, this year’s rock-solid defense, featuring LBs Bryce Boettcher and Teitum Tuioti, is underappreciated. Their main task this week will be preventing USC QB Jayden Maiava from hooking up with standout WR Makai Lemon. To be sure, there are plenty of weapons in Oregon QB Dante Moore’s arsenal as well, but the Trojans can show numerous looks with their pass rush led by DLs Kameryn Crawford and Braylan Shelby.

Why it could disappoint: If the Oregon defense does indeed prove to be the best unit in the game, this might be over in short order. But if USC is able to match scores with the Ducks, we’ll be in for a fun ride for the entire afternoon.

No. 21 Missouri at No. 8 Oklahoma

Time/TV: Noon ET, ABC.

Why watch: Coming off the huge win at Alabama that now has Oklahoma in prime playoff position, the Sooners must now avoid the dreaded letdown as they take on Missouri. The Tigers will probably need a lot of chaos to get back into the picture but have an opportunity in Norman to cause some. Despite the outcome in Tuscaloosa, Oklahoma followers are undoubtedly concerned with the offensive side of the ball. Any ground help for QB John Mateer would be appreciated, but LB Josiah Trotter and his friends on the Missouri front seven will be prepared to keep the Sooners stuck in neutral. The lynchpin of the Missouri attack is RB Ahmad Hardy, who will become well acquainted with Sooners LB Kip Lewis. QB Matt Zollers will have to provide a modicum of air cover.

Why it could disappoint: Close finishes aside, Sooners’ games have been difficult watches of late. Missouri won’t mind making this one another defensive slog, however, and in contests of that nature the turning-point play can happen at any time.

No. 12 Brigham Young at Cincinnati

Time/TV: 8 p.m. ET, Fox.

Why watch: There is still a matchup that will impact the Big 12 title game, but this matchup lost a bit of its luster with Cincinnati coming off a costly setback against Arizona. That matters little to the visiting Cougars, who can all but secure a rematch with Texas Tech with a victory. BYU’s backfield tandem of QB Bear Bachmeier and RB LJ.Martin lead a highly productive ground attack, which LB Jake Golday and the Bearcats front must curtail first. Cincinnati QB Brendan Sorsby will look early and often for WR Cyrus Allen while steering clear of BYU DBs Tanner Wall and Faletau Satuala.

Why it could disappoint: The Cougars were involved in some nail-biters earlier in their Big 12 campaign, but their recent victories have been one-sided affairs. The Bearcats need some positive developments in the opening stanzas to keep their home crowd engaged.

Pittsburgh at No. 16 Georgia Tech

Time/TV: 7 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The Yellow Jackets, after narrowly avoiding disaster at Boston College, must refocus quickly for their final ACC date. The Panthers, as their coach stated a week ago, still have a path to the conference title but can’t be feeling very good about their showing against Notre Dame. The first priority for Georgia Tech is shoring up the defense, even as Pitt QB Mason Heintschel and his crew look to reestablish their rhythm. That must start with a better push up front from DL Jordan van den Berg. Yellow Jackets QB Haynes King will frequently keep the ball himself, and he will be monitored by Panthers LB Rasheem Biles when he does so.

Why it could disappoint: Honestly, it’s hard to know which of these teams to trust. The Panthers’ total faceplant against the Fighting Irish strongly suggests they aren’t exactly playoff material, but the Yellow Jackets hardly looked the part themselves last week against the league’s last-place team. But if nothing else, there’s likely to be some kind of chaos at the conclusion.

Kentucky at No. 13 Vanderbilt

Time/TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN.

Why watch: The Commodores are in playoff bubble territory with some work to do in the season’s final two weeks. Up first is this home date with the Wildcats, who have rattled off three wins in a row and could salvage their season with a bowl invitation. If nothing else, UK might have found its QB of the future in freshman Cutter Boley. He’s even more effective when RB Seth McGowan also has room to work, but Vandy LB Bryan Longwell and DB C.J. Heard hope to make sure he doesn’t. Commodores QB Diego Pavia will look to add to his 28 total touchdowns, with help as always from TE Eli Stowers and WR Junior Sherrill. The effort to keep them all contained will be led by Wildcats DB Ty Bryant and LB Daveren Rayner.

Why it could disappoint: If the Wildcats have truly found something, the Commodores are in for a four-quarter fight. Vandy would like nothing better than to remove any drama from this one early, but that has rarely been the case.

No. 25 Tulane at Temple

Time/TV: 3:45 p.m. ET, ESPNU.

Why watch: The American standings remain something of a mess. The Green Wave likely have matters in their favor in terms of tiebreakers as long as they win their last two games. Up first are the Owls, who can be dangerous but have dropped their last two while needing another win to go bowling. The Temple offense is efficient if not especially flashy. QB Evan Simon has only been picked off once all season, and RBs Jay Ducker and Hunter Smith provide solid ground support. But the Owls defense can struggle to get off the field, which could mean Green Wave QB Jake Retzlaff and RB Javin Gordon are also going to post big numbers.

Why it could disappoint: Temple has been on the short end of some routs this year, but building a safe lead hasn’t been the M.O. for the Green Wave. Assuming neither squad starts giving the ball away, things should stay competitive.

Louisville at SMU

Time/TV: Noon ET, ESPN2.

Why watch: Though it’s outside the US LBM Coaches Poll Top 25, this is the day’s other important contest that will have an impact on the muddled ACC picture. The Mustangs, one of four teams with just one league loss entering the weekend, have at least a chance to return to the championship game. The Cardinals can only play spoiler at this point after a couple of disheartening losses, but a few fan bases around the conference are hoping they’ll do just that. Louisville QB Miller Moss needs to be more decisive to take full advantage of his array of big-play weapons, led by WRs Chris Bell and Caullin Lacy. Mustangs QB Kevin Jennings has had similar issues with decision making, and it would help if RB TJ Harden factors into the game plan.

Why it could disappoint: It certainly won’t if it follows the script of Louisville’s recent outings. The Ponies’ fans have endured their share of squeakers as well, but it’s also conceivable that either team could bury itself in an avalanche of mistakes.

Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season doesn’t project as the most appealing on this year’s schedule, but the biggest returns are often borne of the lowest expectations.

Thursday night’s game between the Buffalo Bills and Houston Texans was viewed as a matchup of perennial division winners when it was set. Now, it’s a pairing of two teams hoping to secure wild-card berths even as Houston tries to navigate another game without injured QB C.J. Stroud.

What seem like Sunday’s top contests also come with major asterisks. Will QB Aaron Rodgers suit up for Steelers-Bears? Will RB Josh Jacobs be available for the Minnesota Vikings’ visit to the Green Bay Packers? Might QB Joe Burrow even make a surprise return when the Cincinnati Bengals host the New England Patriots?

What is certain is that rookie Cleveland Browns rookie QB Shedeur Sanders will make his first regular-season start against the Raiders in Las Vegas. What’s fairly certain is that the .500 Kansas City Chiefs need to beat the first-place Indianapolis Colts if they’re going to keep their postseason hopes viable.

Rounding out the prime-time slate, the Los Angeles Rams − maybe the league’s top team − will welcome the Tampa Bay Bucs, who are also atop their division, on Sunday night. On Monday, the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers will meet in Silicon Valley in a game that actually has significant playoff implications for both squads.

How will the chips fall? Here’s how USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts view things:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

NFL Week 12 picks, predictions, odds

Bills at Texans
Seahawks at Titans
Giants at Lions
Jets at Ravens
Steelers at Bears
Patriots at Bengals
Colts at Chiefs
Vikings at Packers
Browns at Raiders
Jaguars at Cardinals
Falcons at Saints
Eagles at Cowboys
Buccaneers at Rams
Panthers at 49ers

The mystery behind the Dallas Cowboys’ benching of star receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens for the first series of Monday’s win over the Las Vegas Raiders is no more.

Lamb on Thursday revealed the reason behind the move, telling reporters that he and Pickens had missed curfew while having dinner at Red Rock Casino the night before the game. He also denied rumors that he was throwing up in the casino in the early morning.

The two wideouts did not join the first-team offense when Dallas received the opening kickoff. The Cowboys went three-and-out on the initial drive but ended up with 268 passing yards and four touchdowns through the air. Lamb and Pickens combined for 210 yards and two scores.

After the game, first-year coach Brian Schottenheimer did not divulge details of the pair’s infraction.

‘There were some things that were missed, so had a conversation with those guys and that was easy,’ Schottenheimer said. ‘But you look at the energy those guys play with, they literally jump-started the offense when they got back in. They didn’t hang their heads, didn’t do any of that stuff. That’s why I love those guys, man.’

The NHL’s all-time leading goal scorer joined another exclusive club Thursday night.

During the Washington Capitals’ Nov. 20 game against the Montreal Canadiens, Alex Ovechkin recorded the 33rd hat trick of his career. It’s his first since he turned 40 years old in September.

He scored off the faceoff on a power play in the first period, extended the Capitals’ lead with his second goal in the third period and sealed the hat trick with an empty-net goal. Washington won, 8-4.

After a slow start to the season Ovechkin has caught fire. He’s scored in four straight games and in five of his past six. He’s extended his record to 907 career goals.

Alex Ovechkin hat trick, Capitals vs. Canadiens highlights

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Shilo Sanders faces multiple legal issues, including a pending bankruptcy case and a lawsuit over unpaid legal bills.
The bankruptcy stems from an $11 million judgment against him for an alleged assault in 2015.
Deion Sanders also mentioned his own health struggles and his team’s disappointing season.

Colorado football coach Deion Sanders said Thursday Nov. 20 that his son Shilo is getting sued for “something he didn’t even do” – a rare public comment from the father about his son’s recent legal troubles.

Sanders brought it up on the ‘Colorado Football Coaches Show’ before his team faces Arizona State at home Nov. 22. But it’s not clear which of the recent legal issues Sanders was referencing in regard to Shilo Sanders, a former Colorado safety.

Shilo, 25, was sued by a law firm Nov. 17 for allegedly not paying more than $164,000 in bills and interest. Other legal issues have dogged Shilo recently and are still pending, including his bankruptcy proceedings.

Deion Sanders mentioned it after the show’s host, Mark Johnson, asked if this has been a difficult year for him. Sanders replied that it’s been a “trying” year and then cited issues facing his children and himself.

“You got to understand now, I got a son that’s fighting for an opportunity (in the NFL),” Sanders said of his youngest son Shedeur. “I got another son (Shilo) who’s getting sued by it’s something he didn’t even do. I got a daughter (Shelomi) who’s fighting for minutes on a basketball in Alabama A&M. I’ve got another daughter (Deiondra) who’s fighting back and forth with (her) baby’s father over custody. I got a mother who somedays may not even recognize what it is.”

Deion Sanders says ‘some days I’m peeing blood’

Sanders also mentioned his team’s disappointing 3-7 season, as well as his own recovery from having a cancerous bladder removed in May. He said sometimes he urinates blood.

“And then you got a team that’s not winning that should have won,” Sanders said. “And you got certain situations in life, and I ain’t even got to my health. You know, some days I’m peeing blood. Some days I’m not. But that’s no excuse to do what you’ve been called to do. So I don’t make excuses. But it’s always a lot on your plate. So never think someone’s plate is clean.”

Shilo Sanders’ legal issues remain pending

The legal issues facing Shilo remain in dispute. But a civil court in Dallas issued a default judgment against him for more than $11 million in 2022. That money is owed by Shilo to a former security guard at his school in Dallas, John Darjean, who sued him in 2016. Darjean alleged in that case that Shilo caused him to have severe and permanent injuries when he swung a roundhouse elbow and punched him at school in 2015, when Shilo was 15 years old.

In response, Shilo filed counterclaims against Darjean and the school. He claimed he acted in self-defense. But he didn’t show up for the trial in 2022, leading to the default judgment against him. Then when Darjean tried to collect on that judgment, Shilo filed for bankruptcy in October 2023 in an effort to get out of that debt.

Other agencies investigated the Shilo Sanders case

Several agencies and institutions looked into the incident with Darjean, with none favoring Shilo, as found by USA TODAY Sports last year. A day after the incident, Shilo was taken to juvenile detention center following a separate incident at school, according to court records. Meanwhile, Darjean underwent spinal surgery.

The incident from 2015 is now being litigated in bankruptcy court to determine whether Shilo acted willfully and maliciously when he hit Darjean. If the court finds that he did act willfully and maliciously, his $11 million debt will not be discharged and he will remain on the hook to pay it to Darjean. If the court favors Shilo instead, he could get out of that debt with relatively minimal damage to his bank account.

‘Did you know Shilo won?’

When a USA TODAY Sports reporter asked Deion Sanders about the bankruptcy case last year, Sanders encouraged the reporter to investigate the case, which he did.

Sanders also asked the reporter then, “Did you know Shilo won?”

After being asked for clarification on that, Sanders didn’t respond.

It’s not clear what case Sanders thinks Shilo Sanders “won,” because he lost the personal injury lawsuit, in court, and his bankruptcy case remains pending more than a year later.

In 2019, Shilo did reach a confidential settlement with third parties that Shilo countersued in the case – his school, Focus Learning Academy, and its founder, Leroy McClure. Such settlements often are reached to end expensive litigation, with no admission of liability. But the judge noted the settlement and dismissal of those particular claims “does not affect any other pending claims, including but not limited to those claims by Plaintiff John Darjean.”

Shilo is now pursuing various interests after being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the season as an undrafted free agent.

Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenboer. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com

Kelsie Whitmore became the first 1-1 selection, while Mo’Ne Davis heard her name called just nine picks later as the Women’s Pro Baseball League’s inaugural draft populated four teams in advance of its 2026 debut season.

The Nov. 20 player selection reveal illustrated just how much the game has thrived globally.

Five countries – the USA, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the Dominican Republic – were represented in the first nine picks, as Whitmore’s selection by the San Francisco franchise was followed by Los Angeles selecting 35-year-old Japanese pitching legend Ayami Sato.

Players from Mexico, Curacao, Australia, France and England were also eventually selected in the 120-player draft, with player ages ranging from 18 to 37.

Davis, who rose to fame by throwing a shutout at the 2014 Little League World Series, was drafted 10th by Los Angeles. Davis went on to play basketball and collegiate softball at Hampton University, and earned a graduate degree from Columbia.

Whitmore, 27, made her name in men’s baseball spaces throughout her playing career, starting with the independent Sonoma Stompers and then Staten Island in the Atlantic League. She spent last season playing for the Savannah Bananas, while relishing the chance to play in an all-women’s league.

‘It brings freedom. It allows you to feel so free with yourself,’ Whitmore said at the August WPBL tryouts.

Ashton Lansdell, who played for the Savannah Bananas’ Party Animals franchise and an Ole Miss softball alum, was selected seventh overall by Los Angeles.

All four franchises – San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and New York – will play in a central location, which in 2026 will be Springfield, Illinois. The season is slated to begin in August.

WPBL draft results

A look at the top 30 WPBL draft picks:

San Francisco: Kelsie Whitmore, P/OF, USA
Los Angeles: Ayami Sato, RHP, Japan
New York: Kyleie Lahners, INF, USA
Boston: Hyeonah Kim, C, South Korea
Boston: Alli Schroder, RHP, Canada
New York: Denae Benitez, INF, USA
Los Angeles: Ashton Lansdell, 3B, USA
San Francisco: Amanda Gianelloni, INF, USA
San Francisco: Joey Leguizamon, SS, Dominican Republic
Los Angeles: Mo’Ne Davis, RHP, USA
New York: Rakyung Kim, RHP/INF, South Korea
Boston: Raine Padgham, RHP, Canada
Boston:  Zoe Hicks, 3B, Canada
New York: Jaida Lee, RHP, Canada
Los Angeles: Meggie Meidlinger, RHP, USA
San Francisco: Jill Albayati, RHP, USA
San Francisco: Samantha Gutierrez, C, USA
Los Angeles: Thaima Maxiliana, SS, Curacao
New York: London Studer, 1B, USA
Boston: Alexis Hastings, OF, USA
Boston: Kate Blunt, SS, USA
New York: Kiera Izumi, SS, USA
Los Angeles: Jamie Mackay, C, USA
San Francisco: Ayaka Yamamoto, 3B, Japan
San Francisco: Niki Eckert, LHP, USA
Los Angeles: Emi Saiki, SS, Japan
New York: Yonetani Natsuki, OF, Japan
Boston: Denver Bryant, 2B, USA
Boston: Ticara Geldenhuis, Australia
New York: Alyssa Zettlemoyer, C, USA

The complete list of players drafted can be found here.