NFL Week 12 players to watch: MVP candidate C.J. Stroud plans to emulate NBA superstar

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Rookie C.J. Stroud helps Texans secure first

If the Texans (6-4) beat the Jaguars (7-3) in Houston, they’ll take over first in the AFC South. Clearly, Stroud — who threw three interceptions in a Week 11 win over Arizona — doesn't lack confidence.

Following that game, he said, per the team's official site: "Man, Steph Curry don't ever stop shooting. I'm going to keep letting it ride. And I've got no shame in my game. I've definitely got to be smarter. No confidence is taken away from me. I'm going to keep letting it fly."

On Wednesday, Stroud — an MVP candidate, per oddschecker — said "It's time to cash in" on the massive opportunity against the Jaguars.

In a 37-17 win against Jacksonville in Week 3, the rookie QB threw for 280 yards and two TDs. Don't be surprised if he has another stellar performance. The Jaguars are 29th in passing yards allowed (254.4) and have lost 10 of their last 11 games against Houston, per the Associated Press.  

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs stuff Raiders

After the Chiefs dropped five passes in a Week 11 loss to Philadephia, the Kansas City QB refused to blame his pass-catchers, saying, "I'm going to do anything I can to play my best football" for the rest of the season.

Despite the team's lingering WR issues, expect Mahomes — a two-time MVP — to back up that claim and earn his sixth consecutive win against the Raiders (5-6).

As of Friday, oddschecker lists Kansas City (7-3) as an 8.5-point favorite in the road game.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Jalen Hurts extends remarkable win steak 

The Eagles QB keeps finding ways to win. In his past 28 regular-season starts, Hurts is 26-2 with 13 straight wins against opponents with a winning record, per the Associated Press. In Philadelphia against the Buffalo Bills (6-5), he should earn his 14th.

Buffalo is ninth in the league in passing yards allowed (204.2), but Hurts has shown why he's an MVP candidate over the past three games. Per StatMuse, he has completed 72.3 percent of his passes for eight TDs and an above-average 115.3 passer rating.

As of Friday, oddschecker lists Philadelphia (9-1) as a three-point favorite. 

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Falcons unleash rookie RB Bijan Robinson 

On Wednesday, Falcons head coach Arthur Smith said the eighth overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft "has exceeded our expectations" and indicated he will have a huge role in a home game against the Saints (5-5).

ESPN Analytics gives Atlanta (4-6) a 42.9 percent chance of winning. However, don't be shocked if Robinson — who leads rookies in rushing yards (612) — carries the Falcons to an upset. New Orleans has struggled to stop the run over its past three games, allowing 148.3 yards per game. 

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Broncos cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian is becoming a turnover machine

McMillian entered the season as an unheralded backup but is quickly becoming an impact player for the Broncos (5-5). The second-year cornerback has four takeaways over the past three games (two interceptions and two fumble recoveries).

"There are certain players, and the ball finds them," Denver HC Sean Payton said in a Monday news conference. "He seems to have some of those traits. I'm proud of how he's played and how he's worked. His enthusiasm is kind of contagious, and he's brought a lot to the defense."

Expect McMillian to make more big plays in a home game against the Browns (7-3). Cleveland is tied for third in the NFL in turnovers (20), and starting rookie QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson is prone to turn the ball over. He has four interceptions and no TD passes in four games.