3 & Out: John Middlekauff’s NFL Week 12 Recap & MNF Prediction

Thanksgiving week brought no shortage of storylines in the NFL – from Matt Stafford’s MVP-caliber play to shocking meltdowns and statement wins across the league. The playoff picture is taking shape, and a few old faces might just be writing new chapters. Let’s dive into some of the biggest games of the week and cap it off with my pick for Monday Night Football between the Panthers and 49ers.

Browns at Raiders

Cleveland fans, enjoy this one. After weeks of despair, the Browns finally looked like a football team. Rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders got his first start and gave the fanbase a spark. He wasn’t perfect – the Raiders are far from a real test – but he hit a few deep balls, showed poise, and most importantly, broke one of the ugliest streaks in franchise history. Since 2000, Cleveland had gone 0-17 when starting a new quarterback. Shedeur snapped that in his debut.

But the real story? Myles Garrett. The man was an absolute wrecking ball. Three sacks, endless pressure, and a performance that reminded everyone he’s not just elite – he’s historic. If you grew up watching Reggie White or Ray Lewis, that’s the kind of dominance Garrett is showing week after week. The Browns might be a four-win team, but Garrett is singlehandedly worth the price of admission.

Eagles at Cowboys

How do you blow a 21-point lead? Just ask Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles. Up 21-0 on the Cowboys, the game looked over – and then Dallas flipped the script in one of the most baffling second halves you’ll see all year.

Dak Prescott was sensational. He’s been accused of padding stats in garbage time, but this was real, meaningful football. His connection with George Pickens has turned into one of the best duos in the league. Over the last two weeks, Pickens has 20 catches, 300 yards, and two touchdowns – he’s outplayed CeeDee Lamb and made Jerry Jones look like a genius.

As for the Eagles, it’s the same old story. When they can’t run, they stall. Saquon Barkley hasn’t been the explosive threat he was a year ago, and Jalen Hurts’ reluctance to push the ball downfield is killing them. He’s sitting on a 17-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, but that number hides the problem: a risk-averse approach that lets defenses dictate everything. When you’re punting six straight times in a half, something’s broken.

Dallas, on the other hand, looks alive again. Brian Schottenheimer – who everyone mocked – deserves a ton of credit. He’s maximizing Dak, managing egos, and bringing balance back to that offense. This was a statement win heading into Thanksgiving week, and it might be the one that resets the NFC race.

Giants at Lions

What a game. The Giants’ offense finally looked functional, lighting up Detroit’s defense for over 350 passing yards. Winston was slinging it, catching touchdowns, breaking tackles – it was pure chaos, the kind that somehow works.

The Lions, though, are in trouble. Their defense can’t stop a nosebleed. They’re giving up explosive plays every week, and once again, Jared Goff’s limitations outdoors are glaring. Detroit’s a great story – Dan Campbell deserves all the love for making them relevant – but this isn’t a team built to win playoff games on the road in January. You put Goff in cold weather, in Philly or Green Bay, and we all know how that ends.

The Giants are still a mess long-term, but at least they’ve found a pulse. Winston’s a wildcard, but in a lost season, he’s exactly the kind of spark fans can cling to.

Panthers at 49ers: MNF Prediction

Monday night brings a fascinating matchup: the surging Panthers against the battered but dangerous 49ers. San Francisco enters as 7.5-point favorites, and while I think the Niners win outright, Carolina covers.

The Niners are a bright-lights team – Kyle Shanahan’s track record in primetime speaks for itself. Christian McCaffrey’s rolling, George Kittle’s coming off a big week, and Brock Purdy’s back to managing the game efficiently. The problem is their defense – too many injuries.

Bryce Young has quietly shown some toughness, and rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan looks like a future star. Carolina’s offense is inconsistent but creative under Dave Canales, and they’ve got just enough to hang around.

The Pick: Panthers +7.5

I sprinkled a little on a touchdown parlay too: Ricky Pearsall, Kittle, and McMillan. This one pays out over 20-to-1 on Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook. Not bad for a Monday sweat.