NFL Week 12 predictions, fantasy sleepers, key stats, buzz - ESPN

We're in the post-Thanksgiving stretch run of the 2023 NFL season and we're sure you are fully prepared for the loaded Week 12 slate. But just in case you need last-minute intel, our NFL analysts have you covered at the eleventh hour.

First, analytics writer Seth Walder breaks down five stat trends that could be pivotal this weekend. Fantasy football writer Eric Moody runs through five players who are rostered in under 50% of ESPN fantasy football leagues who could be picked up and started in a jam this weekend. That's followed by NFL analyst Matt Bowen making five predictions about how things could play out, including some player props. Finally, insider Jeremy Fowler gives the latest buzz, rumors and news you might have missed.

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Stat trends | Fantasy sleepers
Predictions | Latest buzz

Can the Panthers better protect Bryce Young against the Titans?

Young's rookie campaign is going about as poorly as possible. He has a 29.9 QBR, last among qualifying quarterbacks, and he has thrown nine touchdown passes and eight interceptions.

One factor out of his control, though, is his pass protection, which has gone from mediocre over the first seven weeks to awful in the past few. The Panthers rank last in pass block win rate since Week 8, and in that span, left tackle Ikem Ekwonu (72%) and center Bradley Bozeman (86%) rank last in the metric at their respective positions. That's something to watch against Tennessee, who is seventh in pass rush win rate (49%).

What are the potential draft consequences for Patriots-Giants?

Let's focus on the chances that these teams land a top-two pick, since that means they would be in position to draft either USC's Caleb Williams or North Carolina's Drake Maye, the consensus top