Green Bay Packers safety Javon Bullard (20) leaves the field after a game against the New York Giants on Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)

The Kansas City Chiefs are in an unfamiliar position with an even record, chasing a playoff spot.

The Indianapolis Colts are also in a new spot, leading a division they haven’t won since 2014.

Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs (5-5) have no margin for error when they host Daniel Jones, Jonathan Taylor and the Colts (8-2) at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday in the most intriguing matchup on the NFL’s Week 12 schedule.

Despite the record, oddsmakers still have confidence in Kansas City. The Chiefs are 3-point favorites over the Colts on BetMGM Sportsbook.

It’s a near must-win for Mahomes and the Chiefs. Pro Picks favors the desperate team.

CHIEFS: 27-23

NEW YORK GIANTS (2-9) at DETROIT (6-4)

Line: Lions minus 10 1/2

The Giants’ biggest highlight of the week will be Cam Skattebo and teammates getting into it on WWE’s “Monday Night Raw.” The Lions need to get back on track after a lackluster offensive effort in Philadelphia. Back indoors, Jared Goff should rebound from a poor performance. Detroit’s defense stood out against the Eagles and now takes on the sluggish Giants offense. The Lions are 13-0 straight up and against the spread off a loss since November 2022.

BEST BET: LIONS: 33-17

ATLANTA (3-7) at NEW ORLEANS (2-8)

Line: Saints minus 1 1/2

Kirk Cousins returns to the starting lineup for the going-nowhere Falcons.

UPSET SPECIAL: FALCONS: 22-20

BUFFALO (7-3) at HOUSTON (5-5)

Line: Bills minus 6

Josh Allen played like the reigning NFL MVP with a six-TD performance against Tampa Bay. The Texans are back in the playoff mix with consecutive wins behind backup Davis Mills.

BILLS: 23-16

MINNESOTA (4-6) at GREEN BAY (6-3-1)

Line: Packers minus 6 1/2

J.J. McCarthy has been inconsistent for the Vikings in a developmental year. They’ve won two straight games at Lambeau Field. Green Bay begins a stretch of three straight division games. The Packers have been inconsistent and haven’t looked dominant since beating the Lions in Week 1. Look for Jordan Love and the offense and Micah Parsons and the defense to put together a full game. Green Bay is 0-6 against the spread this season as a favorite of four or more points.

PACKERS: 26-17

PITTSBURGH (6-4) at CHICAGO (7-3)

Line: Bears minus 2 1/2

Aaron Rodgers owned the Bears when he played for Green Bay. A wrist injury may prevent him from facing them with the Steelers. Mason Rudolph would start if Rodgers can’t go. The Bears have won seven of eight, lead the NFL with 22 takeaways and Caleb Williams and the rest of the offense are protecting the football.

BEARS: 20-16

NEW ENGLAND (9-2) at CINCINNATI (3-7)

Line: Patriots minus 8 1/2

Drake Maye is playing at an MVP level and Mike Vrabel has restored winning to a once-proud franchise.

PATRIOTS: 30-18

SEATTLE (7-3) at TENNESSEE (1-9)

Line: Seahawks minus 13

Sam Darnold’s big-game struggles returned in a four-pick performance yet the Seahawks still had a chance to beat the Rams thanks to another stellar defensive performance.

SEAHAWKS: 27-6

NEW YORK JETS (2-8) at BALTIMORE (5-5)

Line: Ravens minus 13 1/2

Tyrod Taylor gets an opportunity for the Jets, who are already looking ahead to the draft. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens are back from a 1-5 start.

RAVENS: 34-10

JACKSONVILLE (6-4) at ARIZONA (3-7)

Line: Jaguars minus 2 1/2

The Jaguars are coming off their most impressive performance in a few years in a dominating win over the Chargers.

JAGUARS: 24-20

PHILADELPHIA (8-2) at DALLAS (4-5-1)

Line: Eagles minus 3 1/2

An elite defense is carrying Philadelphia while the offense still finds its way. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys were excellent in a lopsided win at Las Vegas in the first game after teammate Marshawn Kneeland’s death.

EAGLES: 24-20

CLEVELAND (2-8) at LAS VEGAS (2-8)

Line: Raiders minus 3 1/2

Shedeur Sanders will start his first NFL game for Cleveland after a miserable debut coming off the bench after Dillon Gabriel suffered a concussion.

BROWNS: 16-14

TAMPA BAY (6-4) at LOS ANGELES RAMS (8-2)

Line: Rams minus 6 1/2

Baker Mayfield has done well leading an injury-riddled offense but the Buccaneers are having too many defensive breakdowns.

RAMS: 27-22

CAROLINA (6-5) at SAN FRANCISCO (7-4)

Line: 49ers minus 7

Bryce Young is coming off a franchise-best 448-yard passing game and the Panthers are only a half-game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South. Brock Purdy excelled in his return and the 49ers scored 41 points.

49ERS: 24-19

___

Last week: Straight up: 12-3. Against spread: 7-6-2.

Overall: Straight up: 118-45-1. Against spread: 84-77-3.