Week 12 of the 2025 NFL season continues with a great Monday Night Football game between the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers. There are far more ways to get involved in the action than just via traditional betting. One of the more unique features on DraftKings this season is Pick6 Fantasy Football!
Here are my top Pick6 plays for Week 12 Monday Night Football.
Rico Dowdle More than 0.5 Rush + Receiving Touchdowns
Rico Dowdle has been a revelation for the Panthers this season. He was acquired by Carolina before the season to add some depth, but this was expected to be Chuba Hubbard’s backfield. Dowdle, however, was undeniable when given a chance to play earlier this season. Dowdle ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards this season, despite playing a minor role over the first few weeks of the season. He has three touchdowns in his past three games and should find the end zone against the 49ers on Monday night. The 49ers rank 28th in the NFL in defensive rushing success rate and their defensive injuries have made it tough for them to stand up in the red zone. Bryce Young has had issues in big road games in his career, so Dave Canales should trust his bruising back when the Panthers get into scoring position.
Christian McCaffrey More Than 4.5 Receptions
Christian McCaffrey has been back to his old self this season. After dealing with injuries all of last season, McCaffrey now looks more like the player who led the league in rushing in 2023. He is one of the best running backs in the NFL, but he has really excelled in the passing game this season. The 49ers have dealt with a lot of injuries among their pass catchers, not to mention Brandon Aiyuk effectively quitting the team. McCaffrey has stepped up and been a reliable pass catcher for Mac Jones and Brock Purdy.
McCaffrey leads the 49ers in receptions and receiving yards this season. Not only does he lead his team, McCaffrey ranks second in the NFL in receptions this season, behind only Ja’Marr Chase. With Chase sidelined this week, McCaffrey can tie him for the NFL lead with five catches this week. McCaffrey should be able to reach that number against the Panthers. Carolina ranks 24th in the NFL in defensive EPA/dropback. McCaffrey has had at least five catches in 10 out of 11 games this season and should hit that number again on Monday night.
Brock Purdy More Than 1.5 Passing Touchdowns
Brock Purdy made his return to the field last week against the Cardinals. There was speculation that Purdy wouldn’t be much of an upgrade because Mac Jones was playing quite well. However, the 49ers’ offense was firing on all cylinders last week with Purdy back at the helm. Purdy is close to having his full complement of weapons back. George Kittle, Jauan Jennings, Christian McCaffrey and Ricky Pearsall are all back on the field. Against the Panthers’ defense, which ranks 24th in EPA/dropback, Purdy should be able to move the ball through the air. Purdy has thrown for at least two touchdowns in all three of his starts this season, including throwing for three touchdowns last week in his return. The 49ers’ offense should keep improving as they get all of their weapons back up to speed. This game is a chance for Purdy to impress in front of the world on Monday night, and he should throw for at least two touchdowns.
What is DraftKings Pick6?
Pick6 is a peer-to-peer fantasy variant where you build a lineup (your “Pick Set”) of 2+ players and select whether you believe each will outperform their listed stat projection. Enter your Pick Set in Pick6 contests to compete against other users. Get enough picks correct and win a share of cash prizes.
How to Play
Create a Pick Set
Create a Pick Set by choosing 2+ players from the same sport and Pick Group (a set of picks available from a group of set competitions). For each player, simply select if you think they’ll have more or less than their listed stat projection. In each Pick Set, you can not pick the same player twice, and you must pick players from at least two different teams.
Enter an Amount
Once you finalize your Pick Set, choose your entry fee amount. Your entries will be automatically distributed into available contests, subject to your confirmation.
Sweat Your Picks
When the games go live, use the My Picks tab to follow your picks in real time to track how your players are performing against their projections and how they stack up against other users.
Compete for Prizes
Make enough correct picks and win a share of the contests’ guaranteed prizes. Any prizes won will be credited to your DraftKings account after contests are finalized.
Play at DraftKings Pick6 or by downloading the DraftKings Pick6 app on Apple or Google!
