I had an extremely successful week picking NFL games in week 11, nailing 13 winners out of the 14 games played, to push the overall season record to 90 games correct and 41 wrong. This week’s games feature 3 contests on Thanksgiving, including the traditional games played in Detroit and Dallas, and an interesting AFC East matchup. Here are my week 12 choices:
Houston at Detroit – this game should be an easy pick, with the high-flying Texans meeting the disappointing Lions. However, the Lions are a better team than their record indicates, and this traditional game is their Super Bowl, so I’ll take Detroit to pull the upset.
Washington at Dallas – this game, between 2 bitter NFC East rivals, should be close, and I’ll go with the Cowboys at home. They snatched victory from the jaws of defeat against the Browns in overtime last week, and I feel they’ll be at their best in this one.
New England at New York Jets – the Jets need this game more, and always play the Pats tough, plus New England will be without Rob Gronkowski, who got hurt late in last week’s game while Bill Bellichick typically ran up the score against the Colts. All that being said, I’ll pick the Patriots to win a close one.
Buffalo at Indianapolis – is Buffalo’s defense finally finding itself? This will be a big test for them, as rookie Andrew Luck tries to rebound from a shellacking by New England. Luck will play well, but the Bills will finally put a full effort together and get a much-needed win.
Minnesota at Chicago – the Bears can’t afford to lose ground in the competitive NFC North, and their defense will make sure they don’t. Chicago wins at home.
Oakland at Cincinnati – Carson Palmer’s return to Cinci won’t be memorable for him. The Bengals are starting to get a sniff of the playoffs, and they’ll win big at home.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland – the Steelers are reeling, and their defense is playing hard but doesn’t seem to have the horses this season. Cleveland pulls the upset at home.
Tennessee at Jacksonville – the Jaguars played a great game behind Chad Henne last week in losing an overtime heartbreaker to Houston, but I think the Titans will win here with a solid all-around effort.
Denver at Kansas City – the hard-luck Chiefs are in a bad downward spiral that isn’t going to end soon. The Broncos continue their surge to the playoffs with a big win.
Seattle at Miami – I see this as a low-scoring defensive battle, with the Seahawks winning the turnover battle and squeaking out the win.
Atlanta at Tampa Bay – I’m tempted to pick the Bucs here, but Atlanta is just too solid of a club this year. The Falcons win a close game on the road.
Baltimore at San Diego – the Norv Turner firing line watch begins, as the Ravens solidify their hold on the AFC North with a one-sided win.
St. Louis at Arizona – neither team has playoff hopes, but both are well coached. The Cardinals are just a bit better defensively, so I’ll pick them to break their long losing streak and get a win.
San Francisco at New Orleans – if defense beats offense, then the 49ers should win this game, but I’m picking the Saints to stay on a roll and win a hard fought battle.
Green Bay at New York Giants – a prime time Sunday night game between legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Aaron Rodgers outduels Eli Manning and the Packers win.
Carolina at Philadelphia – like Romeo Crennel in Kansas City and San Diego’s Turner, Andy Reid is coaching for his job in Philly. Although I expect Cam Newton to play well in this Monday night clash, his Panthers will fall to the Eagles.