Week 12 Picks

We have hit Week 12 of the NFL season and the plot will start to thicken on the road to the Super Bowl. Every game is ultra important at this time of the year, and you will probably hear the phrase "You want to be playing your best football around Thanksgiving" about 10,000 times this weekend. As far as this weekend's slate of games, nothing is bigger than the Broncos and the Pats on Sunday night in Foxboro. Peyton Manning and Tom Brady renew their rivalry for the 14th time. Two of the five greatest quarterbacks of all time (Elway, Unitas, and Montana round out the list) battle in a familiar spot: Both of their teams are fighting for the top spot in the AFC. It is amazing how when these two guys played each other in 2001 that they would still be the playing at a high level in the year 2013. Manning switched from the Colts to the Broncos, but this matchup still doesn't lose its' appeal. It is a treat to see these two guys continue to play well, have their teams in contention, and garner the spotlight week after week. Enjoy Sunday night because there won't be too many more of these games in the future. On to the picks for Week 12....


Last Week's Record: 5-8-2
Overall Record: 81-74-9
(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

DETROIT (-8) over Tampa Bay: The Lions had a terrible loss at Pittsburgh last week, and they are now tied with the Bears for the lead in the NFC North. I can't see the Lions laying an egg this week at home to the Bucs. Look for a solid bounce back win for Detroit at home.

HOUSTON (-10) over Jacksonville: I know that the Texans shouldn't be favored at home by 10 over anyone at this point, but they have to find a way to take care of business over the Jags. I look for a big day by Case Keenum and the Texans end their horrendous eight-game losing streak.

Minnesota (+5) over GREEN BAY: Can't you just see Adrian Peterson just going off in this game? Without Aaron Rodgers, the Packers have struggled like we thought they would. Take the Vikes and the points.

San Diego (+5) over KANSAS CITY: This feels like a 23-20 game either way. I will be rooting hard for the Chargers to take down the Chiefs, and I think they can find a way to do it.

MIAMI (+4) over Carolina: Home underdogs have been a solid pick the NFL this year, and I have a feeling the Dolphins will play well this week. The Panthers defense is probably the best in the league next to KC, but I think Miami finds a way to pull the upset.

Pittsburgh (+2) over CLEVELAND: The Steelers could actually get to 5-6 with a win this week. I am pulling for the Steelers because I would like to see their Thanksgiving night game at Baltimore actually mean something.

ST.LOUIS (-1) over Chicago: I am waiting for the game where Josh McCown implodes and this might be the week. I like the matchup with the Rams defense. This smells like a 13-9 win with the Rams getting either a special teams touchdown or a defensive touchdown to put them over the top.

BALTIMORE (-3) over New York Jets: The Ravens are still in the race at 4-6, and a win here will set them up for a huge showdown with the Steelers on Thanksgiving. I think they take care of business with a late rally and win it.

Tennessee (-1) over OAKLAND: If Jake Locker was healthy, then I think the Titans would have been the 6 seed in the AFC this year. Now, they are stuck with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the helm for the rest of the way. I got to think they will get the win in Oakland this week though.

Indy (+3) over ARIZONA: The Cards are a surprise team at 6-4, and I have ridden them all year long, but this seems like the week that the Colts don't get down early and control the game from the outset.

NY GIANTS (-2) over Dallas: Watch out because here come the G-Men! The Giants are on a four game winning streak after starting the year 0-6. The problem is they have beaten all crummy teams and crummy QBs in that stretch. It will be really cold and windy in New Jersey on Sunday, and the Cowboys are really banged up. It will be close, but I think the Giants will win and get to 5-6.

San Francisco (-5) over WASHINGTON: The Niners have lost two in a row, but they get back on track on Monday night. How about that RG III-Mike Shanahan relationship? Maybe the Redskins will fire Shanny, and he can come back to Denver as the offensive coordinator next year.

Denver (-2) over NEW ENGLAND: All week the only thing that I heard about was how the Pats never lose two games in a row, and the weather is going to be so cold for Manning and the Broncos that the Pats will take care of business at home. Everyone-and I mean EVERYONE- is picking the Pats this week. With that said, I am going the other way, and I am taking the Broncos to buck the trend and win a huge game in Foxboro.

Final Score: Broncos-28 Pats-25