Week 12 NFL Predictions
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Week 12 will kickoff with big Thanksgiving games. It is the first time in a while I can recall all 3 games meaning something. Since it will only be one game at a time tomorrow, the spotlight will be on them. Are the Lions for real or are the Vikings back in a groove? Are the Redskins a lethal offense than can stop Dallas's winning streak or is Ezekiel Elliott to much for them.
Will the Steelers defense dominate or was it just the Browns? Andrew Luck might not play for the Colts. I went 10-4 with my picks last week. I am 98-61-2 on the year.
Minnesota Vikings 28, Detroit Lions 24: The Vikings will find a way to score the ball for the second straight game on either defense or special teams. It is the ultimate jolt for this Vikings team to win games. They can't afford another loss in the division and neither can the Lions. Matthew Stafford could be vulnerable to committing turnovers. At some point, a Detroit comeback won't happen in games.
Washington Redskins 35, Dallas Cowboys 38: This has the potential to be one of the best games of the regular season. Washington's offense has so many weapons in the passing and running game, and it will be tough for the Cowboys to stop. At the same time, I expect Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott to respond positively. Whoever has the ball last will win the game.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Indianapolis Colts 16: The Steelers did an excellent job last week of clock control. Le'Veon Ball had a big game and it wouldn't be surprising if he had another one. The passing game needs more other than Antonio Brown. The Colts could be in for a long game if Andrew Luck can't play.
Arizona Cardinals 21, Atlanta Falcons 24: The Cardinals road woes will continue against a lethal Falcons offense. Matt Ryan will be fresh off the bye week.
Cincinnati Bengals 14, Baltimore Ravens 31: Losing Giovani Bernard and A.J. Green will hurt the production of the Bengals offense. The Ravens defense will make Andy Dalton look small. They have also played well in divisional games this season.
Jacksonville Jaguars 17, Buffalo Bills 24: Buffalo can't afford to lose to a struggling Jacksonville team to keep their playoff hopes alive. Tyrod Taylor has played well lately. The Bills defense will stand tall against a average Jaguars offense.
Tennessee Titans 35, Chicago Bears 7: Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray will continue their domination against a dismantled Bears team. The Titans defense will cause havoc all game long.
New York Giants 35, Cleveland Browns 14: The Giants have played in close ball games all year, but is this finally the game the Giants blowout somebody? The Browns have been a mess all season.
San Diego Chargers 21, Houston Texans 27: The Texans were robbed of a win on Monday Night because of the officials. They return home to face a self destructing Chargers team. Houston is very comfortable at home.
San Francisco 49ers 14, Miami Dolphins 36: The 49ers defense has been putrid all season long. This is the game that Ryan Tannehill needs to light up the stats. Jay Ajayi has been struggling the past couple of weeks, but he can rack up for 200 yards this week.
Los Angeles Rams 10, New Orleans Saints 31: The Rams offense is completely shaky that it will make the Saints defense look like a top 10 defense. Drew Brees will tear up the Rams secondary.
Seattle Seahawks 21, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31: Both teams feel like they are hitting there stride, but the Seahawks head to a hostile Tampa Bay environment. The Buccaners defense has been playing better, and Jameis Winston will turn heads when he has a big game on Sunday.
New England Patriots 34, New York Jets 20: New England usually has a tough time on the road against the Jets. Tom Brady probably won't have his buddy Rob Gronkowski for the second straight week. Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola will pick apart the Jets secondary.
Carolina Panthers 20, Oakland Raiders 26: The Raiders were lucky to escape with a win against the Texans. Derek Carr keeps on rolling. He will outplay the reigning MVP Cam Newton.
Kansas City Chiefs 10, Denver Broncos 14: The Chiefs offense is hurting without Jeremy Maclin. Maybe he returns this week but it wouldn't matter because Alex Smith is struggling. The Broncos defense will force a couple of turnovers. Trevor Siemian will be under duress all game also, but his receiving core will bail him out.
Green Bay Packers 21, Philadelphia Eagles 35: Carson Wentz will have a post Thanksgiving feel game and carve up the Packers defense. They have struggled to stop any teams offense. Aaron Rodgers will play well once again, but the defense will be the reason their losing streak will extend to 5 games.
