Week 12 NFL Picks

Last week I went a powerful 13-2 to improve my season record to 92-67.  I am ready to make my late season surge (almost like the Chargers) and skipped the turkey day games in preparation.  Here are my picks for week 12.

Packers over the Falcons- This could be the game of the day as it features two of the best teams in the NFC.  Matt Ryan never loses at home but I am going to take Green Bay and the ferocious defense led by Clay Matthews Jr.  Packers 27-24

Steelers over the Bills- Buffalo continues to play inspired football but beating Pittsburgh is asking a bit much.  As a fantasy owner of Big Ben I am hoping for a shootout.  Steelers 31-21

Browns over the Panthers- The Browns are much improved and will use their physical style of play to maul Carolina and whoever their quarterback of the day is.  Browns 28-7

Texans over the Titans-The Titans are reeling as the Vince Young fiasco has everyone pointing fingers.  Houston is desperate for a win and could be playing to save Kubiak’s job.  Texans 24-13

Giants over the Jaguars- The Jaguars are on a roll while Big Blue comes into the game beaten and bruised.  The Giants are so thin at receiver I would not be surprised if they called ESPN to see if Carter and Keyshawn wanted to play for them.  I expect a big performance out of New York’s defense.  Giants 17-13

Vikings over the Redskins- As much as I want to pick Washington for some reason I think Minnesota is going to come out with their guns blazing under new coach Leslie Frazier. How long until Favre unleashes on Childress? Vikings 27-21

Raiders over the Dolphins- This could be a very interesting game as the Raiders came back to reality last week and the Dolphins have become a complete mystery.  Both teams need a win to stay in the playoff race, so will take Oakland because they are the more physical team (when was the last time you could say that?).  Raiders 24-21

Seahawks over the Chiefs- Who would have thought that both of these teams would be division leaders at this point in the season?  Seattle is one of the toughest places to play in the NFL and that will be the difference in the game.  Seahawks 20-13

Ravens over the Buccaneers- This will be a great test for the young Bucs as Baltimore is playing very well on both sides of the ball.  In the end I believe Ed Reed and company will be too much for Josh Freeman.  Ravens 27-17

Eagles over the Bears- This could be a tough, physical, defensive battle that is decided late in the fourth quarter.  I continue to have no faith in Jay Cutler so going with Vick and the boys.  Eagles 17-13

Rams over the Broncos- It appears that Denver has mailed it in so now it is about Josh McDaniels trying to save his job.  St. Louis should be able to take advantage of the Broncos’ sloppy play.  Rams 21-17

Colts over the Chargers- Another candidate for game of the weekend as this game pits two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.  Philip Rivers has the Chargers surging while Peyton Manning is still smarting from a late game interception that cost the Colts the game against the Pats.  This is a coin toss pick so going with the home team.  Colts 35-31

Cardinals over the 49ers- Good luck trying to sell this game ESPN as no one truly cares about either of these teams.  The only people watching will be those that have a vested interested due to fantasy football.  Cardinals 10-6

Tyson Rauch

See Full Bio