Week 12 Picks

New Orleans Saints (8-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (2-8)

Saints come in off a win last week against the 49ers while the Falcons come in off a four game losing streak. Falcons have struggled through an injury plagued season that has seen them lose starting WR Julio Jones for the season. Saints meanwhile have managed to stay relatively healthy. What they lack in a defense they make up for in a high powered offense, while Falcons look pitiful on both sides of the ball. Prediction: Saints

Carolina Panthers (7-3) vs Miami Dolphins (5-5)

Both Panthers and Dolphins come in off wins last week. Panthers are finally living up to the expectations put on them since Newtown was drafted. They are looking to win their seventh straight. Dolphins have been mired in controversy but have managed to split their season so far. Dolphins biggest struggle is finishing out games. Prediction: Panthers

Chicago Bears (6-4) vs St. Louis Rams (4-6)

The Bears come in off a win last week. The Rams come in off their bye. Both teams have back-up quarterbacks starting for them. Rams are hoping for a second victory from Kellen Clemens while Bears hope Josh McCown can go 3-0 as their starting QB. Bears are tied for first place in the NFC North division with the Lions while the Rams are struggling in last place in the NFC West. Prediction: Bears

New York Jets (5-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (4-6)

Both Jets and Ravens come in off losses last week. Jets cannot string together consecutive wins and have had issues with the erratic play of starting QB Geno Smith. Ravens have played abysmal this year showing no signs of the team that won it all last year. Ed Reed will be playing his first game back in Baltimore. Prediction: Ravens

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-9) vs Houston Texans (2-8)

Jags come in off a loss last week against the Cardinals while Texans come in off an eight game losing streak. These teams are playing the absolute worse in the league. Jags have a horrible offense while Texans have been plagued with injuries on both sides of the ball. Prediction: Texans

Minnesota Vikings (2-8) vs Green Bay Packers (5-5)

Vikings come in off a loss last week against the Seahawks in Seattle. Packers come in off three straight losses since losing QB Aaron Rodgers. They will be starting QB Scott Tolzien again this week. Vikings meanwhile have not been able to overcome their scoring problems even after changing quarterbacks. Prediction: Vikings

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-6) vs Cleveland Browns (4-6)

Steelers come in off two straight wins while the Browns come in off a loss last week against the Bengals. Steelers have struggled since losing their C Maurkice Pouncey in week 1. Their defense has been unable to stop the pass. Browns have had issue at quarterback and will start Jason Campbell this week. This will be a defensive battle. Prediction: Steelers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-8) vs Detroit Lions (6-4)

Lions come in off a loss last week while the Bucs come in off two straight wins. Lions are tied atop the NFC North division while the Bucs are tied for last place. QB Mike Glennon has helped them to improve in the last two games. Lions had a controversial loss last week which they should be able to overcome this week. Prediction: Lions

San Diego Chargers (4-6) vs Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)

Chiefs come in off for their first loss of their season while the Chargers have lost their last three in a row. Chiefs have the number one ranked passing defense with an offense that can run the ball effectively. Chargers have been decimated by injuries at WR that have been costly to their season. Prediction: Chiefs

Tennessee Titans (4-6) vs Oakland Raiders (4-6)

Titans come in off two straight losses while Raiders come in off a win against the Texans in Houston. Both teams are starting back up quarterbacks with Matt McGloin doing well for the Raiders ast week. Titans running game has not lived up to their potential and with starting quarterback Jake Locker out the Titans will have a tough time making the post season. Prediction: Raiders

Indianapolis Colts (7-3) vs Arizona Cardinals (6-4)

Colts come in off a win last week against the Titans while the Cardinals are on a three game winning streak. The loss of WR Reggie Wayne was huge for the Colts but they have overcome it. Cardinals meanwhile have been able to find wins behind their running game. Prediction: Colts

Dallas Cowboys (5-5) vs New York Giants (4-6)

Cowboys come in off their bye last week while the Giants have won four straight. Cowboys have the leagues worst defense which has repeatedly cost them key games this season. Giants have finally been able to find a way to win despite their offensive struggles. Prediction: Giants

Denver Broncos (9-1) vs New England Patriots (7-3)

Broncos come in off a win last week against the Chiefs while the Patriots come in off a controversial loss. Broncos have the number one ranked offense in the league but their defense especially their secondary have kept games closer than necessary. The loss of S Raheem Moore will be a test for them. Meanwhile Patriots remain two games ahead in the AFC East division and have a powerful offense. Prediction: Broncos

San Francisco 49ers (6-4) vs Washington Redskins (3-7)

Both 49ers and Redskins come in off losses the last two weeks. While the 49ers have lost close games the Redskins have tried to make late comebacks only to fall short each time. 49ers out of first place in the NFC West division while the Redskins are three games out of first in the NFC East division. Redskins defense has let games get out of hand early and often. Prediction: 49ers