DLEV’S WEEK 12 PICKS
Week 12 Picks:
Lock of the week: Dolphins -3.5 over Bills
With Chad Henne at quarterback, the Dolphins are 5-2 (losses against New England and New Orleans) and have averaged close to 30 points per game. This impressive resume includes a 38-10 win over the Bills back in week 4. This time, the game is in Buffalo, but I still think the Dolphins take this game quite easily by 7-10 points. The Fins’ running game hasn’t lost a step with Ricky at RB instead of Ronnie, so look for the Dolphins to run all over the Bills’ porous run defense.
Texans +3.5 over Colts
In their week 9 meeting, the Texans barely lost on a late missed field goal. The Colts have been getting a little lucky lately, and their luck could run out in this one. Regardless, most of the Colts’ games have been very close so I think the Texans can stay within a field goal of the Colts or win this game.
Browns +14 over Bengals
Make no mistake – I firmly believe that the Bengals will win this game, especially after last week’s wakeup call. I just don’t see them winning by more than 14 points against a Browns team that scored 37 last week and 20 points when these teams last met in week 4. The Bengals have beaten just one team by more than 10 points, so I don’t see them covering the 14 point spread.
Eagles -9 over Redskins
When the Eagles win, they win big. Some I’m looking for another big performance this week out of Dnabb and the rest of the Eagles offense. I see the Eagles winning by 10-14 points this week.
Seahawks -4 over Rams
The Seahawks destroyed the Rams 28-0 back in Week 1, and I’m looking for another strong performance out of the Seattle passing game and a good defensive effort, especially with Bulger out for the Rams.
Falcons -13 over Bucs
This will be these division rivals’ first meeting of the year, as they play again in week 17. I’m looking for the Atlanta offense to put up an impressive showing as Matt Ryan got back on track last week against the Giants. Falcons take this one by 14-17 points.
Panthers +3 over Jets
Matt Sanchez has really struggled this year and I simply don’t think he’s ready to have a starter’s job yet. Meanwhile, the Panthers have perhaps the best running offense in the game, so I think the combo of Deangelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart will take over the game, and at worst, the Panthers get within a field goal of the Jets.
Jaguars +3.5 over 49ers
I’m looking for the Jaguars to come out strong and win their 4th game in a row. Meanwhile, the 9ers have really been struggling, with their only win in the last 7 games coming against the Bears in a game Cutler threw 4 picks. Jones-Drew has been exceptional this year, so I’m expecting the Jaguars to take this game, especially since they have points in their favor.
Chargers -14 over Chiefs
The Chargers have been EXTREMELY impressive their last few games, and I think they are now among the top 5 teams in the NFL. As a result, I’m thinking that Philip Rivers and the Chargers rout the Chiefs similar to to the way they did in week 7 when they won 37-7.
Vikings -11 over Bears
I don’t know if there’s a team in the league that’s better this season than the Vikings, despite their one loss. And I don’t know if there’s a qb in the league that had had a worse season than Jay Cutler. Put those two together, and you have a recipe for disaster for the Bears. AP will get his usual, Brett Favre will once again be impressive behind a great o-line and playmaking receivers, and the Vikings will win this game easily by 14-17 points.
Titans -3 over Cardinals
Vince Young creates a whole other dynamic for this offense. Last week, on MNF, Young showed that he has what it takes to be an NFL quarterback and can also make plays with his legs. Chris Johnson is also a stud – he can change the game with one play. On the other end, I’m hoping the seemingly improved Titans defense can limit the damage done by Fitz and Boldin, so I think the Titans can take this game.
Steelers +8 over Ravens ***updated***
These games are always very very close, so I think the 8 points is enough for me to choose the Steelers, even without Ben Roethlisberger.
Patriots +3 over Saints
I think the Patriots are still very upset over their missed opportunity in week 10 of beating the undefeated Colts. Well, this is their shot to redeem themselves by beating another undefeated team with a high powered offense – and I think they come out strong and win this game. Brady has shown his 2007 form in recent weeks, and I think the Patriots come out and win a HUGE game on monday night and national television.
Well thats it for this week – write a comment and let me know whether you agree/disagree with any of my picks. Good luck in the games!
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