NFL Week 12 Predictions and Picks Against the Spread

It’s Thanksgiving and it’s a busy week ahead so I’m going to throw up some picks, quick-hit style. Home teams in CAPS. You can catch our Thanksgiving Special here.

WASHINGTON (-1) over Minnesota – 3/5 – I stand by the fact that Minnesota is garbage so I’ll stick with the low spread on a home team that rebounded nicely from their Eagles loss with a road win over Tennessee. Redskins win 23-17.

Pittsburgh (-6) over BUFFALO – 4/5 – I’ll write last week’s win by the Bills off as a fluke. As competitive as the AFC is, the Steelers need this win to stay at the top of the division. If the Steelers lose and move to 7-4, that makes them the 6th ranked team in the AFC since the Pats or Jets at 8-2 would gain the other wild card in the AFC. Expect the Steelers to come out with all guns blazing and treat this like a playoff game.  Steelers win 24-6.

CLEVELAND (-10) over Carolina – 3.5/5 – Carolina is garbage, I’ll continue to bet against them until they show me they can cover. I would look at other games first before taking this one though. Browns win 24-10.

HOUSTON (-6.5) over Tennessee – 1/5 – With that high-powered offense, the Texans are due rebound after suffering a tough loss to the Jets. With the Texans questionable D, not worthy at all of consideration against Chris Johnson. Pass on it. Houston wins 27-20.

Jacksonville (+7) over NEW YORK GIANTS – 3/5 – With Steve Smith and Hakeem Nicks sidelined, Giants will have to rely on Mario Manningham and some dude off the practice squad to beat the Jags. Ahmad Bradshaw will need a big game to help the Giants out.  I’ll take the points.  Game is on upset alert which makes the +260 on the Jags moneyline look tempting. If I’ll call one upset this week, it would be this game. Jags win 24-20.

ATLANTA (-1) over Green Bay – 2.5/5 – I have to stick with the Falcons at home. I’ve won a lot of money on them at home this year. They beat the Ravens there two weeks ago. This should be a glorious shootout.  Over 47.5 looks like a potential play. This is the game I want to watch this week. Falcons win 34-31.

Kansas City (-1) over SEATTLE – 3.5/5 – The Chiefs are for real. The Seahawks are not. Seattle sometimes plays well at home though, but the Chiefs are playing much better football. Chiefs win 27-20.

OAKLAND over Miami – 3/5 – I’ll take the Raiders at home after a dismal offensive showing by the Dolphins against the Bears on Thursday night with Thigpen at QB. Raiders win 17-13.

St. Louis (+4) over DENVER – 2/5 – The Broncos have dropped off big time, especially on defense. I’ll take the points and expect a close game. I think the Rams can win outright or at least lose by less than 4. However, Rams have struggled on the road. Rams win 23-20.

Tampa Bay (+9) over BALTIMORE – 2/5 – I respect the Bucs. They are a solid team. The number is too high for me to recommend the Ravens. No doubt the Ravens win, but I think you see the Bucs keep it within reach. Ravens win 24-17.

Philadelphia (-3.5) over CHICAGO – 4/5 – I’m an Eagles fan. Of course I’m going to pick them.

INDIANAPOLIS (-3) over San Diego – 2/5 – I initially loved this pick, but the Chargers have had a lot of success against the Colts in the past few years. This is a different Chargers team and Peyton Manning should be able to pull it out at home against a below-par defense. Colts win 30-24.

Happy Thanksgiving and Good Luck!