NFL Picks-Week 12

Once again, early picks due to the Thanksgiving week, and my impending road trip.

Last week: 7-9 Overall: 95-65

Tampa Bay at Dallas: The Cowboys are coming off of a big win over the previously undefeated Colts. Bruce Gradkowski and the bumbling, stumbling Bucs come to town after a win over the Redskins. The Rib Man, Tony Romo, leads Dallas to yet another win. Pick: Cowboys
Miami at Detroit: The Lions are now leaders in the race for the #1 pick in the draft, where Adrian Peterson looms as a possibility. The Dolphins have won three games in a row. Make that four. Pick: Miami
Denver at Kansas City: Inagural regular-season game for the NFL Network, where it will have a pseudo-national telecast, as very few cable companies are carrying it as of now. Denver is coming off of a disastrous loss to the Chargers, while the Chiefs loom right behind the Broncos in the standings. This game has big playoff implications. The two teams had a field goal-fest earlier in the year in Denver, with the Broncos winning, 9-6. Someone will score a touchdown here. Pick: Kansas City
Pittsburgh at Baltimore: The Steelers are on the rebound, having won two in a row after a 2-6 start. The Ravens continue to march through their foes, and lead the division at 8-2. This one is in the city by the bay (Chesapeake, that is). Pick: Baltimore
New Orleans at Atlanta: The meltdown that all Saints fans feared has begun. Or, has it? The Falcons define inconsistency, as demonstrated by their quarterback, Michael Vick. The Falcons lost last week, so they’ll win this week. Pick: Atlanta
Jacksonville at Buffalo: This is the perfect opportunity for a Sunday afternoon nap. I’m glad I won’t be in a position to watch this snoozer. The Jags are not a good road team. The Bills are slowly improving. Pick: Buffalo
Houston at New York Jets: The Texans return to New York for the second time, having lost a close game to the Giants earlier this month. The Jets are searching for their offense, as they were shut out by the Bears. Something weird will happen to the Texans to cause the Jets to win. Pick: Jets
Cincinnati at Cleveland: Buckeye Bowl II. The Browns are competitive, but rarely win. The Bengals need to go on a winning streak if they want to live up to expectations. Cleveland finishes the job this week. Pick: CLE
Carolina at Washington: The Redskins are going downhill fast. The Panthers need to put together a streak. This is the perfect time for them to do that. Pick: Carolina
Arizona at Minnesota: Dennis Green returns to Minnesota with the sorry Cardinals. The Vikes haven’t been playing real well lately. The Cardinals will come close, but will find a way to throw the game away. Pick: Minnesota
San Francisco at St. Louis: The 49ers are now 5-5, and have quickly turned into a fun young team. The Rams are trying to find their way, but are back home in their dome. The Niners’ run ends here. Pick: St. Louis
Oakland at San Diego: The first game between these teams was one of the ugliest displays of football in years, as the Chargers had their way with the Raiders. The Raiders have improved slightly, but that won’t matter, as the Chargers are the real deal. Pick: San Diego
New York Giants at Tennessee: The Giants are suffering through a rash of injuries, and now head for Music City to take on Vince Young and the Titans. The Titans are inconsistent, but Vince Young has had them in most of their games since he took over as QB. Pick: Titans
Chicago at New England: Da Bears visit Foxboro. The Bears are having a great season. I trust Bill Belichick to have the Pats ready for this one. Pick: Pats
Philadelphia at Indianapolis: NBC wishes they could have this pick back, as Donovan McNabb is out for the season with a torn ACL. The Eagles are in a heap of trouble. The Colts could make this real ugly, real fast. Pick: Indy
Green Bay at Seattle: Which backup quarterbacks will play? Brett Favre left last week’s game with an arm injury, but should be ready to play Sunday. Matt Hasselbeck has been out for the last month, and could be back for this game. The Seahawks need him badly. Shaun Alexander will be back for the Seahawks. Pick: Seattle