NFL Season 2014: week twelve Picks

Much like last week, my day job has made it difficult for me to get the full analysis of picks and my stats up before Thursday nights kick off. But i have attached the picks and will update my statistics before kick off on Sunday morning.

Kansas City (7-3) at Oakland (0-10)

This has the makings of a trap game for the Chiefs... Short week, on the road in the division after defeating the defending champs. I think the 6 ½ point spread is generous. The Raiders will keep this one close.

Chiefs 20 Raiders 17

Tampa Bay (2-8) at Chicago (4-6)

Both of these teams have been colossal disappointments. Many picked the Buccaneers to win the NFC South and the Bears spent the off season revamping a defense that is still atrocious. The Bears still have a glimmer of hope for post season birth so this is a must win, and they get it, but it won't be easy.

Buccaneers 24 Bears 28

Jets (2-8) at Buffalo (5-5)

Not sure when or where this game will be played thanks to Snowmagaedden but this is a must win for the Bills who must keep pace with a Jets team coming off a bye and a monster win over the Steelers. The Bills are the better team and could benefit from an extra day of rest and change of venue.

Jets 14 Bills 21

Jacksonville (1-9) @ Indianapolis (6-4)

This should be fun to watch. Cecil Shorts III has repeatedly torched the Colts and the Colts secondary is going to be angry following a debacle against Pittsburgh last time out. The Colts should harass Bortles all day, even if Shorts does hit triple digits in yardage. Expect a see-saw affair in the first half before Indy heaps it on after halftime.

Jaguars 20 Colts 34

Tennessee (2-8) @ Philadelphia (7-3)

The Zach Mettenberger era is underway in Tennessee. The Eagles look to bounce back from a horrific outing in all facets of the game. The Titans have a solid defense but haven't been able to generate much on offense.

Titans 19 Eagles 27

Cleveland (6-4) @ Atlanta (4-6

The Browns have impressed this season, especially with their ground attack. The Falcons, at 4-6 are first place in the NFC South, behind a suddenly resurgent defense. They get their first win outside of the division here.

Browns 20 Falcons 26

Detroit (7-3) @ New England (8-2)

The Lions missed out opportunities last week and were robbed on a few bad calls against the OVERRATED Cardinals. The Patriots are the best team in football right now. Without a doubt.

Lions 17 Patriots 31

Cincinnati (6-3-1) @ Houston (5-5)

The Bengals are an inconsistent team with loads of talent. The Texans have a stout defense and the bets defensive player on the planet in JJ Watt, but are having trouble moving the football. Expect a low scoring, hard fought battle here.

Bengals 16 Texans 13

Green Bay (7-3) at Minnesota (4-6

Outside of New England, the Packers are playing the best football in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers and Co. Have dropped over 100 points the last two weeks and are not allowing much defensively. Bridgewater is still a work in progress. This one may get out of hand.

Packers 31 Vikings 14

St. Louis (4-6) @ San Diego (6-4)

In the last four weeks, the Rams have defeated Seattle, San Francisco and Denver. San Diego meanwhile has struggled mightily, especially on offense, mustering only 13 points in their last two games. I give them the edge here, but I wouldn't be shocked either way.

Rams 17 Chargers 19

Arizona (9-1) @ Seattle (6-4)

With Drew Stanton at the helm, a thirtieth ranked pass defense, a 9.6% drop ratio (highest in the NFL) and a series of incredibly lucky breaks, the Cardinals cannot keep winning. I'll keep riding them to lose, especially since this is a must win for Seattle.

Cardinals 14 Seahawks 27

Washington (3-7) @ San Francisco (5-3)

While th4e 9ers have struggled on offense, that defense is one of the best units in the league. This is a must win for the 9ers and a long road trip for the Redskins. Blowout.

Redskins 10 49ers 30

Miami (6-4) @ Denver(7-3)

Miami has been impressive this season-- especially Ryan Tannehill. The Broncos offense was shut down last week in St. Louis with their lowest regular season point total ever in the Manning era. I think they right the ship this week.

Dolphins 24 Broncos 30

Dallas (7-3) at New York Giants (3-7)

The Giants are just reeling. FIVE turnovers last week and now five straight losses. The Cowboys are no longer the top team in the NFC, but they are good enough to beat the Giants on the road.

Cowboys 23 Giants 17

Baltimore (6-4) @ Saints (4-6)

The Saints have lost TWO straight at home. Will they lose a third? Yes. Sean Payton is an overrated football coach and the Saints are an unbalanced football team.

Ravens 24 Saints 23