NFL picks Week 12: Falcons-Vikings and every other game

Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) attempts a pass in the first quarter of their game against the Indianapolis Colts at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL season enters Week 12. Here’s all the picks for each game, including the Atlanta Falcons clash with the Minnesota Vikings.

All of a sudden we’ve reached Thanksgiving week, and there are some great games around the NFL this week. My embarrassing predictions got a little less embarrassing last week with an 8-6 record. As ever, the upsets were horrific for my selections.

But now it’s time to get things back on track. I’ll start with the Falcons game against the Vikings, then work through the menu of games from Thursday’s three Thanksgiving contests. The Lions-Eagles game features two underachieving franchises, but the next two games are going to be great.

The Panthers-Cowboys game is particularly intriguing. If the Panthers want to stay undefeated, they will have to get through arguably their toughest test yet, and it’s going to be fun to watch. So let’s begin with my Week 12 picks. All lines are provided by OddsShark.

Minnesota Vikings at Atlanta Falcons (-1)

The Falcons (6-4) have been incredibly disappointing of late. They have the talent on offense to score against just about any defense, but mistakes are killing them. Matt Ryan is turning it over too often, there’s too many drops by the receivers and it’s just been bad to watch. The Vikings’ (7-3) bubble was burst by the Packers, but they are a very good football team behind Adrian Peterson.

Pick: Minnesota 26, Atlanta 19

Next: Thanksgiving games