NFL picks Week 12: Falcons-Vikings and every other game
Oct 4, 2015; London, United Kingdom; Miami Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17) is pressured by New York Jets linebacker Lorenzo Mauldin (55) and defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson (96) in Game 12 of the NFL International Series at Wembley Stadium. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 27-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
St. Louis Rams at Cincinnati Bengals (-10)
The Rams (4-6) have hit a slump and aren’t playing good football. The Bengals (8-2) were upset by the Texans, but played a great game against the Cardinals and were unlucky to lose. Expect a bounce back performance from Andy Dalton and his team.
Pick: Cincinnati 28, St. Louis 17
New Orleans Saints at Houston Texans (-3)
Two teams that aren’t great at defense. This one could be interesting to watch. Here’s the thing: I don’t trust this Saints (4-6) defense one bit, and Brian Hoyer and DeAndre Hopkins could be in for a huge, huge day. I’m picking the Texans (5-5) to win a fourth straight. I didn’t think I would be writing that this season.
Pick: Houston 34, New Orleans 28
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts (-3)
Tampa Bay (5-5) is sneakily good right now, and Indianapolis (5-5) isn’t. Yes, Matt Hasselbeck is 3-0 as the starting quarterback this year, and yes, they just beat the Falcons on the road. But the Bucs have some momentum and Jameis Winston is playing great football. I’m picking them.
Pick: Tampa Bay 27, Indianapolis 23
San Diego Chargers at Jacksonville Jaguars (-4)
This season has quickly become a mess for San Diego (2-8), who are staring down at the first overall pick. Jacksonville (4-6), believe it or not, is far from dead in the playoff race. They are a game behind the Colts and Texans in the division, and also a game behind the wild-card spots. With a talented offense going up against an awful defense, the Jags win again.
Pick: Jacksonville 27, San Diego 17
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (NO LINE)
Can anyone really pick against the Chiefs (5-5) right now? After starting 1-5, the team has rediscovered its form and is red hot entering Thanksgiving week. The Bills (5-5) aren’t playing badly either, and they threatened to take down the Patriots on their own turf last week. Still, being at home edges me towards Kansas City.
Pick: Kansas City 21, Buffalo 19
Miami Dolphins at New York Jets (-3.5)
The Dolphins (4-6) have improved somewhat since the beating they took from the Jets (5-5) in London earlier in the season. New York, however, has stumbled to just two victories in the six games since and must end the current two-game losing skid to have any shot of playoffs. I think they do it.
Pick: New York 26, Miami 17
Oakland Raiders (-1) at Tennessee Titans
Derek Carr and the Raiders (4-6) offense was out of sync in the loss to the Lions last week, but I expect them to get back on track. The Titans (2-8) have proven to be difficult to score on at times, but they haven’t been able to find a way to win games.
Pick: Oakland 28, Tennessee 20
New York Giants (-2.5) at Washington
This is going to be an interesting battle between two teams in the hunt for the NFC East title. New York (5-5) sits in first place, but both teams feel Dallas (3-7) fighting back behind them. Washington (4-6) will fight hard, but the Giants are too strong.
Pick: New York 23, Washington 17
Next: Late games and primetime