Week Twelve NFL Picks-Still Some Question Marks

There were no real surprises this past week, except maybe Buffalo crushing Cincinnati by scoring 49 points. Cleveland and Jacksonville was going to be close as well as the Indianapolis and New England game. The Patriots and Colts confrontation turned out to be everything it was expected to be, scoring wise that is. Manning out passed Brady by over 200 yards and had four touchdowns to two, but was also tagged with three interceptions. The Patriots running attack by Green-Ellis and Woodhead netted 165 yards and two touchdowns.

I was 9-5 in Week Eleven. A nice improvement over the previous week disaster picks. This week opens with three games on Turkey Day. The New England at Detroit contest should be a no brainer. The Lions are out matched in this one and can't seem to get a break from misfortune. New Orleans at Dallas two weeks ago would have been a simple choice, but Dallas has picked itself up off the turf by winning two in a row. New Orleans past two victories were over losing teams. This one will not be easy for the Saints since they are playing in hostile territory. Cincinnati at New York Jets is the final Thursday game. If the Bills can score 49 points against the Bengal defense, what will the Jets do? The Jets have acquired a reputation for executing last minute heroics in the likes of Santonio Holmes, saving themselves from what could have easily been a losing record for the season.

Games to watch on Sunday are Green Bay at Atalnta, Philadelphia at Chicago, San Diego at Indianapolis, and Carolina at Cleveland. Green Bay is on a roll and Aaron Rodgers is on fire. Atlanta has a strong offensive attack of their own spearheaded by Matt Ryan and Michael Turner. Atlanta's one weak spot is on defense against passing, which Rodgers will attempt to exploit. Chicago is on the top of their division and so is Philadelphia. The Eagles look strong in all categories and Vick has been dead on with his passing. Chicago will have to contain Vick and force him to his right and Cutler will have to avoid the costly mistake.

San Diego at Indianapolis is the meeting of two good quarterbacks once again, although I give the edge to Manning. Manning will be looking to avenge himself for last weeks loss and the Colts are in a must win situation to get ahead of opportunistic Jacksonville in their division. San Diego is first in passing yardage and first in defending against the pass. Rivers can match Manning touchdown for touchdown. Should be a good game.

The Browns have an opportunity to get back on the winning track against a weaker Panther team. Peyton Hillis should put up some big numbers in this one and the Browns defense will be too much for the low scoring Panther offense. The home fans should enjoy this one.
 
THU, NOV 25 TIME (ET)
New England 34 at Detroit 18 12:30 PM CBS W
Ford Field
New Orleans 23 at Dallas 24 4:15 PM FOX L 
Cowboys Stadium
Cincinnati 20 at NY Jets 24 8:20 PM NFL W
New Meadowlands Stadium
SUN, NOV 28 TIME (ET)
Green Bay 24 at Atlanta 27 1:00 PM FOX W 
Georgia Dome
Pittsburgh 32 at Buffalo 15 1:00 PM CBS W
Ralph Wilson Stadium
Carolina 10 at Cleveland 24 1:00 PM FOX W
Cleveland Browns Stadium
Jacksonville 21 at NY Giants 23 1:00 PM CBS W
New Meadowlands Stadium
Minnesota 24bat Washington 20 1:00 PM FOX W
FedEx Field
Tennessee 18 at Houston 27 1:00 PM CBS W
Reliant Stadium
Kansas City 23 at Seattle 24 4:05 PM CBS L

Qwest Field

Miami 20 at Oakland 23 4:05 PM CBS L
Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum

St. Louis 21 at Denver 24 4:15 PM FOX L 

Invesco Field at Mile High

Philadelphia 27 at Chicago 21 4:15 PM FOX L 

Soldier Field

Tampa Bay 17 at Baltimore 24 4:15 PM FOX W

M&T Bank Stadium

San Diego 28 at Indianapolis 30 8:20 PM NBC L

Lucas Oil Stadium

MON, NOV 29 TIME (ET)

San Francisco 20 at Arizona 27 8:30 PM L 

U of Phoenix Stadium