NFL picks for a stormy (?) Week 12
It could be a wet weekend for several teams.
With six teams on a bye, Week 12 is a little light. But it started off on a fun note: our first real snow game of the season.
The weather contributed a bit to the Browns’ upset over the Steelers on Thursday night, and if the weekend forecasts hold up, we could see more teams playing in the elements (rain, at least), which could lead to more underdogs coming out on top.
Then again, I’m not sure how accurate those forecasts will end up being. According to them, there’s a chance of rain in LA on both Sunday and Monday night. I thought it never rains in Southern California?!
Also, the Browns were a somewhat minor underdog (+3.5) against the Steelers, especially compared to several sizable lines this weekend.
In other words, I don’t necessarily believe that Week 12 will be a tempest, but I’ve been wrong before.
Let’s take a look at my picks, listed below in bold along with the odds from DraftKings.
Lions at Colts (+7.5)
Chiefs at Panthers (+10.5)
Buccaneers at Giants (+6)
Titans at Texans (-8)
Patriots at Dolphins (-7.5)
Cowboys at Commanders (-10.5)
Vikings at Bears (+3.5)
Broncos at Raiders (+6)
49ers at Packers (-3)
Cardinals at Seahawks (-1)
Eagles at Rams (+2.5)
Ravens at Chargers (+2.5)
You can also check out Christian’s picks at FTW.
I’ve been pretty busy lately (and with the holidays coming up, I probably will be for the foreseeable future). So just like last week, I’m going to speed-run through my picks.
Week 12 picks
Lions over Colts
You don’t have to be the best team in the NFL to sweep the AFC South, but 1) the Lions are the new Super Bowl favorites and 2) their combined score against the four AFC South teams will end up being, like, 160-60.
Chiefs over Panthers
In the NFL, any team can beat any other team on the right (or wrong) Sunday. This, though, would be such a huge upset that I can’t even picture it.
Buccaneers over Giants
The Bucs, losers of four in a row and two straight in walk-off fashion, haven’t been able to catch a break lately … until now, when they’ll be going up against Tommy DeVito.
Texans over Titans
The Texans still didn’t look all that cohesive against the Cowboys last week, but they easily beat their inferior opponent anyway. I expect a similar outcome this week.
Dolphins over Patriots
I think the line is too big in this game, but I still like the Dolphins to continue their first winning streak of the season.
Commanders over Cowboys
Every week the Cowboys lose another key player to injury, and next they face a coach who is more familiar with them than anyone else. Start the countdown to Bill Belichick/Deion Sanders/Ben Johnson.
Vikings over Bears
In their first game with a new OC, Caleb Williams and the Bears played much better offensively than they had at any other point during their current losing streak. That’ll be harder to do against Brian Flores’ defense, though.
Broncos over Raiders
The Broncos handled the Raiders earlier this season, before Denver had really found its groove. These two teams have been headed in opposite directions since.
Packers over 49ers
As has been the case all season, I don’t know how healthy the 49ers will be going into Lambeau Field. And since it’s not the postseason, I’ll pick Green Bay.
Seahawks over Cardinals
The Seahawks are coming off an emotional win and could be due for a letdown, especially against a well-rested team. But the Cardinals, winners of four straight, seem due for a loss.
Rams over Eagles
I’m once again going with the completely unscientific “they’re due for a loss” theory, this time with the Eagles, who are riding a six-game winning streak.
Ravens over Chargers
Since we’re doing the “Harbaugh Bowl” thing again, I’m sticking with the brother who is perfect against the other one.