Week 12 Picks

After an atrocious day of football on Thanksgiving, it's time for me to wrap up the week 12 picks. There are some really good games this week, which culminates with New Orleans-New England on Monday night. As always, home teams in caps.

HOUSTON (+3.5) over Indianapolis

That half point is just so nice. The Colts are coming off of some lackluster performances and the Texans need this win to stay in the wild card hunt. Indy has wrapped up the division at this point.

CINCINNATI (-13.5) over Cleveland

Where's Mangini going to coach next? I'd wager on the UFL. Maybe the European NFL. It's going to be difficult to go any lower in the NFL.

MINNESOTA (-11) over Chicago

Jay Cutler showed progress last week. He only threw one interception instead of his normal 2-3. Too bad the Bears don't have an O-Line, D-Line, Secondary, or Receivers. Other than that, they're a solid team.

PHILADELPHIA (-9) over Washington

Jim Zorn's resume is on Monster. He's hoping someone else will give him a shot in a career he has no experience in.

Miami (-3) over BUFFALO

The Bills have really played hard the past few weeks. And T.O. had a monster game last week. The Dolphins though are the better team and have something to play for this week.

Arizona (+3) over TENNESSEE

I've been riding the Titans the past couple weeks lucratively. However, the Cardinals are the best team the Titans will have played. Good teams win these games and I think Arizona is a good team. Their run D is second to none and they should be able to exploit an injured Titans secondary. How's that for analysis?

ST. LOUIS (+4) over Seattle

I have no other reason to make this pick other than this: both teams stink and the Rams are due for another win at home.

Tampa Bay (+12) over ATLANTA

The Falcons bandwagon has crashed. They should beat a punchless Bucs team, but I've been disappointed in Matt Ryan's progress this year. Josh Freeman makes just enough plays to keep it close.

Carolina (+3) over NEW YORK JETS

I have a new whipping boy. Jay Cutler, you're off the hook for a week. The "Sanchise" has turned into a disaster before our eyes. Why should the Jets ever be laying points with a turnover machine at QB? At least Mangini only required a second round pick and some Jets special team players for the right to draft him.

Jacksonville (+3) over SAN FRANCISCO

If no one sees a game, does it actually count in the standings?

SAN DIEGO (-13.5) over Kansas City

The love affair continues. The Chargers do not lose games in late-November or December. It just doesn't happen. Kansas City has played better recently, but the talent gap is still huge.

BALTIMORE (-1.5) over Pittsburgh

Good luck actually getting to be on this game at this line, but it's the only one I had available. News just came out that Big Ben will not be playing and Dennis Dixon will be starting his first game. This line could easily repost at 7 or 8, and I would still take the Ravens.

New England (+2) over NEW ORLEANS

Call me skeptical, but I don't either team can stop the other from scoring. I think the Patriots have a better chance to stop the Saints than vice versa. Either way, bet the over.

Last Week: 9-7

This Week: 1-2

Season: 87-77