Pigskin Picks- Week 12

Wow, week 12 already? It seemed like just yesterday I was picking the Jaguars to get slaughtered, and yet here I am about to write the same thing. Here are the week 12 predictions:

Tampa Bay @ Detroit

Don't look now, but the Buccaneers are on their first win streak of the year. The 2 wins matches the same total of the Texans, Vikings, and Falcons, all playoff teams last season. Those in Tampa shouldn't be getting too confident though. The Lions allowed the Steelers and Ben Roethlisberger to show up last week, something that hadn't happened in some time. The Lions are still a dangerous team though, watch out if they catch fire at the right time down the stretch. 

Prediction: Lions 31 Buccaneers 20

Jacksonville @ Houston

Well I've been calling for a Texans win for weeks now to no avail, but I'm sticking with them again this week. The Texans have been bad, but the Jaguars take bad to a whole different level.

Prediction: Texans 28 Jaguars 17

Minnesota @ Green Bay

This rivalry game could be an interesting one to watch. The Packers have been unable to find the winning column since superstar QB Aaron Rodgers went down.  In order to remain in the thick of the playoff hunt, the Packers need to win this game. As long as the Vikings continue to lack a reliable quarterback, they will be hard pressed to put together a few victories. The Packers should take care of business on the frozen tundra. 

Prediction: Packers 24 Vikings 20

San Diego @ Kansas City

The Chiefs faltered last week against the Broncos as predicted by most. They have the chance to bounce back with a win against the respectable Chargers. For San Diego on the other hand this is a chance at a win that could inject some life into their hopes of extending their season. 

Prediction: Chiefs 26 Chargers 21

Carolina @ Miami

Following the Chiefs loss last week the Panthers are now statistically the hottest team in the league. Coming off a nail biter victory against the Patriots, there isn't much that scares the Panthers at this point. A road trip to face off against a fledgling Dolphins team shouldn't be much of a hurdle.

Prediction : Panthers 23 Dolphins 17

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland

In an AFC where the final wild cars spot is anyone's for the taking at this point, this matchup has some significance. Both teams sit at 4-6 and look for a win to spark the team. The steelers finally looked decent last week, but there is no proof this team can do it again in consecutive weeks. 

Prediction: Browns 21 Steelers 20

Chicago @ St Louis

Despite losing their starting quarterback, the Rams have somehow remained a somewhat respectable football team. The Bears are a team that badly needs to rattl e off a couple wins to build some self confidence. If they can't pull one off this week, they suddenly find themselves in hot water headed down the home stretch.

Prediction: Bears 23 Rams 19

NY Jets @ Baltimore

The Jets showed last week why they shouldn't be in the playoffs, playing terribly against the Bills. The Ravens are a team that has the potential to take a step forward as a talented team capable of claiming a playoff position. This could be a statement game for the Ravens.

Prediction: Ravens 24 Jets 16

Tennessee @ Oakland

The Titans were once a team that looked like they had a chance to be successful. Two straight losses later and they're suddenly looking like a less than mediocre team. The good news for them is the competition this week isn't much different. This one could go either way but I think the Titans get back on the right path.

Prediction: Titans 23 Raiders 20

Indianapolis @ Arizona

This is a great test for a Cardinals team fighting to prove their legitimacy. If they can figure out a way to take down the Colts then there is no more questioning the Arizona squad. Andrew Luck will lead what we know is a dangerous Colts team.

Prediction: Colts 26 Cardinals 24

Dallas @ NY Giants 

An NFC east rivalry showdown with possible playoff implications. Who'd have thought the Giants would be in this position. As poorly as they played in the first meeting, the G Men still should have won. They won't make the same mistakes this time around. 

Prediction: Giants 28 Cowboys 24

Denver @ New England

A possible AFC championship preview? It will be interesting to see how these two matchup. My hunch is that the Pats can't cover all the dangerous targets Peyton Manning has at his disposal. While a road win in New England won't be easy, I think the Broncos can really prove they are an elite team this week. 

Prediction: Broncos 31 Patriots 24 

San Francisco @ Washington 

What better way to snap a losing streak than to face the faultering Redskins? This could be just what the 49ers need to right their ship. Although Washington could themselves wake up soon, San Fran should cruise to victory.

Prediction: 49ers 26 Redskins 21