NFL Picks Week 12

I think I'll take a 1-2 start for the week in exchange for a strong Ravens' win. I can live with a short failure there. Honestly, I may have to pick against them for the rest of the season. Superstition wins over all.

(Winners in bold.)

Vikings at Falcons

Now Atlanta is coming on strong. The Vikings, while this season is going to be a huge letdown, at least have a young nucleus (Christian Ponder, Percy Harvin to name a couple) that may be competitive in the future. If they front office doesn't butcher it.

Panthers at Colts

This is said to be the Colts' last chance to win this season. As bad as Carolina has been at times, they have too much pride to let that happen. The runaway train that was Cam Newton has been corralled in recent weeks. Still a shoo-in for Rookie of the Year, but another win under the belt would cement it.

Browns at Bengals

This has upset written all over it. Bengals quarterback, Andy Dalton, may be shell-shocked after running into the Steelers and Ravens in back-back-back weeks. Probably very easy to overlook this game.

Bills at Jets

Bills look awful now. Now they won't even have Fred Jackson. Buffalo is going back to being Buffalo.

Texans at Jaguars

The last time we saw Matt Leinart, he was fumbling his career away. The question now is can he hold things together long enough to take them to the playoffs? I think the Jags would be a good test.

Buccaneers at Titans

I can't figure out either one of these teams. Chris Johnson has forgotten how to play football and Josh Freeman's magic arm has lost its sheen. Both teams are headed for disappointment, but I'll take the team with the more consistent running game.

Cardinals at Rams

Another match-up of disappointments. Another difficult one to call. The Cards were able to upset the Eagles, but I'm not sure I can trust John Skelton on the road. If they expect to win this, it'll have to be on the shoulders of the defense.

Redskins at Seahawks

The Seahawks are (somehow) gaining momentum. The Skins seem to be moving backwards. Not going to be a fun game.

Bears at Raiders

Without Jay Cutler, the Bears don't have the same ferocity they had before. This isn't the same Bears D that went to the Super Bowl a couple years ago, so without a steady offense, this may be too much to overcome.

Patriots at Eagles

I was burned by Vince Young last week. I doubt it will happen again, but I haven't made a habit of picking against the Pats.

Broncos at Chargers

So many questions. Is Tebow just a natural-born winner? Are the Chargers really this bad? Can the division be this bad? I don't know. But San Diego really can't afford to squander another winnable game.

Steelers at Chiefs

I really want this to be an upset game, as well. But unfortunately Tyler Palko doesn't inspire any confidence. Easy win for the Steelers.

Giants at Saints

Both New York teams are way too up-and-down for my tastes. Just doesn't make sense to pick them at unless it's against a cupcake team.

As the playoffs near, teams will be turning the intensity up to try and make a final push. It doesn't get any easier from here.

Last Week: 10-3
Season: 105-57 (including Thursday games)