NFL Week 12 Picks

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After a fun week 11 that saw an overtime game and a controversial ending that cost gamblers a fortune, hopefully things will return back to form for Week 12 in the NFL.

Here are some Week 12 predictions.  Please note that the NFL odds posted here are accurate at the time of postings but may change. 

Note: Home teams are in ALL CAPS

PITTSBURGH over Cincinnati +10.5 

Forget about the whole debacle last week where the Steelers failed to cover due to the so-called $100 million officiating mistake. This week, the Steelers should be able to cover against the hapless Bengals. The Bengals will be fired up to face Hines Ward, who broke the jaw of Bengal Keith Rivers the last time they met. Still, the Bengals are a mess and they will be without one of their weapons as Chad Johnson a.k.a. Chad Ocho Cinco has been deactivated. Receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh will have to step up but it likely won't be enough. Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger hasn't been his regular self as of late. This may be his best chance to get back on track.

CLEVELAND -2.5 over Houston

The Browns need a win to help fans forget about that angry email GM Phil Savage sent to a disgruntled Browns fan. That fan may be a little less upset after the Browns manhandle the Texans easily.

Buffalo -3.5 over KANSAS CITY 

Kind of a dog's breakfast here. The Bills have lost four in a row. On the bright side they're playing a team that's lost six in a row. The Chiefs are playing at home, but seem to losing part of their home field advantage as fans are choosing to stay home rather than fill Arrowhead Stadium.

New England +1.5 over MIAMI

This is the second meeting between the two teams. The first time, the Dolphins managed to wreak havoc on offense with their Wildcat formation. This time head coach Bill Belichick has had weeks to prepare for the Wildcat formation or anything else Dolphins rookie head coach Tony Sparano can throw at him. Patriots QB Matt Cassell played well in his loss to the Jets. If Cassell plays well on offense and Belichick finds a way to defend against Miami, they should be able to squeak out a win.

New York Jets +5.5 over TENNESSEE

No one believed the Titans would be 10-0. Many skeptics think this will be the game that ends the streak. The Titans backs should be able to hold their own against the Jets defense and interception-prone Brett Favre could likely throw up a dying quail or two that will snatched up the Titans defense.

BALTIMORE -0.5 over Philadelphia

Donovan McNabb is tired of hearing all the jokes about how he didn't know a game could end in a tie. Still, the Eagles are facing a vaunted Ravens defense that will likely find a way to slow down Brian Westbrook. All Joe Flacco has to do his hold down the fort and the Ravens should be fine.

DALLAS -10.5 over San Francisco

If karma has anything to with it, Dallas should win after QB Tony Romo treated a homeless guy to a movie. If payback has anything to do with it, Dallas should win because Terrell Owens still wants to stick it to his old team. Whether it's out of generosity or spite, the Cowboys should take it to the struggling 49ers.

JACKSONVILLE -2.5 over Minnesota

Current Jaguar and former Viking Troy Williamson has said that he wants to fight Vikings head coach Brad Childress. Williamson claims that Childress withheld his Williamson's pay after he missed a week of duty due to the death of his grandmother. That kind of grudge may help unify a locker room that has been a gong show all season long. 

Tampa Bay +8.5 over DETROIT

Some in Detroit think this will be the Lions best chance to win a game this season. They're wrong.

Chicago -8.5 over ST. LOUIS

Who cares who's playing quarterback for the Bears? The Rams have no defense to speak of. They've lost their last four games by a combined score of 139-48.

DENVER -9.5 over Oakland

As NP member Mr. Zoltanblack has pointed out, Al Davis has turned the once-pround Raiders franchise into a farce. The Broncos haven't been setting the world on fire as of late, but they still have enough to beat their rivals. Remember, these two teams have a long history of hating each other. During the US election, one left-wing political group flew a banner above the Broncos home stadium that accused John McCain of being a Raiders fan. If that's the case, then McCain better brace himself for another humiliating loss.

ATLANTA -0.5 over Carolina

A battle between two surprisingly good teams. During their last meeting, the Panthers defense dominated Falcons rookie phenom Matt Ryan, marking one of the only times that he has had a QB rating less than 70. The Falcons simply need to win this game more. Add in the fact that the Falcons are playing at home and they should come out on top.

New York Giants over ARIZONA +2.5

The Cardinals have been a great story all year, racking up an impressive 7-3 record. Still, they've done that largely against weaker West Coast foes. Now they're up against the defending Super Bowl champs. The Giants defense has been solid all year and QB Eli Manning has been his calm, collected self and should manage the offense well enough to win on the road.

Washington -3.5 over SEATTLE

Washington is looking for a win to stay in the playoff race. The Seahawks said goodbye to the playoff race a long time ago.  Head coach Jim Zorn has turned into one of the game's best coaches and he'll be happy to stick it to his old team.

Indianapolis +2.5 over SAN DIEGO

This would have the game of the week if it was 2006. Now it's a game between two teams heading in opposite directions. The Colts are close to getting back to their old selves, and are in the hunt for a playoff spot. Indianapolis has won three straight while the Chargers have lost three of the last four. Peyton Manning and Marvin Harrison are playing well and will be too much for a Chargers defense that is still missing Shawne Merriman.

NEW ORLEANS  over Green Bay +2.5

The Packers looked great in their 37-3 win last week. Still, the team has been wildly inconsistent and they may not react well to playing in front of crazed Who Dat? Fans in New Orleans' Superdome. A tough pick, but go with the Saints in an upset.