Week 12 NFL Picks

It's Thanksgiving -- that time of the year where it really becomes embarrassing to be a Lions fan. Used to be in the glory days of Lions mediocrity that they would rise to the occasion on national television and play well on Thanksgiving. Now they are just awful all the time. I don't expect this year's game to be any different than last year's blow-out.

But, before more digressive Lions talk, my picks.

Packers (-10.5) vs. Lions - It's great that the Lions beat the Browns but they didn't cover the spread. The Lions defense is horrible and the Packers should score many points. And with the likelihood of no Stafford or Johnson, the Lions won't be able to keep up.

Raiders (+13.5) vs. Cowboys - I've done well this season betting against the Cowboys. Their relatively impressive record is obscured by the fact they have not covered even when they win, which I hope is this case on Thanksgiving.

Broncos (+6.5) vs. NY Giants - After needing OT to beat the Falcons, the Giants fly out west to play a mile high in Denver and are six and half point favorites. I don't think so.

Buccaneers (+11.5) vs Falcons - Same deal. Tampa showed signs of life before last week's blow out against the Saints. For a divisional game, too many points.

Dolphins (-3.5) vs Bills - Miami looks better without Ronnie Brown and if they want to make the playoffs they need to win this game.

Bengals (-13.5) vs. Browns - After the Bengals shit the bed in Oakland last week, I'll assume they'll want to put a big ass kicking to the sad sack Browns.

Rams (+2.5) vs Seahawks - The Rams seem to be improving (two consecutive covers at least) and the Seahawks are really bad. Marc Bulger is out for the Rams but I think this gives them a better chance to win.

Panthers (+3.5) vs Jets - Do I get Carolina and three and half points? This is awesome. I can't believe how Vegas completely over-rates the Jets.

Redskins (+9.5) vs Eagles - Intra-divisional game so this is quite the point spread. Redskins offense may suck but the defense keeps them in games.

Colts (-3.5) vs Texans - Maybe the Texans can win this game but you got to have rules. That means no betting against the Colts especially to a team as mediocre and over-rated as the Texans.

Chiefs (+13.5) vs Chargers - The Chargers are good but a little too many points for my blood. Maybe some letdown after the ass kicking they delivered to the Broncos.

Titans (-.5) vs Cardinals - Another one of these stupid 1/2 point spreads. I'm taking the Titans to the house, hoping they can win out the rest of their schedule.

Vikings (-10.5) vs Bears - This game should be a shoot out or a blow out. The Vikings are starting to pull away in the NFC North while the Bears are done.

Ravens (-2.5) vs Steelers - Good Sunday night matchup. Hope QB Ben plays for the Steelers otherwise this game will be a lost cause. Update: I changed this pick Saturday night. Ben will not play so the Ravens need to take this opportunity.

Patriots (+3.5) vs Saints - I love the Saints and they are my team but you need rules to live by and one of those is always take the Patriots and the points. I would love to see a close game where the Saints win but the Patriots cover.

Last Week: 8-8
Season: 88-72