NFL 2021 Week 12 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. Thanksgiving will soon be upon us and family, friends, food and football will dominate the landscape on Thursday. Truly a tradition like no other. For Week 12 games I'm keeping an eye on the Bills-Saints, Steelers-Bengals, Buccaneers-Colts, Titans-Patriots, and Rams-Packers matchups. In this post I'll do a preview of the week's games and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Week 12 Preview

The NFL's 12th week of the regular season starts in Detroit, Michigan and finish up in Landover, Maryland. Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs are on a bye this week. The week features a 15-game slate where 30 teams will play. Week 12 features three Thursday games, seven early games, three late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the doubleheader and CBS will have the single, regional game this week. Let's get to the picks!

Week 12 Picks

Note: TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Chicago (3-7) @ Detroit (0-9-1) (FOX; 12:30 pm): TW: Lions, CV: Bears
Last week the Bears lost to the Ravens and the Lions lost to the Browns. The Turkey Day festivities starts with a wimper matchup in Detroit. Both teams are not very good. This is really and only the time that Detroit gets to be on the national stage so I will actually take the Lions. I'm really going to hate myself if honestly they lose to the Bears. This season has been so crazy that anything is possible. I think Dandre Swift will have a good game. Don't fail me Detroit. 

Las Vegas (5-5) @ Dallas (7-3) (CBS; 4:30 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
The two teams lost last week as the Raiders lost to the Bengals and the Cowboys lost to the Chiefs. The sleeper game features two teams that are on somewhat of a downswing, at least more so for the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cowboys can play really good football and play really bad football. Last week was one of those games where they really couldn't find their running attack as I don't think the Chiefs put up a spectacular game last Sunday. I can't stand Dallas and I hope the case is that the Cowboys lose but I want to get back to winning this season in Pick 'Ems. 

Buffalo (6-4) @ New Orleans (5-5) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Both teams lost last week as the Bills lost to the Colts and the Saints lost to the Eagles. Once the afternoon nap is over this matchup is the one where you find and nibble on some leftovers. The two teams possess very good defenses as they wouldn't be this far this season looking for playoff position. Buffalo hasn't played well and their defense got exposed badly against the Colts. New Orleans can be very inconsistent and they really bad offense. However I still like the Buffalo Bills in the matchup as the Saints are ranked 21st in pass defense, giving up 267.1 yards/game. This could be a problem as their pass offense is not very good either as they have 214.6 yards/game. I'll take the Bills. 

Carolina (5-6) @ Miami (4-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Panthers; CV: Panthers
The Panthers lost to the Football Team and the Dolphins beat the Jets last week. Cam Newton has provided the Panthers new life after the Sam Darnold project failed. Their defense kind of had a setback last week against Washington and really should've won the game. Miami has been on a tear lately winning three straight games. What made that change was them playing not great teams in the Texans or Jets but rather their defense has been back to playing at a level that we were expecting at season's start. I don't really think that the Dolphins will win this game but I feel it could be close. I'll take the Panthers.

Atlanta (4-6) @ Jacksonville (2-8) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons
Both teams lost last week as the Falcons lost to the Patriots and the Jaguars lost to the 49ers. Both teams aren't that great. Atlanta looked like a possibility of a wild card and then they got blown up by the Cowboys and Patriots. Jacksonville wasn't expected to be good. They have a decent running attack and sometimes surprise you on defense. Atlanta just can never get a good offense or defense together at the same time. I could see either team winning but I'll take the better offense in the Falcons. 

NY Jets (2-8) @ Houston (2-8) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Texans; CV: Jets
The Jets lost to the Dolphins and the Texans beat the Titans last week. Truly a toilet bowl matchup of two teams vying for a top-5 pick in next year's draft. Neither of them have any upside or advantage over the other. Quite honestly I think that they should both lose or at least tie. I suppose I could take the home team as Tyrod Taylor can be a fun watch at quarterback.

Philadelphia (5-6) @ NY Giants (3-7) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles 
The Eagles beat the Saints and the Giants lost to the Buccaneers last week. The I-95 rivalry returns with a matchup that finds the Eagles looking at an opportunity for a playoff spot and the Giants looking to play spoiler. New York dumped offensive coordinator Jason Garrett earlier this week and could possibly see an improvement in offense. Philadelphia has had a rebirth in offense with Jalen Hurts leading the way. New York's defense will have its hands full with this offense. I don't see the Giants winning so I will take the Eagles. 

Pittsburgh (5-4-1) @ Cincinnati (6-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Bengals
The Steelers lost to the Chargers and the Bengals beat the Raiders last week. When these two teams played in early October, the Steelers were still trying to figure themselves out on offense. With a 37-point performance last week the Steelers seem to have figured themselves out. TJ Watt will likely be returning to play. Pittsburgh will need him to be back. Cincinnati hit somewhat of a curb for a while and then got a huge win against the Raiders which are trending down. I think the Steelers will rebound and get a win. I think the point margin will be less than five. 

Tampa Bay (7-3) @ Indianapolis (6-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Both teams got wins last week as the Buccaneers beat the Giants and the Colts beat the Bills. Tampa Bay hit a skid for a few weeks and got back to winning ways against the hapless Giants. They face the Indianapolis Colts with their star running back Jonathan Taylor who had a day last week with five total touchdowns. Tampa has the #1 rush defense in the NFL and Indy has the #4 rush offense. Something's going to give. You're also choosing either Tom Brady or Carson Wentz in this matchup. I think I'll take Brady. 

Tennessee (8-3) @ New England (7-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Titans lost to the Texans and the Patriots beat the Falcons last week. Tennessee really had a letdown last week as they lost to the Houston Texans. They also lost to the New York Jets as well. New England will now be facing against their biggest tests of the season with this Titans team and Buffalo. Just how good can the Patriots be without Tom Brady. I think they just might have a shot to win. With no Derrick Henry still and Adrian Peterson waived, I don't see Tennessee winning this game.

LA Chargers (6-4) @ Denver (5-5) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
The Chargers beat the Steelers and the Broncos were on a bye last week. Los Angeles had a great game on offense as Justin Herbert reverted back to his old self that we've been so accustomed to. Their defense was a bit suspect as they gave up 31 points to an average Steelers offense. What they face in the Broncos is a team that at one point was 3-0, now they're 5-5. They have a solid offense and a better defense. They're banged up a bit on defense though with Bradley Chubb and Kareem Jackson with an injury bug. I'll take the Chargers.

LA Rams (7-3) @ Green Bay (8-3) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Rams
The Rams were on a bye and the Packers lost to the Vikings last week. The weather on Sunday will be 37 degrees for the high in Green Bay. With a team that is used to warm weather and in a semi-dome stadium the Rams could find it difficult to deal with the temperature. The Rams have had a skid lately losing their last two games by double digits. Green Bay's defense didn't play solid ball but Aaron Rodgers nearly did win that game. It could be a toss-up game but I'll take the colder weather Packers.

Minnesota (5-5) @ San Francisco (5-5) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: Vikings
Both teams won last week as the Vikings beat the Packers and the 49ers beat the Jaguars. A must win for both teams. San Francisco is a team on the rise with two straight wins. What they face is a Vikings team whose offense came to life and ran over the Packers defense that looked like championship caliber quality. The 49ers pass defense is good and they will need to be good to stop/slow down Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen. I'll take the 49ers. 

Cleveland (6-5) @ Baltimore (7-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Ravens; CV: Ravens
The Browns beat the Lions and the Ravens beat the Bears last week. Sunday primetime game as the Browns look to stay in a playoff hunt. They face off against their bigger brother in the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore had some issues with the Bears passing attack but did alright against stopping the run. Cleveland will need to really have a stellar game on offense by not turning it over and keeping Lamar Jackson off the field. I don't see it happening. 

Seattle (3-7) @ Washington (4-6) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Football Team; CV: Football Team
The Seahawks lost to the Cardinals and the Football Team beat the Panthers last week. Week 12 finishes up with a meh game. Seattle had looked really good at the start of the season but with Russell Wilson having an injury and having coming back from injury has left the Seahawks with the possibility of having a losing season since 2011. Washington has played well in recent weeks in beating the Buccaneers and Panthers. They have a good offense and a defense that has been playing better. I like Washington to continue their winning ways in this one. 

Early & Late TV Pairings (courtesy of 506sports.com):

Note: Games in bold are games being shown in my area.

CBS Single

Tennessee @ New England
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Pittsburgh @ Cincinnati
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

NY Jets @ Houston
Spero Dedes, Jay Feely

LA Chargers @ Denver (LATE)
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta

FOX Early

Tampa Bay @ Indianapolis
Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olson

Philadelphia @ NY Giants
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth

Carolina @ Miami
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

Atlanta @ Jacksonville
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

FOX Late

LA Rams @ Green Bay
Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

Minnesota @ San Francisco
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

For more information on which is being shown in your area, check local listings, and check out NFL 2021: Week 12 maps. 

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4
Week 6: 11-3
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 7-7
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 8-7

Total: 96-68-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6
Week 6: 12-2
Week 7: 10-3
Week 8: 7-8
Week 9: 8-6
Week 10: 5-8-1
Week 11: 10-5

Total: 103-61-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 12 recap post! Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the games. 

-Tom

NFL 2019 Week 12 Picks

Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is upon us. The week that was last week was a fairly good week with a 10-4 record in picks. The margin between me and Cardinal Viking (my current roommate) is very slim coming into this week with me ahead by a few games. Hopefully my good fortune will continue into Week 12. In this post I'll talk about the 1960's Packers in the NFL 100 Spotlight and the picks for the games. Let's get to work!

NFL 100: A Spotlight

In 1958, the Green Bay Packers would endure the worst season in their history with a 1-10-1 record. The season would be Ray McLean's only season with the club. They hadn't won a league championship since 1944. It was during the glory years of head coach Curly Lambeau and the likes of wide receiver Don Hutson ravaging opposing defenses with his speed. McLean's successor would be an offensive coordinator named Vince Lombardi.

What Lombardi brought was a change of the culture to the team. His emphasis of endurance, courage, and hard work would transform one of the worst teams in the league into one of the best. The team that he inherited had the pieces that Lombardi needed to help guide them into the next decade. He had players by the like of Ray Nitschke, Jerry Kramer, Max McGee, and Bart Starr. 

By 1960, Lombardi's 2nd season with the team, he led the team to the 1960 NFL championship against the Philadelphia Eagles. The two-year turnaround was met with defeat as the Packers lost to the Eagles 17-13. It would be the only loss in Lombardi's tenure in Green Bay. 

The Packers would rebound in 1961 to win their first championship since 1944 when they beat the New York Giants 37-0 in Lambeau Field. The same two teams would met again in 1962 and the Packers would beat the Giants 16-7 in Yankee Stadium. They heavily used their running backs Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor in those contests. 

The hopes of a three-peat were foiled in 1963 when the Packers lost to the Chicago Bears late in the season with the score of 26-7. Ultimately the loss was all that was needed as the Bears would beat the Giants in the championship game that year. The Packers failed to reach the championship game again in 1964 as the Baltimore Colts were the representatives in the Western Conference. The Colts would lose to the Cleveland Browns 27-0. 

The 1965 season was a return to glory but was met with some opposition. The Packers finished with a 10-3 record but would have to play the Colts in a tie-breaker game for the rights to face the Browns in the championship game. The Packers would beat the Colts in overtime 13-10 and would beat the Browns in a muddy Lambeau Field with the score of 23-12. It was a return to glory. 

For the first time in league history there would be another game to be played after the league championship game. Lombardi's Packers would continue their momentum from 1965 to a 12-2 record in 1966. They went toe to toe against the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL championship game in the Cotton Bowl and would go on to win the first Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10.

Vince Lombardi's message to the team in 1967 was clear. The team wanted to go for the three-peat. They had failed to do it in 1963 but another opportunity presented itself. Lombardi's final year in Green Bay wasn't an easy one as the Packers finished with a 9-4-1 record. Age was catching up to the team as most of the players were in their 30's and it would take every ounce of energy to get them to the top for the 3rd time. 

The Packers would easily handle the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL divisional playoff game by the score of 28-7. The Packers would have to battle two opponents in the next game. The Dallas Cowboys and the subzero temperatures would test the Packers in Lombardi's final home game as Packers head coach. It would take a Bart Starr sneak into the endzone to help seal the Packers legacy as NFL champions in 1965, 1966, and 1967. In Super Bowl II, the Packers would easily handle the AFL's Oakland Raiders by the score of 33-14. Two weeks after the game, Vince Lombardi resigned as head coach. It would be another 29 years until the Packers would win another Super Bowl.

In the 1960's, the game of football started to gain traction in the consciousness in America. The Green Bay Packers and Vince Lombardi were easily one of the teams that helped garner that attention. Top to bottom the team that Lombardi put out during those years were amazing. They could beat you with the arm of Bart Starr with his versatile receiving corp, or the running tandem of Jim Taylor or Paul Hornung. They could beat you with their fearsome defense with the likes of Willie Davis or David Robinson on the defensive line, Ray Nitschke as a linebacker and Willie Wood and Herb Adderley patrolling the field in the secondary. They were truly a great dynasty in NFL history. 

Week 12 Picks

Week 12 in the NFL regular season will start in Houston, Texas and ends in Los Angeles, California. Four teams will be on a bye this week: Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers. There will be a Thursday night game, nine early games, two late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the single, regional game while FOX will have the double-header. Here are the picks!

Indianapolis (6-4) @ Houston (6-4) (FOX/NFL Network): TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The Colts beat the Jaguars and the Texans lost to the Ravens last week. Marlon Mack will be out of the game with a hand injury. I can't expect the Colts running game to get the same amount of yardage that Mack would probably get in this game. Unless the Colts run game gives Jacoby Brissett some help, I feel the Texans will edge this one out as they have a capable running back to get them a win. Houston has let me down before, sadly. 

Oakland (6-4) @ NY Jets (3-7) (CBS): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

Both teams got wins last week as the Raiders beat the Bengals and the Jets beat the Redskins. Oakland has a very unique opportunity to gain some ground on the Chiefs in the division. Josh Jacobs is a great story for a potential Rookie of the Year honors. I feel Oakland will win based on the their well balanced offense and a defense that can ravage on Sam Darnold. I'll take the Raiders.

NY Giants (2-8) @ Chicago (4-6) (FOX): TW: Bears; CV: Bears

The Giants were on a bye and the Bears lost to the Rams last week. The difference I feel in this match-up is that the Bears have a defense and the Giants don't have one. The problem is that whoever the Bears have at quarterback could pose a problem, whether it will be Chase Daniel or Mitchell Trubisky. If the Bears want to get back into the playoff conversation, they need a win. 

Pittsburgh (5-5) @ Cincinnati (0-10) (CBS): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers

Both teams lost last week as the Steelers lost to the Browns and the Bengals lost to the Raiders. The season has gone poorly for the Bengals and unfortunately they won't have an easy time in this one. I like the Steelers defense to overwhelm the Bengals offense. Pittsburgh should be fortunate that Mason Rudolph wasn't suspended for last week's brawl against Myles Garrett. I'll take Pittsburgh based on their defense.

Seattle (8-2) @ Philadelphia (5-5) (FOX): TW: Seahawks; CV: Seahawks

The Seahawks were on a bye and the Eagles lost to the Patriots last week. Jet lag could be a problem for the Seahawks traveling a near 3-hour difference. The Eagles could play havoc with their defense but I like the Seahawks offense in this match-up. Seahawks have a good running game as well. I'll go with Seattle.

Tampa Bay (3-7) @ Atlanta (3-7) (FOX): TW: Falcons; CV: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers lost to the Saints and the Falcons beat the Panthers last week. Atlanta has been on a tear in the last few weeks and I'll go with that momentum into this game. It's certainly a guarantee that Jameis Winston will throw for over 250+ yards but its likely he will throw interceptions in this one. I don't trust the Bucs in the game so I'll give the nod to Atlanta. Don't let me down. 

Miami (2-8) @ Cleveland (4-6) (FOX): TW: Browns; CV: Browns

The Dolphins lost to the Bills and the Browns beat the Steelers last week. Cleveland will be without Myles Garrett for the rest of the season due to the brawl last week. Despite the loss I still like the Browns defense against a fairly decent Dolphins offense. As long as the formula of Baker Mayfield playing the field manager and Nick Chubb taking the load off of Mayfield's shoulder, I'll take the Browns in the game. 

Detroit (3-6-1) @ Washington (1-9) (FOX): TW: Lions; CV: Lions

Both teams lost last week as the Lions lost to the Cowboys and the Redskins lost to the Jets. It's the sexy match-up of Jeff (not Jake) Driskel and Dwayne Haskins in this game. I like the Lions in the game as they do have some capable weapons for Driskel to go to. The Redskins defense could put up a fight in this one but with the way they played against the Jets, I don't trust them to scare a rock. I'll take the Lions in a close game.

Denver (3-7) @ Buffalo (7-3) (CBS): TW: Bills; CV: Bills

The Broncos lost to the Vikings and the Bills beat the Dolphins last week. Buffalo looks to continue its season with getting a win against a sub-par team in the Broncos. Denver looks to try to upset the Bills on the road where they haven't won in since 2007. I like the Bills in the game due to their defense and versatility in quarterback as Josh Allen can beat you with his arm and his legs. The Broncos could play spoiler in ways that they had last week against Minnesota but they have to play all four quarters to get a win.

Carolina (5-5) @ New Orleans (8-2) (CBS): TW: Saints; CV: Panthers

The Panthers lost to the Falcons and the Saints beat the Buccaneers last week. Carolina has been on downward spiral since losing to the Packers and I sadly feel that this will continue. Christian McCaffrey will cause problems on the Saints defense but can I trust Kyle Allen to do well in a hostile environment in the SuperDome. I personally don't think so. I'll take the Saints.

Jacksonville (4-6) @ Tennessee (5-5) (CBS): TW: Titans; CV: Jaguars

The Jaguars lost to the Colts and the Titans were on a bye last week. The game seems like a reverse to their previous meeting earlier in the season. The Jaguars had a capable quarterback in that game in Gardner Minshew and the Titans didn't. In this game, I feel the Titans found their answer and quarterback in Ryan Tannehill. The sample size of film for Nick Foles has been limited due to his lengthy injury. I can't trust the Jaguars defense to slow down the Titans offense. I'll take the Titans for once. 

Dallas (6-4) @ New England (9-1) (FOX): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots

Both teams won last week as the Cowboys beat the Lions and the Patriots beat the Eagles. This game will be nationally televised. Dallas does have a shot to win this game as they do have a capable running game to help their offense keep the Patriots defense on the field. Fortunately for Brady and company they have a good running attack as well and I don't think the Cowboys defense compares to the Patriots defense. I'll take New England. 

Green Bay (8-2) @ San Francisco (9-1) (NBC): TW: Packers; CV: 49ers

The Packers were on a bye and the 49ers beat the Cardinals last week. The marquee game of the week. Two teams that have really good offenses and solid defenses. While I do think the 49ers defense is playing better than the Packers defense, the 49ers weakness is in rush defense which is something I think the Packers can exploit. Green Bay needs to have a good game from Aaron Jones as the 49ers have a great pass defense. Turnovers could be a key in this game. I'll take the Pack.

Baltimore (8-2) @ LA Rams (6-4) (ESPN): TW: Ravens; CV: Rams

The Ravens beat the Texans and the Rams beat the Bears last week. Week 12 finishes with a good match-up on ESPN. Both teams have great running games, and good defenses. Lamar Jackson is the x-factor for this match-up as he has both a great arm and two legs that can get first downs and more. I'll take the Ravens in the game as I can't trust Jared Goff to get his team to a win against a very good Ravens team. 

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com, subject to change):

CBS Single:

Carolina @ New Orleans

Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

FOX Early:

Seattle @ Philadelphia

Kevin Burkhardt, Charles Davis

FOX Late:
Dallas @ New England

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman

For more information on which game is played in your area, check out: NFL Maps: Week 12

The Records (By Week & Year):

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 11-4-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 10-6

Week 4: 7-8

Week 5: 9-6

Week 6: 7-7

Week 7: 10-4

Week 8: 11-4

Week 9: 8-6

Week 10: 2-11

Week 11: 12-2

Overall: 97-64-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019:

Week 1: 12-3-1

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 8-7

Week 5: 5-10

Week 6: 9-5

Week 7: 7-7

Week 8: 14-1

Week 9: 8-6

Week 10: 5-8

Week 11: 10-4

Overall: 99-62-1

See you guys after the Monday night game for the Week 12 recap! Enjoy the games!

-Tom