Quick Picks; Week Twelve
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. As we enter Thanksgiving weekend, the playoff picture in both conferences is starting to become clearer. Here are Week Twelve’s picks.
Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions (TNF)
The Vikings have won six straight and are one of the NFC’s top contenders. Mike Zimmer’s defense held the high-flying Rams to just seven points and under 300 total yards last week. Meanwhile the Lions are just two games back in the NFC North and handed Minnesota their last loss. Matthew Stafford has been on fire recently and Detroit’s offense is beginning to hit its stride. Expect Detroit to edge a close game on Thanksgiving.
Los Angeles Chargers @ Dallas Cowboys (TNF)
Since Ezekiel Elliott and Tyron Smith have been absent, Dallas has scored just 16 points, committed six turnovers and have allowed 12 sacks. And now they face LA’s daunting Joey Bosa/Melvin Ingram combo on a short week. The Chargers hung 54 points on the Bills last week and could have another big game in Dallas.
New York Giants @ Washington Redskins (TNF)
After upsetting the Chiefs last week, the Giants have shown some fight and should be a more dangerous team down the stretch. The Redskins have played two of the NFC’s top teams close in the past two weeks, losing by a combined 11 points to the Vikings and Saints. They will have to adjust without Chris Thompson, but Kirk Cousins should continue his impressive season with a win over the Giants.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta isn’t out of the playoff race just yet. After impressive wins over Dallas and Seattle, the Falcons have begun their late season surge. And now they face the hapless Bucs, who will likely still be without Jameis Winston. With Atlanta’s defense playing well, Tampa Bay could be set for a horrible Fitztragic game.
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals
Despite their winless record, Cleveland has fought hard on defense all season. But the offense has lacked the skill to take advantage. Cincinnati is coming off a road win against Denver’s once-great defense, taking advantage of turnovers by the Broncos. With DeShone Kizer leading the league in interceptions, the Bengals could have similar success this week.
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
Seeking to prove themselves as legitimate playoff hopefuls, the Titans instead got embarrassed by Pittsburgh on Thursday Night Football. The Colts, especially star receiver T.Y. Hilton, have played well at home, and surprising starter Jacoby Brissett should be good to go after a bye week. Unless Tennessee can curb their turnovers, the Colts could notch an upset.
Buffalo Bills @ Kansas City Chiefs
After an embarrassing performance against the dysfunctional Giants, Kansas City’s playoff hopes could be in limbo. And after getting drilled for 54 points by the Chargers, Buffalo’s aspirations are also in jeopardy. Kareem Hunt could re-emerge as a star against the Bills’ defense, who have given up 212.6 rushing yards per game over the past three weeks. As Buffalo’s downward spiral continues, the Chiefs should get back on track.
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots
Whether it’s Jay Cutler or Matt Moore under centre, Miami’s offense will still be lacklustre, especially against a Patriots defense allowing just 12.5 points per game during their six game winning streak. Tom Brady leads the league’s second best offense and should carve up a rapidly sinking Dolphins squad.
Carolina Panthers @ New York Jets
The Panthers have returned to their roots offensively over the past couple of weeks, letting Cam Newton run like it’s 2015 and averaging 32.5 points per game. Add that to the league’s second best defense and you have the same recipe that took Carolina to the Super Bowl. With an almost certain win over the fading Jets, the Panthers will finish undefeated against the AFC East.
Chicago Bears @ Philadelphia Eagles
Mitchell Trubisky has shown promise this year, going 2–3 so far as a starter. But he will be the latest victim for the high-flying Eagles, who boast a league-best 9–1 record and a leading MVP candidate in sophomore quarterback Carson Wentz. Although it’s hard to see Chicago pulling an upset, especially against Philly’s dominant front seven, Bears fans can hope that Trubisky’s second year emulates Wentz’s impressive season.
New Orleans Saints @ Los Angeles Rams
This mouthwatering match-up could decide playoff seedings in the NFC. Star Saints rookie corner Marshon Lattimore is likely out, giving the Rams an opportunity. But Wade Phillips’ unit struggled to stop the run against Minnesota, allowing 171 rushing yards whilst also getting burned by receiver Adam Thielen. Expect New Orleans’ two-headed rushing attack to pound the Rams upfront while Michael Thomas attacks through the air in a high-scoring shootout.
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers
Will we see Jimmy G against Seattle’s severely depleted Legion of Boom? Even if the former Patriot does appear, the 49ers won’t be able to cope with a Seahawks aerial attack that is dragging them towards the post-season. A soft San Francisco defense could help Seattle re-establish their running game in time for a late run.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Arizona Cardinals
Eager to prove themselves as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, Jacksonville has won four straight and now faces the free-falling Cardinals. In a close loss to Houston the Cardinals gave up 134 yards on the ground, so expect Leonard Fournette to grind them down as the league’s best defense throttles former Jaguar Blaine Gabbert, turning him back into a turnover machine.
Denver Broncos @ Oakland Raiders
Both AFC West teams have struggled for consistency this season. Denver’s defense can no longer compensate for the offense’s dismal performances, which saw coordinator Mike McCoy get fired. Oakland’s offense has talent, but needs to be consistent to cover up an awful defense (which saw coordinator Ken Norton Jr. also get fired). Replacements Bill Musgrave and John Pagano will square off in a close match-up.
Green Bay Packers @ Pittsburgh Steelers (SNF)
2017’s Sunday Night Football schedule serves up another snoozefest as the struggling Packers travel to Pittsburgh. The Steelers have far too many weapons for Green Bay to deal with, so expect Antonio Brown to lead another prime-time blowout as Pittsburgh’s defense comfortably handles the inexperienced Brett Hundley.
Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens (MNF)
Baltimore’s defense relishes playing against backup quarterbacks. They’ve already shut out Ryan Tannehill-replacement Jay Cutler and Brett Hundley, and now face the inconsistent Tom Savage. However, Savage has a better supporting cast than Baltimore’s other victims and could put up a fight. Still, expect the Ravens defense to dominate in an ugly, low-scoring affair.
