NFL Week 12 Predictions: Early Selections for Entire Slate of Games

A quick glance at the standings will reveal playoff races likely to become total chaos in the coming weeks. In both conferences, a huge pack of teams is separated by just one or two games as the regular season enters the stretch run.

Since so many teams are still in the mix, nearly every game on tap for Week 12 carries some sort of postseason implications. And it's likely to remain that way for a couple of weeks, until some teams fade and start falling out of the race.

All told, it should be an intriguing week of action that ends up having a lasting impact. Let's take an early glance at the schedule for Week 12 along with predictions for each game. The list is followed by a closer look at the top games of the week.

Week 12 Predictions

Date	Road Team	Home Team	Pick
Nov. 21	Saints	Falcons	NO
Nov. 24	Buccaneers	Lions	DET
Nov. 24	Vikings	Packers	GB
Nov. 24	Jaguars	Texans	HOU
Nov. 24	Chargers	Chiefs	KC
Nov. 24	Panthers	Dolphins	CAR
Nov. 24	Steelers	Browns	PIT
Nov. 24	Bears	Rams	CHI
Nov. 24	Jets	Ravens	BAL
Nov. 24	Titans	Raiders	OAK
Nov. 24	Colts	Cardinals	IND
Nov. 24	Cowboys	Giants	NYG
Nov. 24	Broncos	Patriots	DEN
Nov. 25	49ers	Redskins	SF

Breakdown of Top Games

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots

The Broncos scored an important victory over the Kansas City Chiefs to get back on track for a bye in the opening round of the playoffs. As you'd expect, the headlines leading up to their matchup with the Patriots will be dominated by the latest faceoff between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.

While Manning and the Denver offense have been putting up points at a historic rate, it's the improving defense that should worry opponents. Since allowing 39 points in a loss to the Indianapolis Colts, the Broncos haven't given up more than 21 points.

The unit, which has been bolstered by the emergence of Danny Trevathan, will face a tough test from a Patriots aerial attack that's found its stride in recent weeks. It's no mistake that New England returns to form as soon as Brady finally gets Rob Gronkowski and his fellow weapons back in the fold.

Like so many meetings between two of the best quarterbacks to ever step on an NFL field, this one should go right down to the wire. That's where the improving Broncos defense is going to come through with a key stop to wrap up a Broncos victory.

Prediction: Broncos 28, Patriots 27

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants

The Giants always seem to wait until their backs are against the wall to make a move. Two years ago, a four-game losing streak in the middle of the season left them on the brink before a late surge got them in the playoffs, where they eventually captured the Super Bowl title.

Now, after opening the campaign with six straight losses, New York is roaring back once again. Four straight wins, the development of a more reliable running game thanks to Andre Brown and continued strong play on defense have the Giants within striking distance of the NFC East lead.

The Cowboys are coming off a bye, which followed a blowout loss at the hands of the New Orleans Saints. It was the latest lackluster defensive performance by Dallas, which ranks dead last in yards allowed, with nearly 440 per game.

Even a week off probably wasn't enough to fix all the problems on that side of the ball. That's not good news heading into a road game against a team playing with as much confidence as the Giants. Eli Manning and Co. should be able to keep their winning streak alive.

Prediction: Giants 35, Cowboys 31

Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have jumped back into the playoff race with three straight wins. Unfortunately, those victories didn't do much to show exactly how dangerous Arizona is, because they came against teams with five combined wins. Facing Indianapolis will be a good measuring stick.

Aside from the level of competition, the other major reason Arizona has started playing better is Carson Palmer's ability to protect the ball. Following a string of five consecutive games with at least two interceptions, he's only been picked off twice during the winning streak.

On the flip side, the Colts have run hot and cold all season. They are the only team to knock off the Broncos but got blown out by the St. Louis Rams just three weeks later. They've played well on the road, winning four of five games.

Indianapolis has also been helped by the strong running of Donald Brown, who seemed to get sparked when the team added Trent Richardson. That has added another dimension to the team's offense, and it should help the Colts find success on the road, including this week against the Cardinals.

Prediction: Colts 23, Cardinals 17