Last-Minute Predictions for NFL Week 12

It's almost Thanksgiving, and that means it's officially time for the stretch run of one of the most unpredictable NFL seasons in recent memory.

Week 12's slate of games features a number of intriguing contests, including a Sunday night matchup between Peyton Manning's Denver Broncos and Tom Brady's New England Patriots. 

As always, I do my best to forecast the action, making last-minute predictions before the games get underway. 

Panthers vs. Dolphins Will Come Down to the Final Drive

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The Carolina Panthers enter Sunday's contest in Miami as the hottest team in football, winners of six straight, including the last two against NFL powerhouses San Francisco and New England.

Still, I believe Sunday's game is going to come down to the wire.

This has "letdown game" written all over it. Theoretically, Carolina should dominate on the strength of its defense, as the Dolphins have allowed 41 sacks on the campaign.

However, defensive end Charles Johnson (and his 8.5 sacks) isn't playing, and the Dolphins are a desperate team playing at home.

Additionally, Miami is coming off a much-needed 20-16 win against the San Diego Chargers. Don't be shocked when this game is close in the fourth quarter. In fact, it'll come down to the final drive.

Alex Smith Will Throw for More Yards Than Philip Rivers

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San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers has thrown for nearly 1,000 more yards this season than Kansas City Chiefs QB Alex Smith.

But Sunday at Arrowhead, Smith will have more passing yards than Rivers, and Kansas City will beat San Diego.

It's much easier to pass against San Diego's defense than it is to run, so look for Smith to connect early and often with receiver Dwayne Bowe. Bowe was targeted 14 times last week and 12 times the week prior. 

Rivers has cracked the 300-yard barrier just once in the past five games. Plus, you know the Chiefs defense is going to be looking to make a statement after losing last week in Denver.

The Kansas City pass rush will harass Rivers all game long, and Smith will find success through the air, accumulating more passing yards than his San Diego counterpart.

Zac Stacy Will Amass Over 150 All-Purpose Yards

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The Chicago Bears cannot stop the run. They possess the 30th-ranked rush defense and allow 4.5 yards per carry.

St. Louis Rams rookie running back Zac Stacy has rushed for 323 yards and three touchdowns over the past three games, and he has averaged 26 carries per game over that span.

Math dictates that Stacy should have a big game against the Bears Sunday. It's that simple.

Additionally, although Kellen Clemens has been serviceable in relief of Sam Bradford, Stacy is sure to get the ball in his hands early and often. 

As Bleacher Report's fantasy expert Eric Mack wrote, "You can question the Rams offense because of Kellen Clemens, but you cannot question the viability of Stacy any longer." In fact, he ranked Stacy as his No. 4 running back this week. 

Scott Tolzien Will Torch the Vikings

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When you watch Sunday's game between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, you'll see a quarterback in green and yellow carving up the competition. He'll throw for over 300 yards and a couple of touchdowns.

And no, I'm not talking about Aaron Rodgers, still sidelined with his collarbone injury. I'm talking about third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien, who will torch the Vikings in his second career start. 

Tolzien threw for 339 yards last week against the Giants, albeit with three interceptions. The turnovers should be limited against a toothless Vikings pass defense, which enters the game ranked 29th on the season, but the yards will stay the same.

The Packers desperately need a win to end their three-game losing streak, and Tolzien will help them get it with a big performance against the Vikings.

Joe Haden Will Continue His Dominant Play and Shut Down Antonio Brown

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If you asked most NFL fans who the best cornerback in the league is, chances are they'd either answer with Darrelle Revis or Richard Sherman.

While it's a shame that Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden doesn't receive the same fanfare as Revis and Sherman, there's little doubt that he soon will. He's been that good this season.

Just check out Haden's numbers against some of the top receivers in football, compiled here by ESPN's Pat McManamon. He's been utterly fantastic, notably against Calvin Johnson and A.J. Green.

This week's resident on Haden Island is Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Antonio Brown. Brown has had a very productive season, but he's not good enough to consistently beat Haden.

Haden will hold Brown to under 70 receiving yards and continue his run toward the Pro Bowl.

Andre Brown Will Rush the Giants to Victory Over Dallas

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The Dallas Cowboys run defense has gotten crushed on the ground over the past three games, giving up over five yards per carry and 184 yards per game. 

That is good news for New York Giants running back Andre Brown, who gets to face the Cowboys' 29th-ranked rushing unit at home on Sunday. 

Brandon Jacobs is listed as questionable, but he won't steal that many carries even if he suits up, especially with the way Brown is leading this offense.  

Brown has played well since returning from a leg injury suffered in the preseason, and there's no defense he'd rather see than Dallas'.

Brown will go well over 100 yards and score at least one touchdown as the Giants tie the Cowboys in the NFC East standings at 5-6.

Torrey Smith Will Haul in Two Long Touchdown Receptions

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Sunday's tilt in Baltimore between the 5-5 New York Jets and 4-6 Ravens is a critical one in the race for the sixth and final playoff spot in the AFC. It's more of a must-win for the Ravens, as they cannot afford to fall to 4-7 if they want a chance to defend their Super Bowl title.

Fortunately for Baltimore, it has quarterback Joe Flacco and receiver Torrey Smith to lean on, and they'll connect on two long touchdown passes against Gang Green. As has been the case throughout the year, Smith has shown to be a big-play threat. 

Even though Ray Rice is coming off his best game of the season (131 rushing yards with a touchdown), the Jets' No. 1-ranked rushing unit will force Flacco to air it out. 

It's been a down year for Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie, and Smith will take advantage. Look for Smith to go over 100 yards and haul in two touchdown passes as Baltimore improves to 5-6.

Andrew Luck Will Lead the Colts on a Late, Game-Winning Drive

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I'm a huge fan of Breaking Bad, and if you've watched the show, you've heard this classic line delivered by Bryan Cranston: "I am the one who knocks!"

On Twitter, I've taken to calling Andrew Luck #TheOneWhoKnocks because he's just that much of a boss. He's always capable of delivering in the clutch, and you get the feeling that the Colts are never out of a game as long as he's under center.

In 27 games as a starter, Luck has 11 come-from-behind wins. Let that sink in. 

Sunday in Arizona, Luck will continue his sensational sophomore campaign by leading the Colts on a late, game-winning drive. The win will improve Indianapolis' record to 8-3, and the legend of Luck will continue.

Peyton Manning Will Outplay Tom Brady

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Few things in sports are better than when Peyton Manning and Tom Brady go head-to-head in prime time, and that's what will happen Sunday night as Manning's Denver Broncos take on Brady's New England Patriots in Foxborough.

This one will be won by Manning and the Broncos, and he'll outplay Brady in doing so.

It doesn't matter that the weather is going to be frigid, or that the wind will be whipping. Manning is playing at a significantly higher level than Brady, and that will continue on Sunday Night Football.

Manning has thrown 34 touchdowns against only six interceptions, and he is completing just about 70 percent of his passes. By comparison, Brady has tossed 14 touchdowns against seven interceptions and is completing less than 60 percent of his passes. It's been a vintage year for Manning, and not so much for Brady.

When you add in the fact that Manning has a stronger supporting cast, it becomes a no-brainer. Home-field advantage won't be enough for the Patriots in this one. 

Colin Kaepernick Will Snap Out of His Funk and Throw Three Touchdown Passes

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San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick hasn't broken the 200-yard passing barrier since Oct. 13 against Arizona.

Coach Jim Harbaugh doesn't understand the criticism of his quarterback, telling Taylor Price of 49ers.com, "I think he’s doing a heck of a job. I guess I’d be puzzled to why people would think that." 

Kaepernick is going to prove his coach right on Monday night when he leads the 49ers to a huge road win over the Washington Redskins. 

The Redskins defense ranks 26th against the pass and 19th against the run, so Kaepernick and Co. will have no shortage of options. 

I am predicting Kaepernick's first three-touchdown passing game since Week 1 versus Green Bay.