NFL Predictions Week 12: Picks and Odds Guide for All Matchups on the Schedule

The Kansas City Chiefs were woeful in the early part of the season. They were mistake-prone, their pass defense was basically nonexistent, and they couldn't put much of a pass rush on opposing quarterbacks.

Additionally, the Chiefs seemed to have a pop-gun offense with Alex Smith under center. He didn't seem to throw the ball more than 10 or 15 yards down the field, and that allowed opposing defenses to pinch in and limit their offensive production.

But after falling to 1-5, the Chiefs found a way to right themselves, and they have now reeled off four straight wins to get back into the playoff race.

They are seven-point favorites at home against the Buffalo Bills this week, according to Odds Shark, and the Bills are coming off a short week after dropping a 20-13 decision at New England on Monday.

The Chiefs should have an advantage as they return home after rolling to a big win in San Diego in Week 11. Charcandrick West has filled in nicely for injured superstar running back Jamaal Charles. West has rushed for 373 yards and three touchdowns, and he has a punishing running style.

Jeremy Maclin has fit in nicely in his first year with the Chiefs, and he has caught 48 passes for 612 yards and two scores. Tight end Travis Kelce runs like a mini Rob Gronkowski after making the catch.

The Bills are 29th in passing offense, and that's simply not good enough. The Chiefs will try to limit versatile running back LeSean McCoy, and if they can keep him in check, the Chiefs should roll.

Look for pass-rusher Justin Houston to put immense pressure on quarterback Tyrod Taylor. We see Houston getting at least two sacks and the Chiefs winning by double digits.

Game	Line	Over/Under	Selection
Phialdelphia at Detroit	Detroit -2.5	45.5	Detroit; Over
Carolina at Dallas	Dallas -1.5	45.5	Dallas; Under
Chicago at Green Bay	Green Bay -8.5	45.5	Chicago; Over
Minnesota at Atlanta	Even	45.5	Minnesota; Under
St. Louis at Cincinnati	Cincinnati -10	42	Cincinnati; Under
New Orleans at Houston	Houston -3	47.5	Houston; Over
Tampa Bay at Indianapolis	Indianapolis -3	46	Tampa Bay; Over
San Diego at Jacksonville	Jacksonville -4	46.5	Jacksonville; Over
Buffalo at Kansas City	Kansas City -7	41.5	Kansas City
Miami at New York Jets	New York Jets -3	42.5	New York Jets; Under
Oakland at Tennessee	Even	44	Tennessee; Under
New York Giants at Washington	N.Y. Giants -2.5	47	New York Giants; Over
Arizona at San Francisco	Arizona -11.5	44.5	Arizona; Under
Pittsburgh at Seattle	Seattle -3.5	46.5	Pittsburgh; Under
New England at Denver	New England -2.5	43.5	New England
Baltimore at Cleveland	Cleveland -2.5	41.5	Cleveland: Over

Saints, Texans should light it up

The Houston Texans have won two games in a row after a half-season of indifferent play. Since they compete in the AFC South, a .500 record after 10 games puts them in an excellent position to make a run at the division title.

The Saints have been one of the worst defensive teams in the league, and that should open things up for quarterback Brian Hoyer and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Houston wideout has been a standout this season, as he excels at making highlight-film catches.

While the Saints have a hard time stopping anybody, Drew Brees remains one of the most explosive quarterbacks in the league. When he gets on a roll, he can string touchdowns together.

Look for both teams to get it going offensively when the two meet in Houston on Sunday. The over/under has been set at 47.5 points, but the Texans have the sixth-ranked passing game in the league, while the Saints have the 31st-ranked pass defense.

On the other side, the Saints have the No. 2 passing game in the league, and Brees should be hungry to get that attack going after the Saints were hammered 47-14 in their last game by the Redskins.

These two teams should trade touchdowns throughout and get past the 47.5-point mark midway through the fourth quarter. Take the over.

Jeff Haynes/Associated Press

Patriots put to the test once again

At the start of the season, a Thanksgiving weekend matchup between the New England Patriots and Denver Broncos looked like a preview of a potential AFC Championship Game matchup.

With Tom Brady and Peyton Manning at the helm, it had the look of a game that would go back and forth between the two all-time great quarterbacks.

But Brady has lost much of his supporting cast due to injuries. Dion Lewis and Julian Edelman are out for this game, and Danny Amendola has a knee injury that could keep him out as well.

Gary Kubiak pulled Manning (foot) after a poor showing in Week 10 against Kansas City, and backup Brock Osweiler has taken his place in the starting lineup.

Kubiak doesn't want miracles from Osweiler; he just wants him to hold on to the ball and take what the defense gives him.

That formula worked in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears, but the Patriots are far better than that opponent.

Still, the Patriots don't have the firepower they did a few weeks ago, and they are 2.5-point favorites on the road. 

It may look like the undefeated Patriots should win, but the Broncos have the best defense in the league, and they are playing a short-handed opponent. The Pats regularly struggle in Denver (lost four of last five, including playoffs), and look for the home team to put an end to New England's undefeated run.