NFL Week 12 Picks: From New England Patriots Fans' Perspective

I can’t believe it’s week 12 already!

This week you have two prognosticators, yours truly, C Douglas Baker , and EA ,

Mr. TR is on the PUP list this week with an ailment.  His wife says he’s on the PUP list every week but that’s another story.  JUST KIDDING!!!  Sorry TR, I couldn’t resist.  Get well soon.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and good luck to your favorite team (unless it’s the Saints, Colts, Steelers, Bengals, Chargers, Broncos…).

Now on with the show.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Green Bay @ Detroit

EA:   As an Aaron Rodgers fantasy owner, I am going to have A LOT to be thankful about on this turkey day. Sit back, put your feet up, and get ready to see the Pack dominate.

DB:   Poor Green Bay has been hit with the injury bug again with cornerback Al Harris out for the season, as well as lineman Aaron Kampman.  Nevertheless, I think they have enough offense to beat the lowly Lions on Turkey Day.  Green Bay.

Oakland @ Dallas

EA:  Dallas. Not even close.

DB:   Oakland pulled off an upset last week, but I don’t think they will do it against the Cowboys, even though the Boys have been playing rather mediocre of late.  Dallas.

New York Giants @ Denver

EA:   Of course they put the interesting game on NFL Network, so I won't get to watch this one for myself, but I think Denver may get a long-needed win to try and stay afloat in the standings.

DB:   This is a tough game given that both teams have been on a downward slide lately.  Even though Denver is at home, with Orton ailing I think the Giants will take this one.  New York Giants.

Sunday, November 29, 2009

Miami @ Buffalo

EA:  With Ronnie Brown out, Ricky Williams is going to continue to show that he is still top tier talent, going all over this porous Buffalo defense.

DB:  I don’t think Ricky Williams can carry the full load the rest of the season given he’s not used to doing so, but he will on Sunday.  Miami.

Indianapolis @ Houston

EA:  Unfortunately, Indy is going to keep up their winning ways against Houston, but I'm still holding out hope.

DB:   Houston had a great opportunity to pull off a win Monday night and didn’t do it against a suddenly relevant Tennessee team.  Houston has the ability to put up points against the Colts defense.  I want to pick the upset here really bad.  Maybe it is wishful thinking, but I’m going to do it.  Houston.

Cleveland @ Cincinnati

EA: Cincinnati will win without any competition at all.

DB:   No contest.  Cincinnati.

Carolina @ New York Jets

EA:  Carolina may put up a good fight, but I expect the Jets to come away with the win.

DB:  Carolina is so inconsistent, but so are the Jets.  This is another game that is hard to pick but I will take the Jets because they have a great corner that can compete with Steve Smith and the Jets, while weaker in the middle without Kris Jenkins, have enough to slow down the Panther running game.  It should be a close contest though.  New York Jets. 

Tampa Bay @ Atlanta

EA:   Now that they don't have such a grueling road schedule to worry about, Atlanta will get back on the right track with an easy win over Tampa.

DB:   Despite their recent woes, I see no reason for Atlanta to have any trouble against Tampa Bay.  Atlanta.

Washington @ Philadelphia

EA:   Philly. What more needs to be said?

DB:   Washington is woeful, woeful, woeful.  Bye Jim Zorn, bye Jason Campbell, bye Clinton Portis.  Philadelphia.

Seattle @ St. Louis.

EA: With Donnie Avery looking good, and Stephen Jackson running like it's stolen, I actually think St. Louis comes away with the win on their home field.

DB:   With Bulger out and Kyle Boller in, I have to go with Seattle.  Seattle.

Kansas City @ San Diego

EA:   I am immensely proud of the Chiefs for what they did against the Steelers last week, but lightning doesn't strike twice. Give me the Bolts.

DB:   San Diego is on a roll and will likely roll all over the poor Chiefs.  San Diego.

Jacksonville @ San Francisco

EA:   San Francisco, but it will probably be really close.

DB:   This is a tough call.  Two mediocre teams.  It really depends on which teams show up.  I am taking the home team. San Francisco.

Chicago @ Minnesota

EA:  Chicago hasn't been very impressive this year, Brett Favre should enjoy lighting up a soft Bears' secondary in front of the fickle Metrodome fans.

DB:   Jared Allen will eat Orlando Pace for lunch.  I wonder how many times Cutler will get sacked and how many interceptions he will throw?  This is likely to be a huge blowout for the Vikings.  Minnesota.

Arizona @ Tennessee

EA:  I'll take Arizona only if Kurt Warner is good to go. It's going to be a very long day if they have to endure a Matt Leinart start, long enough to give the Titans a window of opportunity.

DB:   Upset alert!!!  Arizona, on the road, with a dinged up Warner.  Tennessee is actually playing like a real football team lately.  I think they take the Cardinals down at home.  Tennessee.

Pittsburgh @ Baltimore

EA: The second most interesting game of the weekend, and I know I've been picking them to win pretty much all year, incorrectly, but I'm still going with the Ravens. Let's see if they prove me right for once.

DB:   This will be a fun game to watch.  The Ravens have been just ever so close to winning more games and just can’t close the show.  But this week I am picking them to win, again.  Baltimore.

Monday, November 30, 2009

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

EA:  This game is going to be so much more than anticipated. This game wasn't expected to be very significant coming into the season, but at this point, this looks like it could shape up to be the best, most interesting, and very much so the most significant game of the year. I could go as far as to call it a Super Bowl preview. These two teams are among the best in football, and you all know who I WANT to win, but out of superstition I will abstain from picking a winner on this one at this point in time.

DB:   Wow, what a match-up.  This could be a barn burner where the last team that has the ball wins.  Or it could be a blow out by either team.  The Patriots have a lot of weaknesses on defense but so do the Saints.  And just think, two Parcells guys, Belichick and Sean Payton matching wits.  I think New England is going to do what it failed to do against the Colts and knock the Saints off their perch.  New England.