NFL Picks Week 12: Top 10 Shockers You'll Never See Coming
NFL Picks Week 12 are here, as we're just two days away from NFL action.
Yep, it's a short week for several teams, which could provide the perfect opportunity for some upsets.
But I'm expecting to see more than just a few shockers during this week's slate of games.
It's the NFL. Anything can happen.
So let's predict all the games—I'll be picking 10 upsets—and rank 'em based on the likelihood of actually happening.
New England at Detroit
1 of 16
Why New England Will Win
Not only is Tom Brady managing to play like an NFL MVP without Randy Moss, but the Patriots have developed a solid running game to go along with that passing attack.
"The Law Firm" BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead aren't household names. But all that matters it that they get the job done.
Why Detroit Will Win
Detroit is playing at home, and they have some guy named Calvin Johnson who's pretty good at catching passes, I believe.
And New England gives up the second-most passing yards in the league.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
The X-factor in that Lions offense is Nate Burleson, who has emerged as a solid No. 2 threat for Detroit, catching four touchdowns in the past six games.
Prediction
Patriots 31, Lions 17
Carolina at Cleveland
2 of 16
Why Carolina Will Win
There's not much to like about the Panthers.
I'm not sure that Brian St. Pierre should be throwing touchdowns as much as he should be changing diapers. But Carolina's running game has excelled in recent weeks, so that could help them pull the upset.
Why Cleveland Will Win
Colt McCoy limits his mistakes, the Browns play very solid defense and Peyton Hillis is still running like a man possessed.
In fact, I'd be surprised if he wasn't trucking a defender as I write this.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Panthers running back Mike Goodson has racked up 220 yards the past two games, including 120 against a tough Ravens defense.
He has to have a good game for Carolina to have a shot.
Prediction
Browns 27, Panthers 13
Cincinnati at New York Jets
3 of 16
Why Cincinnati Will Win
Hm, you never know what Carson Palmer you're gonna get: the one that makes Bengals fans want to start drinking or the one that throws for 200 yards and two touchdowns just to Terrell Owens.
The Bengals have a shot if it's the latter.
Why New York Will Win
The Jets can be losing with one second left, and they'll still find a way to win.
In all seriousness though, I think it's pretty obvious that the Jets are just a better overall team. Even if I refuse to ever get on the Mark Sanchez bandwagon.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Jordan Palmer...just kidding.
Everything about that Bengals' offense centers around Carson Palmer. He'll have to avoid the costly mistakes, or this one won't be close.
Prediction
Jets 34, Bengals 24
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Philadelphia at Chicago
4 of 16
Why Philadelphia Will Win
The Eagles are stacked on offense, with a bevy of weapons at every skilled position.
And Michael Vick has finally learned to be a quarterback first and a runner second, which is certainly scary if you're playing Philadelphia.
Why Chicago Will Win
Chicago's offense looks like Rosie O'Donnell, but that defense gets the job done every week.
The Bears have the league's No. 2 rushing defense and No. 1 scoring defense.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
The Bears are listed at 3.5-point underdogs, and they'll have to get a big day from Matt Forte to stay on pace with the Eagles.
Forte's gotta play a Marshall Faulk-type role in that Mike Martz offense for Chicago to stay competitive.
Prediction
Eagles 24, Bears 16
Kansas City at Seattle
5 of 16
Why Kansas City Will Win
When I was at LSU, I remember Dwayne Bowe catching more colds than he did touchdown passes.
Now? Not a problem.
Bowe has given the Chiefs that threat in the passing game to open up the running lanes for Thomas Jones and Jamaal Charles.
Why Seattle Will Win
Matt Hasselbeck, was that really you who played against the Saints last week?
Seriously, dude, you turned in a nice performance against New Orleans' No. 2 pass defense, and that could be well against Kansas City's poor pass defense.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Ben Obomanu. No, I didn't make him up.
Obomanu stepped up with a big day at wide receiver when Mike Williams went down last week. It looks like he could be a favorite target of Hasselbeck.
Prediction
Chiefs 27, Seahawks 20
San Francisco at Arizona
6 of 16
Why San Francisco Will Win
I avoid looking at actual betting lines for games like this, so I have no idea who the actual favorite is.
But the 49ers have won a couple games with Troy Smith at the helm, and he gives them a better chance to win than that other Smith.
Why Arizona Will Win
It's crazy that this game actually matters because both of these teams are about as exciting as maple syrup.
But the Cardinals generally play a lot better at home, which should help them there.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Let's go with Larry Fitzgerald from the Cardinals because he's their only offensive star.
And Michael Crabtree from the 49ers because his last name is the combination of a crustacean and a type of plant.
Prediction
Cardinals 23, 49ers 20
10. Pittsburgh at Buffalo
7 of 16
Why Pittsburgh Will Win
The Steelers have all the ingredients you like to see in a football team: a good offense, a solid running game and an excellent run defense.
When you mix those three things together, you generally get nice results.
Why Buffalo Will Win
Steve Johnson is my fantasy football waiver wire pickup of the century.
Seriously, I know I'm no longer on a lot of my friends' Christmas lists because Johnson and Ryan Fitzpatrick have been lighting up the scoreboard. They cannot be stopped, I tell you.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Johnson had three touchdowns last week.
This week? He'll need to have another incredible performance because Fred Jackson won't be gaining many yards on the ground.
Prediction
Bills 28, Steelers 27
9. Miami at Oakland
8 of 16
Why Miami Will Win
Oakland changed quarterbacks again in Week 11, so no one really has any idea what's going through Jason Campbell's mind.
That bodes well for a Dolphins defense that is better than their 5-5 record might indicate.
Why Oakland Will Win
When you're playing a Miami team with Chad Henne as its quarterback, you're in good shape.
When you're playing a Miami team whose current starter is the backup to Henne's backup, things are looking marvelous.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Lines haven't been determined, even though Oakland should be a slight favorite.
So just for kicks, let's go with the two maligned quarterbacks, Campbell and Tyler Thigpen, for this spot. Sure, why not.
Prediction
Dolphins 20, Raiders 17
8. Jacksonville at New York Giants
9 of 16
Why Jacksonville Will Win
David Garrard is a certified maniac on the football field right now.
Seriously, the dude has 17 touchdowns, a 98.5 quarterback rating and has thrown eight touchdowns the last three games.
Someone stop him. He's a madman on the loose.
Why New York Will Win
Other than maybe the running pack position, the Giants are better than the Jaguars in just about every facet of the game on offense and defense.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Garrard may be playing unconscious as of late, but Maurice Jones-Drew is the best player on that team.
It'll be tough, but if he can grind that Giants run defense down, Jacksonville will be in good shape.
Prediction
Jaguars 23, Giants 20
7. Tampa Bay at Baltimore
10 of 16
Why Tampa Bay Will Win
Raheem Morris is still wrong: The Buccaneers aren't the best team in the NFC.
But Tampa Bay continues to win football games thanks to the progression of Josh Freeman, and is coming off a dominating defensive performance against San Francisco.
Why Baltimore Will Win
The Bucs have stoptherunaphobia—yeah, I made that up.
It's pretty obvious what I mean: Tampa Bay can't stop the run. And the Ravens have two guys who are pretty good at running the football in Ray Rice and Willis McGahee.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Cadillac (Williams) on 22s...Yeah, Williams had 51 yards rushing and one touchdown on just seven carries last week, so he could see an increased workload against a Ravens defense that gave up 120 rushing yards to Mike Woodson last week.
Prediction
Bucs 24, Ravens 21
6. New Orleans at Dallas
11 of 16
Why New Orleans Will Win
The NFL seems to be suffering from a severe case of amnesia.
The Saints are still here, and some guy named Drew Brees still plays quarterback to go along with a defense that is light-years better than it was just two short years ago.
Why Dallas Will Win
I've gotten my pitcher, filled it up, and I'm now sipping the Jason Garrett Kool-Aid.
The Cowboys have shown more enthusiasm and effort the last two weeks than they've showed all season, and Dez Bryant is a bonafide superstar in the making.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Dez Bryant. The guy is more of a monster than the boogeyman.
Prediction
Cowboys 28, Saints 24
5. St. Louis at Denver
12 of 16
Why St. Louis Will Win
Sam Bradford is making a lot of people a little less angry about the fact that he got $50 million in guaranteed money.
He's got all the makings of a stud quarterback, and he's done some pretty good things with a team that doesn't have a whole lot of talent.
Why Denver Will Win
You never know when Kyle Orton and that Denver offense are going to explode.
The Rams have struggled a bit against higher-caliber offenses on the road, so the Broncos could continue to boggle my mind by throwing the ball all over the place.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Give me Brandon Lloyd or give me death—that's one for you history buffs.
Lloyd has become Orton's go-to guy in Denver's pass-heavy attack, and he'll once again have to have a big day for the Broncos.
Prediction
Broncos 31, Rams 23
4. Tennessee at Houston
13 of 16
Why Tennessee Will Win
I saw Vince Young at my anger management class yesterday.
He's not too happy about his situation in Tennessee. Anyway, I still like the Titans' chances no matter who's playing quarterback because Houston's secondary has stopped about as many teams as I have this season.
Why Houston Will Win
Houston should have a sign on their helmets that reads: "We love to blow games at the end."
I mean, the Texans should realistically be 6-4 instead of 4-6, and they've got too much firepower on that offense to lose again.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
The lines haven't been determined, so I'm not sure who will be favored.
But let's go with Rusty Smith needing to play well for Tennessee because his name is Rusty. And Arian Foster needing to have a big day for Houston because his last name is Australian for beer.
Prediction
Texans 34, Titans 24
3. Green Bay at Atlanta
14 of 16
Why Green Bay Will Win
If Green Bay just never used a running back, it probably wouldn't make any sort of difference.
Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense are clicking on all cylinders right now, and pass defense is Atlanta's biggest weakness.
Why Atlanta Will Win
You might as well chalk up a "W" when the Matt Ryan-led Falcons play at home.
The guy pretty much never loses in the Georgia Dome and is on the cusp of becoming an elite NFL quarterback.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
I kept trying to turn off My Xbox 360 on Sunday when I saw Greg Jennings going buck wild on the Vikings' defense.
Lo and behold, he actually just played that well.
Prediction
Packers 31, Falcons 28
2. Minnesota at Washington
15 of 16
Why Minnesota Will Win
Brett Favre's mind may be in Mississippi, but he catches a break this week against Washington's atrocious pass defense.
Honestly, I don't think anyone would notice if I lined up at cornerback for the Redskins on Sunday.
Why Washington Will Win
Here's my thing: I don't think Washington is a good football team.
At all. But they're 5-5, so maybe it's me, right?
Plus, mathematically speaking, there's a 50-percent chance the Redskins will win.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
I think it's pretty safe to say that the only thing Favre is leading these days is the NFL in interceptions. The Vikings will ride "All Day" Adrian Peterson the rest of the way.
Prediction
Vikings 31, Redskins 20
1. San Diego at Indianapolis
16 of 16
Why San Diego Will Win
I've said it in numerous articles already, but I'll say it again: the San Diego Chargers will win the AFC West.
Philip Rivers has been playing out of his mind all season, and has been consistently effective since Week 1, even with injuries to several offensive players. No one's slowing him down.
Why Indianapolis Will Win
The Colts find themselves in unfamiliar territory: Being out of first place this late in the season.
But these are the types of games that Peyton Manning lives for, and you better believe that he'll bring his A-game every week for the rest of the season.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Hey, Vincent Jackson, is that you?
Glad you decided to join us. The Chargers' wide receiver will return this week, and he'll be Rivers' primary target if Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd don't play.
Prediction
Chargers 34, Colts 23
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")