NFL Picks Week 12: Will Vincent Jackson's Return Lead To Win Over Colts?
NFL Picks Week 12 has a festive flavor to it with the usual staple of Thanksgiving Day games kicking things off.
Sunday's action features several conference clashes, including an intriguing match-up in Indianapolis.
The Colts put up a tough fight in Foxborough before falling to the Patriots in Week 12.
Meanwhile, the Chargers took care of business against the Broncos and welcome back star receiver Vincent Jackson this week.
According to reports, Jackson returned to the team in great shape and has shined in practice.
That's great news for the playoff hopes of both Philip Rivers and the fantasy owners of the star wide receiver.
Here's a complete look at NFL picks Week 12.
No. 16: New England at Detroit, Thanksgiving
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Let's get things started with the three Thanksgiving Day games...
Why New England Could Win: Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski has emerged as a formidable pass-catching duo for Tom Brady. Meanwhile, Danny Woodhead keeps making magic in the backfield.
Why Detroit Could Win: It gets very annoying to hear experts compliment Detroit for being competitive even while the losses pile up.
That said, Shaun Hill gives the Lions a chance to stay close with the might Pats' Thursday.
Prediction: As usual, Detroit will stay in the game before making a few critical mistakes late.
Score: New England 26, Detroit 20
No. 15: New Orleans at Dallas, Thanksgiving
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Why New Orleans Could Win: Have you seen Dallas' secondary play this season?
Mike Jenkins and crew have been downright awful at times, meaning Drew Brees is in for a huge game as he returns to his home state.
Why Dallas Could Win: Jon Kitna has found the fountain of youth thanks to one of the best collection of receivers in the NFl.
Prediction: Get ready for a shootout.
The Saints are better defensively and get four touchdowns from Brees to win.
Score: New Orleans 34, Dallas 26
No. 14: Cincinnati at New York Jets, Thanksgiving Night
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Why Cincinnati Could Win: The Bengals have to win again at some point.
That's probably not a very convincing reason to like their chances against the cardiac Jets.
Why the New York Jets Could Win: Jets' nation is dying for an easy game for a change, and they could have their wish granted Thursday.
Mark Sanchez should have his way against Cincy's secondary.
Prediction: Sanchez throws for over 300 yards to lead New York to another win.
Score: New York Jets 30, Cincinnati 17
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No. 13: Carolina at Cleveland
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Why Carolina Could Win: It doesn't really matter who plays quarterback in Carolina.
Aside from Steve Smith and emerging young running back Mike Goodson, the Panthers have very little firepower.
Why Cleveland Could Win: Although it's not exactly Joe Montana and the Chiefs facing Steve Young and the 49ers, Jake Delhomme should find added motivation as he goes against the franchise that made him rich.
Very, very rich.
Prediction: Cleveland gets a decent performance from Delhomme and a great effort from Rob Ryan's defense to shut down the Panthers.
Score: Cleveland 16, Carolina 6
No. 12: Tennessee at Houston
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Why Tennessee Could Win: The Titans are counting on rookie third-stringer Rusty Smith to get the ball to Randy Moss.
That might seem like a lot to ask, but don't forget how bad Houston's secondary has been this season.
Why Houston Could Win: Despite the struggles of the defense, the Texans are still a dangerous team.
Houston should be able to move the ball well enough to finally get a win Sunday.
Prediction: Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson connect for two scores to help Houston prevail.
Score: Houston 28, Tennessee 17
No. 11: Jacksonville at New York Giants
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Why Jacksonville Could Win: David Garrard has played well enough to save Jack Del Rio's job in Jacksonville.
For the first time in recent memory, the Jags are a balanced offensive unit.
Why the New York Giants Could Win: With Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith out, Mario Manningham and Kevin Boss need to step up in the passing game.
Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs could be the difference Sunday.
Prediction: Bradshaw and Jacobs run wild to help the Giants end their two-game losing streak. Look for the Giants' defense to keep the Jaguars' offense under control.
Score: New York Giants 21, Jacksonville 13
No. 10: San Francisco at Arizona, Monday Night
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Behold the worst Monday Night Football game of the year...
Why San Francisco Could Win: The Niners really should be better. Frank Gore could have a big game in primetime to spark the ailing offense.
Why Arizona Could Win: Arizona can't run the ball, but they might not need to against San Francisco's defense.
Prediction: Mike Tirico picks this game to be exceptionally crabby, making it painful for viewers to watch.
Those who stay tuned will see three touchdown catches by Larry Fitzgerald and a win by the Cardinals.
Score: Arizona 24, San Francisco 17
No. 9: Pittsburgh at Buffalo
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Why Pittsburgh Could Win: The Steelers dominated the Raiders and roll into Buffalo with a chance to make more big plays in the passing game.
Why Buffalo Could Win: Ryan Fitzpatrick has become a dynamic producer thanks to rising star Steve Johnson.
With Johnson and Lee Evans on the outside, the Bills have the weapons to make life difficult for the mediocre Steelers' cornerbacks.
Prediction: Pittsburgh's defense slows down the Bills, and Ben Roethlisberger finds Mike Wallace for a long touchdown.
Score: Pittsburgh 27, Buffalo 19
No. 8: Minnesota at Washington
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Why Minnesota Could Win: Now that the tyrannical Brad Childress is out of the way, the Vikings could find a renewed sense of purpose.
Giving Adrian Peterson at least 20 carries against the Redskins' defense makes sense, but that doesn't mean it will happen.
Why Washington Could Win: Now that Clinton Portis has been placed on IR, the success of Washington's offense down the stretch will be up to Donovan McNabb.
McNabb could have a big game against Minnesota's overrated defense.
Prediction: McNabb has his best game in a Redskins' uniform and lifts his team to victory in a close contest.
Score: Washington 28, Minnesota 24
No. 7: Kansas City at Seattle
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Why Kansas City Could Win: It took a while, but Matt Cassel has finally developed a connection with Dwayne Bowe.
Expect more big things from the two Sunday in Seattle.
Why Seattle Could Win: The Seahawks are a different team at home, running the ball better and at least offering a little resistance defensively.
Matt Hasselbeck has been solid in the last five games, throwing four touchdowns against only one interception.
Prediction: Hasselbeck throws for over 300 yards to lift the Seahawks to a big win.
Score: Seattle 34, Kansas City 20
No. 6: Miami at Oakland
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Why Miami Could Win: If you want great quarterback play, this game is not for you. The Dolphins are still starting Tyler Thigpen at quarterback.
Could this be the week Miami actually decides to run the ball?
Why Oakland Could Win: The Raiders seem to find a way to win at home.
No matter who ends up finishing the game at quarterback, Darren McFadden should be in for a big day against the Dolphins.
Prediction: Thanks to a smothering performance by the Raiders' defense, Tyler Thigpen will lose for the 12th time in his 13 career NFL starts.
Score: Oakland 24, Miami 10
No. 5: St. Louis at Denver
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Why St. Louis Could Win: The Rams had a chance to upset the Falcons in Week 11 until a late interception by Sam Bradford.
Steven Jackson could have success against Denver's vulnerable front-seven.
Why Denver Could Win: The Broncos have plenty of talent offensively, and they can be as good as anyone when they put it all together.
If only they could stop making mistakes to kill drives.
Kyle Orton will throw for over 300 yards as usual, but that might not mean anything.
Prediction: Look for Steven Jackson to have his best game of the season, going over 100 yards and scoring a couple touchdowns to lead the Rams.
Bradford redeems himself to help St. Louis win in a very close game.
Score: St. Louis 27, Denver 24
No. 4: Philadelphia at Chicago
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Why Philadelphia Could Win: Michael Vick had an off night against the Giants in Week 11, but still played well enough to help his team win.
Andy Reid could let LeSean McCoy get more carries than usual to soften a tough Bears' defense.
Why Chicago Could Win: Thanks in part to the arrival of Julius Peppers, the Bears' secondary has played better than any unit in the NFL this season.
Chicago's defense is designed to limit big plays, which could make life difficult for DeSean Jackson and the Eagles.
Prediction: A defensive struggle breaks out in Chicago. Matt Forte has a big game out of nowhere to lift the Bears in a tight game.
Score: Chicago 27, Philadelphia 21
No. 3: Tampa Bay at Baltimore
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Why Tampa Bay Could Win: The Bucs continue to find a way to win.
Josh Freeman and Mike Williams have a chance to make a few big plays against the Ravens suspect pass defense.
Why Baltimore Could Win: The Ravens have the edge on both sides of the ball in this contest.
Ray Rice is poised for a huge performance against Tampa's weak run defense.
Prediction: The Bucs still aren't getting the respect they deserve. Don't expect that to change Sunday when Baltimore wins easily.
Score: Baltimore 30, Tampa Bay 13
No. 2: Green Bay at Atlanta
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Why Green Bay Could Win: After some rough patches early in the season, Aaron Rodgers has found chemistry with his receivers.
Why Atlanta Could Win: The Falcons are healthy and have played well on both sides of the ball.
Green Bay's secondary gets a lot of hype, but Matt Ryan and Roddy White are difficult for any defense to stop.
Prediction: Two of the best young quarterbacks in the game sparkle Sunday. In the end, playing at home is enough to give Atlanta a slight edge.
Score: Atlanta 30, Green Bay 28
No. 1: San Diego at Indianapolis, Sunday Night
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Why San Diego Could Win: As usual, the Chargers waited until the middle of the season to really begin to figure things out.
Philip Rivers could make a big statement in the MVP race with a big road win, and the return of Vincent Jackson could provide a huge boost for the Chargers' offense.
Why Indianapolis Could Win: At this point, Peyton Manning is good enough to make any receiver look good.
No matter who takes the field for the Colts, look for Indy to have no problem moving the ball up and down the field.
Prediction: For some reason, nobody seems to be talking about this pivotal contest.
Expect brilliant performances from the quarterbacks, with Manning getting the last laugh.
Score: Indianapolis 38, San Diego 35
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