NFL Picks Week 12: Predicting Five Upsets and Why

This season's NFL has varied on a weekly basis.

Perhaps the most difficult season in recent memory to predict; there is a new surprise team each week.

So which teams will surprise in Week 12?

With several juicy match-ups on the calendar, it seems that there is bound to be at least a few upset specials for the Thanksgiving weekend festivities. 

Minnesota Vikings over Washington Redskins

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier of the Minnesota Vikings watches as his team takes on the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13.

New coach Leslie Frazier will lead his troops to their first victory since defeating Arizona. 

Explanation

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

CHICAGO - NOVEMBER 14: Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings hands off to Adrian Peterson #28 against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on November 14, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Vikings 27-13. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Ima

Much like the situation in Dallas, it was clear that the growing disconnect between the Vikings players and ex-coach Brad Childress was at an all-time high.

Frazier has been a head coaching candidate for quite some time, and now he finally gets his opportunity.

With the full support of his team, most notably QB Brett Favre, the rookie coach should be able to guide them to victory over a sputtering Redskins squad.

RB Adrian Peterson should see his involvement increased as Frazier is a firm advocate of keeping his most talented players on the field, and the improving health of WR Sidney Rice will only help the passing game. 

Green Bay Packers over Atlanta Falcons

Jim Prisching/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - OCTOBER 24: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers congratulates Greg Jennings #85 after Jennings' touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings at Lambeau Field on October 24, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jim Prisching/Getty Im

The Falcons are going to run into a tough test with the Packers' potent offensive attack. 

Explanation

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers throws against the Minnesota Vikings at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The Falcons have been playing well, but the Packers are simply in a groove right now.

Coming off a very convincing 31-3 win over the aforementioned Vikings, QB Aaron Rodgers is exhibiting the style of play that elevated him to elite status last season.

Now face-to-face with the Falcons in a possible playoff preview, the Packers will look to prove that they deserve to be favored in every match-up.

Although the Atlanta offense have proved capable of competing with most, the defense has proven beatable and shouldn't stand in the way of Green Bay's eighth victory this season. 

St. Louis Rams over Denver Broncos

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DENVER - NOVEMBER 14: Wide receiver Chris Chambers #84 of the Kansas City Chiefs makes a reception for a touchdown in front of cornerback Champ Bailey #24 of the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter at INVESCO Field at Mile High on November 14, 2010

Despite a surprisingly successful passing game, the Broncos' defense gets exposed by just about every offense in the NFL. 

Explanation

Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

ST. LOUIS - NOVEMBER 21: Sam Bradford #8 of the St. Louis Rams passes against the Atlanta Falcons at the Edward Jones Dome on November 21, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Falcons beat the Rams 34-17. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

The St. Louis Rams are a team on the rise.

Even though the team's current 4-6 record doesn't inspire much fear in the heart of an opponent, the Rams remain right in the thick of the playoff race in a very weak NFC West.

Should they hope to stay in the conversation, the Rams will have to beat the Broncos this weekend. Despite Kyle Orton having the best season of his career, his team is just 3-7 and in the cellar of the AFC West. 

With the surprising Chiefs in first place, the Raiders playing better than most expected, and the Chargers beginning to make a push, it's no wonder the Broncos find themselves at the bottom of the standings. 

Miami Dolphins over Oakland Raiders

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - NOVEMBER 07: Jason Campbell #8 hands the ball off to Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on November 7, 2010 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Jed

The Raiders might have a bit of a hangover from last week's embarrassment against the Steelers. 

Explanation

Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

MIAMI - OCTOBER 4: Cameron Wake #91 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates after a play against the New England Patriots at Sun Life Field on October 4, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

This is a must-win game for Miami.

Although they will likely be without WR Brandon Marshall, he hasn't been very involved in the game plan this season, so it will be less of a loss than most are anticipating.

However, if the Dolphins are going to even have a chance, they have to run the ball more than they did in Week 11. 

While the Raiders have been playing better than anyone expected, Oakland is going to have a very tough time getting past Miami's front-line defense.

As long as the Dolphins can stop the run and force the Raiders to beat them through the air, Miami should have no trouble collecting win number six.

San Diego Chargers over Indianapolis Colts

Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers waits to be introduced prior to the start of the NFL football game against Denver Broncos at Qualcomm Stadium on November 22, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Kevor

Philip Rivers is playing just as well, if not better, than anyone else in the NFL. 

Explanation

Donald Miralle/Getty Images

SAN DIEGO - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers meets Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts during the Chargers 23-21 win over the Colts in the NFL game on November 11, 2007 at Qualcomm Stadium in San D

The Colts find themselves in an unfamiliar position at just 6-4 through the first 11 weeks.

Now entering a critical match-up against the surging Chargers, the injuries are beginning to mount for Indianapolis at a very inopportune time.

On the other hand, the Chargers are playing their best football of the season and only getting healthier. With QB Philip Rivers on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season passing yardage record, there's no doubt that he will look to outproduce Peyton Manning as the two go head-to-head in what promises to be a very entertaining match-up. 

Ethan is a contributing consultant to Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.