NFL Picks Against the Spread Week 12: Take Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers

Last week's against the spread record: 6-6

Overall against the spread record: 53-33 (62 percent)

Well, I went bold last week and it didn't really pay off.

Technically, I didn't lose the week, but since my goal is to finish at 70 percent by the end of the season, a 6-6 week definitely doesn't help.

Luckily, I'm optimistic about this week, and it's not just for the turkey.

There are some great games this week in the NFL, and I'm taking seven against the spread.

Week 12's Game Lines

New England at Detroit: New England -6.5

New Orleans at Dallas: New Orleans -3.5

Cincinnati at NY Jets: NY Jets -9

Minnesota at Washington: Washington -1

Pittsburgh at Buffalo: Pittsburgh -6.5

Tennessee at Houston: Houston -6.5

Jacksonville at NY Giants: NY Giants -7

Carolina at Cleveland: Cleveland -10

Tampa Bay at Baltimore: Baltimore -7.5

Philadelphia at Chicago: Philadelphia -3.5

Green Bay at Atlanta: Atlanta -2

Miami at Oakland: Oakland -3

Kansas City at Seattle: Kansas City -2

St. Louis at Denver: Denver -4

San Diego at Indianapolis: Indianapolis -3

San Francisco at Arizona: San Francisco -1

New England -6.5 at Detroit

Leon Halip/Getty Images

ARLINGTON, TX - NOVEMBER 21: Shaun Hill #14 of the Detroit Lions throws the ball as DeMarcus Ware #94 of the Dallas Cowboys makes the sack during the game at Dallas Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Lions 35-19. (

This one, I admit, is a bit out there. But something tells me Detroit's Thanksgiving day luck is going to turn around this year.

Yep! That's right! Detroit is going to cover the spread!

Well, perhaps that doesn't really change their luck much if they don't win, but I'm still taking them against the spread here.

Cincinnati +9 at NY Jets

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

CINCINNATI - NOVEMBER 08: Chad Ochocinco #85 and Terrell Owens #81 of the Cincinnati Bengals is celebrate Owens touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paul Brown Stadium on November 8, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Imag

Cincinnati has had a very disappointing season.

After finishing first in the AFC North last season, the Bengals are on pace to do a complete 180 and compete with the Browns for last place.

Still, the Bengals are usually capable of putting up points.

Seeing as this is a generous nine-point spread, I can't help but think Cincy can cover.

Minnesota +1 at Washington

Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

MINNEAPOLIS - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings looks for an open receiver while playing the Green Bay Packers at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome on November 21, 2010 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/

I'm going to this game so I can see the old Silver Fox before he retires for good. Hopefully, he does me proud.

Seeing as how Brad Childress isn't there anymore, there is definitely a better chance for that happening than before.

I'm also not on board with the Redskins this season.

Minnesota wins straight up.

Tennessee +6.5 at Houston

Grant Halverson/Getty Images

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 21: Quarterback Rusty Smith #11 of the Tennessee Titans drops back to pass against the Washington Redskins at LP Field on November 21, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Redskins won 19-16 in overtime. (Photo by Grant Halverson/G

I know Vince Young is out at quarterback, and some people think that ruins any chance this team has for the playoffs.

I am not part of that group.

Rusty Smith didn't look incredibly horrible when he came in against Washington last week, considering he had never even practiced with the starters.

A pocket passer is what Tennessee needs to win any way, especially against the worst passing defense in the league.

Take Tennessee to cover, and possibly even to win straight up.

Carolina +10 at Cleveland

Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19: Mike Goodson #33 of the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Cleveland has a habit of keeping games extremely close.

Both of its last two games have been nailbiters, and even though this team has beaten New Orleans and New England, they are still a long way from being a consistent winner in this league.

Especially with Colt McCoy out this week.

Carolina definitely shouldn't win this game, but don't be surprised if it's closer than this spread is predicting.

Take the Panthers to cover.

Tampa Bay +7.5 at Baltimore

Harry How/Getty Images

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 31: LaGarrette Blount #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gets away from Kerry Rhodes #25 of the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium on October 31, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Don't read too much into this pick.

Baltimore should definitely pull off the win against Tampa Bay.

But the Bucs are coming off a very nice shutout win against the 49ers, and have developed a few weapons that should be good enough to make this a game at least worth watching.

If the spread were anything under five, I wouldn't take it.

But I think the Bucs will be able to cover the 7.5 point spread here.

Green Bay +2 at Atlanta

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)

Nope. No. Sorry.

I know Atlanta is at home, but to take them over the Packers right now is just silly.

Green Bay is a potential Super Bowl team while Atlanta is a not even a clear division winner.

Aaron Rodgers will continue his quest to the big game and will be too much for the Falcons to handle on Sunday.

Green Bay against the spread easily.