NFL Picks Week 12: Home Teams Sure to Cover the Spread

Thanksgiving is finally upon us and it brings great food and some intriguing NFL matchups that are sure to entertain with it.

This week has 10 NFL home teams that are favorites heading into their games, but which ones are sure to cover the spread?

The rejuvenated Dolphins head to Dallas—suddenly an intriguing game to watch—while the surging Bears head to Oakland for a matchup of two of the NFL's hottest teams.

Week 12 will provide some family, food and fireworks, and here are home teams that are sure to cover the spread.    

Cleveland at Cincinnati (-7)

The Cincinnati Bengals have been extremely impressive this season. The team got off to a 6-2 start, but they have fallen victim during their last two games to tough division rivals. 

The Bengals have taken both Pittsburgh and Baltimore to the wire in back-to-back weeks, which is why I expect them to handle Cleveland with ease during Week 12. 

Andy Dalton will be facing a Cleveland defense that is extremely underrated, but I still expect him to have a huge game.   

The Bengals will play their most complete game of the season and make their push for the playoffs. 

Prediction: 28-10 Cincinnati 

Minnesota at Atlanta (-8.5)

The Atlanta Falcons are great at home, and that is exactly where they will be during Week 12's action.

The team is coming off an impressive win against Tennessee and they take on a Minnesota Vikings team that could be without star running back Adrian Peterson in Week 12.

The Dirty Birds have too much on the line to not come out swinging in this one, and I expect them to win big on Sunday. 

Prediction: 31-17 Atlanta 

Chicago at Oakland (-1)

The Chicago Bears are arguably the hottest team in the league as of late, but the team may be without Jay Cutler for a number of weeks.

Cutler injured his thumb during Week 11's win against San Diego, which means that the team will be looking for Caleb Hanie to lead them to the playoffs. 

Hanie played well in relief of Cutler during last years NFC Championship game, but this spread is still sure to move more in favor of Chicago as the week goes on; meaning that it is a must-take now. 

Prediction: 24-17 Oakland. 

Miami vs. Dallas (-7)

The Miami Dolphins are riding on their high horse after three straight dominating victories, but Week 12 provides the Fins with an extremely challenging game on a short week.  

Miami will travel to Dallas on Thanksgiving day and they will be looking to place a dent on Dallas and their playoff hopes. 

This game has some great potential, but I expect Dallas's offense to be way too much for Matt Moore and the Fins.

Prediction: 31-20 Dallas  

Tampa Bay at Tennessee (-3)

Tampa Bay played its best game of the season against Green Bay last weekend, but I expect that the emotional loss will cause this team to play sluggishly during Week 12. 

The Titans got a glimpse of their future when Jake locker stepped in for the injured Matt Hasselbeck, and he did not disappoint. Locker looked extremely comfortable as he threw for 140 yards and two touchdowns during his second half relief appearance. 

The Titans need this game to still be alive in the AFC playoff picture, and I expect that they will take care of business against Tampa. 

Prediction: 20-14 Tennessee