NFL Week 12 Picks: Identifying Underdogs Sure to Be Buried

Although it's a fun and opportunistic moment being labeled an underdog, it doesn't always turn out to be the feel-good story by game's end.

That being said, there will be those underdogs who pull off the upset. However, most will not.

The following three teams are underdogs but will unfortunately get blown out.

So if you're into betting on pro football, here are three teams you can safely bet against.

Minnesota Vikings (at Atlanta -9.5)

In a blog post by Stephania Bell of ESPN, there's a slim chance the Vikings RB Adrian Peterson plays.

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While Peterson has not officially been ruled out, the nature of the injury is such that no one expects him to suit up. He is in a walking boot and may test the ankle Friday, but it would be hard to imagine him being game ready by Sunday.

"

Now, the question here is whether the Vikings are interested in playing the spoiler role.

If not, then Peterson should sit but if so, then maybe he'll play. Problem is, if he plays he's not going to be 100 percent.

In addition, the Falcons have the NFL's No. 2 rush defense in allowing just 85 yards per game. 

Not to mention this is an away game, and it's not like the Vikings have played well on the road (1-4), whereas Atlanta is 3-2 at home (losses to Green Bay and New Orleans).

Therefore, expect The Dirty Birds to win regardless of Peterson's status, because Atlanta is straight up the better team. Much more balanced offense, equally good at defending the rush and pass.

The Vikings may have sack-master Jared Allen, but even if he gets two/three sacks, that's not going to be enough to slow down Hot-lanta's offense.

Minnesota allows almost 260 pass yards per game, so expect Matt Ryan to attack that weakness to the fullest.

Falcons 35, Vikings 14

Kansas City Chiefs (vs. Pittsburgh -10.5)

Let's put it this way—if the Chiefs could only muster up a FG against New England, are they going to score against Pittsburgh?

Well, the odds are against them, but maybe in garbage time.

Now, the Patriots may allow tons of yards, but they don't allow tons of points. Hence, excellent red-zone defense.

As for the Steelers, though, they don't even allow many yards.

So, not only will Blitzburgh dominate a Chiefs offense mauled by injuries, but they'll force a few turnovers as well.

When on offense, expect Pittsburgh to run the ball early, as Kansas City's biggest weakness is stopping the ground game.

The Chiefs do have a respectable pass defense even without safety Eric Berry, but much like New England, if the Steelers can establish a rushing attack early, the passing game will vehemently open up later on.

And it's also been an odd season for the Chiefs. After beginning 0-3, they ran off four straight but have since lost three in a row.

They're also just 2-3 when playing at home, which is uncharacteristic since Arrowhead Stadium is usually one of the more difficult places to play.

Steelers 27, Chiefs 7

New York Giants (at New Orleans -7)

It's no surprise that the Giants are just one TD underdogs heading into The Superdome, because as of recent history, New York knows how to play better on the road than most teams.

On the contrary, however, New Orleans has arguably been the best home team as of recent and are the Giants' Week 12 adversary.

The Giants have had some injury issues this season, and other than sack-master Jason Pierre-Paul, New York lacks a pass rush, which is something that's really benefited them the past few seasons.

That said, expect the Saints to leave in a RB for extra pass-blocking to account for Pierre-Paul.

In turn, that will enable TE and team leading receiver Jimmy Graham to be running routes against a rather vulnerable Giants pass defense, among Drew Brees' other million targets he throws to.

When the Giants have the rock, relying on QB Eli Manning is their best bet, since New York ranks No. 5 in pass offense.

However, on the other side of the coin, New York only ranks No. 31 in rush offense.

So their one-dimensional offense won't help them keep pace with the Saints. Also, New Orleans has a solid array of RBs to change their offensive flow and keep defenses off balance.

New York allows more than 120 rush yards per game, so even though New Orleans can shred them through the air, first anticipate a ground game to see if the Giants are prepared. Because with such a prolific passing game, it will come as no surprise if the Saints attack an area where the Giants may not be nearly as prepared.

Saints 42, Giants 20 

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