NFL Week 12 Picks: Predicting Winners for Every Key Game

In Week 12 of the NFL season, we're picking the biggest games on the schedule this way:

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

I'm not sure there has been any team on the Packers' schedule who are better suited to knock off Green Bay this season than the Lions. They can bring enough inside pressure with their front four to disrupt what Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense wants to do. Still, I'm not picking against the Packers until a team actually proves they can beat them.

In a close game, the Packers get to 11-0.

Packers 28, Lions 24

San Francisco 49ers at Baltimore Ravens

Doesn't this game feel a little like the Ravens-Steelers matchup? The 49ers have officially become that team in the NFC with their defense and toughness.

The trip across country hasn't been a problem for the 49ers, but I don't think they've played a team as good as the Ravens in their first four long road trips. We haven't seen Alex Smith play well against a defense quite like Baltimore's, either. 

Ravens 24, 49ers 20

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles

Despite the Eagles' 4-6 record, this tilt looks like it could be the best of the weekend. Michael Vick still isn't practicing for Philly, but Vince Young proved himself to be plenty capable in the Eagles' win over the Giants.

The biggest factor in this game will be the two team's defenses, however, as both sides have had big problems on that side of the ball this season. In the end, I think the Eagles defense plays better at home against the Patriots. With another win, the Eagles get closer and closer to reviving their 2011 season. 

Eagles 27, Patriots 24

Chicago Bears at Oakland Raiders

No Jay Cutler means that Caleb Hanie will attempt to extend the Bears' winning streak to six games on Sunday. If he plays as well as he did in the pressure-packed situation of the NFC championship game, the Bears have a chance at keeping their season alive.

The Raiders will need to run the ball well against a stout unit to extend their own two-game winning streak. Neither team can afford a loss, but I think the Bears will struggle in their first post-Cutler game.

Raiders 20, Bears 10

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints

Finally, ESPN gets a good Monday night game after a handful of snoozers. The Giants need a win in New Orleans in the worst way, especially after losing hold of the NFC East last week.

New York's schedule is hard enough down the stretch that stealing a game on the road becomes a must here. The Saints can't really afford to let the Falcons creep back into the race, either.

I think the Giants and their pass rush can disrupt Drew Brees enough to win their most important game of the season to date. 

Giants 31, Saints 27