NFL Week 12 Predictions: Marquee Matchups Guaranteed to Have Surprising Results

Week 12 is probably the best week of the NFL season. There are a number of great matchups, at least on paper, that will have fans salivating like it's Thanksgiving. (Oh, wait...)

However, as we all know, not every matchup between two great teams lives up to the hype. In fact, more often than not, it disappoints. One team regularly makes stupid mistakes or simply doesn't bring their A-game. 

Surprises happen all the time in the NFL, so we have grown accustomed to seeing the impossible happen. However, that does not mean that our jaws still don't drop at times when we glance at the screen and see the score. 

Here are three marquee games that will have surprising results.

Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Rare is the day when a 7-3 team winning a game is a surprise, but that should tell you how well the Green Bay Packers have been playing this year. 

I am calling the upset. The Packers have been flirting with disaster for a few weeks. They have allowed at least 20 points in six games and the secondary gives up 289 yards per game. 

The Lions have the offensive firepower to keep up with the Packers. They are going to score early and often in this game and force Aaron Rodgers to play from behind. 

This game will be close, but when all the smoke is cleared, the 1972 Dolphins can pop the champagne because the Packers will have their first loss of the year. 

Lions 38, Packers 34

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles

I am not ready to say that the Eagles are going to make some magical run to the postseason, but I don't see any reason why they can't beat the Patriots on Sunday evening. 

Perhaps I am putting too much stock in one game, but the Eagles defense looked dominant against the Giants. They were fast and did not have to use any gimmicks or blitzes to break through the offensive line and get to Eli Manning. 

If they are able to have that success again this week, they will be able to defeat the Patriots. I don't like that there is no update on Michael Vick's status for the game, but I am willing to give their defense the benefit of the doubt.

Tom Brady had some problems against the Chiefs last Monday, so it is not like he can't be had under the right circumstances. The Eagles have to find a way to contain Rob Gronkowski, though. 

Eagles 24, Patriots 20

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints

It would appear that the Giants are starting their late-season swoon a little bit earlier than normal. They are coming off two consecutive losses and looked lifeless last week against the Eagles. 

However, a matchup with the Saints defense is going to cure what ails this offense. Eli Manning was given no time to throw last week, which led to a number of errant passes. 

The Giants defense can still get after opposing quarterbacks. They are tied for first in the NFL with 31 sacks, so Drew Brees better not get too comfortable in the pocket. 

Don't underestimate this Giants team in December. I know they haven't looked great recently, but every team is going to face adversity. The only question is how will they respond to it. 

Giants 31, Saints 27