NFL Picks Week 12: Atlanta Falcons and Teams That Will Win Big

Every week in the NFL there are surprising things and some things that aren't so surprising.

Sometimes big teams choke, other times the underdogs just outplay a superior opponent.

With some important matchups coming up this weekend and on Turkey Day, teams will have a chance to make or break their playoff chances. Teams that are supposed to win might not, and teams that you think are out might come back into the picture. That's the way of life in the NFL, and gaining momentum is a huge part of that.

What better way to gain momentum for the final stretch of the season than with a blowout win on Thanksgiving weekend?

With some important games on the docket this week, here are some surprising and some not-so-surprising blowout predictions for Week 12 in the NFL.

Atlanta Falcons over Minnesota Vikings

This one falls under the category of not so surprising. The Vikings are 2-8 and the Falcons are 6-4, although they are much better than their record.

Their balanced offensive attack will destroy the Minnesota defense, and with Adrian Peterson playing watered down or not playing at all, the Vikings offense might just be nonexistent in this game.

You can bet that the Falcons will look to Michael Turner to get things going early, and then back to him to finish things up late. In the middle, expect Matt Ryan to continue getting Roddy White going as he is slowly coming out of his slump that has plagued him thus far.

For the Vikings, if Adrian Peterson isn't playing, expect nothing.

The Falcons will win this one, and win it big.

Final Score Prediction: Falcons 27 Vikings 9

Pittsburgh Steelers over Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are an erratic team.

They either perform well and win or get blown out. There is no middle ground for this team. 

With Jamaal Charles and Eric Berry out for the season, both the Kansas City defense and offense have suffered huge blows. They made their respective units run, and without their driving forces, the Chiefs have struggled to get things going.

The Steelers, on the other hand, have things going pretty well for them. After beating the division-rival Bengals, they look to a beat up a Chiefs team that's easy to prey upon.

It won't be pretty in Arrowhead Stadium this weekend.

Final Score Prediction: Steelers 31 Chiefs 6

New Orleans Saints over New York Giants

A pick some people may be a little surprised with, but the Giants will continue their slide and drop their third in a row.

Late-season collapses have plagued the Giants the last two season and it looks like it will be no different this season, as they have both the Saints and the Packers ahead on their schedule.

Going into New Orleans this weekend could get ugly as Drew Brees and the Saints will look to carve up the stout Giants defense. 

Still reeling from Eli Manning's late-game fumble last week, the Giants won't get back on track and will be a trampled by one of the most dominant offenses of the NFL in New Orleans.

The Giants may have looked good early, but with one of the toughest schedules in the league late, things don't look as promising for the G-men.

Final Score Prediction: Saints 33 Giants 17

Carolina Panthers over Indianapolis Colts

In a battle of terrible teams, the Carolina Panthers will blow out the winless Indianapolis Colts as they march further towards rebuilding under Cam Newton.

The Carolina offense is explosive and turnover-prone, but the Colts offense is nowhere to be found. Turnovers won't help Indianapolis in this one because once they get the ball they aren't going anywhere, despite how bad Carolina's run defense is. It's not like Delone Carter or Donald Brown plan on running wild this weekend.

Steve Smith and Cam Newton will lead an aerial attack against the dilapidated Colts defense and will ultimately further embarrass the Colts as they remain winless. 

Final Score Prediction: Panthers 38 Colts 10

Buffalo Bills over New York Jets

Sorry Jets fans, but after the loss to Denver, things don't get pretty.

The Bills get back on track with a huge win over their division rival this weekend as Ryan Fitzpatrick finally starts hitting Stevie Johnson for some big plays, even if he does find himself on Revis Island.

Fred Jackson won't be playing, but CJ Spiller will surprise the acclaimed Jets defense as the Bills waltz to victory behind several forced turnovers and a decent offensive showing.

Mark Sanchez will continue to struggle as he gets picked apart by a stellar secondary and the running game won't get off the ground too much with Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson as the Jets will be playing from behind most of the game.

Final Score Prediction: Bills 20 Jets 6