NFL Week 12 Picks: 4 Teams You Can Confidently Put Money on

As we close in on the playoffs, Week 12 of the 2011 NFL season will definitely clear up some more smoke.

That said, there are some matchups where the favorites are in a good position betting-wise.

So, here are four teams you can confidently lay the dough on.

Click the link to view the full Week 12 NFL Line

Atlanta Falcons -9.5 (vs Vikings)

The Minnesota Vikings have one of the worst pass offenses and pass defenses in the NFL. Counterproductive to that are the Atlanta Falcons, who are balanced on offense and will put up a solid number of points this week.

Now, the Falcons do have a weak pass defense so it is a good break-in game so to speak for rookie QB Christian Ponder. However, we saw what the Packers did to him and their pass defense is even worse.

So, don't expect the Vikings to move the ball much offensively and anticipate The Dirty Birds airing it out on offense. Matt Ryan has great receiving targets and RB Michael Turner will assist the offensive line in helping get another body on sack-master Jared Allen.

Not to mention Atlanta can effectively run the rock as well.

Take the Falcons against spread

Falcons 34, Vikings 17

Oakland Raiders -4 (vs Bears)

It's a tough call between the Raiders and Bears since Chicago has been on a roll and Oakland is just beginning to improve their passing game.

That said, however, the Raiders ground game is still arguably the best in pro football whereas the Bears defense still has some areas to fix. Against a great running team like Oakland, Chicago may be susceptible to the passing game later on.

Also, the Bears have just one legit offensive weapon in RB Matt Forte, so expect the Raiders to zero in on shutting him down. If you isolate and minimize Forte, you stop Chicago's offense.

Special teams the Bears obviously have the advantage in returning however, Oakland still has kicker Sebastian Janikowski who can hit FGs from 60-plus yards. Hence, less pressure on the Raider to move the ball into normal FG range.

Take the Raiders against the spread

Raiders 27, Bears 16

Pittsburgh Steelers -10.5 (at Chiefs)

Regardless of who's under center for the Chiefs this week, the Steelers will shut them down almost completely. For one, Kansas City has only one legit receiving threat in Dwayne Bowe, so he'll be isolated all game long.

Thus leaving the Chiefs to their strength, which is the ground game. However, Pittsburgh's just as good at defending the run as they rank No. 6 in the the NFL.

Offensively for the Steelers they have to work against the Chiefs defense that allows almost 370 total yards per game. And although the Kansas City has a solid pass rusher in Tamba Hali, Ben Roethlisberger is much more difficult to sack than Tom Brady.

Additionally, the Steelers do need to work on improving their rush offense, so facing K.C. perhaps came at the right time. The Chiefs ranks No. 28 in rush offense so anticipate a lot of ground control from Pittsburgh to better prepare themselves for the postseason.

It's not complete blowout, but The Steel Curtain controls the tempo throughout.

Take the Steelers against the spread

Steelers 31, Chiefs 7

New Orleans Saints -7 (vs Giants)

Despite being a better road team than at home, the New York Giants face a New Orleans Saints team who's a different animal when playing in The Louisiana Superdome.

To the Saints, that stadium is sacred ground, and they defend their home turf arguably better than anyone in the NFL. To that end we do have two Top 5 passing offenses duking it out as the Giants rank No. 5 and the Saints No. 1.

Only difference, however, is that New Orleans can run the ball effectively whenever they want. Whereas New York ranks No. 31 in rushing offense and can we really expect Eli Manning to match Drew Brees' numbers?

No.

The Giants best chance is to establish a ground game however, unless their defense can minimize damage from the Saints offense, running the ball will prove obsolete.

On the year New Orleans averages 46.5 points per game at home and has never scored less than 27 in The Superdome. The Giants are nowhere near as explosive and their defense allows 343 total yards per game anyway.

Take the Saints against the spread

Saints 41, Giants 24

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