NFL Week 12 Picks: 3 Teams That Will Narrowly Escape with Wins

Nearly every matchup on the Week 12 schedule intrigues me. 

No, seriously. 

Outside of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs Sunday night affair, plenty of games between evenly matched teams have the potential to be tightly contested. 

Obviously not every matchup will go down to the final two minutes, but these three teams will narrowly escape with wins this holiday weekend. 

St. Louis Rams over Arizona Cardinals

There are certainly more high-profile games on Week 12 docket, but both the Rams and Cardinals are evenly matched teams playing for respect in the NFC West. 

The Rams were stunningly stout against Marshawn Lynch last week, holding the Seattle Seahawks running back to 88 yards on 27 carries, but St. Louis lost 24-7. 

Larry Fitzgerald and the Cardinals were similarly dominated by the San Francisco 49ers, 23-7. 

This time, the Rams will protect their home turf. 

Steven Jackson faces a defense that's allowing 127.2 yards per game on the ground, and his punishing running style will alleviate some pressure from Sam Bradford in the passing game, especially when the Rams use play action.

Arizona doesn't have the consistency in their run game to take advantage of St. Louis' 32nd-ranked rushing defense. 

This one won't be the prettiest brand of football, but the Rams will get it done at home by a field goal. 

Carolina Panthers over Indianapolis Colts

Two combined wins going into this game. 

But actually, people will tune in. 

I know I'll watch to see Cam Newton, and who doesn't watch Colts games to see if they're really bad enough to go 0-16?

Great day for running backs, as the 30th- and 31st-ranked run defenses square off in this one.  

In the end, it'll really come down to the quarterbacks. Newton has leveled off to some degree and hasn't led his team to a win in nearly a month, but are you really taking Curtis Painter over last year's No. 1 overall pick? 

I'm not. 

Carolina by seven. 

Detroit Lions over Green Bay Packers

Yes, I'm picking the major upset. 

I did so early in the week, and I'm sticking to it. 

Here are my thoughts. 

If any team can keep up with the Packers offense, it's the Lions at home, right? The added dimension of Kevin Smith will keep Green Bay's defense honest, allowing Matt Stafford time to find Calvin Johnson and the rest of his underrated receivers, like Nate Burleson. 

Although Aaron Rodgers has shredded every secondary he's faced this season, he's been sacked 25 times, and Detroit's defensive front can certainly rush the passer. 

With all eyes on each team's offense, the Lions quarterback pressure will be the difference.