NFL Week 12 Predictions: Projecting the Highest-Scoring Games

With the Thanksgiving games in the books, the following three games on the NFL's Week 12 schedule should produce the high-scoring affairs:

Carolina Panthers at Indianapolis Colts

The Colts offense hasn't done a whole lot to inspire confidence that they can score a bunch of points, but the Panthers are fresh off giving up 49 to the Lions a week ago. On the other side, we know Cam Newton's offense can score in a hurry. While Newton has been more down than up recently, he should get back on track this week against a really poor Colts defense. If Indy wants to win its first game of the 2011 season, they better be prepared to put points on the scoreboard.

New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles

I know both of these two defenses have played better in recent weeks, but doesn't this one just have that shootout-type feel to it? The Patriots are going to spread out the Eagles, especially with the injuries in Philly's secondary. I'm not sure I see a player on the Eagles defense that can hang with Rob Gronkowski or Aaron Hernandez at tight end, either. Juan Castillo certainly has his hands full. 

The Eagles might be getting Michael Vick back, but they have enough weapons offensively that backup Vince Young should be able to find some space in an ever-evolving Patriots defense. Remember, the Pats have beat up on two pretty bad quarterbacks in recent weeks. You could argue that both Vince Young and Michael Vick represent a challenge that the Patriots haven't stood up to yet this season.  

New York Giants at New Orleans Saints

Finally, ESPN's Monday Night Football gets a game worth watching. At the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the points should come early and often. The Saints have had a full two weeks to prepare for the Giants' pressure-oriented defense. I like my chances with two weeks of preparation from Drew Brees.

Eli Manning really needs his running game to get established early. Like any quarterback, Manning is at his best when the play-action fakes work. But it seems like those fakes are especially important to Manning, as he tends to make bad decisions when the pocket isn't routinely clean. I'm not sure if the Saints have enough to pressure Manning into making those bad choices. If Manning plays well, this could easily be a 35-31 game.