NFL Week 12 Predictions: Teams That Will Deliver Home Wins

Some of the NFL’s most hapless teams are playing at home this weekend, but not every home crowd is going to go home angry. This trio will give their fans what they’re looking for in Sunday’s games:

Cincinnati Bengals (vs. Cleveland)

After two grueling divisional losses, the Bengals finally get to turn things around with a home game against the AFC North’s weak link. The Browns couldn’t beat Cincinnati in Cleveland on opening day, and they aren’t going to fare any better at Paul Brown Stadium.

Cedric Benson, who pounded Cleveland for 121 yards in the first meeting, will be set for another big day and A.J. Green should be back to put Andy Dalton’s passing game at full strength. With injuries likely forcing the Browns into another round of musical running backs, Cleveland won’t be much of a threat to Cincinnati’s hard-nosed defense.

New York Jets (vs. Buffalo)

After their hot start, the Bills have come down to earth thanks to a three-game losing skid in which they haven’t even looked competitive. The first of those losses was to the Jets, who look likely to extend the slide on Sunday.

Both teams will be without the services of a standout RB, but Buffalo’s loss of Fred Jackson will hurt a lot more than the Jets playing without LaDainian Tomlinson. Look for the New York D to clamp down on Ryan Fitzpatrick in another decisive victory.

Atlanta Falcons (vs. Minnesota)

Even more devastating than Jackson’s absence for Buffalo will be Adrian Peterson sitting out for the Vikings with an ankle injury. Christian Ponder and the league’s 28th-best passing attack will have their work cut out for them in trying to make up for Peterson’s 100 combined yards per game.

The Vikings’ chances won’t be any better for bringing a banged-up, subpar secondary (28th in the league against the pass) into Matt Ryan’s house. The solid run defense should contain Michael Turner, but in every other phase of this game, the Vikings are in serious trouble.