NFL Week 12 Predictions: How Caleb Hanie and More Unheralded QBs Will Fare

The QB casualty line is getting longer. Now, it includes some really big names, some familiar faces and a few not so familiar faces.

The fact that Jay Cutler was injured trying to make a tackle after a INT, instead of it coming from a sack behind his much maligned offensive line is odd.

Matt Schaub hasn't missed a game since 2008, but he is now out for the season and Mike Vick is, unfortunately, hurt again.

In their steads, the following players are in the spotlight, here are my predictions for how they will fare:

Caleb Hanie

The Bears are traveling to Oakland to take on the AFC West leading Oakland Raiders. The Raider defense has not been stout this season. They are only 20th against the pass, with a decent 11 INTs of opposing QBs.

Hanie's inexperience should render at least one INT, but he has two luxuries, a good running game and a nasty defense. The Raiders are only 26th against the run this year.

The key to this game for the Bears will be taking care of the ball and field position. I think the Bears win and Caleb Hanie's line will look something like this:

18-28 195yds TD, INT, 4 rushes for 40 yards 

Bears 20 Raiders 13

John Skelton

Skelton struggled mightily last week vs the 49ers, he threw 3 INT and stumbled to a QB rating of 10.5. This week, the defense should be a lot softer as the Cardinals travel to St. Louis to take on the Rams.

The Rams pass defense has been top 10 all season, much of that is because they can't stop the run and they have been behind most of the season; teams have run the ball on the St. Louis with leads in the second half.

Skelton won't throw it a lot today, unless this turns into a shootout. I don't see that happening, the Cardinals will win this game with Beanie Wells and the run game. Skelton's line will look something liek this:

14-24 175yds INT

Cardinals 23 Rams 13

Vince Young

Young mans the Eagles' offense against the questionable Patriots' secondary. The Patriots pass defense is still dead last in the NFL. Will Andy Reid trust Young to take advantage of the Pats weakness? I think he will, but, will Young make the most of his opportunities? Yes and no, he will throw for over 250 yards, but he will throw 2 INTs.

The Eagles have to take care of the ball to win, and they won't, partially because of Vince Young. Here is how Young's line will look:

20-32 260yds 2 TD, 2 INT 7 rushes for 47 yards and a TD

Patriots 32 Eagles 25

Tyler Palko

Palko threw 3 INTs in his first start this season against the Patriots last week. This week the defense gets nastier. The Steelers are third against the pass and sixth against the run.

Todd Haley and his offensive staff are challenged to come up with an offensive gameplan that can create some opportunities to run the ball/ That is much needed to take pressure off of Palko.

Nothing will save Palko today, the Steelers will pound the Chiefs on Sunday night. Kyle Orton will be the starter by Week 14. Here is how Palko's line will look:

20-45 210yds TD, 2 INT

Steelers 30 Chiefs 10

Matt Leinart

Leinart has the keys for the remainder of the season. He has the best compliment of weapons of all the backup QBs pressed into action.

Andre Johnson is coming back and the Texans deep and effective running game is healthy. The Texans defense is third against the pass and second against the run. Leinart is setup for success, just like USC.

The Jags defense has been solid this season, but the offense anemic. Leinart and the Texans will win, even on the road, and he should have a nice game. Here is how Leinart's line will look:

20-30 289yds 2 TD, INT

Texans 28 Jaguars 7