NFL Predictions 2014: Week 12

Some big upsets last week which helped lead to a 7-7 record SU and 8-6 record ATS. My record on the season now stands at 104-56-1 and 93-64-4.  I’m not off to a good start with the pick of the Chiefs on Thursday. Let’s hope or better luck today…

Browns (+3) over FALCONS– Cleveland needs a better effort than last week, but should get somewhat healthy against a poor Falcons defense.  If Browns defense dictates the pace of the game they will win outright. Browns 21 Falcons 17

EAGLES (-11) over Titans– Philly was embarrassed last week  but should bounce back this week with a big win. If LeSean McCoy can’t have a monster game against the Titans you can probably write that off for the rest of the season.  Eagles 29 Titans 17

Lions (+7.5) over PATRIOTS– With the NFC so tight  this is a game the Lions would like to have especially to avoid a losing streak. That said New England is clicking on all cylinders and Detroit’s offense likely cant keep up in a game that gets in the 20s. But the line seems to be selling the Lions defense way short and if they play the way they have the Lions offense should stumble their way into the end zone a few times.  Patriots 20 Lions 14

Packers (-7.5) over VIKINGS– I tried to come up with a way to give the Vikings a chance and I cant do it. Their offense is so poor and its designed to just completely hide a QB. Jennings will be back for Minnesota which doesn’t mean much, though he may be trying to audition to a return to Green Bay after he is released next season. Packers 28 Vikings 14

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COLTS (-13.5) over Jaguars– The Colts look to be at least a year away from competing with the big boys, but they will dominate the rest of the NFL, especially the cellar dwellers like the Jaguars. Only chance for Jacksonville is if they have likely prepared for this game as if it’s the Super Bowl and may have a higher than expected level of intensity. Even then its hard to see a win. Colts 34 Jaguars 16

Bengals (+2) over TEXANS– I see this being a real flip a coin kind of game between two pretty evenly matched teams. The Bengals fate always lays in the hands of their quarterback and whether or not he throws the games away for them.   Close game decided by a field goal late so Ill take the points. Texans 17 Bengals 16

Buccaneers (+5.5) over BEARS– I don’t think this game means all that much to the Bears players beyond just getting a win, but if the Bucs players have any connection to their head coach or, to a lesser extent, quarterback, they will likely give that extra effort that could push things in their favor. Chicago has better talent and the home field but that defense is so bad that I cant expect them to win by 6. Bears 24 Buccaneers 20

Cardinals (+7.5) over SEAHAWKS– The line certainly scares me since its begging me to take Arizona, but I’ll do it anyway. Seattle will need to get away from their usual way of playing if they are to beat Arizona unless Arizona is just overwhelmed by the atmosphere of the game. Arizona’s been the better team and Ill select them to continue to be that. Cardinals 19 Seahawks 17

CHARGERS (-6) over Rams– I can’t really figure the Rams out and the Chargers are trending don making this a high line to consider, but the Rams haven’t been the most consistent of teams and if there is a game that can be a letdown its this one. Chargers 21 Rams 14

Dolphins (+6.5) over BRONCOS- I think this will be much closer than people think. The Miami defense is going to get pressure on Manning this week and if that disrupts him anything can happen. Miami has lost a few heartbreakers and I think they actually get one back in Denver. Dolphins 23 Broncos 21

Redskins (+8.5) over 49ers– I hate taking the Redskins who are the most dysfunctional team in the NFL right now, but the 49ers haven’t been that good of late and this is a huge line for their offense to cover. Maybe Colt McCoy even shows up here to get the cover. 49ers 23 Redskins 17

Cowboys (-3.5) over GIANTS– New York has a lot of thinking to do when it comes to next season and most likely this game will give  them more reasons to consider blowing it up next year.  These teams often play close but lately the Giants will find a way to give Dallas enough points to help them cover. Cowboys 29 Giants 20

BILLS (-1.5) over Jets– Im not sure who will be the home team in this one, but it shouldn’t matter. Buffalo’s defense has been very good and the Jets offense has not and that is likely the deciding matchup in the game. Jets need to sop big plays to win, something they have rarely done this year. Bills 23 Jets 16

Ravens (+3) over SAINTS– The best team in the NFC South this week will likely be the Panthers simply because they are on a bye. Saints are not a good team while the Ravens are much better than the record. They should take advantage of Saints mistakes to win outright. Ravens 27 Saints 20

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