NFL 2010 Week 12 Predictions

WEEK 11 NFL predictions and statements:

My top 8: previous ranking in parenthesis

1. Atlanta (1) – They didn’t lose. And St. Louis is pretty good. It is a good test at home this week for them.

2. New England (2) – We’ll see if they roll over Detroit this week, but I’m a believer.  

3. Baltimore (3) – They creamed a team they should have, so we didn’t find much out.

4. New Orleans (6) – They are rolling, SHHHH!

5. Green Bay (7) – Quietly rounding into shape. Still too hurt to be a true contender, but a butt whopping is still a butt whopping, and they just laid one down on a tough opponent.

6. Philadelphia (8) – Won versus my number 5 team from last week, even if it was unconvincing.

7. New York Giants (5) – Injuries are now hitting them at the skill positions.

8. Pittsburgh (NR) – I have no faith in this team, but they did win convincingly against a team that was over .500.

Dropped Out: Indianapolis – This team is way too hurt, and Manning cannot do it all. The defense still rushes great, but without leads that advantage goes away. Brady showed how to beat them: middle draws, 1 and 3 step drops, and big tight ends punishing short. Plus, stay on the field.

My bottom 4: previous ranking in parenthesis

29. Cincinnati (NR) – You know, I almost put Buffalo here, but then realized they dropped 45 on Cincy. So, welcome Bengals.

30. Detroit (30) – Without Stafford, this will get bad.

31. Denver (31) – Tim Tebow anyone?

32. Carolina (32) – Tony Pike anyone?

NFL 2010 week 12 picks:

Patriots -6.5 over Detroit, 30-21

-Pats may be a little tired, but I don’t see them losing to both Cleveland and Detroit in a month where they beat Pittsburgh and Indianapolis. Belichick makes sure they focus.

Saints -3.5 over Dallas, 28-17

-Saints are much better team than Dallas, and we are getting to the time of the year where each game matters so there is no let up.

Jets -10 over Cincinnati, 21-10

-Jets run over the Bengals. See logic for Saints-Dallas.

Vikings +2.5 over Redskins, 24-13

-This tells you all you need to know: New interim coach. Vikings win this one because Washington cannot stop Peterson.

Atlanta -2.5 over Green Bay, 30-27

-Atlanta wins at home, and can pound the run. Green Bay storms back to make it close, but falls short. 

Giants -7 over Jacksonville, 21-13

-Giants have huge injury issues, but win this game because they are much better. The pass rush will kill the Jags.

Houston -5 over Titans, 31-17

-Rusty Smith, and Houston can actually score.

Bears +3 over Eagles, 27-23

-The Bears expose Vick, and the defense forces mistakes. Forte has a good game finally.

Rams +5 over Broncos, 24-17

-Teaser alert, take Rams +11. We might be seeing Tebow soon.

Chargers +3 over Colts, 31-28

-The Colts are too banged up and Rivers marches toward his MVP with Jackson back. 

Cardinals over 49ers, 20-17

-SF is terrible, Cardinals are only somewhat bad. Wow, ESPN, wow.

Buffalo +11 over Steelers, 20-26
-Buffalo has another close game, but cannot finish it. Still, Steelers, this is your trap game....

Record last week:

Straight up: 10-3

Against the Spread: 9-4

Record this year:

Straight up: 77-37

Against the Spread: 58-57

Lifetime record:
Straight up: 195-105
Against the Spread: 158-143

BLISS