The Lions (8-2) are the kings in the NFC North division and face a Packers team (4-6) that is coming off a close win (23-20) at home against the Los Angeles Chargers, which is the same result (three point win) the Lions had against the Chargers in Los Angeles two weeks ago. Detroit showed they are resilient as they overcame a 12-point deficit in the final four minutes to beat the Chicago Bears last weekend. The Lions handled the Packers back in week four and should do so again on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field.
The NFC East battle in Dallas between the Washington Commanders (4-7) and Cowboys (7-3) should be a good one, but the Cowboys definitely have the edge on both sides of the football. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been playing really well for the 'Pokes and if he has the time to seek out his primary receiver CeeDee Lamb, it could be a long afternoon for the Commanders, who were manhandled by the lowly New York Giants (in D.C.) last Sunday. The Commanders turned the ball over six times in that loss. The Cowboys are good at takeaways and should win this one regardless of the turnover rate.
In Seattle on Thursday night, the NFC West will either be tighter between the first place San Francisco 49ers (7-3) and Seahawks (6-4) or it could be a two-game cushion for the 'Niners as they seek to get their third straight win following a three game losing streak. The Seattle defense will have to pressure 49ers QB Brock Purdy if they want to have success in this one. On the flip side, the Seahawks could be without starting QB Geno Smith (right arm injury) as he is likely a game time decision. The 49ers will likely come away with the victory here, but the Seahawks usually give them fits, especially at home.
There is also a "Black Friday" game for the first time in the NFL as the New York Jets (4-6) will host the first place Miami Dolphins (7-3) in an AFC East tilt. The Jets benched QB Zach Wilson last week and only have nine offensive touchdowns in ten games this season. Meanwhile, the Dolphins high powered offense is led by QB Tua Tagovailoa and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The Jets strong defense will surely be tested and last week they allowed 32 points in a blowout loss against the Buffalo Bills. Take the Dolphins.
As for the Sunday games, look for the Cleveland Browns (7-3) to slow the roll of the Denver Broncos (5-5), a team that has won four in a row and will be at home for this game. The Browns defense is better than Denver's resurgent D and should show that. This will likely be a low scoring game, but the Browns should get the win. As always, a turnover could be the determining factor.
In Philadelphia, the Eagles (9-1) will host the Buffalo Bills (6-5) in what could be a higher scoring affair. The Eagles are fresh off their road win on Monday night in Kansas City, so they should be amped up for this game. The Bills are in a battle not only with Miami in the AFC East for first place, but also against several teams vying for playoff spots in a well balanced AFC. The Eagles should soar to victory in this one.
On Sunday night, the Baltimore Ravens (8-3), the top seed in the AFC, head west to face the struggling Los Angeles Chargers (4-6), who lost a tough one at Green Bay last week. The Ravens solid defense could make life miserable for Chargers QB Justin Herbert, who is having a solid season despite the teams' difficulties that has them in last place in the AFC West division. Baltimore QB Lamar Jackson would love to get a quick lead against the Chargers and that could very well happen in this game. Expect a higher scoring game with the Ravens coming out on top.
The rest of the NFL action for Week Twelve is featured in the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo picks follow up.
New Orleans (5-5) at Atlanta (4-6) - This game is a battle for first place in the NFC South division. Toss up.
Pittsburgh (6-4) at Cincinnati (5-5) - The Bengals begin the rest of the season without star quarterback Joe Burrow. Steelers have a new offensive coordinator, so let's see how that factors in QB Kenny Pickett's effort.
Carolina (1-9) at Tennessee (3-7) - Who cares?
Tampa Bay (4-6) at Indianapolis (5-5) - Can Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers surprise the surprising Colts? Toss up here.
New England (2-8) at N.Y. Giants (3-8) - These teams have played each other twice in the Super Bowl . . . but that was so long ago. Both of these current versions are terrible.
Jacksonville (7-3) at Houston (6-4) - This game should go down to the wire with the Jaguars coming out ahead. The Texans and rookie QB C.J. Stroud have been the feel good story in the NFL so far this season.
L.A. Rams (4-6) at Arizona (2-9) - Cardinals have looked better since Kyler Murray returned to play quarterback. Rams coming off big win against the Seattle Seahawks. This game will be close.
Kansas City (7-3) at Las Vegas (5-6) - It's do or die time for the Raiders in this one. They have a chance to close the gap in the AFC West race. Chiefs should prevail here after hurting themselves with miscues and turnovers in a close loss to Philadelphia.
Chicago (3-8) at Minnesota (6-5) - The Vikings saw their five-game win streak ended last Sunday night and now they have a chance to get back on track at home on Monday Night Football against a last place Bears team.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Twelve . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Thanksgiving Day Games
DETROIT over Green Bay
Dallas over Washington
San Francisco over Seattle
Friday Game
Miami over N.Y. Jets
Sunday Games
New Orleans over Atlanta
Pittsburgh over Cincinnati
Tennessee over Carolina
Indianapolis over Tampa Bay
N.Y. Giants over New England
Jacksonville over Houston
Cleveland over Denver
Arizona over L.A Rams
Kansas City over Las Vegas
Philadelphia over Buffalo
Baltimore over L.A. Chargers
Monday Night Game
Minnesota over Chicago
Last Week's Record - 9-5
SEASON RECORD - 106-58
Lock of the Week Record - 11-0
No comments:
Post a Comment