Week 12 Picks

After a 3-0 week brings my shortened season's total to 4-2.  Here are a few picks for week 12:

Cleveland (4-6) at Cincinnati (6-4) (-7)
Cincinnati comes in off two tough losses to two of the best teams in the AFC.  While the Bengals didn't win, they did show they can play with the better teams.  Cleveland is miserable right now with a record of 2-5 in their last 7 games, the only wins being really ugly affairs.  I'm expecting Cincy to come out angry about the two game losing streak but confident knowing they can play with the best.  Cleveland travels poorly as well, only 1-3 on the road this year, the only win being at the Colts.  The Cleveland offense will not be able to move the ball against this Cincinnati defense.  Peyton Hillis says he's going to play but he hasn't been on a field in weeks and could easily be limping off in the 1st half.  I don't think the Cleveland defense can handle Cendric Benson but may give some problems to Andy Dalton as they have the #1 pass defense in the NFL.  I don't think that pass defense will be enough as ultimately Cincinnati will win somewhere around 24-3.
Pick: Cincinnati -7

New England (7-3) at Philadelphia (4-6) (+3.5)
The Patriots have gotten over their hiccup and are playing excellent football.  The two headed monster at tight end of Gronkowski and Hernandez are difficult to deal with for any defense and Brady goes to them often.  The Eagles are still very weak at linebacker and will not be able to slow these two down.  The Eagles are coming off their win against an extremely disappointing Giants team.  Vince Young is still starting, Maclin is still out.  The Patriots give up a boat load of yards but do not give up as many points.  They also have a knack of intercepting the ball in the red zone while Philly has had a knack of turning the ball over in the red zone.  I don't think this game will be close.  New England will win handily with a score around 35-14.
Pick: New England -3.5

Tampa Bay (4-6) at Tennessee (5-5) (-3.5)
Tampa Bay is in trouble right now.  They are a desperate team but are coming off a strong effort at Green Bay.  Josh Freeman is extremely hard to predict but has taken advantage of questionable defenses, and Tennessee has a questionable defense.  Tampa Bay is also dealing with the fact that they are coming in with one of the worst defenses in the NFL giving up almost 400 yards per game and over 30 points per in their past 6 games. Good thing for Tampa is that Tennessee is coming in with one of the worst offenses in the league.  Both teams need the win but Tampa Bay should be playing like a team with their season on the line.  I believe this game will be played very close to the vest, neither team will want to make the huge mistake.  I can't believe I've written a preview for a Tennessee game and Chris Johnson hasn't come to mind until now.  That's how much of a non-factor he's been this season.  Straight up, it's a tough pick but I like the -3.5 for the road dog.  Tennessee could win but I don't see them winning by more than a field goal.
Pick: Tampa Bay +3.5


To recap, picks are Cincy -7, New England -3.5, Tampa Bay +3.5

Thank you and enjoy your NFL sunday