This Week in the NFL - Week 12 (cont.)

Well we went 2-1 on Thanksgiving Day, with the Colts doing better than we expected, for our lone loss. Another big game for Big Blue on Sunday. No Brandon Jacobs, no Derrick Ward. Which mean Reuben Droughns is going to have to be the man. The Vikings won't have Adrian Peterson, but Chester Taylor is coming off a 164-yd performance. Shut down the run, and you shut down the Vikings.

Vikings +7.5 at Giants
We've seen a tremendous lack of offense in Big Blue in 2 of their last 3 games. Without their top 2 running backs and Plaxico Burress being slowed more and more by his balky ankle, we a close one at the Meadowlands. The Giants will win, but won't cover.

Bills +8 at Jaguars
We're probably nuts. We thought the Bills could cover the huge spread, at home, last week against the Pats. This is a Jags team playing with a ton of confidence. That being said, we feel this will be a defensive minded game. A Jaguars win, but again, no cover.

Browns -3.5 vs. Texans
Matt Schaub was back for Houston last Sunday and immediately lead the Texans to a win. This should be a good one, but we have a lot of confidence in Derek Anderson.

Saints -2.5 at Panthers
Vinny Testaverde will be at QB for the woefully anemic Panthers squad. The Saints seemingly turned a corner only to turn into an embarrassment once again. But at 4-6 there's still an outside chance for a wild card in the weak NFC.

Raiders +5 vs. Chiefs
Remember when with this was one of the most physical, hate filled rivalries? The Raiders have been a shell of their former selves for quite some time and the Chiefs have no LJ and no Priest Holmes. This should be a dull 16-13 Chiefs win.

Seahawks -3 at Rams
The Rams scored 37 points against the Saints 2 weeks ago and then could only manage 13 in their win (2nd straight) against the Niners last week. At 6-4, the Seahawks have the playoffs in sight and should win in a rout.

Titans -1.5 at Bengals
We flip-flopped on this one, originally going with Cincy, but changing our minds at the last moment. We don't like to do that normally, but although we have faith in neither team, we have less in the Bungles.

Bucs -3.5 vs Redskins
The Redskins played a great, competitive game against Dallas last week, but they're not likely to do it 2 weeks in a row. The Bucs won't put the 'boys points on the boards, but they'll put in a better defensive showing.

Cardinals -10.5 vs. 49ers
Talk about a game to avoid. A Cardinals team giving 10.5? That's how bad this Niners team is and that's why we actually will pick the Cards.

Bears -2 vs. Broncos
Rex Grossman played his best game in a bear's age last week, and although that doesn't give us any confidence in him, the Broncos inconsistency isn't exactly inspiring. Bears in a low scoring game.

Chargers -8.5 vs. Ravens
We hate this spread more than the Cards. Which Chargers team will show up? The one that won 4 out of 5, or the one that lost 2 of the last 3? Does anyone need more convincing that Norv Turner isn't a good head coach? That being said, the Ravens stink on offense and Brian Billick's days are numbered.

Eagles +24 vs. Patriots
Is this an NCAA game? We can't recall the last time we saw a spread of 3 TDs or more. A.J. Feeley get the start for the Eagles and this should be a rout. But how can you NOT take 24 points?

Steelers +16 vs. Dolphins
This is beginning to look like college football spreads. The Steelers are coming off an embarrassing road loss to the Jets. And the Dolphins are going to pay for it.