Week 12 and every division is still up for grabs

Last week’s record, 10-6; for season week: 105-76

Pick of the Week, 1-0; for the season 9-3

Can you believe it? Already we are approaching week 12 of the regular season and every division race is still up for grabs.

My Pick of the Week, Cleveland, managed to squeeze by Carolina but failed to cover.  

Enough said — let’s get on with this week’s games.

Thursday, Dec. 2

Houston at Philadelphia — The way I saw the game, it was one bad pass from Mike Vick that turned the game around for the Bears. I don’t think that will happen again. I like the Eagles, 33-27.

Sunday, Dec 5

New Orleans at Cincinnati — You can never underestimate the home team, but at this point in the season the Saints cannot afford to pick up another loss. Saints win, 30-23.

Chicago at Detroit — The Bears’ defense was impressive against the Eagles, and they, too, can’t afford a loss. Bears pick up a tough win, 23-20.

San Francisco at Green Bay — The 49ers looked good against a bad Arizona team but playing the Packers at home is a much different story. I’ll make the Packers my Pick of the Week, 27-17.

Denver at Kansas City — I’m sure the Chiefs are still smarting from the shellacking given to them two weeks ago by the Broncos, but I don’t think we’ll see that again. Chiefs, 27-17.

Cleveland at Miami —  I went against the Dolphins last week, so this week I’ll give them the nod at home, 20-17.

Buffalo at Minnesota — The Vikings have shown some improvement since changing coaches, but the Bills are no patsies. I like the Bills, 24-21.

Washington at New York Giants — This is a huge game for the Giants, whose team is still somewhat of a mystery due in part to injuries and a sporadic offense. With that said, I will pick them to win this game, 24-19.

Jacksonville at Tennessee — The Titans are in turmoil and without a quality quarterback. The Jags have been playing solid but seem to have trouble winning important games. I’ll go with the Titans, 20-17, because head coach Jeff Fisher is a class act.

Oakland at San Diego — It’s official — the Chargers are hot and making a strong run toward the playoffs. San Diego wins, 33-17.

Atlanta at Tampa Bay — Both of these teams play good defense, but you have to give the edge to the Falcons on offense. This will be a nailbiter right to the very end, when the Falcons will kick a field goal to win it, 24-21.

St. Louis at Arizona — Arizona played poorly on Monday night, while the Rams continue to grow with quarterback Sam Bradford. I’ll take the Rams, 34-19.

Dallas at Indianapolis — I hate to say it, but the Colts are on the verge of dropping out of the playoff picture, while the Cowboys are getting better each week. I’ll stick with the Colts, 20-16, but look out for this game.

Carolina at Seattle — The Panthers continue to find ways to lose, while Seattle is usually pretty tough at home against weaker teams. I like the Sea-hawks, 23-20.

Pittsburgh at Baltimore — Even though the Ravens are favored, I like the Steelers. I’ll stick with Pittsburgh because Big Ben will find a way to lead them to victory, 20-17.

Monday, Dec. 6

New York Jets at New England — This is definitely the biggest game of the week. New England seems to be clicking on all cylinders on offense but the defense can be suspect. The Jets, on the other hand, can be stingy on defense while the offense remains inconsistent yet effective when really needed. In the end, the Pats’ defense gives up too many points. I’ll take the Jets, 27-24.
 

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