NFL 2005 Week 12 Predictions

Oh well. My streak of good, double digit performances came to a crashing end last week. (Thanks a lot Steelers and Panthers.) With the short week, I have to rush through predictions yet again.

Onto this week...

Falcons @ Lions
The Falcons have dropped two straight whereas the Lions have lost three out of the last four. Detroit typically raises its play a notch or two on Thanksgiving. With so many questions surrounding Atlanta (where's the defense? where's the running? why is Vick trying to beat you with his arm?) it is quite tempting to go for an upset. What the heck. Prediction: Lions.

Broncos @ Cowboys
This should be a pretty good game. Two division leaders, two good offenses, two good defenses. I like Dallas' defense over Denver's, and that should make the difference. Prediction: Cowboys.

Ravens @ Bengals
The only thing standing in the way of a comfortable Bengal win here is fatigue from last week's track meet in Indy. That offense is just too good, something no one can say about the Ravens' version. Prediction: Bengals.

Panthers @ Bills
The Panthers melted down in the face of a relentless Bear pass rush, something Buffalo will try to emulate but not succeed. Carolina is still the class of the NFC, do you hear me? Prediction: Panthers.

Bears @ Bucs
Both teams are on top of their divisions. Quelle surprise. Both teams have good defenses. Actually they are quite similar all around: strong defense, strong running game, young QBs. The Bucs have more options in the passing game. Of course the Bears handled the very good Panther defense quite well. I like the Buc offense a little better. Prediction: Bucs.

Browns @ Vikings
Crennel is doing a very good job in Cleveland, coaxing wins out of a lackluster roster. The Vikings are winning again with Johnson. But I have to go with the Vikings at home. Prediction: Vikings.

Patriots @ Chiefs
This should be a shootout. The Chiefs have the better running game, the Patriots the better passing game. I like the Pats to find some way to play defense more than the Chiefs to find a way. Prediction: Patriots.

Chargers @ Redskins
Well, the 'Skins are falling back again. Oh brother. San Diego is surging. This is the second week in a row Washington has had to face a former coach. Prediction: Chargers.

39ers @ Titans
A good performance against the Seahawks earns the San Fran team a week's reprieve. I'm gonig to go for another surprise (not sure if it's an upset given that both teams stink) and pick San Fran. Prediction: 39ers.

Rams @ Texans
St. Louis is struggling, but the Texans are dead in the water. Prediction: Rams.

Jaguars @ Cardinals
Arizona finally learned to score touchdowns last week, and people are raving about Kurt Warner again. The Jags will prove a tougher opponent, so expect a return to the high yardage, low scoring offense we've seen all year. Prediction: Jaguars.

Dolphins @ Raiders
Miami is falling apart. Prediction: Raiders.

Packers @ Eagles
Please, no 4th and 26 situations in this game! Those days are seem so long ago with both teams losing and going nowhere. The Packer offense isn't that bad, at least in the passing game, and certainly better than the Eagles'. Prediction: Packers.

Giants @ Seahawks
Yet another matchup of division leading teams. This will be a good test for the Seahawks who have suddenly become a chic pick to win the conference. In particular, it will be a test for their defense. I'm sorry, but I just can't go with Seattle. Barely beating the 39ers? Plus they have too much history of folding. They have to prove themselves a little more. Prediction: Giants.

Saints @ Jets
There has to be a few stinkers every week, even one with so many top teams facing off. The Jets are a shambles. The Saints should be able to put enough together to win this one. Prediction: Saints.

Steelers @ Colts
Finally, the Monday night game really is the premier game of the week. Wish I had time to talk about it. The Steeler defense is one of the best, so don't expect the track meet the Bengals and Colts put up last week. But they are more about brute force than disguises and deception, like New England in its better days. That's what gets to Manning. The Steelers have a pretty good offense too, but don't expect a top performance from Roethlisberger, coming off several weeks injury. Prediction: Colts.

Last Week: 9-7
Season: 96-64