Brian's NFL 2009 Week 12 Picks and Predictions

After a 9 and 7 record in Week 11, yours truly is focused and ready to get back on track. First of all I have to give major kudos to the Tennessee Titans for not giving up on the season. How many teams would have packed it in and stop competing? The Titans have won four games in a row under an improved and refocused Vince Young. Let's give credit to coach Jeff Fisher for not pressing the panic button on his team and staying the course. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have looked real shaky on offense the last two weeks, but they get a huge Thanksgiving gift in the Oakland Raiders. The Steelers/Ravens match up should be a great game to keep an eye on because both teams need this game to keep pace in the AFC wild card playoff hunt. To top off week 12, we get a post-Thanksgiving treat with the Pats versus the Saints. This could be the Monday Night Football game of the year. I don't know about you, but I'm excited. Are you ready for some football?

Turkey Day Games

Packers @ Lions- Man I was really looking forward to seeing Rodgers versus Stafford. These two quarterbacks will be squaring off for years to come. Daunte Culpepper will get the nod in this game as the Lions starting quarterback with Stafford out with a separated left shoulder. Most fans know when Culpepper's faced with pressure, he's a turnover machine. The Lions have been pretty competitive this year and should be hyped for this turkey day game. Rodgers should be able to find Jennings and Driver for huge plays against the Lions 32^nd ranked pass defense.

The Winner: Packers

Raiders @ Cowboys- I'm still in disbelief the Raiders actually beat a very good Bengals team on Sunday. If the Cowboys are going to win the NFC East then these are the games they must win. Look for the Cowboys to pound the rock with Barber, Jones and Choice against a Raiders' run defense that gives up over 158 yards a game.

The Winner: Cowboys

Giants @ Broncos- I feel bad for the NFL network viewers who are actually going to watch this game. The Broncos have been totally unwatchable the past four weeks (all losses), self-destructing a little bit more every week. The Giants have finally discovered their winning ways just in the nick of time. If I were the Giants, I would come out early and get the ball to my talented receivers, score some early touchdowns and make the Broncos play from behind. If the Broncos can't establish the run, this game could get real ugly.

The Winner: Giants

Sunday Games

Buccaneers @ Falcons- The Falcons are a very good home team and will look to get back on track against a Tampa Bay team that's played a lot better lately. I would look for the Falcon running backs to have a huge day against the Buccaneers 32^nd ranked defense, which gives up over a 170 yards a game.

The Winner: Falcons

Dolphins @ Bills- Miami is starting to find its groove at the right time. The Bills are a team in a transition. The Dolphins should have no problem exploiting the Bills 31^st ranked run defense. Miami needs to get pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick or Terrell Owens could have another huge day against Miami's 22^nd ranked pass defense.

The Winner: Dolphins

Redskins @ Eagles- You can throw out the records when these two NFC East foes come to battle. The Redskins were one Tony Romo play from winning back to back games for the first time this year. The Eagles need to run the football to give their offense more balance. It's no secret coach Reid loves to pass the ball, but he should re-think that strategy against the Redskins 25^th ranked run defense. I expect this game to be closer than expected.

The Winner: Eagles

Seahawks @ Rams- This is a game, the Rams can win without even without Marc Bulger if Steven Jackson can have a huge day on the ground. Matt Hasselbeck and his play making receivers will be the difference in this game.

The Winner: Seahawks

Panthers @ Jets- New York should have no problem running on the Panthers' 26^th ranked run defense. Delhomme and Sanchez will be asked to protect the football. The quarterback who turnovers over the ball the least will lead his team to victory.

The Winner: The J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets

Browns @ Bengals- I don't know about you, but doesn't Eric Mangini always look constipated on the sidelines? He always has that pissed off look on his face. The sooner they can fire his sorry butt, the quicker the Browns can really begin their rebuilding movement. The Bengals have to bounce back after that embarrassing loss against the Raiders. I expect a 44-10 final score in favor of the home team.

The Winner: Bengals

Colts @ Texans- It's hard to pick against Colts because they keep finding different ways to beat teams every week. The Texans have problems in their kicking game. Both teams can't run the ball for jack. The loss against the Titans will sting for awhile for a Texans team who believes they are playoff bound. I don't see it though. The Colts are very confident going into this game. The Texans defense must play physical and force turnovers because their offense is going to be able to score points on Indy's soft defense.

The Winner: The Colts

Chiefs @ Chargers- You have to give the Chiefs major props for competing hard and stealing a win against a tough Steelers team on Sunday. Chris Chambers has been a breath of fresh air for a Chiefs team that has struggled with generating big plays in the passing game all year. The Chargers have a tendency to play down to the level of their competition at home against their AFC West rivals this year. This game should go down to the wire.

The Winner: Chargers

Jaguars @ 49ers- Even though the Jaguars won a close game at home against the Bills on Sunday to improve to 6-4, I still don't trust this team. The 49ers are a year away from being a playoff team. An interesting match up will be Maurice Jones-Drew versus the 49ers 6^th ranked run defense. The Jags have gone 1-2 in their games against NFC West opponents this season. I expect this game to be close throughout. The 49ers are a more physical team than they are given credit for.

The Winner: 49ers

Bears @ Vikings- For all intended purposes, the Chicago Bears' season is over. This is not a playoff team. They have no chemistry on offense and too many injuries on defense. With that said, this is a dangerous game for the Vikings. They can't overlook this team. I expect the Bears to compete very hard and give the Vikings a fight. Jay Cutler can get hot if given protection. Jared Allen should have a huge day against the Bears suspect offensive line.

The Winner: The Vikings

Cardinals @ Titans- If Kurt Warner isn't able to go on Sunday, then we could see Matt Leinart going against Vince Young in a match up of two quarterbacks that were expected to carry their teams when they drafted in 2006. Both quarterbacks have struggled with inconsistency and immaturity at times. Vince Young has the Titans peaking at the right time. If I were a team trying to get my team ready for the playoffs, this Titans team would be a team I would not want to face along the way, they are dangerous.

The Winner: The Titans stay on their hot streak with a victory over the Cardinals.

Steelers @ Ravens- You like hard hitting football? This is your game. I don't think Big Ben should be playing after what appeared to be a concussion he suffered against the Chiefs. Big Ben may be a great quarterback, but he's never been known as someone who makes great decisions when it comes to his own personal health on the field. This has been the year of revenge. Last year the Steelers beat the Ravens three times last year (twice in the regular season and in the AFC championship game). Both teams don't like each other. If the Ravens want to get back into the playoff picture, they have to have this game. The Ravens won't be able to run on the Steelers, so the onus is on Joe Flacco to carry the offense on his shoulders.

The Winner: The Ravens

Patriots @ Saints- I'm personally looking forward to this game. If you live near a sports bar and you have the time then you must get your friends together for this game. Two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, Tom Brady and Drew Brees going head to head. You have one of the best defensive minds in football in Belicheat going against one of the best offensive minds in Sean Payton. By the way, Payton does not get enough credit for the job he's done this year. Give him props for bringing in Gregg Williams to help a defense that was terrible last year. The Patriots will not be intimated by the rocking New Orleans crowd. I think the team that's able run the ball and avoid turnovers will win this game. I think this game is going to be a shootout and the Saints just have way too many weapons to be stopped. Keep in mind the Patriots come into this game ranked 6^th in pass defense.

The Winner: The Saints

Thanks for stopping by. Mister B wishes you and your family a happy and safe thanksgiving. See you for Week 13.