NFL Week Twelve predictions

Happy Thanksgiving! Enjoy the picks and don't worry about how much you eat; you can always work it off later...

Overall

Pratik 92-68-0 Abe 94-66-0 Phil 91-69-0 Josh 100-60-0 Last Week

Pratik 9-7-0 Abe 9-7-0 Phil 8-8-0 Josh 10-6-0

Thursday, November 24, 2005

Atlanta (6-4) at Detroit (4-6) - 12:30 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Atlanta Atlanta Detroit Atlanta

Pratik says: Atlanta is giving thanks on this day for being able to play one of the worst teams in the NFL. Atlanta should halt their two game slide and demolish the Lions behind their aggressive defense and prolific offense.

Abe says: This year has been all about disappointment for Detroit...and my fantasy team. Kevin Jones, hailed as a stud in both reality and fantasy, has done absolutely nothing to help the Lions out of the cellar of the NFL. That said, Atlanta better take care of business - they've lost too many games to sub-par teams and have fallen back behind the Bucs and Panthers in the NFC South.

Phil says: Atlanta coming off a loss is a vulnerable team. If they show any weakness, especially in the running game this Thanksgiving, the Lions are going to stuff them like the birds they are.

Josh says: Let me just say that I love Thanksgiving football. The DVD is finally healthy again. Kevin Jones should have been in our midseason report as one of the biggest busts of the season.

Denver (8-2) at Dallas (7-3) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Denver Denver Denver Denver

Pratik says: Denver is going to destroy Dallas with their running game, attacking defense and a miraculously mistake free Jake Plummer. Mark my words, Bill Parcells will be really, really mad at practice this week.

Abe says: If any team in the NFL has a team nice enough to beat out the Colts for the Super Bowl title, it's the Broncos. Dallas has put up decent performances, but their defense is suspect and they are coming off two straight short weeks.

Phil says: Even at home the Cowboys stand little chance against the invading Broncos. Champ Bailey will clamp down on Terry Glenn and Broncos front seven will stuff Marion Barber and Julius Jones. Dallas gets gobbled by Denver.

Josh says: Drew Bledsoe struggled last week and Marion Barber carried the Cowboys. If it comes down to who runs the ball better, the Broncos will definitely win.

Sunday, November 27, 2005

Baltimore (3-7) at Cincinnati (7-3) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati Cincinnati

Pratik says: The chances of Baltimore winning this game are roughly equivalent to the chances of me growing to be 6'3" and 220 pounds. For those of you not in the know, that's approximately 0.

Abe says: The Bengals can score. The Ravens cannot. Period. I think the Ravens would have a better offense with Pratik at the helm - at least he can throw the long ball.

Phil says: Carson Palmer will throw a few more bombs to Chad Johnson and put this one out of reach early. Johnson's touchdown celebrations should be the most exciting part of this blow out.

Josh says: Chad Johnson had a career day last week against the Colts, and look for Carson Palmer to keep that connection going. What is a Bengal?

Carolina (7-3) at Buffalo (4-6) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Carolina Carolina Carolina Carolina

Pratik says: Jake Delhomme may not be a great quarterback, but even he can't lose if the Panthers defense can contain Willis McGahee. With J.P. Losman at QB for the Bills, there's almost no threat coming from the passing game, that's for sure.

Abe says: The Bills are...well, the Bills are terrible. Honestly, I don't know what to say about this game other than it could get ugly early on. There's always next year, Buffalo fans.

Phil says: Carolina rides Steve Smith and Jake Delhomme to another victory. Remember, when daylight comes, you gotta Delhomme.

Josh says: Jake Delhomme picks himself up from last week's dismal performance against the Bears and picks apart the Bills' defense. "Slay 'Em" Steve...

Chicago (7-3) at Tampa Bay (7-3) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Chicago Chicago Chicago Chicago

Pratik says: Look, I'll admit it, I haven't given Chicago nearly the respect it deserves, mainly because of its affiliation with the NFC North, but now, I have to give them some props. Tampa Bay has gotten lucky for two weeks in a row and this week, Lady Luck is entertaining another suitor (it'd better be Washington).

Abe says: Chicago has the best defense in football, and it looks like there's no stopping the Bears' playmakers. Chris Simms and the Bucs looked good the last two weeks, but in no way are they even comparable to the Bears, who are starting to look like a legit contender in the NFC.

Phil says: The Bears stay on top of NFC North with another typical Bears win. Defense or special teams scores and keeps them in it. Rookie of the Year candidate Kyle Orton cleans up with a few well-timed TD's and the Bucs go down easy.

Josh says: The Bears' defense is amazing! I don't know how they win games but they just manage to score enough points to win. Look for the same storyline against the Bucs.

Cleveland (4-6) at Minnesota (5-5) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota

Pratik says: Wow. I really hate how Brad Johnson keeps messing up my picks. So obviously now that I pick him, he's going to lose, right?

Abe says: Okay, so Minnesota can't score on offense. But they have found a way to score on defense and have won three straight. Plus, Brad Johnson is my man.

Phil says: Minnesota's back to five hundred for the first time all season. With a little offensive production, my preseason pick of a Super Bowl run might not be so far off.

Josh says: Minnesota has confused me every week. I've had trouble picking Vikings games all year, but this week is the easiest Vikings game to pick all year. It's time to continue my weekly tradition of giving a player a new nickname. Newly knighted Shaun Alexander "The Great" ran for three touchdowns last week. This week, the name goes to Brad "the Fad" Johnson. It's self-explanatory.

New England (6-4) at Kansas City (6-4) - 4:05 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick New England Kansas City Kansas City Kansas City

Pratik says: Kansas City lost to Buffalo. Enough said.

Abe says: Tony G, L-Jizzle and the X-Factor? Even without Priest the Beast the Chiefs can blow up on offense. New England deserves respect, but their stock is falling quicker than Josh's GPA.

Phil says: Larry Johnson showed up last week on Sunday night with a stunning 211-yard demolition of the Houston Texans. A banged-up Patriots defense won't be able to contain such a prolific back and if the Chiefs can stop Tom Brady this one should go down in the win column.

Josh says: A tough game, but I think Larry Johnson proves to be the difference. At Arrowhead stadium I think the Chiefs run over the Pats. Tom Brady continues to play well for the Pats but can't muster up enough offense to take the game for New England.

San Diego (6-4) at Washington (5-5) - 4:05 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick San Diego Washington San Diego Washington

Pratik says: Ugh...The Redskins are just stinking up the joint.

Abe says: Welcome Back, Mr. Marty! The Redskins rebound from an embarrassing loss to the Raiders last week, riding CP to victory. However, beware of the loss of Mike Sellers. Sellers was the 'Skins touchdown machine, averaging nearly a touchdown per catch and/or carry.

Phil says: This marks the first time that I have picked against the Skins. It pains me to do so, but after such a pathetic showing against the Raiders I can't see the Redskins putting up enough points to keep up with LT and the Chargers.

Josh says: I continue my streak of picking Washington in games that they probably won't win.

San Francisco (2-8) at Tennessee (2-8) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee Tennessee

Pratik says: Tennessee is going to win. Why? Because they're playing the 49ers.

Abe says: Doesn't Chris Brown have a new CD coming out soon?

Phil says: Don't watch it. This is just another match up in which the loser is that much closer to getting Reggie Bush or Matt Leinart. The 49ers with Bush and Alex Smith: now that would be worth watching. But really, who cares?

Josh says: This game has about as much star-studded talent in it as Abe in a horseback-riding contest.

St. Louis (4-6) at Houston (1-9) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick St. Louis St. Louis Houston St. Louis

Pratik says: Even the Rams can't screw this one up. Or can they?

Abe says: Picking Houston would be like me picking a fight with Mike Tyson - dumb.

Josh says: The Houston secondary is atrocious. I could play cornerback for them. Well, maybe not against Torry Holt. He's the lock fantasy player of the week.

Jacksonville (7-3) at Arizona (3-7) - 4:05 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Jacksonville Jacksonville Jacksonville Jacksonville

Pratik says: Byron Leftwich is a beast. Period.

Abe says: Put a Jaguar and a Cardinal in a room and there's no way the Card comes out alive. Just like in this game, when Byron "Ain't Lyin'" Leftwich and friends saute Kurt Warner and the birds under the hot Arizona sun.

Phil says: Jaguars will own the Cardinals in the desert. Byron Leftwitch and Matt Jones are starting to build the chemistry that should be apparent Sunday. A big game by the duo should win this one for the Jags.

Josh says: That was weird. The Cardinals won last week. Before I go further let me just say that Arizona will not win two consecutive games - ever.

Miami (3-7) at Oakland (4-6) - 4:05 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Oakland Oakland Miami Oakland

Pratik says: Oakland actually winning two in a row? It could happen, really.

Abe says: I saw too much offense from the Raiders last week at FedEx, and Randy Moss barely even touched the ball. Jerry Porter could be the NFL's best complimentary receiver.

Phil says: Oakland beat the Redskins and I still can't figure out how that happened. Miami - even though Nick Saban has publicly given up on the season - can beat the Raiders. How did the Redskins lose to this team?

Josh says: The Silver and Black are dominant at home. I have to pick them against Miami since they beat my 'Skins last week.

Green Bay (2-8) at Philadelphia (4-6) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Philadelphia Philadelphia Philadelphia Philadelphia

Pratik says: It's amazing how bad both of these teams are even though the "experts" predicted for them to compete for the division titles in their respective divisions.

Abe says: Mike "Da Man" McMahon leads Philly over the Pack. At this point, the Packers seriously need to consider playing Aaron Rodgers. When you spend a first round pick on a quarterback and your record is 2-8...play the kid.

Phil says: Wow. These teams represent how far the best can fall in the NFL. Both teams have made the playoffs the last few years but are at the bottom of their respective divisions. Both teams have lost stars on offense and have nothing to fall back on. Since Green Bay just lost their third running back, I'll give this one to the Eagles.

Josh says: I'm just going with my gut.

New York Giants (7-3) at Seattle (8-2) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Seattle Seattle New York Seattle

Pratik says: Seattle has quietly become one of the best teams in the league behind Shaun Alexander "the Great" and Matt "I know my brother's wife is hotter, but I'm actually winning games" Hasselbeck. They should be able to care of the suddenly mistake prone Eli Manning and the Giants.

Abe says: Seattle is 5-0 at home. The Giants lost to the Vikings. I could continue, but why waste your time?

Phil says: This one should be great. Two amazing offensives face off in a battle that might be a preview to a late round playoff match up. The Giant's defense has a knack for playing well in big games and with the "Real" Manning at the helm I can't see how they will lose.

Josh says: Shaun Alexander is a touchdown machine. I got to take the birds on Thanksgiving weekend.

New Orleans (2-8) at New York Jets (2-8) - 8:30 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick New Orleans New Orleans New York New York

Pratik says: I hereby crown the Jets as the winners of the Leinart Bowl.

Abe says: Yuck. Two teams decimated by injuries and plagued by inconsistency. Again, I defer to the sweetness of the jerseys, and the Saints crush in that department.

Phil says: At home Curtis Martin shows flashes of his past brilliance. Jets win by letting him carry them on his back.

Josh says: I have to disagree with Abe on the jersey debate. The Jets look smooth in their white and green jerseys. What is that gross color on the Saints' jerseys anyways? They don't make that in a crayola color.

Monday, November 21, 2005

Pittsburgh (7-3) at Indianapolis (10-0) - 9:00 p.m.

Pratik's Pick Abe's Pick Phil's Pick Josh's Pick Indianapolis Pittsburgh Indianapolis Indianapolis

Pratik says: The Steelers lost to Baltimore. That's inexcusable.

Abe says: Mark my words: the Colts' unbeaten streak ends this week. Why? The Steelers have beaten the Colts nine straight times, including postseason matchups - the longest current streak by one NFL against another. Plus, Big Ben is back this week. So let's try this again: Indy goes down! Indy goes down!

Phil says: Can Indy go undefeated? With six games left it looks feasible, but with a stretch facing four straight above .500 teams culminating in a face off with San Diego, it might just be impossible. This week is definitely a challenge but I just don't see the Steelers front seven containing Edgerrin James, opening up holes in the secondary for Manning to exploit. The Colts stay perfect.

Josh says: I would pick Pittsburgh if Ben Roethlisberger were healthy and the Colts didn't have Peyton, Starvin' Marvin and The Edge. Colts' three-headed monster + revamped defense = 1972 Dolphins.