# NFL Predictions Week 12 **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [November 28, 2001, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761 "2001-11-28T19:15:00Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 7:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/1 "2001-11-28T19:15:00Z")
Oh my, I just realized there’s a game tomorrow night. How did I miss that one? Well, this week will be entirely off the cuff – **Eagles 24 at Chiefs 16** (Eagles by 3) Man, I wish I had realized earlier that there was a Thursday game because a friend of mine mentioned how if you bet, always take the “over” on Thursday games because the defense doesn’t have time to prepare for the opponent. I wanted to do some research and pull out some great statistic for everyone. Maybe I’ll have time for that tonight. The o/u is 37, BTW. **Broncos 17 at Dolphins 27** ('Phins by 3) I look for the Dolphins to do a lot of throwing in this one. Rod Smith is doubtful at this point. **Colts 24 at Ravens 27** (Ravens by 7) Even the Ravens should be able to score at will on the Colts pathertice defense, but I can’t see them covering that spread. **Panthers 10 at Saints 31** (Saints by 10) The Panthers haven’t won since week one. And I don’t see that changing any time real soon. **Vikings 17 at Steelers 27** (Steelers by 7) Let’s see, it’s not a Monday night game, so Moss will only put in any effort on 17% of the plays. **Patriots 21 at Jets 20** (Jets by 3) I still don’t have any respect for this Jets team. How they have that record is beyond me. **Rams 35 at Falcons 20** (Rams by 8) In a dome, after a loss. Time for that Ram offensive machine to come back to life. **Bucs 17 at Bengals 10** (Bucs by 6) If the defense plays like it did on Monday night, the Bucs could blank the Cincy crew. But there’s always the Corey Dillon factor. This guy can explode at any given moment. He is the epitome of “boom or bust.” **Titans 24 at Browns 23** (Browns by 1) I’ve really been kind of a closet Browns fan this year, but I think the Titans realize that this could be their absolutely last chance to make a move for the playoffs. **Lions 10 at Bears 24** (Bears by 7 1/2) Traditionally, I believe, the Lions do well in Chicago, but I don’t have the guts to call the upset. Sorry. **Chargers 23 at Seahawks 20** (Seattle by 3) Wow, if Tomlinson gets 13 passes thrown his way in this one like he did last week, he could be in for a monster game. **Cardinals 20 at Raiders 28** (Raiders by 13) That spread is too big. Sure, the Cards don’t have much in the way of defense, but their passing game is starting to click against an Oakland squad that has made some mistakes in their passing defense. Look for Boston to have a good game. **Cowboys 6 at Redskins 17** (‘Skins by 8 1/2) Out with Leaf, back in with Carter. The WRs have got to be buggin’ trying to get in sync with all these different QBs. **Bills 27 at 49ers 31** (49ers by 9) I think the 49ers will win this, but I don’t see them covering a spread of 9. VanPelt has shown the Bills faithful that the problem is indeed “Surfer-boy.” **Packers 28 at Jaguars 23** (Pack by 3) The loss of Butler is going to hurt Green Bay for the rest of the year, but the offense should be able to keep this one out of reach of the Jags. OMNI Picks: Hmm, I’ll go with PHI, NO, STL, WAS, and CHI. SURE pick: New Orleans ---
**Author:** ![tiny\_ham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 7:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/2 "2001-11-28T19:19:29Z")
Does everyone fear the Lions like I do? They’ve got to win sometime, don’t they? And don’t y’all get afraid that YOUR TEAM will be the one? Don’t you? :: jarbaby cowers in the corner:: ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 7:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/3 "2001-11-28T19:24:57Z")
Jar, The Lions are coming to Pittsburgh on Dec23 and I hope to god they’ve won by then. I’ve been thinking exactly the same thing. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/4 "2001-11-28T19:42:13Z")
It’s quite frightening. And we have to play the assholes twice. I am to the point where I never feel safe with any of my OMNI picks. The Lions, Bills, and Panthers are all going to win more games this season, and the first two seem to always make it interesting. Damn NFL. ---
**Author:** ![Stuffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/f17d59/32.png) [@Stuffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stuffy)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 7:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/5 "2001-11-28T19:50:49Z")
I’m going to be brave (and yeah I know I said to consficate my keyboard if I chose them before week 17) and go with Detroit over the Bears. I’m also going with the Vikings over the Steelers, Cordell looks too much like a QB these days – Can’t last. ATS Saints Rams Dolphins Eagles Skins Sure: Raiders (Damn that hurts) ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/6 "2001-11-28T20:05:36Z")
Oh, I forgot about my picks. ATS: Bears Browns (even though I’m cheering for TEN) Colts Dolphins Eagles Sure: Rams ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/7 "2001-11-28T22:17:26Z")
ATS: Redskins, Ravens, Eagles, Steelers, Saints. Sure: Redskins. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [November 28, 2001, 10:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/8 "2001-11-28T22:41:24Z")
Actually, I don’t feel all that pusallanimous this week. Confidence, that’s always the kiss of death for me. So, to start with the traditional comparison to **Gazoo** ’s picks: I know the Titans must be desperate, but it’s probably too late. 3 picks by the Cleveland defense in this one… the Eagles will probably rebound, but that’s not the way I’m going. I’ll take the Chefs in that one… so only two different that I see. Scary. This weeks ATS (has anyone gone perfect yet?): Redskins (I can’t believe I just typed that), Browns, Patriots, Steelers, Saints. Sure things: San Francisco ---
**Author:** ![MysterEcks](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f475e1/32.png) [@MysterEcks](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MysterEcks)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 2:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/9 "2001-11-29T02:50:23Z")
What **mouthbreather** and **jarbabyj** said. C’mon, Lions, get that win out of your system. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 4:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/10 "2001-11-29T04:12:41Z")
Same QB question as last week, slightly different variables: Culpepper, on the road, against the Steelers Defense Or Brooks, at home, against the Carolina Defense? Which way do you go? ---
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 1:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/11 "2001-11-29T13:33:52Z")
Carolina is so bad, and the Steelers defense is so good, this is one of the few instances I’d bench Culpepper and go with Brooks. (Of course, you saw how well my advice worked for you last week!) ---
**Author:** ![tiny\_ham](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/a183cd/32.png) [@tiny\_ham](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tiny_ham)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 2:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/12 "2001-11-29T14:52:45Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by MysterEcks \* > \*\*What **mouthbreather** and **jarbabyj** said. C’mon, Lions, get that win out of your system. \*\* But not this week. Thanks ---
**Author:** ![Montfort](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d6d6ee/32.png) [@Montfort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Montfort)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 2:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/13 "2001-11-29T14:59:48Z")
Is it me, or have the Eagles done a lot of ass-kicking in prime time the last two seasons? Last year, their playoff run started with a whipping in Atlanta, and this year, they’ve beaten both Dallas (big deal, but watch Washington fail to do so this week, again) and won in the Meadowlands against the bogeyman, aka the New Jersey Football Giants. So, they’re on tonight, and I expect big things from them. My picks, first ATS: 1. Philly: They’re more than a field goal better than KC. 2. Detroit: You know it’s time for them to win when the Chicago fans are worried. Besides, they’ve been too close too many times. 3. New England: In my list of “not for real” teams, the New Jersey Football Jets are right up there with Washington and Denver. 4. Dallas: This is my upset special of the week. Especially if many of my Washingtonian brethren are upset. 🙂 5. Dolphins: Teams that barely win against Dallas are not good enough to beat Miami. Unless, of course, the Jets barely beat Dallas. Straight-Up: New Orleans. I’m saving the Rams until I really am stuck, but I see a lot of easy wins for teams this week. Time for my own fantasy question. I was kicking ass in a league, starting 8-0, but I’ve lost my last three games to allow a friend to catch me. I need to get back on track. I just traded for Faulk, and I have a plethora of good WRs. I just don’t know who to start. I have a RB position, a WR position, and two WR/RB swing positions. Right now, I have Joe Horn and Faulk in my WR and RB positions, and David Boston and Corey Dillon in my swing positions. Riding the pine I have Rod Smith, Terrell Davis (who I don’t see worth playing this week), Johnnie Morton, and Eric Moulds. My question is, should I unplug Boston and put Smith back in as a WR? ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 3:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/14 "2001-11-29T15:22:20Z")
God, I hate doing this to you guys. But I’m hobbled by some bye week players. I’m stuck between picking two out of Terrell Davis, Michael Westbrook, Terry Glenn and Kevin Dyson. I’m going with TD and Westbrook, but I dunno. Any help? ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 3:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/15 "2001-11-29T15:23:28Z")
FYI, Montfort (from a list email from [footballguys.com](http://footballguys.com)): from a list email from [footballguys.com](http://footballguys.com) > [@](#): > > After missing 32 of Denver’s past 40 games, Davis will be back in the Broncos’ starting lineup Sunday, this time against the Miami Dolphins. > > Davis’ left knee, on which he had arthroscopic surgery this month, is strong enough that Davis said he felt good before Wednesday’s practice. > > \ > > After watching Davis get through Wednesday’s practice in full working order, the expectation is he will be able to play. How much is the question. Shanahan acknowledged it is unlikely Davis will be able to carry a full workload Sunday ---
**Author:** ![mouthbreather](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/a698b9/32.png) [@mouthbreather](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mouthbreather)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/16 "2001-11-29T15:25:39Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Montfort \* > My question is, should I unplug Boston and put Smith back in as a WR? Not in a million years. Boston’s #s make him a top 5 receiver and RSmith is not even practicing today. Munch, I would stick with TD and Westbrook also (ouch). Bye weeks are a bitch, aint they? ---
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 3:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/17 "2001-11-29T15:29:48Z")
**Montfort** - I’d use Boston, Moulds, and Dillon. Rod Smith is _really_ banged up. **Munch** - I like Dyson over Westbrook. He’s been finding the endzone lately. ---
**Author:** ![Gazoo](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/ce73a5/32.png) [@Gazoo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gazoo)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 3:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/18 "2001-11-29T15:31:57Z")
My bad, **Montfort** , I miss understood your line up requirements. Use Boston and Dillon in the swing spots. ---
**Author:** ![Munch](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/munch/32/5281_2.png) [@Munch](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Munch)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 3:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/19 "2001-11-29T15:37:18Z")
God bless you, Gazoo. Also, so I’m not a complete parasite in this thread, I will offer a bit of Thursday night advice. As I learned last week, play a Thursday night kicker. I benched Elam last week, and missed out on 16 points. This week, its Akers all the way. Seems that while the defense doesn’t have a full week to prepare, the offense is still a little sore, and loses some steam around the 20. ---
**Author:** ![RTFirefly](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/c77e96/32.png) [@RTFirefly](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RTFirefly)\ **Post date:** [November 29, 2001, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761/20 "2001-11-29T15:42:09Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Montfort \* > In my list of “not for real” teams, the New Jersey Football Jets are right up there with **Washington** and Denver. > 4. Dallas: This is my upset special of the week. Especially if many of my Washingtonian brethren are upset. 🙂 I’m beginning to think that if the Redskins won the Super Bowl, beating the Eagles 45-0 in the NFC Championship along the way, you’d _still_ find some reason to believe the Redskins weren’t for real, Michael. 🙂 Care to place some sort of bet - maybe a sig-line bet this time - on Redskins-Dallas? Yeah, I know the 'Skins are 8-point favorites, but hey, last week I bet you even-up on 'Skins-Iggles when the _Eagles_ were 8-point favorites. So turnabout and all that. 🙂 [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-predictions-week-12/95761.md?page=2)