WUNKLE’S PICKS FOR WEEK 12

While last week’s picks weren’t the absolute train wreck from two weeks ago, I really need to do better than 7-7 if I’m going to maintain any credibility. At any rate, my season record pushes on to a season low of 81-43 (65.3%). So here goes nothing for week twelve.

Philadelphia at Detroit: The NFC East is pathetic and so unpredictable from week to week. I’ll go with the home team on this one. Final score: Lions 24 – Eagles 20.

Carolina at Dallas: I hear all the “pundits” saying how Dallas has the advantage because they play every Thanksgiving. I say talent trumps everything. Final score:  Panthers 31 – Cowboys 23.

Chicago at Green Bay: I cannot in good conscience go against the Packers in spite of their recent struggles – particularly when they’re at home. Final score: Packers 31 – Bears 17.

New Orleans at Houston: Let’s see . . . Drew Brees or TJ Yates? Hm. . . Final score:  Saints 31 – Texans 16.

St. Louis at Cincinnati: Bengals bounce back after losing two straight. Final score: Bengals 34 – Rams 24.

Minnesota at Atlanta: I’m just not buying the Falcons as a contender anymore. Final score: Vikings 31 – Falcons 27.

New York Giants at Washington: This one could get ugly, folks. Final score: Giants 24 – Redskins 20.

Tampa Bay at Indianapolis: If Andrew Luck were not out with an injury, I’d think this game would be a little easier to pick. Matt Hasselbeck is undefeated as a starter this season, but that string ends this week. Final score: Buccaneers 31 – Colts 27.

Buffalo at Kansas City: Somehow, I just have a feeling that Rex Ryan will find a way to get his players to eek out a road win this week. Final score: Bills 27 – Chiefs 20.

Oakland at Tennessee: I know they’re traveling to Eastern time, but I think the Raiders are up to the task of getting a road win against a team that even Cleveland beat. Final score: Raiders 31 – Titans 20.

San Diego at Jacksonville: The Chargers have really fallen and have to travel to Eastern time. Final score: Jaguars 26 – Chargers 20.

Miami at New York Jets: The Fins will be looking to even the score from their loss in London. Final score: Dolphins 31 – Jets 23.

Arizona at San Francisco: Cardinals get back on a roll at the 49ers expense. Final score: Cardinals 31 – 49ers 13.

Pittsburgh at Seattle: Beast Mode is out, but the 12th man is very much in the house. Final score: Seahawks 27 – Steelers 24.

New England at Denver: This will  be close, but I think that the Pats will do enough for the road win – in spite of the altitude. Final score: Patriots 31 – Broncos 27.

Baltimore at Cleveland: This will be the game that prison inmates will be forced to watch. If it weren’t already scheduled for a Monday night, the networks would be flexing this one out of prime time television. The Ravens injury list looks longer than that of a M*A*S*H unit infirmary, yet I still give them a chance only because the Browns are that bad defensively. Strangely enough, the Browns have an opportunity to push their divisional record to 2-2 with a win. These teams could be heading into overtime again – just like their last match up. Final score: Ravens 33 – Browns 30.