With week 12 kicking off tomorrow on Turkey Day, I thought it would be interesting to start a new segment in which I pick the winners of this week's game both straight up and against the spread. I'm no expert when it comes to this, but it should be fun. Feel free to copy/paste into the comment box with your own picks.
Also, check out Big Blue View and his picks to see how we end up comparing.
Green Bay at Detroit (+3)
Detroit is tough to predict, but Green Bay has consistently beaten opponents all season long. Expect the Packers to be 10-1 heading into next Thursday's intriguing matchup against the Cowboys. Picks: Green Bay wins and covers spread.
NY Jets at Dallas (-14)
Dallas is a big favorite in this one and for good reason. With the Tony Romo-Terrell Owens connection at its peak, the Cowboys offense is nearly unstoppable. Expect a big win for Dallas, too, especially with the number one seed up for grabs. Picks: Dallas wins and covers the spread.
Indianapolis (-12) at Atlanta
Indianapolis has been winning close games because of the onslaught of injuries that has crippled the team. Fortunately they face an Atlanta team that can't produce a good offense. Expect the Colts to get back on track with a big victory. Picks: Indianapolis wins and covers spread.
Denver at Chicago (-2)
Denver is hot right now and with the division in reach (they're tied with San Diego) they'll be clawing for the lead. Chicago, meanwhile, doesn't look intimidating on offense or defense. Picks: Denver wins and covers spread.
Tennessee at Cincinnati (+1)
Tennessee needs a win to stay in the Wild Card race and perhaps even the division race. Cincinnati, on the other hand, can't play defense to save its life. Expect a solid performance from Vince Young and a win to go Tennessee's way. Picks: Tennessee wins and covers spread.
Buffalo (+7.5) at Jacksonville
Buffalo's win streak ended abruptly on Sunday Night Football against New England. Don't expect them to bounce back against this physical Jacksonville squad looking to keep Indianapolis on its toes. Picks: Jacksonville wins and covers spread.
Oakland (+5) at Kansas City
Playing Kansas City at home is never an easy win, especially for the Oakland Raiders. Expect the Chiefs to win to stay in the division race while Oakland's quarterback situation is hazy. Picks: Kansas City wins and covers spread.
Houston (+3.5) at Cleveland
Cleveland's hot offense should get a victory against Houston, though it figures to be a good game. Picks: Cleveland wins, but Houston covers spread.
Seattle (-3) at St. Louis
St. Louis is starting to pull itself together, to some extent at least. Unfortunately, Seattle has no intentions of giving up a game like this with Arizona on its heels. Picks: Seattle wins and covers spread.
Minnesota (+7.5) at NY Giants
Minnesota's Chester Taylor has been playing great football, good enough to carry Minnesota's offense without Adrian Peterson. Expect Eli Manning and Co. to get a fairly close victory. Picks: New York wins the game, but Minnesota covers the spread.
New Orleans (-3) at Carolina
Carolina is starting Testaverde again at quarterback, rather than a healthy David Carr. It's an interesting decision, but I don't think it will win the game for the Panthers. Picks: New Orleans wins and covers the spread.
Washington at Tampa Bay (-3)
Tampa Bay is playing sound, smart football. No mistakes on offense equals wins for the team. Expect another against this inconsistent Redskins team. Picks: Tampa Bay wins and covers spread.
San Francisco (+10) at Arizona
Arizona a 10 point favorite? Never thought I'd see the day. And it's a game I don't think the Cardinals will win big, at least not by 10. Still, a win should go the way of Whisenhunt. Picks: Arizona wins, but San Francisco covers the spread.
Baltimore (+9) at San Diego
Baltimore will be no match for San Diego at home, though the Chargers have been giving games away, apparently not concerned with what was a safe division lead. Expect a win this weekend, though. Picks: San Diego wins, but Baltimore covers spread.
Philadelphia at New England (-22)
New England a 22 point favorite? Is that it? In all seriousness, however, I don't know if the Patriots will win by more than three touchdowns. Should be yet another notch in the belt for Belichick and Co. Picks: New England wins, but Philadelphia covers spread.
Miami (+16) at Pittsburgh
Is this really Monday Night Football? Pittsburgh will win this game easily and push the Dolphins closer to an 0-16 season. Picks: Pittsburgh wins and covers spread.
Feel free to leave your picks below. Just copy/paste the below portion into the comment box:
Green Bay at Detroit (+3)
NY Jets at Dallas (-14)
Indianapolis (-12) at Atlanta
Denver at Chicago (-2)
Tennessee at Cincinnati (+1)
Buffalo (+7.5) at Jacksonville
Oakland (+5) at Kansas City
Houston (+3.5) at Cleveland
Seattle (-3) at St. Louis
Minnesota (+7.5) at NY Giants
New Orleans (-3) at Carolina
Washington at Tampa Bay (-3)
San Francisco (+10) at Arizona
Baltimore (+9) at San Diego
Philadelphia at New England (-22)
Miami (+16) at Pittsburgh