Mattie T’s Week 12 NFL Predictions
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on November 25, 2009
Nice and short this week, since i need to save my energy for Thanksgiving dinner! 🙂
Week 11: 12-4
Overall: 102-58 (.638)
Green Bay/Detroit: This game would’ve been more intriguing if Matthew Stafford can play (shoulder), but i think the Packers will roll easy & find ways to harass Daunte Culpepper all afternoon.
Oakland/Dallas: Here’s one way Tony Romo can survive a full 60 minutes with a back injury: keep handing it off to Marion Barber & Felix Jones. Cowboys win big.
N.Y. Giants/Denver: I just don’t trust that Broncos run defense right now. With Ahmad Bradshaw out, look for Brandon Jacobs to return to his physical style of running..which will truly punish Denver in the end. I like the Giants here.
Tampa Bay/Atlanta: If Michael Turner doesn’t play, Jason Snelling will run wild on Sunday. Plus, Matt Ryan has only lost one home game in his entire NFL career. Falcons in a laugher.
Washington/Philadelphia: Washington has been getting more competitive, but you wonder how many running backs they have left after the season-ending injury to Ladell Betts. Anyone have John Riggins’ phone number handy? Anyways, my pick is for the Eagles.
Carolina/N.Y. Jets: Both of these teams have struggling quarterbacks, but i think the Jets will have just enough to slow down Carolina’s running attack even with ex-teammate Kris Jenkins on injured reserve. Looking for the Jets to get a home win on Sunday.
Seattle/St. Louis: The Rams are a mess. Marc Bulger will be out 3-6 weeks with a broken left shin bone, while Steven Jackson is day-to-day with back spasms. If Jackson can’t go, can the Rams seriously score an offensive touchdown on Sunday? My pick is for Seattle.
Miami/Buffalo: Miami finally proved last week that they can move the ball without relying on the Wildcat. Ricky Williams should have another big day against a porous Bills defense. When Terrell Owens’ season-high 197 yard effort isn’t even enough to get a win, you know it’s been a long season for Buffalo fans. Taking the Dolphins here on the road.
Cleveland/Cincinnati: Bengals should welcome the return of Cedric Benson on Sunday, while Carson Palmer could have a similar type effort that Matthew Stafford showed last week…let’s not forget that Palmer has already tossed 5 touchdown passes in a home game earlier this season vs. the Bears. My pick is with Cincinnati.
Indianapolis/Houston: I’d pick the Texans to hand Indy their first loss, but apparently Kris Brown is scared of making end-of-game clutch field goals to send it into overtime. I have a sense this game will be close, but the Colts squeak it out to go 11-0.
Jacksonville/San Francisco: I’d love to pick the Jaguars, but they seem to struggle out on the West Coast (see their 41-0 dud to Seattle earlier this season). 49ers are due for another home win & i like their receiving game with emerging tight end Vernon Davis. I like San Francisco here.
Kansas City/San Diego: Alas, the Chargers are back in 1st place! I don’t see any type of letdown against a Chiefs team that absolutely stunned Pittsburgh last week. Philip Rivers is on a roll and LT has shown some punch since finding out after his upcoming fatherhood. San Diego keeps it rollin’ with another win.
Arizona/Tennessee: Really tough game to predict, since we’re not sure how effective Kurt Warner will be following his concussion. Tennessee will pound the ball with Chris Johnson, who will face a very good Cardinals run defense. Let’s not be mistaken here though, as it was just 3 weeks when Carolina destroyed Arizona for over 200 yards rushing. Johnson is capable of doing that BY HIMSELF. Tennessee in a close one for their 5th straight win.
Chicago/Minnesota: Bears are really slumping with 5 losses in their last 6, and Minnesota isn’t the ideal opponent to take their frustrations out on. Favre has been amazing with 21 touchdowns to only 3 picks, but i sense the Bears will pick him off at least once on Sunday. Still, they’ll have to deal with Adrian Peterson & a ferocious pass rush led by Jared Allen that will probably be too much for Chicago to overcome. Going with the Vikings here.
Pittsburgh/Baltimore: Steelers might lack the swagger of last season’s Super Bowl winning team, but keep this in mind. Ben Roethlisberger has only lost 3 straight starts just ONCE in his 6-year career. With that being said, i think he’ll bounce back on Sunday & provide a clutch performance to give Pittsburgh a much-needed win.
New England/New Orleans: I’m sensing this one quickly turns into a shootout, but Tom Brady has the weapons to expliot a Saints secondary that’s been struggling as of late. If it’s close late, i know Belichick won’t make that same “4th & 2” gaffe for a 2nd time in the last 3 weeks. Picking for New England to hand New Orleans their first loss of the season.
