Week 12 NFL Picks: The Vikings Bounce Back vs. Bears
Thanksgiving Day proved to be a perfect day for the picks as we went 3-0 on Thursday.
However, I definitely overthought the Black Friday game between the Jets and Dolphins. There was no such resurgence for the Jets offense under Tim Boyle, which prevented us from a 4-0 start to the weekend. Still, there are plenty of games to get us back on track for the weekend. Before the rest of the Week 12 NFL picks. here is a look back at how we did over the past two days:
- Packers +7.5 (W)
- Cowboys -11 (W)
- 49ers -7 (W)
- Jets +10 (L)
Season Record: 82-88-6
New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons
- Spread: Saints -1.5
- O/U: 41.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Falcons +1.5
The Saints will be without both Marshon Lattimore and Michael Thomas for this game, limiting them in terms of their playmakers. New Orleans has struggled against the run all season as well, which could mean a big game for Bijan Robinson is coming. The Falcons will take this game and hop back into the NFC South lead.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
- Spread: Steelers -2.5
- O/U: 35.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Steelers -2.5
Without Joe Burrow, the Bengals are going to struggle to move the ball against this Steelers defense. Pittsburgh finally decided to move on from Matt Canada as offensive coordinator as well, offering hope for a new beginning with this offense. Steelers take it.
Carolina Panthers at Tennessee Titans
- Spread: Titans -3.5
- O/U: 36.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Titans -3.5
Neither Will Levis or Bryce Young are in great situations with a couple below average offensive lines. However, the Titans defense is far better than that of the Panthers, so they should be able to pull this game out.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Indianapolis Colts
- Spread: Colts -2.5
- O/U: 44.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Colts -2.5
The Colts offense was clicking prior to their bye outside of a Week 10 victory over the Patriots where they won 10-6. However, that game was in Germany. Indy is back at home now, and the Buccaneers won’t be able to keep up.
New England Patriots at New York Giants
- Spread: Patriots -3.5
- O/U: 33.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Giants +3.5
The Patriots offense is a mess right now. They’ve been unable to score 20 points in eight of their 10 games this season while the defense hasn’t been particularly great, either. Tommy DeVito has played well recently, so the Giants can cover this spread at the very least.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans
- Spread: Jaguars -2
- O/U: 47.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Jaguars -2
This is a huge game between two teams competing for an AFC South championship and potentially a high playoff seed. Rookie C.J. Stroud has been incredible this season, but after Houston stole the previous matchup between these two teams. Jacksonville will come ready to play. In a big moment, Trevor Lawrence and Co. gets the job done.
Cleveland Browns at Denver Broncos
- Spread: Broncos -1.5
- O/U: 36.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Broncos -1.5
The Denver defense has caused fits for opponents during their four-game winning streak. This weekend, rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson is in a tough spot against that unit on the road. The Broncos offense has been making plays at the right times, and they get the job done again.
Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
- Spread: Rams -2.5
- O/U: 44.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Rams -2.5
Cooper Kupp will be back on the field for Los Angeles this weekend, and they are coming off an impressive comeback victory over the Seahawks last weekend. Kyler Murray’s return has rejuvenated the Cardinals offense a touch, but their defense can’t stop anybody.
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
- Spread: Chiefs -10
- O/U: 43.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Raiders +10
The receiving woes have been apparent for the Chiefs all season long. Now, they have to go against a Raiders defense that has been playing some fantastic football in recent weeks. Las Vegas may not win this AFC West rivalry game, but they can at least keep it interesting at home.
Buffalo Bills at Philadelphia Eagles
- Spread; Eagles -3
- O/U: 48.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Bills +3
This is an excellent opportunity for the Bills to remind everyone that they are still one of the best teams in the league. Philadelphia is on a short week after their hard-fought Monday night victory over the Chiefs while Buffalo cruised to a win over the Jets. There is no better time than now for the Bills to steal one on the road.
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers
- Spread; Ravens -3.5
- O/U: 48.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Ravens -3.5
The Chargers consistently find goofy ways to lose games, but they could be in line for a beatdown this Sunday night. The Ravens defense continues to prove that they belong near the top of the NFL. Even though Mark Andrews will not be available as a pass-catching option, Isaiah Likely has proven he can fill in at the tight end spot. Ravens win big.
Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings
- Spread: Vikings -3
- O/U: 43.5 points
Frey’s Pick: Vikings -3
The Vikings could’ve and should’ve won against the Broncos last Sunday night. A couple silly mistakes ultimately led to the loss, but against an inferior Bears team, they will find a way to get back on track on Monday night.
Vikings Have Quite the Win Streak vs. Bears
Josh Frey is a Class of 2020 graduate of The College of Idaho and managing editor of PurplePTSD.com. When he’s not writing about the NFL, Josh enjoys running, gaming, or rooting for the Milwaukee Brewers and Bucks. Check out his Twitter account: @Freyed_Chicken.
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