Week 12 Pick'em

Vikings @ Redskins (+2)
Leslie Frazier takes over the sinking ship in Minny.  While they are out of the playoffs, I expect them to play loose and come away with a win like the Cowboys did with Jason Garret.

Straight Up: Vikings
Spread: Vikings (-2)

Steelers @ Bills (+7)
The Steelers are coming off a convincing win over the Raiders.  The Bills are playing teams tough lately and Ryan Fitzpatrick is proving that smarts can overcome physical talent at the quarterback position.  Still, I like the Steelers to cover because of solid defence.

Straight Up: Steelers
Spread: Steelers (-7)

Titans @ Texans (-6)
Bill Simmons wrote a great article on why the 2010 NFL MVP is WIPQATT (whoever is playing quarterback against the Texans).  This week, that's Rusty Smith?  I expect him to be a tad rusty.

Straight Up: Texans
Spread: Titans (+6)

Jaguars @ Giants (-7)
The Giants need to get back on track if they want to remain in the hunt.  The receiving core is banged up and Eli has been less accurate in recent weeks.  I want to take the Jags, but they typically don't play as well in the cold weather.

Straight Up: Giants
Spread: Jaguars (+7)

Panthers @ Browns (-9)
The Panthers have not shown any resolve this season and John Fox will be gone at the end of the season.  The Browns turn to Jake Delhomme this week, which should prove disastrous.  He should be due for a few picks and that should keep it close to cover the spread.

Straight Up: Browns
Spread:  Panthers (+9)

Packers @ Falcons (-1.5)
A great showdown for NFC supremacy.  Matt Ryan is 18-1 in the Georgia Dome but Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are playing great offence and defence.  This should be a 4th quarter thriller, but I'll take Matty Ice at home.

Straight Up: Falcons
Spread: Falcons (-1.5)

Dolphins @ Raiders (-2.5)
Both these teams are hard to evaluate.  They play well one week and then lay an egg the next.  The difference is, the Dolphins haven't been able to run the ball with the same effectiveness as they have in the last few years.  Run DMC has finally come to the party in Oakland.

Straight Up: Raiders
Spread: Raiders (-2.5)

Chiefs @ Seahawks (+2)
The Seahawks play great at home.  Matt Cassel doesn't have the arm strength to take over a game in the North West.  Enjoy two future superstars at safety in this one: Eric Berry and Earl Thomas.

Straight Up: Seahawks
Spread: Seahawks (+2)

Bucs @ Ravens (-7)
The Bucs just keep winning.  This is a tough road test for a young team but they have been up to the challenge in most and are coming off a shutout.  Ravens should win, but I really like the Bucs to cover.

Straight Up: Ravens
Spread: Bucs (+7)

Eagles @ Bears (+3.5)
I'm torn.  The Bears defence has been exceptional against the run and they have enough speed in their front seven to contain Vick.  The issue is, I don't think their secondary is strong enough and you can count on Vick to create time for his receivers on more than one occasion in this one.

Straight Up: Eagles
Spread: Eagles (-3.5)

Rams @ Broncos (-3.5)
The Broncos got their butts kicked on Monday, but they are at home against a mediocre opponent.  Mile High is one of the toughest places to play.

Straight Up: Broncos
Spread: Broncos (-3.5)

Chargers @ Colts (-2.5)
Sunday night shootout.  The Colts are a different team in the dome and the big question will be whether or not Freeney and Mathis can get to Rivers before he can get guys open down the field.  I can't go against Manning in primetime at home.

Straight Up: Colts
Spread: Colts (-2.5)

Niners @ Cardinals (+1)
Both teams have been terrible.

Straight Up: Niners
Spread: Niners (-1)

Season Straight Up: 92-70
Season vs Spread: 71-86-5