NFL Picks: 2011 Season, Week 12

We’ve reached Turkey Week—probably our favorite week of the regular season, with a huge meal followed by non-stop football for the rest of the day.  Even the fact that we have to watch the Packers and Cowboys today can’t ruin it.

Last week we managed to split the four games we picked differently, meaning I remain two back for the season.  I’ve lost track of our overall records, but we’re still picking ahead of several national “experts” with our 10-4 last week.  This week, even just the Thursday games provide two games that we go different ways on, followed by two more on Sunday, making for another interesting week.

Game of the Week – Thursday Edition: San Francisco @ Baltimore – The battle of the Harbaugh’s pitches one of the best in the AFC vs. one of the best in the NFC. Should be a good matchup for the late game on Thursday.

Game of the Week: NY Giants @ New Orleans – Another interesting matchup on Monday night, between two teams that could be vying to host a first round playoff game, or if their cards play out just right, possibly even a shot at a first round bye.

Game of the Weak: Carolina @ Indianapolis – There seem to be a plethora of bad games every week to choose from, and this week is really no different—from terrible teams matching up (Arizona @ St. Louis, Washington @ Seattle) to one-sided matchups (Pittsburgh @ Kansas City, Minnesota @ Atlanta).  But the cream of the crop is Carolina @ Indianapolis—last year’s first overall pick (Cam Newton) vs. the team with a two game lead on this year’s first overall pick.  In theory the Panthers have the significant edge, having been played better all season—but they’ve still managed to lose 8 of their 10 games. The Colts have been…brutal. All season. This one doesn’t have a chance of getting ugly—it’s guaranteed to be ugly.