Community member, Sportswriter32, is being featured in this article. He has written his preview for Week 12 of the NFL season. Do you agree with his predictions?
Week 12 Preview
Hearing that the Bengals did not win is not a surprise. Hearing that they won a game is an even bigger surprise, but who in their right mind could have predicted they would leave Week 11 with a 13-13 tie to Philadelphia. This week the Bengals have to face a fierce Steelers defense that they will be lucky to score 13 points against, expect a big win by Pittsburgh over division rival Cincinnati.
Pittsburgh defeats Cincinnati.
I bet Eagles fans didn’t foresee a tie in their future, but that’s just what Philadelphia did when they ended in a 13-13 time to Cincinnati last week. If the Eagles thought the Bengals 20th ranked defense was tough, then wait till they meet Baltimore who has the leagues 3rd ranked defense. Expect another rough outing from Philadelphia quarterback Donovan McNabb in a Ravens win.
Baltimore defeats Philadelphia.
An adequate way would to describe the Houston Texans would seem to be a three quarter team. And Sunday in Indianapolis was no different when the Texans blew a 13-9 halftime lead in the second half only to wind up loosing 33-27. Houston’s opponent Cleveland defeated Buffalo Monday night thanks to a 56 yard game winning field goal by kicker Phil Dawson with less then a minute to play. Look for Houston to get in a shootout with Cleveland and this time end up on the right side of the final score. Expect another big game from Texans running back Steve Slaton.
Houston defeats Cleveland.
Restoring an old rivalry is always fun. When Dallas takes on San Francisco, one should expect nothing less than a great game. While the 49ers have been less than decent this season and the Cowboys are still banged up, they can make a competitive game. Look for a hard fought game with a big showing from running backs Frank Gore and Marion Barber. Look for San Francisco to pull out the so-called upset.
San Francisco defeats Dallas.
Thanks to an underrated offense and the leagues 5th ranked defense the Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves at 7-3 heading into Sundays game against Detroit. With a strong dose of running backs Warrick Dunn and Ernest Graham who have combined for nearly a 1000 rushing yards on the season look for Tampa Bay to run through Detroit’s defense.
Tampa Bay defeats Detroit.
Now that Jacksonville is more than likely out of the playoff picture they have nothing to loose. Look for the Jaguars to keep up their streak of inconsistent play and win against Minnesota on the back of Maurice Jones-Drew who has scored five touchdowns in the past two games. Look for the Jags to stack the box, shut down Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, and test quarterback Gus Frerotte against what will be a hungry Jaguars secondary.
Jacksonville defeats Minnesota.
Kansas City is improving, but Buffalo is in desperate need of a win in order to keep their playoff hopes alive. For the Bills to beat Kansas City, quarterback Trent Edwards must have a better game than his 3-interception performance last week. Look for a big game from Buffalo running back Marshawn Lynch in a close win.
Buffalo defeats Kansas City.
With close wins over Seattle and Oakland, it is reasonable to think that Miami may be in some trouble when they take on a sub par New England team. Look for Patriots quarterback Matt Cassel to have a big day against an inconsistent Dolphins secondary. Miami will get a running game going but it will be their secondary that them down.
New England defeats Miami.
Chicago is another team in desperate need of a win and their opponent St. Louis has been beyond bad the past few weeks. The Rams have surrendered a combined 82 points the past two weeks, which is good news for a struggling Bears offense that is looking to get back on the right foot.
Chicago defeats St. Louis.
Just when the Titans looked as if they would loose their first game they came back. Down 14-3 at halftime against Jacksonville, it was Titans quarterback Kerry Collins that answered the call for help throwing three touchdowns in the come from behind win. This week the Titans take on a Jets team that has won four straight. Look for Tennessee to entertain their toughest challenge of the season but in the end the Titans will remain undefeated.
Tennessee defeats New York Jets.
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Denver takes on division rival Oakland Sunday in what should be a lopsided affair. The Broncos take on an Oakland team that is depleted in every sense of the word. Expect a breakout game from Denver quarterback Jay Cutler and the Broncos offense in a big win.
Denver defeats Oakland.
Atlanta’s feel good story may be deflating and do not expect any air to be added to it when the Falcons take on 8-2 Carolina. Look for Carolina to establish a running game with Stewart and Williams while the defense gives Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan some difficult looks all game long.
Carolina defeats Atlanta.
Arguably, the NFC’s best offense takes on the NFC’s best defense when the New York Giants take on the Arizona Cardinals. Expect a big game from the Giants three headed monster they call a running game. Arizona quarterback Kurt Warner will have a big game, but the defense will not be able to keep up with the Giants physical offense.
New York defeats Arizona.
Expect Clinton Portis and the Redskins offense to rebound against Seattle after two consecutive weeks of horrible offensive performances. The key to Washington winning this game will rest upon the shoulders of quarterback Jason Campbell and how many mistakes he does or does not make. Expect a better game from Campbell and for the Redskins to end their recent loosing streak.
Washington defeats Seattle.
The Colts started off bad but are getting hot at just the right time and don’t expect that heat streak to end this week in San Diego. The Chargers like a few another AFC teams with large expectations heading into the season have fallen apart. Colts quarterback Peyton Manning will have another big game and the Colts will move on to three games above 500.
Indianapolis defeats San Diego.
Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers travel to New Orleans to take on Drew Brees and the Saints in what should be a classic NFC shootout. Expect this game to be in the 30-point range and the deciding factor going to the team that has a running game. Expect Green Bay running back Ryan Grant to have another big week and help the Packers maintain a slim division lead.
Green Bay defeats New Orleans.
