Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 12: Turkey Picks
Thanksgiving
The Lions are 8-2 for the first time since 1962. They improved to 9-2 that year by beating the Packers 26-14. It was the only loss the Packers suffered that season on the way to an NFL Championship. The Lions would finish 11-3 and play in the forgotten runner-up Playoff Bowl. Detroit has a three-game lead in the NFC North and is well on its way to a division title as it comes out looking to impress on Thanksgiving.
The Commanders were swept by the Giants, a team that the Cowboys 89-17. Do the math; the only thing that could save this game is if Creed shows up and sings.
Not only did the Seahawks lose to the Rams last week, but they were banged up as Geno Smith and Kenneth Walker III were hurt in the game. Smith returned for the final drive, but Walker did not and could miss multiple weeks. If Seattle were healthy, they would not win this game.
Black Friday
The Jets have made a switch as Tim Boyle will start at quarterback. This move was necessary, as there would have been a team revolt if Zach Wilson had been given another game. The Jets are a team that is dispirited. All the Dolphins need to do is play their normal game, and they should win easily.
Sunday at 1
The Falcons are fading fast as Desmond Ridder has regained the starting quarterback job. It does not matter because the Falcons are misfiring in all directions. Meanwhile, the Saints have the inside lane to win the NFC South. The Saints will win a close one as the trends continue.
Fans are rejoicing all over the Steel City as Matt Canada has been fired from his position as Steelers offensive coordinator. Expect the Steelers to come out strong with the change paying off. Meanwhile, the Bengals face an uphill climb without Joe Burrow to remain in the playoff hunt.
In Week 3, the Texans upset the Jaguars in Jacksonville, with C.J. Stroud earning his first win. The Texans are now a legitimate playoff contender as Stroud is having one of the great rookie seasons for a quarterback. A win and the Texans can take over first place. This could be an exciting game, with the Jaguars winning a close one.
Both teams are on the fringes of playoff contention. The Colts have struggled at home, winning one of their first five games at Lucas Oil Field. The Buccaneers had their chances to win in San Francisco last week and will score an upset to keep their postseason hopes alive.
The Patriots have yet to name a starter for this game, as Mac Jones' time in Foxboro appears to be approaching an end. Meanwhile, Tommy Devito led the Giants to a win over the Commanders and actually looked like an NFL quarterback. In a game with one of the lowest over/under in NFL history, expect a Chicken Cutlet celebration as Devito gets a second win over the fast-fading Patriots.
The Titans, who can't do anything on the road, have played well at home. Even with Will Levis struggling the last two weeks, expect him to have a good game as he outduels Bryce Young in a battle of rookie quarterbacks.
Sunday Late Games
The Cardinals have been competitive with Kyle Murray back in action. However, the Rams own the Cardinals, winning 12 of their last 14 meetings, including earlier this season.
The Broncos have turned their season around, winning their last four games after starting 1-4. They have done it with an improved defense, as Russell Wilson has not made the critical mistakes he made earlier in the year. Expect the trend to continue in a low-scoring affair against the Browns as DTR struggles in Denver.
Last week, the Raiders held the high-scoring Dolphins to 21 points and nearly scored an upset in Miami while being a two-touchdown underdog. The Raiders are a better team than their record indicates. Max Crosby is a beast and is in on every play while the team is playing hard for Antonio Pierce. The Cheifs, meanwhile, struggle in the second half of games and have not been good at covering large spreads.
Fans declared that the Bills are back after stomping the Jets last week. Talk to me in three weeks after they go through a gauntlet of some of the NFL's best teams. The Eagles are the best team, with the unstoppable brotherly shove, as they become the first team to reach ten wins.
Sunday Night
This is the last chance cafe for the Chargers. A team that has the talent to be a contender but sits at 4-6. They have lost six close and frustrating games but always come out strong on Sunday Night. Expect a big game from Justin Herbert as the Ravens stumble again.
Monday Night
Josh Dobbs stumbled in Denver but has played well since taking over as quarterback for the Vikings. Look for a big game on Monday night as the rocketman tries to get Minnesota to the moon.
