NFL Picks Against the Spread: Week 12

A betting preview of every game (against the spread) on Thanksgiving Day, Sunday and Monday in Week 12.

Turkey Leg Locks
The three Thanksgiving Day games should be as good as the tryptophan-filled big bird and grandma’s homemade cornbread dressing.

Texans (-4) at Lions
Barry Sanders, the greatest televised Thanksgiving tradition, had a 7–3 holiday record during his decade of dominance; the Lions are 3–10 since the great No. 20 stopped showing up for dinner.

Redskins (+3) at Cowboys
Tony Romo is 5–0 on Thanksgiving Day. But for some reason, RG3’s 0–0 record on Turkey and Dressing Day smells a little bit better this season.

Jets (+7.5) vs. Patriots
New England won but failed to cover an even bigger number against New York during a 29–26 victory at home in Week 7. In case of a blowout, you can always watch The Godfather or whatever’s on the James Bond marathon.


Sunday Sales Rack
The masses will hit the stores at 4 a.m. or whenever it is they show up on Black Friday, but the real deals might have to wait until Sunday afternoon.

Ravens (-1) at Chargers
This has the feel of a trap game, with Baltimore coming off an emotional win at Pittsburgh and San Diego in do-or-die mode. But it’s pretty much a pick ‘em.

Falcons (-1.5) at Buccaneers
Although Matt Ryan does carry a 6–2 record against the Bucs, he’s just 2–2 on the road in Tampa Bay.

Seahawks (-3) at Dolphins
Miami is a miserable 9-for-34 on third downs over its current three-game losing streak.

Titans (-3) at Jaguars
This would be easier to call if Blaine Gabbert were starting in Jacksonville. But what are the odds Chad Henne puts together back-to-back good games?

Broncos (-10.5) at Chiefs
Kansas City’s disgruntled fanbase will wear all-black again this week — and probably leave at halftime of the wake once again.


Sucker Bets
Steer clear of these games like they were your creepy uncle or the aunt who always gets emotional at family gatherings.

Cardinals (-3) vs. Rams
Arizona’s six-game winless drought started with a 17–3 loss at St. Louis on Thursday in Week 5. This is like roulette; just because a color/number has hit six straight times doesn’t make it less likely there will be a seventh straight.

Colts (-3) vs. Bills
Indianapolis will probably run by Buffalo. But if there is going to be a rookie wall for Andrew Luck, he’ll hit it the week after being destroyed by New England.

Giants (-3) vs. Packers
The last time these two powers met, New York shocked No. 1-seed Green Bay, 37–20, at Lambeau Field in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.

Bengals (-8) vs. Raiders
Cincy has been way too up and down this season to bank on — a 3–1 start, then an 0–4 slump and now a two-game winning streak. Who knows?


Off the Board
The concussed and crippled fraternity of starting quarterbacks has led to uncertainty on the big board in Vegas. As of Wednesday afternoon, these games were up in the air. But let’s bet on what the spread might be, anyway.

Steelers (n/a) at Browns
Charlie Batch puts his 5–2 record as a Steelers starter on the line. Odds are, he’ll improve to 6–2. Take the Steelers (-4.5)?

Vikings (n/a) at Bears
Samantha Steele powers Christian Ponder. Planet Krypton powers Adrian Peterson. Take the Vikings (+2.5)?

49ers (n/a) at Saints
Alex Smith is a game manager, Colin Kaepernick is a playmaker, Jim Harbaugh is a quarterback guru… Take the 49ers (-3)?

Panthers (n/a) at Eagles
What’s Cyber Monday without a little online action? Pick the gift that Nick Foles doesn’t have anything to do with. Take the Panthers (+2.5)?