NFL Week 12

We went 6-9-1 in Week 11 to bring the 2007 slate to a horrifying 64-86-9, but managed a 3-0 mark on Thanksgiving, so let's hope that carries over to the weekend games.

As always, these picks are for recreational purposes and should not be used as the basis for any actual cash wagers, especially if you plan on buying gifts this Christmas.

SUNDAY
GIANTS -7.5 Vikings: New York can equal last season's win total and luck out here since Adrian Peterson is out and Minnesota is likely to struggle on offense. Giants offense has stagnated of late, but look for them to air it out today. Giants 27-13

Titans -1.5 BENGALS: Just can't trust Cincinnati, even at home. Tennessee too physical for this bunch. Titans 30-24

Bills +9 JAGUARS: Bills looking to restore a little pride after being eviscerated by rampaging Patriots and should keep this one close. Jaguars 20-16

CHIEFS -4.5 Raiders: Normally wouldn't lay this much in this rivalry, but Kansas City actually has a shot to win putrid AFC West. Chiefs 27-10

BROWNS -3 Texans: Cleveland a surprise this season and can score on anyone. Back home after a couple of road shootouts, look for points aplenty in this one. Derek Anderson is going to hit the jackpot in free agency. Browns 41-30

RAMS +3 Seahawks: St. Louis looking to get on a little roll now that they're healthy while Seattle can afford to lose and still cruise to a division title. Rams 27-23

Saints -2.5 PANTHERS: Can't figure out New Orleans this year, but what I do know is Carolina is winless at home. Enough for me. Saints 34-27

BUCCANEERS -3 Redskins: This one just screams push, but I think Tampa at home merits a bit more of an edge. Skins disheartened by tough loss at Dallas, while Bucs control their divisional destiny. Bucs 17-13

CARDINALS -10 49ers: Prehistoric 49ers offense will not be able to even keep this close. Rare Cardinals blowout. Cardinals 37-7

Broncos +1.5 BEARS: Midwest correspondent 3 wood gets this one: "The Bears defense is all banged up and is a team looking for a good reason to quit. The corners play outside the receivers regardless of the situation, so Jammie and I could complete 15 yard slants on them all day. I expect Denver offense to hit the Bears in the mouth early and win by at least 10." That, and I'm tough to bring down after the catch. Broncos 31-21

CHARGERS -9.5 Ravens: Baltimore just about ready to pack it in and this is a week the Chargers show up. Chargers 30-17

SUNDAY NIGHT
PATRIOTS -24 Eagles: Merciless New England facing McNabb-less Eagles equals another primetime blowout. Maybe not as bad as last week, but they will not let up. As always, The Olbermann Rule is in effect. BTW, how's that Tiki Barber thing working out at NBC? Patriots 48-14

MONDAY NIGHT
STEELERS -16 Dolphins: Miami has been keeping things respectable of late, but Steelers will show no mercy here. Steelers 31-3