NFL Week 12, 2024: Brother Against Brother
It's The Harbaugh Bowl as the Chargers meet the Ravens in the game of the week.
NFL Quick Hitters:
Jets - Now they’ve fired their GM. Joe Douglas did some good things but he also brought in Aaron Rodgers and couldn’t fix their offensive line problems. Regardless he was the next one on the chopping block. Can’t be the owners fault. Can’t be that the entire organization has been poorly run and reactionary. If you want to watch the last go-around for Rodgers, go ahead. But I’m out on the Jets. They are similar to the Cowboys - except they have more talent - in that, they are a dysfunctional organization run by a delusional owner. Jets won’t be a good team for awhile.
The contenders - I’ve altered this a little but here are the Super Bowl contenders; AFC: Chiefs, Bills, Ravens, Chargers (although they may be a year away); NFC: Lions, Eagles. The Commanders, Cardinals, and Texans are a year away.
Cowboys further collapse - Cowboys have lost 5 in a row at home. They’ve trailed by more than 10 points in the last 7 games at home. It’s a historical first. Ugly, ugly.
Ravens - They are immensely talented. And maybe, with apologies to the Lions, the scariest team to play. Jackson can make anyone and any team look silly. But they’ve got to start winning the big games. You want to believe this will be their year but they’ll have to beat the Chiefs and/or the Bills to get to the SB. I don’t they beat both teams. And a loss this week to the Chargers and they could be in real trouble. I expect them to win. And I expect them to play well. I don’t think they’ll continue beating themselves this year in the playoffs.
NFL Games: Week 11
Last week’s totals: 10 - 4: Should get double digit wins from here on out. Everyone is jockeying for playoff seating or perhaps looking forward to the draft.
Season’s totals: 115 - 51
Survivor pick/Lock of the week: (current streak 8) Chiefs - They’re coming off their first loss of the season in a game they were just out played. But they still had their chances. Panthers are up next. Should be an easy win. They have talent top to bottom and will be looking to get back into the win column.
(Oh, and if you use these picks - or the fantasy lineup at the bottom - to gamble do so at your own risks. I’m a ‘gut feel’ type of picker. I don’t do a computer analysis.)
Week 12: Thursday Night Game
Steelers vs. Browns - This is a tough spot for the Steelers. They’re coming off of a big, emotional, physical game versus the Ravens. Now they play the Browns on a short week. And they have to travel. Wouldn’t be surprised to see an upset here. Has all the markings. But Steelers win. (note: I didn’t publish this until Friday so I know the Browns won. Didn’t change my pick though. It’s the first time I’ve missed on a Thursday Night game.)
Sunday Games
Chiefs vs. Panthers - Mismatch. Chiefs will want to get it rolling. Expect a 30+ point outing from their offense. Defense dominates. Chiefs win.
Vikings vs. Bears - Another division game. It’s that time of year. Vikings are the better team. They stay in Caleb face for the entire game. Vikings win.
Titans vs. Texans - Texans at home go on a mini winning streak. It’ll be their second inferior opponent in a row. Should be similar to the Cowboy game. Close early. Texans pull away in the second half. Texans win.
Lions vs. Colts - Lions are rolling. I don’t expect them to score 50 points again but it’ll be another easy win. Lions win.
Patriots vs. Dolphins - Dolphins are finding their footing a little. Plus they’re at home against a cold-weather team. Let the speedsters loose. And another big game for Jonu? Dolphins win.
Buccaneers vs. Giants - Giants are done. They’re playing for the #1 draft pick, Sheduer Sanders. Bucs are in the thick of it. Bucs win.
Cowboys vs. Commanders - Cowboys are just a mess. They don’t have enough talent to carry a backup QB to victory. Commanders will pound the ball with their running backs and their QB. Commanders look like a young, upcoming team. Cowboys look old and talentless. Parsons can’t win it on his own. Commanders win.
Broncos vs. Raiders - Broncos defense will win this one. Raiders don’t have an answer at QB. Their offense it dismal. Broncos win.
49ers vs. Packers - It’s a must win for the 49ers. If they lose they’ll only have a 17% chance to make the playoffs. It’s in GB though. Weather will be a factor. 49ers go out with a whimper. Packers win.
Cardinals vs. Seahawks - Cardinals can play. They can run the ball. They play defense. And they have playmakers on offense. Cardinals win.
Eagles vs. Rams - This should be a fun game. The Rams are always prepared. The Eagles are on a roll and have looked like one of the best teams in the NFC. This is an emotional pick. I just like the Rams. Rams win.
Monday Night Game
Ravens vs. Chargers - The Harbaugh bowl. Ravens are mad. They play great against everyone but the Steelers. They’ll want to make a statement. They’ll want to help their coach beat his little brother. Ravens don’t lose two in a row. Ravens win.
My FanDuel lineup: (Good week, - $55: score 164.28) Week 12: Mahomes, B. Robinson Jr., K. Hunt, Worthy, Shepard, Williams, Kmet, J. Conner, Buccaneers.
Season score: +$45
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