Recap

What a week. Some favorites, some upsets, and a whole lot of depressed fanbases (shoutout Eagles fans, I’m right there with you). Overall, we didn’t do too shabby with our predictions, sporting a solid 9-5 record heading into another exciting week of football. For this week, I’d like to point out some matchups to look out for – Browns vs. Steelers, 49ers vs. Ravens and Vikings vs. Seahawks. I’ll explain later on in the actual predictions why these games are so important, but for now,I’ll finish up the recap and segway into the predictions. I hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving day and have a fantastic rest of your weekend, enjoying some football along the way and hopefully blasting holiday music!

Week 12 Record: 9-5

Predictions

Sunday, December 1st

New York Jets (4-7) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (0-11)

A couple of weeks ago, this may have been yet another Tank Bowl, but after Darnold and the Jets’ 3 game winning streak, I have cause to think otherwise. Cincy is putting Andy Dalton back at quarterback, but with AJ Green still out along and little to no signs of improvement overall, I’m giving this out to the Jets.

NYJ 34, CIN 16

Tennessee Titans (6-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (6-5)

This will be a close one – both the Colts and I are hoping that Derrick Henry doesn’t have a huge game like he has the past two weeks, but with all trends looking upward it doesn’t look too good for either of us. With T.Y. Hilton back on the injury list, Marlon Mack still out, and the Titans coming off 2 wins in a row, I’m giving this one to Tennessee.

TEN 23, IND 14

Philadelphia Eagles (5-6) vs. Miami Dolphins (2-9)

This game is a must-win for the Eagles – coming off two straight losses to two good teams, there’s still a tad bit of hope, seeing that the rest of their schedule is incredibly easy. I’m giving this one to the Eagles, not because of their talent or recent performance, but because of how bad the Dolphins are.

PHI 27, MIA 16

Green Bay Packers (8-3) vs. New York Giants (2-9)

Green Bay is in the fight of their lives against the Vikings for the NFC North, and I no longer have faith in the Packs after seeing their sloppy showing last week against the 49ers. Regardless, they’re playing the 2-9 Giants. Sure, it might be cliche to always pick the team with the better record, but in this case, it’s pretty warranted.

GB 31, NYG 13

Cleveland Browns (5-6) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-5)

Just two weeks after their first matchup of the season, the Browns and Steelers look to up their competition as well as their decency. Oddly enough, both of these teams might have a chance to make the playoffs, and it’ll come down to a talented offensive roster squaring off against a rejuvenated Pittsburgh defense – in the end, I’m giving it to the Browns, who have the momentum as well as the skill (don’t choke Baker).

CLE 24, PIT 16

Washington Redskins (2-9) vs. Carolina Panthers (5-6)

Carolina has tanked as of late, but not as hard as the Washington Redskins. The only reason my dear Eagles have a chance of making the playoffs is because of how god awful the NFC East is, and the Redskins are the staple child of that. McCafferey will take out all his anger for carrying a losing team in this game, so have some fun fantasy owners.

WAS 14, CAR 34

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-7) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-7)

Sacksonville refuses to live up to its self-imposed nickname, getting gassed by offenses week in and week out. Not to mention their offensive line refuses to block for their quarterback, despite having loads of potential on the scoring side (Foles, Fournette, Chark Jr.). Oh wait, they’re playing Famous Jameis. I’ll give this one to the Jags, solely because it’ll prove as a revenge week for their crappy performances in the last few contests.

TB 27, JAX 30

San Francisco 49ers (10-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-2)

I know I said to drop everything and watch the Niners game last week, but you’re going to want to tune in for this one. I can confidently say this might be a preview of the Super Bowl, as both of these teams aim for the top with talent spilling over on all sides of the cauldron. Jackson & Co. look to take down a 49ers defense that is nothing short of amazing, and I think they’ll be able to do it – sorry Jimmy G. fans.

SF 24, BAL 31

Los Angeles Rams (6-5) vs. Arizona Cardinals (3-7-1)

Although the Cardinals had some sparks of hope in talent (Murray, Johnson, Edmunds), all hope has been lost. Murray continues to produce, but it seems like he’s the only one playing at times, along with the shell of Larry Fitzgerald. On the flip side, the Rams haven’t looked this bad since 2016. Goff physically can’t throw, Gurley can barely run the ball upfield, and their defense just gave up 45 points. I’m giving this one to the Cardinals, simply because of how disappointed I am with the Rams. GG.

LAR 17, ARI 24

Los Angeles Chargers (4-7) vs. Denver Broncos (3-8)

I couldn’t have been the only one to think the Broncos would blow their 20-point halftime lead last week, right? After they matter of factly did, I lost all faith for this organization. Their opponent this week is the rising Chargers, who find themselves with loads of talent but a mediocre quarterback – either way, I’m tossing the Chargers a bone and giving them this one. Do wonders for my fantasy team Gordon.

LAC 27, DEN 20

Oakland Raiders (6-5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (7-4)

After the Raiders entered a hot streak, they got utterly outplayed and beat into the ground by the Jets, of all teams. This week, they play the Chiefs. If their defense just got blown out by Sam Darnold, I cannot wait to see what Mahomes is going to put on for us tomorrow. Watch out for Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, huge games coming for them against a weakened Raiders squad.

OAK 21, KC 34

New England Patriots (10-1) vs. Houston Texans (7-4)

Another fantastic Sunday night matchup, pitting the coveted Patriots against a wild and wacky Texans team. This game will come down to the Houston offense against a New England secondary, more specifically cornerback Stephen Gilmore vs. wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Who will win…? In this contest, I’m picking the Texans as the underdog yet the victor, as I trust their talent and want nothing more than to see the Patriots suffer.

NE 17, HOU 24

Monday, December 2nd

Minnesota Vikings (8-3) vs. Seattle Seahawks (9-2)

Following a great Sunday night game, Monday Night Football hopes to not disappoint by giving us a supposed balanced matchup. Two teams, both in the top spots for the Wild Card (NFC North, Packers > Vikings / NFC West, 49ers > Seahawks), look to prove themselves after rough weeks for both of them. I believe that the Vikings will take the cake on this one, as their offensive power is just too much to handle for the ‘Hawks, let’s just hope they don’t take a half off like they did in Week 11.

MIN 31, SEA 27