NFL 2012 Week 14 picks

I didn't have such luck last week, although there were still plenty of victorious road teams.  Let's see how well I recover this week.

Thursday night:  Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders:  The Broncos are playing for seed, so they won't slack off despite winning their division.  Besides, they don't like the Raiders, and they'd like nothing more than beating them.  Road teams have done well on Thursday Night Football this season, so I think they should prevail.  With the Raiders porous defense, Peyton Manning may throw for another three touchdowns and 300 yards.  BRONCOS, 33-20

Sunday early games
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers:  A win here practically guarantees the top seed for the Falcons.  More importantly, they want to get a stronger victory to build confidence going into the playoffs, where Matt Ryan and company have struggled.  FALCONS, 27-17

Baltimore Ravens at Washington Redskins:  RGIII and the Redskins could shock the Ravens, but I'll give a slight edge to the Ravens defense.  This game will be WAAAYYY too close for comfort, though.  RAVENS, 24-23

Chicago Bears at Minnesota Vikings:  After a tough loss against the Seahawks, the Bears want a strong divisional win to boost their playoff standing.  They will shut down Christian Ponder, and they pretty much stuffed Adrian Peterson in their earlier bout this season.  BEARS, 23-20

Dallas Cowboys at Cincinnati Bengals:  Welcome to December, Dallas.  This has been a troubling month for Tony Romo.  While I think he has shaken that curse, I don't think they'll win here.  The Cowboys are still too inconsistent to believe in, and the Bengals offense is clicking.  BENGALS, 27-23

Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns:  The worst team in football comes into Cleveland and keeps the Browns' slim playoff hopes alive.  BROWNS, 23-17

New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars:  The Jets had a chance for a strong victory last week, and hobbled to a 7-6 win.  This time, I think Chad Henne breaks them up and smoothly runs the field.  He's faced the Jets before, when he led the Dolphins offense, and I think that experience will help him here.  JAGUARS, 26-23

Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Bucs:  The Bucs are battling to stay in the playoff hunt.  Given how the Eagles are playing, they get the win they need to remain in contention.  BUCS, 27-20

San Diego Chargers at Pittsburgh Steelers:  The Steelers found new life by beating the Ravens last week.  Their rejuvenated defense could give San Diego problems, too.  Big Ben may be back for this game, so the offense might get a boost, too.  STEELERS, 23-20

St Louis Rams at Buffalo Bills:  The Rams have been a force the past few weeks.  Both of these teams are capable of big performances, but I think the Rams have shown more consistency recently.  RAMS, 24-23

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts:  The Colts are hoping for a Redskins upset, so that this win can move them one step closer to surprising the Texans and capturing an unexpected division crown.  COLTS, 27-20

Sunday late games
Arizona Cardinals at Seattle Seahawks:  Seattle wants to hold onto their sixth place position in the NFC.  A victory over struggling Arizona would do a good job.  Russell Wilson has this offense working, so I think that victory is pretty secure.  SEAHAWKS, 23-16

Miami Dolphins at San Francisco 49ers:  The 49ers need to wash off the stink of the overtime loss to St Louis, so beating on the Dolphins seems like a good way to do that.  49ERS, 23-16

New Orleans Saints at New York Giants:  The Saints have the ability and talent to win this game, especially after the poor showing on Monday Night Football by the Giants.  However, this is the time of year when the Giants get sharper and tougher.  I'll pick them, but the Saints could pull this one out.  GIANTS, 26-23

Sunday night:  Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers:  The Pack will know if they need a win to remain ahead of the Bears for the NFC North title.  I don't think it'll matter, because I don't think the Lions will win anyway.  PACK, 28-23

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL -- Houston Texans at New England Patriots:  Here's my upset pick of the week!  The Texans' defense hasn't faced an offense like this, and that vaulted defense has been tested in recent weeks.  I think the Pats offense will overwhelm them, helping the Colts and also boosting New England's hopes for the top seed.  PATRIOTS, 30-23