Week 12: Sunday Football Picks

As with many of you, I'm sure, this week will likely make or break my chances in fantasy football playoffs. And like some of you, I'm still waiting with bated breath for any update about my tight end Julius Thomas and hoping he gets in a real practice session today. Not that Rob Housler is a bad back up.... He's just not Julius.

That being said, it's time to post my Sunday picks.

This Week's Picks:

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Cleveland Browns

The Steelers seem to have gotten their game together. Roethlisberger still looks like a refrigerator with legs, but he's a far sight better than anything Cleveland is offering right now. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Detroit Lions

Rainey is on fire and he seems to have brought the rest of Tampa with him. Sure, Detroit has Johnson, but I think Tampa is feeling too good to lose this one. Either way, this will be a hell of a match up. 

Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay Packers

The bad Vikings defense is going to be exactly what Tolzien needs to build his confidence. He's not a terrible quarterback and he's doing remarkably well considering that he probably never saw a snap between the time he was signed and the moment Rodgers went out. 

San Diego Chargers vs Kansas City Chiefs

What can I say? It's KC, at home, coming off a loss against a mediocre team. I like the look of Phillip Rivers, but I'm not looking for him to blow the lid off KC at home (that's why he's benched this week for me). 

Chicago Bears vs St Louis Rams

The battle of the running backs. Forte vs Stacy. This one's going to be a shoot out because neither team really protects against the run. And with Forte and Stacy starting on my fantasy team, I'm stoked no matter the result of this one. 

Carolina Panthers vs Miami Dolphins

Cam Newton's on a streak and the Dolphins are having trouble on and off the field. 

New York Jets vs Baltimore Ravens

These teams are full of disappointments this year (this is coming from a Ravens fan). But Geno's W-L pattern is holding and he's due for a win. Meh. 

Jacksonville Jaguars vs Houston Texans

I like Keenum and I think he's got a ton of potential. He held his own well against KC and the spotty Jags defense, plus the home match up, is exactly what he needs to jump start his season. 

Tennessee Titans vs Oakland Raiders

Oakland at home. Nothing fancy here. If the situation was reversed, I'd vote Tennessee. 

Indianapolis Colts vs Arizona Cardinals

This was tough for me, but I think it just simply comes down to Luck (baww...bad pun). But seriously. The Indy offense is stronger than the Arizona defense. And I'm not sure the opposite can be said.  

Dallas Cowboys vs New York Giants

Let me put this out there to start. As an Eagles fan, I'm hoping I'm wrong. Eli's on the turn around lately (but he's still been a pick machine this season) and Romo's steady as usual. The Cowboys losing this would help secure Philly's position in the top of the division. That being said, Eli is a pick machine and I don't think he's going to pull this one out of his hat. Here's hoping, though. 

Denver Broncos vs New England Patriots

I cannot decide if I'm more excited for this shoot out or for the Tampa Bay game. Neither team has a particularly outstanding defense, overall. Rodgers-Cromarte and Talib are great individual players, but neither defense is strong as a unit. The offenses, barring Brady's hiccup at the beginning of the season (I'm still bitter about Sudfeld turning into Dudfeld), they are both largely the best offenses in the NFL. It'll be a high-scoring shoot out, but I think Manning is going to do it. Also, I just love to watch Tom Brady lose. 

Check back later for added commentary about most. Time to put in this 9 to 5. **Edit: Commentary added**