Minnesota Vikings

NFL week 12 picks and predictions: Vikings take the turkey leg

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Thanksgiving week is upon us and we have a great slate of games. Here are the picks and predictions for winners and losers during the NFL Week 12 match-ups.

Thanksgiving week is upon us and we are nearing the final quarter of the season. We have another slate of important games ahead of us in week 12. There’s nothing better than some turkey and football!

We have some close divisional races, especially in the NFC North and AFC South. After week 12, the playoff picture in those divisions should be a little more clear. Teams must now put their best hand forward as they try to make playoff runs.

With 3 Turkey Day games and a long slate of Sunday games, week 12 is guaranteed to be entertaining. Without further ado, let’s jump right in with my picks and predictions for this week’s games.

Minnesota @ Detroit

The Vikings suffered a broken heart in the last match-up with the Lions, but don’t expect that to happen again. A big day from Sam Bradford will lift Minnesota into the #1 spot in the NFC North.

Final Score: Minnesota 28 Detroit 14

Oct 31, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

Washington @ Dallas

Dak Prescott has pulled away as the Cowboys’ #1 quarterback. With the help of Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys are starting to have dreams of a 15-1 season.

Final Score: Dallas 31 Washington 24

Pittsburgh @ Indianapolis

I have been waiting for the Steelers to pull away with the AFC North. They will begin doing so in the week 12 game against the Colts.

Final Score: Pittsburgh 35 Indianapolis 24

Tennessee @ Chicago

The Bears have a lot of issues on their team right now. Injuries to Zach Miller and Leonard Floyd just adds more stress to that list.

Final Score: Tennessee 28 Chicago 13

Jacksonville @ Buffalo

The Bills still have a chance to make the playoffs, even if it is an outside shot. Rex Ryan’s bunch will bring their A-game at home against the struggling Jags.

Final Score: Buffalo 24 Jacksonville 10

Cincinnati @ Baltimore

The Bengals had to horrible injuries to A.J. Green and Giovanni Bernard in week 11. For a team trying to find their way, this is the worst case scenario for Cincinnati.

Final Score: Baltimore 20 Cincinnati 14

Arizona @ Atlanta

Arizona is coming a tough loss at Minnesota and Atlanta is coming off a bye-week. Both teams will be heading into this game with a full head of steam. Expect David Johnson to be the difference maker in this game.

Final Score: Arizona 27 Atlanta 24

New York Giants @ Cleveland

The Giants have been playing very well as of late, but they still have a lot of questions on the defensive side of the ball. Cleveland is doing whatever they can to not go 0-16. A big game from the rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman will lift the Browns to their first win of the season.

Final Score: Cleveland 28 New York 27

Sep 18, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns wide receiver Corey Coleman (19) runs with the ball after a catch as Baltimore Ravens cornerback Shareece Wright (24) goes for the tackle during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 25-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Los Angeles @ New Orleans

Jared Goff finally made his first NFL start and it was mediocre at best. The Rams’ defense is playing great, but so is Drew Brees. I’ll take Brees at home any day.

Final Score: New Orleans 23 Los Angeles 9

San Francisco @ Miami

Miami’s 5-game winning streak is one of the biggest surprises in the 2016 NFL Season, but the Dolphins are nothing to be messed with. Go ahead and make it 6 in a row against a struggling 49ers squad.

Final Score: Miami 24 San Francisco 21

San Diego @ Houston

Bill O’Brien and the Houston Texans are beyond furious after the loss to the Raiders in Mexico City. Expect them to bounce back in a big way.

Final Score: Houston 30 San Diego 21

Nov 20, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Doug Baldwin (89) runs for yards after the catch against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Seattle defeated Philadelphia, 26-15. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Seattle @ Tampa Bay

The Bucs have put themselves in a position to fight for a playoff spot, which means this is a terrible time to play the red-hot Seahawks. Seattle will continue their hot streak on the road.

Final Score: Seattle 38 Tampa Bay 17

Carolina @ Oakland

The Raiders are looking very good right now. Expect Derek Carr to have another big day against the depleted Carolina defense.

Final Score: Oakland 31 Carolina 23

New England @ New York Jets

Tom Brady has been unstoppable as of late. Expect him to keep that up against the struggling Jets.

Final Score: New England 35 New York 13