Week 12 NFL Preview & Analysis

Week 12 of the National Football League features four very intriguing matchups that should excite sports fans across the globe. However, it could be challenging for many of the players to be completely focused on the games at hand.  That is because it is also the week before American Thanksgiving, so many players have family commitments to organize and attend to as well.

Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans

In a battle for first place in the AFC South on Thursday night, the Colts and Texans enter the game with identical 6-4 records. Houston will be looking for redemption after losing to Indianapolis 30-23 on October 20.

Why the Colts win:

The Colts have a very underrated defense, as they have only given up 206 points this season. It has been a great season for Colts linebacker Darius Leonard of Nichols, South Carolina. Leonard leads Indianapolis with 65 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble.

Why the Texans win:

Containing quarterbacks is challenging. Containing Deshaun Watson is one of the most difficult tasks in football. Watson is entering the game with an ankle problem, but still has the edge over Jacoby Brissett, even if he is 80%.

My Take:

The prognostication here obviously all comes down to Watson’s health. Houston bounces back after a butt whipping in Baltimore last week. Take the Texans in a rather tight contest.

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Dallas Cowboys @ New England Patriots

The Cowboys and Patriots get the late Sunday afternoon time slot. New England leads the AFC East at 9-1 and the Cowboys lead the NFC East at 6-4.

Why the Cowboys win:

Ever since Dallas’s mysterious 24-22 loss to the New York Jets in week six, the Cowboys offense has been in full swing. They have been averaging 33.3 points per game in the last month and have gone 3-1 in that time span.

Why the Patriots win:

One of the biggest surprises in the NFL this season has been the dominant Patriots defense. In giving up only 108 points, New England has had the least points against in the NFL. They have surrendered 47 fewer points than the San Francisco 49ers, who are second on the list at 155 points against.

My take:

The Patriots are at home and have not lost to the Cowboys in New England since 1987. New England contains Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott, and improve to 10-1.

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Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

In the third battle of division leaders on the weekend, the 8-2 Green Bay Packers visit northern California and face the 9-1 San Francisco 49ers.

Why the Packers win:

The Packers have had a great offense in recent years, but this season they have been stingy defensively. The NFC North leaders have only given up 205 total points.

Why the 49ers win:

San Francisco is starting to have a more diversified offense as quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is coming off his best game of the season. Last week in a 36-26 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Garoppolo completed 34 of 45 passes for 424 yards and four touchdowns.

My take:

The 49ers have been great for most of the season, but have been very vulnerable the last two weeks at home. They were clearly outplayed by the Seattle Seahawks and were lucky to beat the Arizona Cardinals last week. The Packers find a way to pick up the W, like they did to open the season in Chicago.

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Baltimore Ravens @ Los Angeles Rams

This is a much more important game for the 6-4 Rams than the 8-2 Ravens, as Los Angeles is trying to get back into the NFC wildcard chase.

Why the Ravens win:

Have you seen the play of Lamar Jackson lately? I know Russell Wilson has been fantastic for the Seahawks, but Jackson is my pick for MVP. His overall mobility and proficiency is a major reason why the Ravens lead the AFC North.

Why the Rams win:

Teams in the east find it challenging at times to come out west and play in California. So far this season the four California teams in the NFL are 7-2 at home against their eastern time zone opponents.

My take:

I know the 49ers and Patriots may have a better record than the Ravens, but right now Baltimore seems to be the best team in the NFL. Take Baltimore.

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