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NFL picks Week 12: Can Bobby Rainey continue his success against the Lions?

This week's picks minus the Ravens-Jets game.

Before Bobby Rainey was shredding the Falcons for 163 yards three total touchdowns, and before his stint with Cleveland, he was a member of the Ravens.
Before Bobby Rainey was shredding the Falcons for 163 yards three total touchdowns, and before his stint with Cleveland, he was a member of the Ravens.
Al Messerschmidt

New Orleans Saints (-9) at Atlanta Falcons

Oh, brother, this could get ugly. The Falcons went from preseason NFC contender to utter disappointment fast. The Saints will love nothing more than getting out to an early lead on their biggest rival. Prediction: Saints 34, Falcons 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Detroit Lions (-9)

The Buccaneers are coming off a resounding win against fellow NFC South bottom feeder Atlanta. Detroit won't let Bobby Rainey run all over them like that this week. Prediction: Lions 30, Buccaneers 20

Jacksonville Jaguars at Houston Texans (-10)

It's surprising to see one bad team a 10-point favorite over another bad team. Both teams are familiar with each other given they're divisional opponents. This winds up closer than expected. Prediction: Texans 27, Jaguars 20

Minnesota Vikings at Green Bay Packers (-4.5)

The Vikings' defense has been ridiculously bad at times, though the Packers are starting Scott Tolzien once again. Expect Eddie Lacy to be the difference in this contest. Prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 17

San Diego Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs (-5)

The Chiefs fell back to Earth against the NFL's best team at the moment. Can they get back on track against a Chargers team that started hot but has since fell flat? The short answer: Yes. Prediction: Chiefs 20, Chargers 14

Carolina Panthers (-4.5) at Miami Dolphins

You could make the case that Cam Newton has played like a top three quarterback over the past month. He finally had a game-winning drive against a top team on Monday and the Panthers defense has been stifling opponents all year. Prediction: Panthers 24, Dolphins 17

Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (-1.5)

The Steelers are playing better football while the Browns are beginning to slide some. Ben Roethlisberger has had some good games of late and could target whoever Buster Skrine guards this game, as Cleveland's No. 2 corner has struggled of late. Prediction: Steelers 27, Browns 23

Chicago Bears at St. Louis Rams (-1.5)

The surging Rams will look to contain Chicago's balanced offensive attack that centers around Matt Forte. Rams running back Zac Stacy should find plenty of space against a poor Bears run defense. Expect this game to get into the 30s. Prediction: Bears 34, Rams 31

Tennessee Titans (-1) at Oakland Raiders

With Matt McGloin starting, the Raiders appear to at least pose the threat of a downfield passing attack. But it's Rashad Jennings and the running game that's been explosive of late. Look for Jennings to have another big day in front of the home fans. Prediction: Raiders 24, Titans 21

Indianapolis Colts at Arizona Cardinals (-2)

Carson Palmer seems to finally be comfortable in this offense, which has offered a lot more balance of late. This game also has the intriguing storyline of Bruce Arians vs. Chuck Pagano. The Colts' defense has been suspect this year, which could lead to some problems against a resurgent Cardinals offense. Prediction: Cardinals 24, Colts 20

Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants (-2.5)

Can you believe the Giants have won four in a row and are now favored in this game? If a team was ever going to start 0-6 and ultimately make a divisional title run, it would be a Tom Coughlin coached team. The Dallas defense has been horrendous and that trend should continue this week. Prediction: Giants 34, Cowboys 28

Denver Broncos (-2.5) at New England Patriots

The game everyone's talking about plays Sunday night, with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady going at it once again. Both defenses are average and the Broncos' offense has been borderline unstoppable. Hard to go against Manning and the Broncos in this one. Prediction: Broncos 35, Patriots 31

San Francisco 49ers (-6) at Washington Redskins

This was an intriguing matchup during the preseason. Now, this game has lost some luster with Colin Kaepernick struggling and Robert Griffin III in a sophomore slump. The Redskins' defense has been atrocious, meaning the 49ers have the edge. Prediction: 49ers 31, Redskins 17