NFL Week 12 Mock Contest

There are no teams on byes this week and don't worry if you can't get to this article until the weekend. I just didn't find the Turkey Day slate of games all that appetizing.  

We are easing into the backstretch of the season so motivation is slipping into the process more and more. That is always a tough one to measure but we are going to try anyway. 

Week 1 Record: 2-3
Week 2 Record: 3-2
Week 3 Record: 2-3
Week 4 Record: 4-1
Week 5 Record: 3-2
Week 6 Record: 1-4
Week 7 Record: 3-2
Week 8 Record: 3-2
Week 9 Record: 3-1-1
Week 10 Record: 4-1
Week 11 Record: 3-2
Combined Record: 31-23-1

Week 11 in Review

Washington Commanders -3 (win) This game was never really in doubt, got the Survivor win with Washington too.
 
Cincinnati Bengals -3.5 (win) Closer than expected but Cincinnati got the job done at Pittsburgh.  

Philadelphia Eagles -7 (loss) Philly came back to win SU last week, but the cover was never really in play, unfortunately.  

New York Giants -3 (loss) New York fell hard against Detroit, losing outright at home. It was not a very good effort.  

Las Vegas Raiders +2.5 (win) Vegas is not going to save their season, but winning at Denver is a nice result. 

The Picks (finally)

Baltimore Ravens -4 (at Jacksonville)

I never like a dead number (yes, I have a few this week), but I am just not seeing how the Jags contain Lamar Jackson (if healthy — I think he will play) enough to keep this one close. Baltimore will snap out of last week's funk and find enough big plays to keep this one at a TD margin most of the game.  

Washington Commanders -4 (vs. Atlanta)

Two weeks in a row? No, I am not in love with the Commanders, just the matchup. Washington has found a way to win in terms of keeping it simple, running the ball, and playing good defense. There is no reason that formula should not work at home against a limited Atlanta team. (Like above, a great teaser spot too.)

Indianapolis Colts -2.5 (vs. Pittsburgh)

The Colts are definitely playing more competitive ball since the coaching change. This is a good spot at home against a limited Pittsburgh team. Of course, the Steelers are going to have the edge on the sidelines with coach Mike Tomlin, but with RB Jonathan Taylor grinding out yards on the ground, Indianapolis gets another win for Jeff Saturday.  

Los Angeles Chargers -3 (at Arizona)

Arizona has been a tire fire this year, with injuries and suspensions never letting this club look anything like a team on the rise. Last week they looked pretty dead down in Mexico City and even if QB Kyler Murray is back and effective this week, I would gladly take Chargers QB Justin Herbert to win a shootout, if necessary.  

Las Vegas Raiders +3.5 (at Seattle) 

At 3-7, Vegas is out of the playoff picture but there is enough talent on this team to still play well down the stretch. They won at Denver last week and are 2-1 ATS as an underdog this season. Seattle has a solid record and reasonable playoff aspirations as a result, but they are no powerhouse. That hook is the key. 

A little chalky again this week, but feeling pretty good.