The Bearded Talisman's Week 12 NFL Picks

1. Patriots -7.5 at Bengals – Chase is OUT on offense for Cincy.    Hendrickson is OUT on defense for Cincy.   Flacco looked like the early season version of Flacco in last week’s 34-12 loss in Pittsburgh – a game in which the Steelers scored two defensive touchdowns.   The Patriots so far may have played a very weak schedule, but they tend to beat up weak opponents.     

2. Cowboys +3.0 vs Eagles – This is the best roster the Cowboys have put on the field all season.   They are at home.   They NEED the game gobs more than the Eagles – and Philly draws the Commanders and Raiders for 3 of their final 6 games, so they know they are home free in the East, and probably at least the 2 seed, even with a loss.   The Eagles are also missing their best offensive lineman (Lane Johnson).   I actually think the Cowboys win this one straight up.

3. Chiefs -3.5 vs Colts – For all the Chiefs are dead talk, Mahomes & Company have held serve at HOME – last 4 home games all wins, and 4-0 against the spread in those games.     The last two games the Colts have not looked that good.   Turned it over six times at Pittsburgh in a loss, then very easily could have lost on a neutral site against Atlanta.  

4. Jaguars -2.5 at Cards – Arizona has given up 85 points the last two weeks; and, has lost 7 of 8.   They are still missing Marvin Harrison Jr., along with 2 starting defensive backs.   The Jaguars beat the Chargers 35-6 last week.    No paralysis by over analysis here.   Jags roll.

5. Ravens -13.5 vs Jets – Things are fun again for Baltimore.   Ravens have won 4 straight, including 3 straight on the road, and they return home to play a bad Jets team.    The Jets defensive line is banged up and that is a very bad sign given they have to stop Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry.   13.5 is a lot of points to give, but I think this one is a blowout.

Last week 1-3-1, Season 28-26-1