NFL picks for week 12, Big Al goes with Lions, Redskins, Jets in Thanksgiving games

TULSA - Another 11-3 week.

I don't know if that is good, average or below average. For my own confidence, I am going to pretend it's good. Two weeks in a row with double-digit wins. Hope you're having 12-2, 13-1, or 14-0 weeks.

The picks for week 12, which includes three games on Thursday.

Houston at Detroit - Texans rated number one in AP Pro 32 for a second straight week, but was playing with fire last week against lowly Jax. Lions gave Pack all they could handle a week ago. Home team always has the advantage in short weeks. Lions the traditional Turkey Day game. Going with Lions for sentimental reasons, remembering the great Alex Karras, who passed away a couple of weeks ago. I remember Alex with mud all over his face and uniform when they used to play the Packers at the old Tiger Stadium. Go Motor City in this one, 26-24.

Washington at Dallas - Washington seems to be peaking right now, and the Cowboys had to be saved by the zebras in overtime against a bad Cleveland team. Felix banged up again, no word on DeMarco Murray and his health. Taking a flyer on Washington, 24-21.

New England at Jets - Should have my head examined with picking the Jets. You know what they say, gut feeling. Pats banged up on short week. Not a good combo. Jets, 17-13.

Minnesota at Chicago - Cutler says he is questionable with the concussion, and boy did the Bears miss him last week against San Fran. Vikings one of the more improved teams, and healthy. Vikes win 23-13.

Oakland at Cincinnati - Raiders are back at it, playing about as bad as you can play. Bengals not that bad, better than 5-5 record. Bengals easy, 37-10.

Pittsburgh at Cleveland - Took another longshot. Cleveland will probably give it away again, but Steelers still without Big Ben, and backup has been sketchy at best. Browns in upset, 16-13.

Buffalo at Indy - Colts hanging in there. Better than the beating they took last week in New England. Go Colts, 34-30.

Denver at KC - You have to be kidding me. Should play game with running clock, so Chiefs can get out of Arrowhead before the natives get to much liquid courage in their guts. Peyton wins, 45-10.

Seattle at Miami - Tough call here. Went back and forth on this one. Still can't believe how Miami has been really bad last two games. Make it three. Seattle off bye week. Seahawks, 16-14.

Atlanta at Tampa - Bucs getting better, Atlanta seems to be in mid-season doldrums. Another upset. Bucs, 27-24.

Tennessee at Jacksonville - Do we really have to watch this game? May never get a look on Red Zone because you usually have to be in the Red Zone to get on this channel. Don't look for too much scoring, 57 yard field goal wins it 3-0, Jacksonville.

Baltimore at San Diego - This could be Norv Turner's final game as Chargers coach. They are just plain bad. Will Rivers and company try to win to keep the head coach at work? Past that. Baltimore, 26-10.

St. Louis at Arizona - The moment the Rams get props for turning it around under Jeff Fisher, they blow a tire vs the Jets. Cards should have won at Atlanta last week. Zona wins, 17-10.

San Fran at New Orleans - Saints on a roll. Alex Smith still woozy, even if he does play. Go Saints by an eyelash, 29-27.

Carolina at Philly - Starting to feel sorry for Eagles. Change that. Not really. Carolina seems to be playing better, but still not winning. Eagles finally get a win, 27-24.

Green Bay at NY Giants - For some reason, Giants play well against this outfit, and keep it going with bye week, and coming off the week before playing about as bad as you could play. Eli gets better. Big score, 45-44 Giants.

Enjoy your turkey!

Oh, and the Friday turkey sandwiches? Go with rye, heavy on the mayo. Maybe that'll be my next blog, weekly food tips! Nah.

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