Happy Thanksgiving week, ladies and gentlemen!
Nothing goes with turkey and family quite like football. With Week 12 of the NFL season here, we’re inching ever so closer to the playoffs.
Every week means something in the NFL, but many teams are hitting “must-win” mode lately to keep playoff hopes alive.
After an instant classic between the Chiefs and Rams to close out Week 11 on Monday night, what’s in store for Week 12?
PGA Tour caddies Justin York, Mark Urbanek and Joe Skovron offer up their prognostications for five match ups…
Bears at Detroit
Spread: Bears -4
York’s Pick: Detroit
Why: After the last debacle in Chicago when these two teams met, Matthew Stafford has gotten his swagger back. Teams are starting to figure out how to stop the tough pass rush of this Khalil Mack led defense. Look for the Lions to cover here and maybe win the game outright.
Urbanek’s Pick: Chicago
Why: Tough one for me. I anticipate this to be close throughout, with Chicago pulling away late. The injury to Kerryon Johnson is the difference in my mind, making Detroit one dimensional which is no bueno against a stout Bears D. Chicago 27, Detroit 17.
Skovron’s Pick: Chicago
Why: This line varies from 3 to 4 right now depending on where you look. That extra point is big and it looks like the Bears are going to be without Trubisky playing on the road. With that said, I think Chase Daniel will be fine since he knows Nagy’s offense and is a solid veteran backup. This Bears defense is scary good and Detroit will be without Kerryon Johnson and Marvin Jones. DA BEARS!
NY Giants at Philadelphia Eagles
Spread: Philly -6
York’s Pick: Giants
Why: Philly is coming off one of the worst defeats in franchise history. Eli Manning has led a recent resurgence of this former Super Bowl -ontending team to a back-door division contender. It will be a dogfight but the Giants with their stud rookie running back Barkley will come out on top.
Urbanek’s Pick: Eagles
Why: Have to believe the world won’t be on the Giants in this one. They’re finally resembling a NFL team and riding a few Ws into the this one. But I’m siding with the defending champs on their home turf shutting down the G-Men and putting them back in the basement where they belong. Eagles 28, NY 20.
Skovron’s Pick: Eagles
Why: With all the criticism of Eli this year, his stats are very comparable to Wentz so far in terms of YPG, completion percentage, interceptions, QB rating and TDs. The Giants are coming off two wins in a row and the Eagles just got embarrassed by the Saints. I still have a hard time trusting the G-Men and I think the Eagles find a way to cover at home and keep their season alive.
Seattle at Carolina
Spread: Carolina -3.5
York’s Pick: Seattle
Why: This is the toughest pick of the week. Seattle is coming off a big win over the Packers and Carolina is looking to redeem themselves after losing to Detroit. This will be another hard-fought game to the end. Look for the Seahawks to cover but come up short on the victory.
Urbanek’s Pick: Carolina
Why: This will be the Christian McCaffrey show. Maybe 200 yards combined in this one and a couple scores. Expecting Carolina to get back on track here with a nice W at home to keep playoff hopes alive. Carolina 31, Seattle 23.
Skovron’s Pick: Seattle
Why: Both of these teams run the ball well and struggle to put up yards through the air. Carolina is trying to get back on track after two losses in a row and Seattle is on extra rest after a big win last Thursday night. I’ll take the points and the Seahawks on the road.
Pittsburgh at Denver
Spread: Pittsburgh -3
York’s Pick: Pittsburgh
Why: Denver is coming off a great divisional win over its rival Chargers and Pittsburgh is looking to rebound back off Roethlisberger’s worst performance of the season. With the drama of Le’Veon Bell behind the Steelers, they should be focused to defeat a strong Denver defense.
Urbanek’s Pick: Pittsburgh
Why: The Steelers D is for real. They haven’t given up more than 21 points since week 3. Just too much firepower on both sides of the ball to think the win streak will end in this one. Steelers 24, Broncos 17.
Skovron’s Pick: Denver
Why: As of right now, the public is all over Pittsburgh, while the sharps have caused reverse line movement by taking Denver. This might change by Sunday, but I have to get these picks in so I’m going Denver.
Green Bay at Minnesota
Spread: Minnesota -3.5
York’s Pick: Green Bay
Why: Minnesota is on a recent decline in production. The Packers are coming off a tough loss and are looking to bounce back if they want any shot at a playoff berth. Expect the Pack to dominate this one.
Urbanek’s Pick: Green Bay
Why: R. E. L. A. X. Pack in a must-win game with Rodgers getting points? Yes, please. Love seeing Aaron Jones getting more touches finally. It adds another dimension to an already potent attack. Packers 27, Vikings 24.r
Skovron’s Pick: Green Bay
Why: This is pretty much a must-win for both teams after their losses last week. Everyone is loading up on Green Bay so far causing the line to move from 4.5 to 3.5. I’ll take Mr. Rodgers with that line still over 3.