Sorry for the formatting, copy/paste issue on the matchups. Anyway, wer're 12 weeks in and we have a pretty damn good idea what kind of team you are at this point. Predictions will get a little easier, and upsets will begin to dwindle down in my opinion. It's getting damn cold, power running teams are going to start to excell. On that same token, I think one power running team in particular will suffer their first loss of the season this week. There's always someone at least once a week, this week I'll take the heat.
NYJ @ NE - The jets have been playing amazingly the past 2 weeks. The Patriots, on the other hand, are also starting to find themselves. I think if Thomas Jones gets going again, New England has no chance in hell of winning. However, I don't see this happening. New England wins.
DEN @ ATL - It took 3 quarters before Denver was able to find a groove this past week. Atlanta has been playing really really well and the defense hasn't been to shabby. I see Matt Ryan further cementing his name into that RotY award and taking care of business at home with a strong showing by Turner as well.
DET @ CAR - Carolina is starting to skid a bit, but c'mon, this is Detroit and they get them at home. Carolina will bounce back and handle Detroit easily.
MIN @ TB - This is going to be a pretty good matchup in my opinion. Tampa is going to be able to run the ball at all, and Peterson could have another decent game. Still, Jeff Garcia will play very well and lead the Bucs to victory.
BAL @ NYG - A game for the fans of great defenses. Eli and Flacco are going to have tough times ahead this week. I don't think anyone is going to move the ball particularly well, but I just can't see the Giants losing.
OAK @ MIA - Oakland is a mess and Miami is reborn. Thanks to a very workable schedule and excellent coaching, Miami has put themselves in viable contention for a playoff spot. Miami shouldn't have too much of a hard time handling Oakland, but they've dropped the ball a couple of times this season in winnable games. Still have to take MY Dolphins.
NO @ KC - Drew Brees will throw for another 768 yards this week, leading Nawlins past a dismal KC team. I expect KC to actually put up a decent fight after an emotional loss last week.
PHI @ CIN - This just isn't going to be a good game at all.
CHI @ GB - This will be a good game though! Green Bay really needs to start catching up in the division to have some hopes at making the playoffs, because the wildcard spots are all but gone. Orton or not, I think the Packers will take care of the Bears passing attack and throw the ball around enough themselves to pull out a win.
HOU @ IND - Rematch of one of the most exciting finishes to a game this year. I won't say that Indianpolis is back, but...Indianapolis is back. They beat Pitt at home (I know they're an injury mess) and that isn't an easy game to win no matter how you spin it. Despite their record, Houston isn't a bad team, they've had some tough losses. This will be another L in their column.
STL @ SF - Singletary gets his first victory, I wonder how the presser will go? I wonder how long Martz will last? Lots of questions around this franchise. Niners will pop back after last weeks terrible coaching and play calling cost them the game.
ARI @ SEA - Arizona isn't that great on the road, and historically, Seattle is amazing at home. Kind of makes a difference when your entire starting lineup is made up of 3rd string and 4th string players. Arizona wins.
TEN @ JAC - Jax beat the shit out of Detroit last week. Sure it's Detroit, but it's also a good pick-me-up after some tough losses. I can actually see Gerrard making a mistake free game and moving the ball enough to allow Jacksonville to win and give the Titans their first loss.
SD @ PIT - There's just no way in hell Pitt loses another home game. They are way too good of a team to let that happen. Tomlin will have this club ready and they'll take care of things at Heinz field.
DAL @ WAS - There's a huge cloud of doubt hanging over this game. Does Portis play of does he not play? Personally, I don't think it's going to matter. I see Dallas winning this game regardless and start to push themselves back into the playoff picture.
CLE @ BUF - I hope Quinn has another good game, but I can't see the Bills losing this one. Gong to be a hell of a playoff race in the AFC East.