UTTQ Predictions: Week 12

TAMPA BAY 24, TENNESEE 17

In a disappointing 2011 campaign, the Bucs have still managed to have some bright spots including last week’s near comeback against the Packers. The young Bucs have also been hurt big time by the injury bug . Opposite them, the Titans have had their own problems headlined by Chris Johnson’s ineffectiveness and their quick start to the season has vanished. With Matt Hasselbeck ailing, this game could potentially be Jake Locker’s first career start. Locker was fairly successful in his NFL debut against the Falcons last Sunday though the Titans lack any true playmakers on offense. Tampa Bay does and this Josh Freeman-led offense should get the job done.

CAROLINA 30, INDIANAPOLIS 12

Has Peyton Manning ever looked more valuable to the Colts than this season? It’s hard to believe that the perennial 10+ win Colts have yet to walk into one even without Manning this season however they haven’t and look like the strong favorite to “win” the top draft pick for the 2012 draft. Cam Newton has hit a bit of a wall in prior weeks including a 4-INT game against the Lions last week (though the Panthers did almost pull that one out). Newton is just a special player regardless and things look good for the Panthers in the future and for this weekend. Just a sidenote, how bad is Dan Orlovsky? It’s an utter mystery to me as to why Curtis Painter is still under center for the Colts. Unless of course they are in fact trying to “Suck for Luck”, then it makes perfect sense.

CHICAGO 24, OAKLAND 20

Just when the Bears seemed to be one of the dominant teams in the NFC, Jay Cutler breaks his thumb and looks to be out for the rest of the regular season. Now, Chicago must turn to Caleb Hanie who was actually fairly effective against the Packers in last season’s NFC Championship game. The Raiders seem to have found stability at QB with Carson Palmer having found his Pro Bowl form in the past few weeks. The Bears still have one of the shutdown defenses in the league and they will have to lean on it even more without Cutler. A heavy dose of Matt Forte combined with a strong showing by the D should lead the Bears to victory.

WASHINGTON 16, SEATTLE 18

In a match up of two disappointing teams, the Redskins come into Seattle on a seven-game losing streak. The Seahawks have followed up their first place NFC West finish in 2010 poorly though they are surely in better shape than Washington. In a game that could easily go either way, Seattle’s playmakers on offense should be the differnce in extending the ‘Skins streak to eight.

NEW ENGLAND 28, PHILADELPHIA 24

Is the “Dream Team” back? Most likely not. After pulling a surprising upset of the Giants on Sunday Night, Vince Young and company get an even tougher task in trying to unseat the Patriots. Tom Brady seems to have bounced back from a rocky period a few games back and a strong performance by the QB should extinguish the final playoff hopes for the Eagles.

DENVER 14, SAN DIEGO 31

Who would’ve thought that Tim Tebow would be 4-1 as a starter while Philip Rivers would be two games under .500 after eleven games. The Tebow led Broncos offense isn’t pretty by any means but its been getting the job done. It’s also become apparent in recent weeks that the Chargers just aren’t that great a team. However, San Diego is still alive in an AFC West that lacks a dominant team. They need this game badly to have any postseason hope and I say they get it.

PITTSBURGH 35, KANSAS CITY 13

Without Matt Cassel, the Chiefs just aren’t a playoff team. The Steelers on the other hand, come off their bye at 7-3 and looking strong. This has all the makings of a blowout judging from KC’s loss big loss to the Pats on Monday Night. Kansas City was a good early season schedule after coming back from an 0-3 start to the season but the injury bug has hit them too hard and they shouldn’t be much of a factor from here on out.

NEW YORK GIANTS 21, NEW ORLEANS 30

Now in tie for first place in the NFC East, the Giants took a big step back with their loss to Philly on Sunday Night. With a trip to the Superdome on tap for this weekend, things aren’t looking great for the G-Men. Drew Brees is well on his way to setting the all-time mark for passing yards in a season and should have a big game on Monday Night. Unless Eli Manning can get back to managing his turnovers, look for a relatively easy win for the Saints.