UTTQ Predictions: Week 12

Happy Turkey Day everyone! This year's Thanksgiving games feature some truly great matchups. So warm up the turducken, set the table, and turn on that TV. What better way to enjoy a day with the family then watching some awesome NFL action?

GREEN BAY 35, DETROIT 31
The Packers are like LSU: an undisputed number 1 team in the win-loss column. That said, on the field f play they may not be a clear cut number 1. Sure, their offense has been great and very efficient. Their defense is a different story, however, as they sometimes can get rattled. Detroit has been fighting their demons of previous years, and trying to preserve their strong start. Although this may not have as much hype as it did 10 or so weeks ago, this will still be one of the more interesting Lions Thanksgiving Classics.

MIAMI 28, DALLAS 24
The chances of this being a repeat of the memorable 1993 Thanksgiving classic are nearly nil, but this game has gotten a lot more interesting in recent weeks. Miami is surging in a midseason win streak that has erased those thoughts of a number 1 overall pick. Dallas is continuing to build steady and methodical wins. Miami's Matt Moore has been particularly impressive, and considering that Dallas's pass D has been underwhelming at times, look for Miami to possibly upset.

SAN FRANCISCO 30, BALTIMORE 27
The Harbaugh bowl has certainly become much more than that, as Baltimore looks to continue its fight for a playoff berth, whilst the 49ers continue to dominate the NFC (apart from the Packers). Its fitting that a battle between two brothers not named Manning would come on Thanksgiving, and what a game it should be. Although Baltimore has slowly been improving over the last few weeks, they are still keeping too many teams close at the end. However, the 49ers should win this one, if by the closest of margins.

BUFFALO 20, NEW YORK JETS 27
An old school, black and blue AFC East rivalry will be between these two New York teams. After a disappointing loss to the Almighty Tebow (and his band of wenches and fools), the Jets are regressing. The Bills, on the other hand, are simply depressing. A strong start to the season has all but been erased in a futile effort to keep a lead in the AFC East. With a loss to the Dolphins last week, the Bills had better hope that their luck turns around soon. Otherwise, the win over New England early in the year came to represent nothing but pure luck.

CLEVELAND 13, CINCINNATI 31
A couple of years ago, this rivalry usually resulted in epic shootouts. This year, the matchup is far more tempered. Both franchises feature relatively young playmakers, but both have also been going in opposite directions since the start of the season. The Browns, thought to be once again on the right track, have lost their star back in Peyton Hillis, who has suffered numerous injury and humiliation due to the Madden Curse. The Bengals, once thought to be dead without Carson Palmer and Chad Ochocinco, have risen admirably due to the talents of their young skill position players. It is therefore assumed that Cincinnati will take this one, but not in the form of a shootout.

HOUSTON 31, JACKSONVILLE 20
Jacksonville couldn't pull together to force a win against the Browns. Now, they face a much better team in the Texans. Good thing Matt Schaub can afford to miss this game.

MINNESOTA 23, ATLANTA 34
The Vikings may have lost their most dangerous weapon for a game, but that won't stop their attack. Unfortunately, they face the Falcons this week. Atlanta has been a curious team, but they still manage to do what counts when it matters. Against the Vikings, they should be on upset alert (especially with Houston on the horizon), but they should definitely take care of business in this gimme game.

ARIZONA 23, ST. LOUIS 14
Both of these teams are as bad as they come, with the Rams losing in an awful showing against Seattle, and the Cards getting beaten by their own mistakes against the Niners. This contest should surely conjure bad memories for St. Louis from their loss to the Cards a few weeks ago. Patrick Peterson and Larry Fitzgerald are sure to wreck havoc again on a sinking franchise. It goes to show that the team with the better playmakers, and not the better overall talent, will surely win this one.