2016 Week 12 NFL Picks

November 23, 2016

By the Football Garbage Time Staff

If you followed last year, you won over 60% of your picks, and we aim to do even better this year. We’re off to a decent start, so without further to do, here we go:

Week 12 Games

Ha Kung Wong’s Picks

Ha Kung’s Thoughts:

As I mention every week, copy my picks and you can thank me later. And, after back-to-back-to-back strong efforts, I’m now 94-65 (59.1%) and only 2 games out of first place. I think we all know who the real NFL Pick Guru is around these parts. Like I say, if you like winning, I think I can help.

For Week 12, the most interesting game for me is the Green Bay Packers @ Philadelphia Eagles.

Philadelphia is currently favored in this home game by 4 points with an over/under of 47.5, which is the third highest over/under of the week after the Thanksgiving slate.

Philadelphia has been inconsistent, starting out with 4 wins and then going into the tank before a recent resurgence in large part due to a strong defense. The Eagles defense has allowed the 4th least amount of points per game (18.6), allowed the 8th least total yards per game (334.6) and has the 9th most takeaways this season (16). Those are impressive stats. Impressive enough to be ranked the 7th best defense by Pro Football Focus. And as a result, Philadelphia is 2nd in overall weighted DVOA (which represents how well a team is playing right now as opposed to over the course of the season according to Football Outsiders).

Carson Wentz

On the other hand, the Packers defense has been floundering, particularly since Clay Matthews went out. They’ve allowed the 6th most points (27.6) and 10th most passing yards per game (265.6) so far this year. And things didn’t improve in Week 11 when Matthews returned, as they were stomped by the Redskins to the tune of 45 points. And now they’re ranked the 10th worst defense in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus.

Aaron Rodgers

And although Aaron Rodgers and the Packers offense has the 10th most passing yards per game (262.1) this year, they also have the 9th most giveaways (16) in the league, ultimately leaving the Packers at a lowly 22 for overall weighted DVOA.

Ultimately, Carson Wentz has regressed somewhat, but is still an effective game manager with upside. And although Ryan Mathews (MCL strain) and Darren Sproles (fractured rib) are potentially out due to injury, leaving a mostly untested Wendell Smallwood in charge of the backfield, it’s not like the Eagles have been relying on the ground game much anyway. The Packers can score, but their defense is a shambles, and playing on the road, I just don’t think they can get it together this week. Eagles win this one.

Also, just because we love competition here at Football Garbage Time, we’re once again going heads up against Wally, Will and Ray at Urban Sports Scene on our NFL Picks. Right now we’re leading at 5-1-3 for the season.

They’re awesome competitors, and they KNOW their sports, so keep it tuned in, to both us and them, because we’ll be picking all season all long!

Scott King’s Picks

Joanne Kong’s Picks

Joanne Kong’s Comments:

For Joanne’s thoughts on AFC South matchups, see her AFC South Week 12 Preview and Predictions.

For Joanne’s thoughts on AFC West matchups, see her AFC West Week 12 Preview and Predictions.

New York Giants (7-3) @ Cleveland Browns (0-11)

In week 11, the New York Giants went into the half behind, 9-16. But, was I worried?

In the third quarter, the Giants were tied 16-16. But, was I worried?

The answer to both questions…NO.

Come on, the Giants were playing the Chicago Bears and quarterback, Jay Cutler, was behind center. It wasn’t a matter of if, it was a matter of when…when Cutler would be intercepted or fumble the ball, leading to the Giants victory.

Jay Cutler

In week 12, the Giants have another SWEET matchup. The winless Cleveland Browns. So, should the Giants be concerned?

The Giants are on a five-game win streak, and are 7-3 for the season, but the games have been close, with no win by more than 7-points.
Taking the Browns for granted can lead to trouble. With 7-3 record in week 12, and 2nd place in the NFC East, the Giants could be looking at a Wildcard game. But, the Giants are playing their first away game in a month, and are questionable for offensive lineman, Justin Pugh and Brett Jones, and defensive end, Jason Pierre-Paul (knee aliment).
The Giants have got a run game. Giants running back, Rashad Jennings, has had good back-to-back weeks with 87 and 85 rush yards, respectively. In week 11, Jennings also had a touchdown.

Rashad Jennings – Icon Sportswire Photo

The Giants had a season high of 4-sacks against the Bears, and had their first turn-over free game of the season.
The Browns are 31st in the league defensively in yards allowed by game (409.5) and points allowed per game (29.5).
The Cleveland Browns quarterbacks have been sacked 38-times this season through 11 games. The only other team with as many sacks are the Indianapolis Colts, being sacked 37-times.

What can we expect in Week 12?