The Turkey Day Leftovers

Week 12 NFL Sunday Games

After a 1-2 start on Thanksgiving, there’s little doubt as to who’s the turkey around these parts. Sunday’s slate looks like a real mixed bag, a prognosticator’s headache in the offing. Though onward we march toward paydirt.

Jacksonville -3 At Buffalo 35.5

It’s going to be a glorious late autumn day by the Big Lake tomorrow and Willis McGahee returns to the Bills’ backfield. The Jags don’t have to worry about the notorious Buffalo weather tomorrow, but a rather gaping hole exists in their secondary with the season-ending injury to Darius. Jacksonville is coming off of a big Monday night win at home, and have been inconsistent all year. The Bills had a nice last-second win at Houston. With an extra day to prepare against an opponent who lost twice already to Houston, I’m going upset in this one.

Projected Final Score: Buffalo 21, Jacksonville 17.

At NY Jets -6 Houston 40

Coach Mangini’s crew were humbled by Da Bears at home last week. Look for the Jets’ losing streak to end at one, though it may be tougher than folks think.

Projected Final Score: NY Jets 24, Houston 17.

At Baltimore -2.5 Pittsburgh 38

There’s no love lost ‘twixt these two squads. Ray Lewis and McNair enter this one with the intent of driving a stake into the defending champion’s heart. After starting out poorly, the Steelers have slowly begun to turn things around, and will not quietly into that good night of ex-champions. Unlike last year, McNair is the difference maker.

Projected Final Score: Ravens 23, Pittsburgh 20.

Cincinnati -3 At Cleveland 43

Ohio South at Ohio North, Round 2: Everyone knew that Chad “Ocho Cinco” was a playa, but over the last couple of weeks has toned down the foolishness and has stepped up as a team leader. The Browns almost pulled one out against the fire last week, but this week, their struggles continue:

Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 24, Cleveland 20.

At Minnesota -6 Arizona 38.5

One team’s playing for pride, the other’s lost theirs awhile ago. Is it possible that the ex-Vikings (soon to be ex-Arizona) coach comes in and pulls the upset? Anything’s possible in football, but probable, no.

Projected Final Score: Minnesota 24, Arizona 17.

At St. Louis -5.5 San Francisco 44.5

Who’da thunk it? The ‘Niners still in the fight at Week 12...Pretty impressive job by Coach Nolan. This week. It’ll be a tough test for the Niners if they hope to stay in contention. The Rams have been inconsistent, enigmatic and disappointing yet there’s still a chance.

Projected Final Score: St. Louis 27, San Francisco 21.

At Atlanta -3 New Orleans 48

Michael Vick and the Falcons have crashed and burned for this year, but if the Saints want to be taken seriously, these are the games that they need to win, and based on the Falcons’ erratic play, should feel insulted that they are underdogs coming in.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 27, Atlanta 24.

At New England -3 Chicago 36.5

The Patriots played flawlessly at Green Bay last week, while Chicago quietly knocked off the Jets. So far, the Monsters have gone 2-0 on their three week Eastern tour. This is a big game for New England, and if they play mistake-free Patriots’ football, they will win, simple as that.

Projected Final Score: New England 21, Chicago 17.

At Indianapolis -9.5 Philadelphia 44

As goes McNabb, so go the Eagles…Donovan went down for the season (again) and the Eagles can’t compete without The Man at the helm. The Colts will come back big at home this week. There’s nothing better than facing an opponent who’s already been knocked out.

Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 31, Philadelphia 17.

NY Giants -3 At Tennessee 42.5

The G-Men go down to Music City desperately seeking a win, but they are a hurtin’ bunch heading in. Meanwhile, the Titans took out McNabb and the Eagles on the road last week. If the G-Men can’t win this one, they may just as well hand over the NFC title to the Cowboys.

Projected Final Score: NY Giants 24, Tennessee 20.

Carolina -4.5 At Washington 36

The Panthers come to The DC hoping to really grab hold of the NFC South crown and run with it. Washington is playing out the string with a young QB.

Projected Final Score: Carolina 24, Washington 13.

At San Diego -13 Oakland 43

The Chargers are scary good…the Raiders are a fright show. Usually taking such a huge spread is for bravehearted fools. But the Raiders are truly that bad.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 28, Oakland 13.