As we head into the final third of the 2021 NFL season, winning becomes even more important for these teams. Let’s take a look at our Week 12 NFL picks and predictions and the NFL betting landscape as teams look to position themselves for the postseason.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals went into Las Vegas and came away with a win, while the Steelers went into Los Angeles and fell short. However, the Chargers are good, whereas the Raiders are not. I expect the Steelers to have their full complement of defenders back for this one and as such will keep this division game close.
Out of every game on the slate, this is the one I have the most conviction about. The Steelers’ offense actually showed up last week. Ben Roethlisberger looked competent for the first time in a while.
On the other hand, the Bengals won despite failing to get Ja’Marr Chase or Tee Higgins involved. If they make that mistake again this week, it will spell trouble. Most importantly, this is a divisional game, and I don’t see the Bengals sweeping the Steelers.
Prediction: Steelers +4
Tennessee Titans at New England Patriots
Yes, the Patriots are in superb form, and they won 5 in a row in style. However its not a good idea to write off the Titans that easy and the bookies did.
The Patriots are the hottest team in football right now. The defense is playing incredible football. Meanwhile, Ryan Tannehill is doing what he always does when faced with a situation where he has to make big throws — turning it over.
This line seems high given the Titans’ spot in the AFC ranks, but it’s a nod to the Patriots’ lights-out play with rookie quarterback Mac Jones. Mike Vrabel has led Tennessee to victories against the Patriots in the last two meetings, too.
It’s amazing how quickly perceptions have changed around these two teams that the Patriots are now fav
ored. I think the Titans are a lot better than they looked on Sunday, but I like New England to win a close one.
Prediction: Titans +7.5
New York Jets at Houston Texans
Both teams are terrible. They both hold 2-8 record and take the last two spots in the AFC. Just because the Texans beat the Titans last week does not mean they should be three-point favorites over anyone. The Jets do stink, but I’ll take the points and back them in this which even if the Texans win, they will win in a close one.
Prediction: New York Jets +3
Los Angeles Rams at Green Bay Packers
In terms of creating scoring opportunities for the Rams, we saw the Vikings pick apart the weakened Packers defense. Between their depth of playmakers and an excellent play-caller, L.A. will have the tools necessary to recreate Minnesota’s success. The only question to answer for this offense will be how OBJ fits and if he is comfortable with that role. I am not too scared of this causing issues as both parties work through this “honeymoon” phase.
At full strength, this game would look much different. However, the Rams come in with extra rest and the Packers are still working through injuries and doing what they can to get to the bye. The Rams also have the extra boost of motivation since they need every win they can get to even have one home playoff game. The Packers pretty much have their division locked up.
The Packers lost a thriller last week to the Vikings, and the Rams were on a bye. Yet, here we are, with the Packers sitting as one-point home favorites. I’ll take Aaron Rodgers at less than a field-goal favorite at home every day of the week.
Prediction : Green Bay ML