Week 12 Picks and Preview
Carolina AT Vikings
The Panthers pulled off their best defensive performance of the season in week 11 when they shutout the 4-6 Lions. Brian Burns led a ferocious pass rush with 2 sacks and 4 QB hits and the normal leaky defense held the Lions to 3/14 on 3rd down conversions. Detroit couldn’t get anything going offensively, their leading rusher had just 18 yards and Matt Stafford was held under 200 yards on 33 attempts. For the Panthers, P.J. Walker filled in admirably for the injured Teddy Bridgewater. They were able to move the ball effectively and if not for a pair of end zone picks, would have come away with an even bigger win.
This week they’re taking on a much tougher test in the Minnesota Vikings. Dalvin Cook has been sensational and Justin Jefferson is making a strong case for OROY, add in Adam Thielen (Thielen has since been placed on the reserve/covid list and will not play Sunday) and the Panthers are looking at an offense that will be extraordinarily difficult to stop. I mentioned Brian Burns leading the pass rush last week, and he’s going to have to do it again if Carolina wants to slow down Minnesota. Kirk Cousins is nearing his career high with 11 interceptions already and has a history of losing his composure under pressure.
On the other side, to say Minnesota has been struggling defensively would be putting it mildly. They’re 22nd in defensive points per drive and have given up at least 27 in six of their ten games this year. They’re weakest in the run game, which is not Carolina’s strong suit with McCaffrey still sitting out, but they can also be exploited through the air. Teddy is scheduled to make his return this week and I’m sure he’ll want to make a statement against the team that drafted him. With revenge on the table and a plethora of weapons at his disposal, Teddy is well positioned to stick it to the team that let him walk a couple years back.
What to Watch
With Dalvin Cook playing the best football of his career and the Vikings leaning heavily on him, Carolina will need to focus their efforts on shutting down the run. The best way to do that is for the offense to put up points early, look for Bridgewater to air it out against his former team, neutralizing Cook and leading Carolina to a late season win on the road.
Baltimore AT Pittsburgh
Baltimore is in the midst of a full blown outbreak and currently does not have enough healthy players to field a full 53 man roster. Pittsburgh had at least one player test positive as well and several placed on the reserve/Covid list. This game is very unlikely to happen and we just wish a speedy and full recovery to all those affected. If it does happen on Tuesday, the Ravens would essentially be playing a minor league roster and Pittsburgh should be embarrassed is they don't win handily.
What to Watch
A different game.
Week 12 Picks
Brodny- Houston Dallas LV Buffalo NYG Tenn Carolina Arizona Miami Cleveland NO LAR KC GB Seattle Pittsburgh
Jose- Bills Colts Panthers Browns Giants Cardinals Dolphins Raiders Saints Rams Chiefs Packers Seahawks Ravens Texans Cowboys
Eric- Titans Vikings Patriots Dolphins Rams Browns Saints Chiefs Packers Seattle Steelers Houston Dallas Raiders Chargers Giants
Jansen- Texans Cowboys Steelers Raiders Bills NYG Colts Panthers Cardinals Dolphins Browns Saints Rams Chiefs Packers Seahawks
Brandi- Raiders Bills Giants Titans Vikings Cardinals Dolphins Browns Saints Rams Chiefs Packers Seahawks