Picks and predictions for every game

It’s time for our NFL Week 12 picks and predictions, starting with a trio of intriguing Thanksgiving Day clashes. Enjoy the turkey!

Matchup

Buffalo Bills

7-3

Detroit Lions

4-6

Thursday, Nov. 24

12:30 p.m. ET

The Lions have won three straight, and the Bills are now playing a second consecutive game in Detroit. The world is on tilt. That said, Buffalo might not have to put on Thanksgiving.

Pick: Buffalo 34, Detroit 27

Matchup

New York Giants

7-3

Dallas Cowboys

7-3

Thursday, Nov. 24

4:30 p.m. ET

Great matchup on a holiday. The Cowboys and Giants both need to win or face dropping down the NFC playoff picture. Dallas won the first matchup, and it should handle business here at home.

Pick: Dallas 26, New York 19

Matchup

New England Patriots

6-4

Minnesota Vikings

8-2

Thursday, Nov. 24

8:20 p.m. ET

The Vikings are coming off a humiliating loss to the Cowboys. One would think they come out with fire and squash New England, who has no offense to speak of.

Pick: Minnesota 23, New England 19

Matchup

Denver Broncos

3-7

Carolina Panthers

3-8

Sunday, Nov. 27

1 p.m. ET

I’d rather write about supply-side economics than this game.

Pick: Denver 13, Carolina 10

Matchup

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5-5

Cleveland Browns

3-7

Sunday, Nov. 27

1 p.m. ET

The Buccaneers are coming off their bye and playing a Browns team which, without Deshaun Watson, simply doesn’t have a passing game to fear.

Pick: Tampa Bay 22, Cleveland 16

Matchup

Atlanta Falcons

5-6

Washington Commanders

6-5

Sunday, Nov. 27

1 p.m. ET

Washington is making a push beyond quarterback Taylor Heinicke, going 4-1 in his starts. Like the Commanders to keep rolling here.

Pick: Washington 30, Atlanta 24

Matchup

Baltimore Ravens

7-3

Jacksonville Jaguars

3-7

Sunday, Nov. 27

1 p.m. ET

The Ravens have had some close calls against bad teams this season, but the Jaguars might not have enough offensive punch to pull the upset.

Pick: Baltimore 24, Jacksonville 21

Matchup

Chicago Bears

3-8

New York Jets

6-4

Sunday, Nov. 27

1 p.m. ET

If Justin Fields doesn’t play, this might be the worst quarterback play we see this week. And keep in mind the Broncos and Panthers are meeting up.

Pick: New York 23, Chicago 18

Matchup

Cincinnati Bengals

6-4

Tennessee Titans

7-3

Sunday, Nov. 27

1 p.m. ET

Great game. The Bengals need to keep winning while the Titans are free and clear in the AFC South. Much more important for Cincinnati, and it shows.

Pick: Cincinnati 24, Tennessee 22

Matchup

Houston Texans

1-8-1

Miami Dolphins

7-3

Sunday, Nov. 27

1 p.m. ET

This could be a ritualistic killing. Tough to see the Texans being competitive for more than a half in this one.

Pick: Miami 38, Houston 20