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Another week… another shake up in the standings. The Eagles are flying high in the NFC East, and don’t look now, but the Panthers have closed to within a game of the Saints. If you did not believe that Carolina had a chance to compete for the NFC South and the playoffs, Think again. The Panthers have won six (6) in a row, and are the hottest team in the NFL right now.

Even so, the Saints have now proven that they are STILL the team to beat, and a serious contender for the Super Bowl. After Week 11 (nearly ¾ of the season), the Saints have the #2 offense and the #5 defense in the NFL. Now, teams cannot count on simply shutting down Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense. They also have to game plan for a defense that (under Rob Ryan) plays aggressive and smash-mouth football. We respect all of our competition (week-to-week). But as far as the Black and Gold are concerned, we’re not taking any prisoners. Can I get a WhoDat!?

This week in the NFL starts with the Saints playing in the Georgia Dome on Thursday Night Football. If you’re looking for a blowout, I think you should look again. This will be the Falcons’ SUPER BOWL (for this season), and they would love nothing more than to knock-off the Saints and salvage some respect from the rest of the NFL.

Sorry, but the Saints will not overlook Atlanta, and will do everything possible to help keep the Falcons in contention for bottom dweller in the NFC South.

Week 12 Bye teams (2 AFC; 2 NFC): Bills, Bengals, Eagles, Seahawks.

Thursday November 21st

Week 12, Game 1: Saints (8-2) @ Falcons (2-8)

a. Why it is important: Falcons are an NFC South rival, which means that this is also a Conference matchup (…important for seeding in the playoffs).

b. Desired outcome: A win by the Saints will MATHEMATICALLY ELIMINATE the Falcons from any possibility of winning the NFC South crown. Having said that, this is still a VERY DANGEROUS game for the Saints. Atlanta was literally humiliated by the Buccaneers, and were on the butt end of a lot of jokes throughout the week. Although banged up, this team can still mix it up and do some damage. Also, do not forget that since 2009, the Falcons have the BEST record at home in the NFC. The Saints cannot let the Falcons “hang around” during the game. They must score early and often, get the crowd booing the home team, cause the Falcons to start hanging their heads in dejection, and and put the Falcons away before halftime. Otherwise, you have a team with literally nothing to lose that will play inspired football and pull off the upset. May it NOT be so!!!!!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 7.


Sunday November 24th


Week 12, Game 2: Buccaneers (2-8) @ Lions (6-4)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Buccaneers are also an NFC South rival.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Buccaneers. This is because of possible seeding in the playoffs. The Lions are tied for first place in the NFC North.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Lions by 9- ½.


Week 12, Game 3: Vikings (2-8) @ Packers (5-5)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Packers are just 1 game out of first place, and are hoping to have Aaron (“Discount Double-Check”) Rodgers back for their game on Thanksgiving.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Vikings

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Packers by 3.


Week 12, Game 4: Jaguars (1-9) @ Texans (2-8)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Texans by 10- ½.


Week 12, Game 5: Chargers (4-6) @ Chiefs (9-1)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Chiefs by 4- ½.


Week 12, Game 6: Panthers (7-3) @ Dolphins (5-5)

a. Why it is important: Panthers are an NFC South rival, and only 1 game behind the Saints. This is probably a trap game for the Panthers, who won a very emotional game vs. the Patriots on MNF. That also means that Carolina is coming off a short week, and are traveling to South Florida for the game. The Dolphins are no slouches, and are playing .500 ball (5-5) right now. They are still very much in the hunt for a postseason spot, and will definitely be ready for the Panthers on Sunday.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Dolphins. Call me what you want, but I smell an upset!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5- ½. (UPSET SPECIAL!)

d. Vegas odds on this game: Panthers by 3- ½ .


Week 12, Game 7: Steelers (4-6) @ Browns (4-6)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Browns by 2.


Week 12, Game 8: Bears (6-4) @ Rams (4-6)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Bears are tied for first place in the NFC North, and also in contention for a Wildcard. The Rams pulled the MONSTER upset of the season by going on the road to beat the Colts last week.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Rams by 1 .


Week 12: Game 9: Jets (5-5) @ Ravens (4-6)

N/A: AFC opponents. This game is huge & do-or-die for AFC Wildcard seeding (especially the Ravens).

Vegas odds on this game: Ravens by 3- ½.


Week 12: Game 10: Titans (4-6) @ Raiders (4-6)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Raiders by 1.


Week 12, Game 11: Colts (7-3) @ Cardinals (6-4)

a. Why it is important: Cardinals are an NFC rival. Colts have all but clinched the AFC South, given the disappointing play from the Texans and Jaguars. The Titans are on life support for the division crown. Cardinals are playing well, and gaining confidence. They also play exceptionally well at home.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Colts (interconference game; easy choice).

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Cardinals by 2.


Week 12, Game 12: Cowboys (5-5) @ Giants (4-6)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. As usual, the Giants are starting to get hot as the season goes on. Head Coach Jason Garrett is in hot water, and will be dropped into the fire if the Giants emerge victorious in this one. The most realistic scenario for either club is winning the NFC East crown.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Giants; Cowboys are in trouble, and I don’t see how they win this one. Not that we care, but the only positive thing that the Cowboys have going into this game is that they are 3-0 in their division.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Giants by 2- ½.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week12, Game 13: Broncos (9-1) @ Patriots (7-3)

N/A: AFC opponents. This should be a GOOD game! Brady may still trump Manning!

Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 2.


Monday November 25th


Week 12, Game 14: 49’ers (6-4) @ Redskins (3-7)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. The 49’ers are now looking to hold on to a shot at a Wildcard. The Redskins are still in the hunt for the postseason, but realistically it will only be for the NFC East crown. Their only shot will be if they run the table and finish at 9-7.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Redskins; knock the 49’ers further back in the playoff hunt.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: 49’ers by 4- ½.

News from Enemy Camps (Week 12):

NFC East Leader:

(Eagles): Philadelphia Eagles Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC North Leaders:

(Lions): Detroit
Lions Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

(Bears): Chicago Bears Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader:

(Seahawks): Seattle Seahawks Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

SaintSproles

I smell the upset in Miami as well.

Always tough to come back after a tough emotional win like they had last night and then to play on the road on top of that.

Panthers come back down to Earth.

Miami 20, Carolina 16.

Halo

Jaguars vs. Texans... battle of the hapless. Who will win?

How much you want to bet the Texans make the Jags look good?

Stealthman

I believe the Texans will show up for this one. Texans ...going away: 38-17

MtnExile

It's always possible for any one team to beat another in a given week...but I wouldn't count on Miami to carry our water for us against Carolina. The Dolphins have one of the worst offensive lines in football, and they'll be going up against probably the best front 7 in the NFL.

I also wonder about some of these picks. For instance, are you taking strength of schedule into account? It might be a handy tiebreaker to have at the end of the season. We should be pulling for any team on our schedule to have a win, except in the week we play them, and except when we're chasing them (Seattle) or they're chasing us (Carolina). Or, in the case of the Rams or the Cardinals, when a win would increase our strength of schedule but do doubly so for Seattle, since they play them twice.

It's complicated. I just pull for the teams I like, and against the ones I detest. All the Saints have to do is win their games, and that takes care of everything.

Stealthman

I hear what you're saying Mtn-E, but strength of schedule is down the list a ways ...in the priorities. Head to head and conference matchups are more of the deciding factors.

So far, we've beaten most of the leading contenders: 49'ers (6-4), Cowboys (5-5), Bears (6-4), Cardinals (6-4). We're also 6-0 in the Conference (NFC).

Here's the complete tiebreaking rundown: NFL Tie-Breaking Procedures

SaintSproles

FYI, the Giants/Cowboys tilt is crucial in terms of tie breaking procedure between the Saints and Panthers, should it come down to that.

We have the Cowboys on our schedule and the Panthers have the Giants on their schedule this season. So strength of victory and strength of schedule gives a boost to either the Saints or Panthers based on who wins this game.

Cowboys over the Giants. No doubt.

Very nice writeup, btw.

Stealthman

Thanks, bro.

Stealthman

Your second sentence (above) says it all.

WHO DAT!