NFL Week 12 Picks: The Dennis Allen Effect

3.05 pm CT – Arizona Cardinals (8-2) at San Francisco 49ers (3-7)

Colin Kaepernick is out for the remainder of the year and many people expect him to be released at the end of the season. Why not give Blaine Gabbert a long look who has taken care of the football, showed athleticism and toughness thus far. As neat as those attributes might be, it will not be enough against the Arizona Cardinals who are coming in with a full head of steam, having poured 30+ points on scoring defenses the past two weeks. This has blowout written all over it.

3.25 pm CT – Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) at Seattle Seahawks (5-5) 

By the time the game above is decided, the Steelers kick off in Seattle. Pittsburgh has enjoyed a bye week to get healthy, study the Seahawks and make all the preparations necessary for a late run at the division crown. Typically, one must be sceptical of their chances in Boeing country but bona fide vertical threat Martavis Bryant matched up on slow corner Cary Williams? Let’s exploit it and push the goal line experts deeper into the crisis, Steeler Nation.

Nov 2, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Brandon LaFell (19) make a touchdown against Denver Broncos cornerback Bradley Roby (29) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Broncos 43-21. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Sunday Night Football: New England Patriots (10-0) at Denver Broncos (8-2)

Here we are again, Patriots and Broncos, Brady and Manning…wait, Peyton is out this time. Enter Brock Osweiler, a young quarterback who did not make significant mistakes during his first start of his career last week in Chicago. He does seem to be a better fit in Gary Kubiak’s offense, even the running backs excelled thanks to him taking snaps under center. This week poses a tough challenge as the undefeated Patriots roll into town. New England is banged up on offense and has to take on a top-tier Broncos defense. This might be closer than you would expect but Brady should be able to pull it out in the end.

Monday Night Football: Baltimore Ravens (3-7) at Cleveland Browns (2-8)

Just when you thought things could not get worse for the Browns, a video surfaces showing Johnny Manziel partying like it’s spring break down in Florida. However, Josh McCown can give this team a chance to win against the decimated Ravens team. The Browns decided the first encounter between the two earlier in the year and a sweep depends on how Matt Schaub settles into the game.