NFL Picks Week 12: AFC Wild Card Difference-Makers

In this “NFL Picks Week 12” article, we’ll be taking another updated look at the AFC Wild Card, spotlighting the key games that could make a real impact when looking towards the NFL playoffs.

Kansas City Chiefs (7-3)  vs. Oakland Raiders (0-10), 8:25 p.m. Thursday, NFL Network

The Raiders, looking for their first win of the year, will have their hands full on Thursday night as they look to not only win at home, but to put up a good performance against a very good Chiefs team. If Oakland wants to win this one, they’ll need to somehow find a way to keep their offensive attack balanced.

They’ve struggled getting anything going on the ground this year, something that can be attributed to bad schemes and poor play up front.

Expect the Chiefs to stay with their typical weekly game-plan in this one. Andy Reid’s team has things going in the right direction, so they won’t want to shy away from what’s been working. Expect a heavy dose of Jamaal Charles, who is averaging 6.1 yards per carry this month.

Pick: Chiefs by 13+

Cleveland Browns (6-4) vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-6), 1:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Say what you want about the Falcons, but they’re currently sitting atop the NFC South with six losses in Week 12. Anything can happen with this division, so to count them out would be unfair. They’re motivated and ready to take sole possession of their division.

For the Browns, they’ll need to figure out a way to win this game, even if it means throwing the kitchen sink at Atlanta. With the recent release of Ben Tate, it’ll be the rookie tandem of Terrance West and Isaiah Crowell handling the load.

The key to this one will be in the secondary. If Cleveland can find a way to effectively stop Atlanta’s passing attack, they have a real chance. Matt Ryan hasn’t been particularly impressive lately, something the Browns’ coaching staff can hang their hats on as they prep for Sunday.

Pick: Falcons by 5

Cincinnati Bengals (6-3-1) vs. Houston Texans (5-5), 1:00 p.m. Sunday, CBS

If there’s a “Game of the Week” that is flying under the radar, it’s safe to say this one can be locked in as just that. Both teams desperately need wins, each for different reasons.

The Texans are just trying to stay alive. With five losses already, they can’t afford to fall to 5-6 with a tough schedule still upcoming. They need this one desperately.

Cincinnati needs a win, particularly because their division title chances would take a big hit with a loss. If they finish 9-6-1, they’ll likely be forced to sneak into the playoffs with a wild card spot. They can’t take a loss in this one … Andy Dalton, you’re up.

Pick: Texans by 2

Miami Dolphins (6-4) vs. Denver Broncos (7-3), 4:25 p.m. Sunday, CBS

Desperate teams make for fantastic games. In this one it’s safe to say both of these squads are on the verge of desperation.

Miami has a tough schedule to finish the year, making this game a must-win. Ryan Tannehill will have to cash in on this tough task and have his best game to date. Denver can give up big plays on the back end, something that Bill Lazor’s offense needs to take advantage of.

Tannehill has to out-duel Peyton Manning, a task that I wouldn’t wish on any quarterback. Coming off a huge loss to the St. Louis Rams last week, Denver isn’t about to lose this game. Expect for this to be the week they get everything back together, just in time for the final stretch of the year.

Pick: Broncos by 10+

Baltimore Ravens (6-4) vs. New Orleans Saints (4-6), 8:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN

Don’t let these records fool you – this game is going to be much closer than many think.

The Saints have been struggling, but there’s no denying what they can do on offense. Even with Brandin Cooks out, Drew Brees has the weapons available to him to expose the Baltimore secondary. It won’t be easy, but hitting Jimmy Graham early and often could be a recipe for success.

For the Ravens, they’ll need to stick with what they do best: running the football. Justin Forsett has been a very welcome addition, as has been rookie Lorenzo Taliaferro from Coastal Carolina. If Gary Kubiak can dial up a balanced game-plan, Baltimore has a real shot to make something happen in primetime.

Pick: Ravens by 4