The Tribune

By RICARDO WELLS

rwells@tribunemedia.net

BYE WEEKS are done, it’s turkey day, football is on and, most of all, the NFL playoffs picture is starting to become clearer.

We can now finally make sense of this confusing season.

I had a reasonable week 11 with my picks, a commendable 9-5, and my Patriots pulled into a perfect dime on the year; 10-0.

In celebration of that milestone my goal this week is to put up a perfect week.

Philadelphia Eagles (4-6) @ Detroit Lions (3-7)

The Eagles over the last two weeks have allowed a perfect chance to pull closer to a division lead slip away, dropping back-to-back home games against Tampa Bay and Miami. Detroit, on the other hand, have used this time to move back into respectable football conversations behind stout defensive performances. It’s turkey day, Lions are hot and the Eagles are woeful.

LIONS

Carolina Panthers (10-0) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-7)

There are so many ways to go with this game. The entire ‘Romo is back’ storyline lingers: he did look good last week. Then there is the whole ‘Cam playing out of his mind’ thing that we do have to give some attention to. In reality, this game comes down to the emphasis placed on third down plays by each team. Both defences are top ten in third down conversions, while both offences have struggled to stay on the field, Carolina being slightly better. But Romo hasn’t played in most of those Cowboys games and is known for making big plays on third down.

Carolina has managed to pull out wins by sheer guts and determination. Despite the lack of a big receiving threat, Cam’s offence has managed to put points on the board.

Dallas possess the games best o-line, and a strong running game. Like I said, one can lean anyway.

COWBOYS

Chicago Bears (4-6) @ Green Bay Packers (7-3)

So you’re saying Brett Favre is in Green Bay this week? Why are we even debating this, nostalgia means everything - this one is for Mr Favre.

PACKERS

Oakland Raiders (4-6) @ Tennessee Titans (2-8)

While Tennessee do have a good defensive front, their defensive backs are suspect at best. Look for a gritty Oakland offence to take advantage of that fact.

RAIDERS

Buffalo Bills (5-5) @ Kansas City Chiefs (5-5)

Chiefs are hot, and while no one loves the defensive effort displayed by the Bills last Monday against the Pats more than me, I think it is time I open my mind to the Chiefs. Tyrod Taylor and Mario Williams are questionable for the Bills and Andy Reid just got through saying he intends to make the passing game a priority this week.

CHIEFS

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) @ Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

Both these teams surprised me last week with their performances, the Buccaneers more so than the Colts. Jamies Winston seems to be the real deal ... well, let’s see.

BUCCANEERS

New York Giants (5-5) @ Washington Redskins (4-6)

Because in a confusing NFL season there has been no more confusing division than the NFC East. I don’t expect it to get any clearer this week … REDSKINS

New Orleans Saints

(4-6) @ Houston

Texans (5-5)

Houston are looking to make it three in a row, Bengals, then Jets and now Saints.

TEXANS

Minnesota Vikings (7-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (6-4)

This game has Adrian Peterson’s name written all over it. Falcons can’t stop a nose bleed.

VIKINGS

St Louis Rams (4-6) @ Cincinnati Bengals (8-2)

So, you have lost two in a row … ok, you have the Rams in your building this week.

BENGALS

San Diego Chargers (2-8) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (4-6)

This game is going to be awful.

JAGUARS

Miami Dolphins (5-5) @ New York Jets (4-6)

In my #Pick Like Sannie segment, no one eats fish during Thanksgiving Week and most people take Jets to travel. JETS

Arizona Cardinals

(8-2) @ San

Francisco 49ers (3-7)

Cardinals are undeniably the best team in the NFC.

CARDINALS

Pittsburgh Steelers

(6-4) @ Seattle

Seahawks (5-5)

I have no reason to make the pick I am about to, I just feel as if this team can pull it together this week. Clutch pick of the week

STEELERS

New England Patriots (10-0) @ Denver Broncos (8-2)

We’re pushing for 11-0 ... Peyton is out so I feel confident in this pick.

PATRIOTS

Baltimore Ravens

(3-7) @ Cleveland

Browns (2-8)

Cleveland, I know it is tough. Johnny Football has truly disappointed us all, but have no fear - the Ravens are coming to town without Joe Flacco, Terrell Suggs and Steve Smith, all gone for the year. Celebrate!

BROWNS