LCB NFL Picks: Week Twelve

Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans @ 1:00 on CBS:
Langston: Over the past couple seasons, the teams that have given the Colts the most problems have been their divisional foes. They have issues with the Jaguars and Titans because they have one of the worst run defenses in the league, all thanks to their faith that Bob Sanders will actually be healthy. The issues with the Texans stem from an inability to stop Andre Johnson from reaching the endzone. However most of the games with the team from Houston end up coming down to a field goal. With how last week ended on Monday night, I can't imagine Gary Kubiak is too excited with that possibility. Indy 35, Houston 32.
 
Drody: I expect the Colts will keep rolling in this game. I don't see anything stopping them except themselves. In this game, I expect a high scoring affair. The question now is how far the Colts really go in their undefeated season. I think they make it through the reagular season. Colts win this one 42, Texans 24

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Fransisco 49ers @ 4:05 on CBS:
Langston: Everything about this game would make it seem like a good game; Both teams are still in the playoff hunt, Patrick Willis and MJD are (as always) playing like men possessed, and there is always the outside chance that Mike Singletary gets so mad steam shoots out of his ears. But this game will probably turn out to be one of two things; a blowout or an offensive struggle. Neither are too inviting, and that's exactly why I will be taking a nap during the 4 o'clock games this week. SF 21, JAX 17.

Drody: When did the Jaguars get good this year? I just remember them looking horrible at the beginning of the season, but now they are in the playoffs? I mean they have the 6 seed as of today? Really when did that happen. I do know the 49ers are bad, so I'm taking the Jaguars to win this one on the road. Jags 24, 49ers 10

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens @ 8:20 on NBC SNF:
Langston: From reading stories about the Ravens, you would think Joe Flacco was going through a sophomore slump and the losses should be blamed on his play. But from taking a cursory glance at his receiving options, it's amazing he has done this well. Apart from Mason, this a pretty sorry lot. (To be fair, Ray Rice has turned into a great receiving threat and Todd Heap is his typical consistent self. Yes, that consistency includes being hurt.) I can't imagine too many other QBs playing to a 89.1 rating with this core, and it's exactly why the journo's covering the Ravens should cut Bert a little slack. If they want a direction in which to point their finger, they should aim for Cam Cameron. BAL 17, PIT 10.
 
Drody: So no Big Ben in this one, at least that's what I'm reading, so that drastically changes this one. I bet the Ravens pull this one out at home, winning with the defense. Expect a low scoring affair in Baltimore with the Ravens winning a close game and keeping their playoff hopes alive for a little bit longer. Ravens 10, Steelers 7

New England Patriots vs. New Orleans Saints @ 8:30 on ESPN MNF:
Langston: For the past two weeks, all the analysts have talked about was the fourth down "gamble" by Bill Belichick. I used the quotations because I think he did the right thing. The Colts were playing so well in the second half, I think they would have scored from any spot on the field. Anyways, thank goodness this game is here to move the talking heads away from the failings of the Patriots in that game. Don't get me wrong, I love it when the Patriots and their hooded leader are questioned. But this story was dead the Tuesday after and they beat it so far into the ground I'm sure your annoyed I even brought it up. Either way, with this game on the slate, we will get a short break from the nonstop discussions of their blunder. And for that, we should all be very thankful. Patriots 35, Saints 28.

Drody: Finally, a Monday night game in which it actually seems like a game of the week, one I might actually watch with no rooting interest. I think the Pats will end the Saints winning streak this week. I feel like Belichek has something up his sleeve for this game, in which he will stop the potent Saints offense. Pats 24, Saints 17