Lucas' Locks: Week 12 NFL Picks
- Lucas Jay Ferreira
- Nov 26, 2023
- 3 min read
Thanksgiving Picks: 1-3
Season Record: 14-14-1
Thanksgiving is certainly a time to be thankful, but if you followed my picks you weren't thanking me. Black Friday was nice to me, but that was about it. The Packers had a solid upset of the Lions which some may of seen coming off the back of the Lions' emotional comeback victory over the Bears a couple days prior. Other than that the favorites looked the part. Not 1, not 2, but 3 of the 4 contending teams to play on Thanksgiving took care of business! What does the rest of the week hold? NFL Picks coming at ya!
Steelers (-2.5) @ Bengals
The Steelers did soemthing they hadn't done since 1941! Let go of a coach or coordinator midseason. Matt Canada's offense never eclipsed 400 total yards in 45 career games. He was in the cellar of playcallers in the league. Their net playcalling ranks at 14th in the NFL. This means their defense has carried a serious load. Expect the shock of a new playcaller to give some life to an offense that needs it.
The Joe Burrow-less Bengals are going to ask a lot of backup QB Jake Brrowning. Against a talented Steeler defense I can't see him delivering. The Steelers can get after the passer with T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward. This is an added bonus to a storng secondary and stiff front 7 as a whole.
The Steelers defense alone could cover the 2.5. Add in a new playcaller on offense and it solidifies the Steelers as my lock of the week!
Bills (+3.0) @ Eagles
The Bills need this one badly. Not to say the Eagles don't. This is a statement opportunity for the Bill under new offensive playcaller Joe Brady. A more patient and balanced attack has shed the light back on the Bills.
The Eagles are coming off an emotional primetime victory over the Chiefs. They didn't play their best in an ugly win. That has been standard operating procedure for them as of late though. This whole season really. The great teams find a way to win no matter what level they're playing at.
I'm not sure how long they can keep winning at this pace with their inconsistent level of play. This is a game I can see the Bills taking outright to cover the spread. The Bills need to show up early. They do that and I can certainly see them pulling off the much needed upset in Philly!
Ravens (-3.0) @ Chargers
This road favorite trend I have going for my locks certainly could backfire. It's not that I particularly like the Ravens in this one. I believe the Chargers are set ti implode. They sit at the bottom of the AFC West coming off 2 tough losses. Brandon Staley was very snappy when asked if he would remain the defensive playcaller. This is where the wheels come off the wagon.
This Ravens team has put together a pretty impressive resume. Substantial victories over the Seahawks and Lions have set the tone for what could be a championship caliber Ravens team. Lamar Jackson has remained healthy, accurate, and effective. That is the biggest key to any success the Ravens can have.
This may seem like a trap spread. I see it the other way. I dont think this one end up close. This is the game that will make Staley a Black Monday casualty. Ravens roll. Lock this one in.
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