Week Twelve
Arizona Cardinals at Atlanta Falcons
The Arizona Cardinals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders and the Falcons aren’t going to be a team that gets in their way. Bruce Arians’ high octane offense showcases talent from every position with David Johnson, John Brown, and Larry Fitzgerald leading the charge in a rout of the Atlanta Falcons. Other than your weekly dose of Julio Jones, the Falcons’ offense is stagnant the whole day, leading to a walk in the park for the Cards.
Cardinals 31 Falcons 13
Los Angeles Rams at New Orleans Saints
In another snooze fest for the NFC South this week, the Saints put a beating on the Rams that reminds us of the dominant force they used to be. Brees is on fire and the defense makes some big plays over the course of the game. Rookie Michael Thomas is Brees’ receiver of choice in this one, using his speed to embarrass the Rams’ secondary.
Saints 31 Rams 16
Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
This is arguably the most important game on the schedule for the Bucs. The Seahawks have been a measuring stick in the NFC for the past four years and on Thanksgiving weekend, they make the longest trip in the NFL to Tampa Bay. The vaunted Seattle defense throws everything they can at Winston and the Legion of Boom gets two picks off the quarterback. It’s a tough fight but in the end, the Bucs just aren’t ready to compete at that level yet.
Seahawks 23 Buccaneers 17
Carolina Panthers at Oakland Raiders
I realize its been talked about a lot, but these cross country road games are no joke. The Panthers learn that this week. The Raiders have built a solid foundation – both offensively and defensively – that will lead them back into contention sooner than later. The Panthers appear to be the present, but the Raiders are one of the teams of the future. Carr and Cooper connect twice in this one, as the Raiders squeak out a big time win, keeping them in the playoff hunt heading into the final stretch of the season.
Raiders 21 Panthers 20
Next: Week Thirteen