DLT's Deadlocks: NFL Picks Week 12

As the leaves change, the winds bring a little nip in the air and its once more time to give thanks to what has been given.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on the blessings whatever deity(s) you pray to has provided (or what evolution and survival of the fittest has provided for you atheists). 

Its also time to take stock in which teams may be for real in playing for the Super Bowl and which are looking toward next season.

Where are the Bucs, Dolphins and Jaguars in these two fields?

Well, its hard to say any of them can claim they're competing for a playoff spot. None of the state's teams have a winning record. Of the three, Tampa Bay might have the best chance, despite their 4-6 record. A favorable schedule at least presents opportunity.

Realistically, though, all three of Florida's teams may be looking more toward the 2012 off-season than the 2011 post-season

But hey, we're not here to talk turkey about playoff spots. We're here to pick week 12's schedule.

I'm thankful for last week's 12-2 record, which ended a string of really crappy weeks for yours truly.

Let's see if we can keep on track with this week's picks....with a thanksgiving flair.

Last Week: 12-2 85%, Season: 104-56 65%, Upset Specials: 8-9 47%, Bucs Picks: 7-3 70%

Thanksgiving

Upset Special: Detroit 30, Green Bay 28 - The Lions are thankful to be in playoff contention for the first time since the 90's, while the Packers are certainly thankful for starting the season with 10 wins. This seems like a logical loss for the Super Bowl champs. Plus, as a Bucs fan, I'm hoping my Upset Special whammy nails the Lions and they lose, getting Tampa Bay a little closer in the wild card race.

Upset Special #2: Miami 27, Dallas 20 - The Dolphins are thankful they've finally found their groove, while the Cowboys are thankful whenever Tony Romo isn't in a position to lose a game for them...unfortunately, this week it ain't happening.

Baltimore 26, San Francisco 23 - Baltimore's thankful that this game's at home. The Niners are thankful that they have a gigantic lead in the NFC West.

Sunday

Houston 13, Jacksonville 10 - Suddenly, the Texans are thankful the Colts are 0-10 and they're also thankful they play the Jags. Jacksonville is thankful this season is almost over.

NY Jets 20, Buffalo 13 - The Jets are thankful that Rex Ryan is cursing at fans and not at them. The Bills are thankful that they gave their fans some thrills in the early part of this season.

Cincinnati 23, Cleveland 20 - The Bengals are thankful they don't have any drama in their locker room. The Browns are thankful that the Madden curse runs just one season.

Atlanta 26, Minnesota 20 - The Falcons are thankful the Bucs have fallen apart. The Vikings are thankful that they've won a game or two this season.

Arizona 20, St. Louis 17 - The Cardinals are thankful they have a decent QB and play in the NFC West. The Rams are too...but neither team is going to the playoffs this year.

Carolina 30, Indianapolis 23 - The Panthers are thankful for Cam. Indianapolis is thankful they'll have a future beyond Peyton named Luck.

Tampa Bay 23, Tennessee 17 - The Bucs are thankful for the Titans giving up on LeGarette Blount. The Titans are thankful that Houston's loss of Matt Schaub keeps their playoff hopes alive.

Oakland 27, Chicago 10 - The Raiders are thankful for the legacy Al has bestowed upon them. The Bears are thankful they have plenty of early wins to help minimize the loss of Jay Cutler.

Seattle 23, Washington 13 - The Seahags are thankful for their homefield advantage. The Redskins are thankful that there's plenty of good young QBs coming out next year.

Denver 23, San Diego 17 - The Broncos (at least their fans) are thankful for Timmy, the Chargers are thankful for Mike Tolbert and the fact that Phillip Rivers won't have this type of season every year.

New England 36, Philadelphia 20 - The Patriots are thankful for Tom Brady (of course) while the Eagles are thankful that no one is calling them the dream team any longer.

Sunday Night

Pittsburgh 23, Kansas City 13 - The Steelers are thankful for their weak schedule, the Chiefs are thankful they no longer have a target on them as the team to beat in the AFC West.

Monday Night

New Orleans 23, NY Giants 17 - The Saints are thankful for Drew Brees, while the Giants are thankful the NFC East is having a down year