Trav’s 2024 Week 12 NFL Picks

Week 11 is in the books, and the Kansas City Chiefs have finally dropped their first game. The Bills beat the Chiefs 30-21 to hand Kansas City their first defeat of the season. My Week 11 picks were underwhelming as my record was 3-4. My overall record falls to 64-39 and my winning percentage dips from 63.5% to 62.1%. Pittsburgh beating Baltimore to increase their lead in the division was my first defeat. The Denver Broncos blew out Atlanta at home was my second loss. Seattle going to San Francisco to upset the Niners was my third loss. Geno Smith had a 13 yard run for a touchdown in the final seconds of the game. My fourth and final defeat came in the Sunday Night game when the Chargers beat the Bengals. The loss could be the final straw in Cincinnati’s bid for a Wild Card spot.

In a battle for NFC East supremacy, the Eagles took down the Commanders to take a game and a half lead. Green Bay blocked the potential game winning field goal in their game against Chicago. Anthony Richardson returned to his role as the starter for the Colts this past weekend. A couple weeks ago, Joe Flacco was named the starter, but Richardson looked great in their win over the Jets. Dallas continues to fall after losing 34-10 to Houston at home on Monday Night. This week I’ll be picking another seven games with the hopes of improving my record. Check out Trav’s 2024 Week 12 NFL picks below.

 

As always, we begin things with the Thursday Night game. We have an AFC North matchup as the Pittsburgh Steelers head to Cleveland to battle the Browns. When you have AFC North teams facing off, expect physicality and trash talking. Myles Garrett called out T.J. Watt this week so there goes some added fuel to their division rivalry. The Steelers are riding a five game winning streak and they’re arguably the best team in the AFC. Can they continue their dominance and avoid an upset in Cleveland? The Browns season continues to get worse, and Kevin Stefanski is now fielding hot seat questions. Despite having a 2-8 record, Cleveland will be playing for pride and to see who’s with this team next season. Can they pull off the upset? It’ll be close, but I’m riding with Pittsburgh to win. Steelers Win 27-23

 

 

We have a battle between two NFC North teams headed in opposite directions. The Minnesota Vikings head to Chicago to battle the Bears. The Vikings are riding a 3-game winning streak due to their stout defense. The defense is giving up an average of 11 points per game during the streak. Prior to their winning streak, they dropped two in a row where they gave up 30 points in those games. Can the Vikings win and remain a game behind the Lions? Chicago is now on a four game losing streak after they were 4-2. The organization replaced their offensive coordinator, and they looked better in their loss to Green Bay. The defense isn’t the problem in Chicago, and it seems like the offense could be headed in the right direction. Unfortunately, the Vikings defense is great, and they should leave with the win. Vikings Win 24-20

 

 

We have the Detroit Lions making the short trip to Indianapolis to take on the Colts. Detroit is arguably the best and most complete team in the NFL. The offense averages a little under 34 points per game. They have scored 52 points twice and the defense is top 5 in scoring. They have a lot of weapons on offense to the point you must pick your poison. Is it possible they’re on upset alert in Indianapolis this weekend? If the Colts have any shot at the upset, the running game will have to be their priority. Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor will need to be the focal points. The defense is known for giving up big plays and there lies the issues. Detroit will have their fair share of big plays in this game. I’m riding with Detroit to continue their winning ways. Lions Win 31-21

 

 

This is a rematch of the Divisional Round of the playoffs last season where the Niners won. The San Francisco 49ers will head to Lambeau Field to battle the Green Bay Packers. The Niners had their two game winning streak snapped at the hand of Seattle. The loss put San Francisco tied with the Rams and Seahawks being a game behind the Cardinals. Brock Purdy is considered day-to-day as he’s dealing with a sore right shoulder. Can the Niners find a way to win? Green Bay has won five of their last six games. If the Packers are going to make the playoffs, Jordan Love need to cut down on his picks. Love has thrown a pick in every game this season. How will they fare in the playoff rematch? If Purdy plays, the Niners will win. 49ers Win 24-23

 

 

We have a battle between two NFC West teams for possible first place. The first place Arizona Cardinals will travel to Seattle to battle the Seahawks. The Cardinals have won four games in a row and now find themselves in first place. Kyler Murray has put himself into the MVP conversation in the process. The combination of him and James Connor has the Arizona offense in the top 5 in rushing. The defense has allowed less than 20 points in four of their last five games. Seattle pulled off the last second win in San Francisco. The win was their second victory in their last seven games. Despite the stretch, the Seahawks trail this Cardinals team by one game for first place. Can Seattle make it two wins in a row? I’m going with them to edge the Cardinals. Seahawks Win 23-20

 

 

We have the Sunday Night game as the Philadelphia Eagles head to Los Angeles to take on the Rams. Philadelphia is currently riding a 6-game winning streak as they head to Los Angeles. The defense is ranked atop the league ever since Week 6. The defense is being led by a pair of rookie DBs and Jalen Carter. On offense, Saquon Barkley is in the race for Offensive Player of the Year and Jalen Hurts for MVP. Can they make it seven in a row? Los Angeles is looking to make a similar run to the playoffs like last year. They are getting healthier with the returns of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Despite the retirement of Aaron Donald, the Rams have a pair of rookies that’s filling in nicely. Can the Rams win? I’m going with Philly to make it seven in a row. Eagles Win 27-17

 

 

We have a Sunday Night game between two of the better teams in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens will head out west to face the Los Angeles Chargers. The Ravens are coming off a devastating loss against Pittsburgh. The offense couldn’t move the ball against one of the better defenses in the league. The loss put Baltimore two games behind Pittsburgh in the loss column. They can’t afford to continue to dig themselves a hole seeing how good the Steelers are playing. Los Angeles is on a four game winning streak after their win over Cincinnati last Sunday Night. Justin Herbert is becoming a sleeper in the MVP race. The defense leads the league in scoring by allowing 14.5 points per game. Can they make it five in a row? It’s hard to pick against Baltimore and I’m not. Ravens Win 34-31

 

 

What do you think about my Week 12 picks? What games would you pick differently. Below you can check out my top 5 teams from the AFC and NFC. Leave some feedback below about anything related to my Week 12 picks.

 

Trav’s Top 5 AFC Teams

1. Buffalo Bills
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Los Angeles Chargers
5. Baltimore Ravens

 

Trav’s Top 5 NFC Teams

1. Detroit Lions
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Green Bay Packers
5. Arizona Cardinals