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The New Orleans Saints finally found themselves on top against the 49ers and have lifted a considerable burden off their shoulders. Now with that hurdle cleared, we find the Saints in an eerily familiar situation. It was almost a year ago to the week that the Saints travelled to Atlanta for Thursday Night Football, on a short week, after playing the Niners at home. This year though, things are completely different as the roles have reversed from 2012 to 2013. The Saints are coming to Atlanta off of a win this time around, and this year it is the Falcons who are watching their season fall into despair while the Saints set their sights on home field advantage in the NFC. What a difference a year makes.
We get to see the Saints take another crack at their bitter rival as they look to put the Falcons' miserable 2013 campaign to a punishing end. Some may argue that the Saints may be weakened by having to play on a short week, but Atlanta is doing the same as well. Who Dat Nation is well aware that Seattle looms on the horizon, but lets focus our attention to the lowly Falcons and take care of the business at hand.
Here's a look at the big Thursday Night game and the rest of a tough Week 12 schedule around the league.
Last week I went 11-4, Season record 104-59
I told you so: Broncos over Chiefs!
What do I know: Patriots over Panthers?
WEEK 12
Thursday, November 21st
Saints(8-2) at Falcons(2-8)
Even though Drew Brees was given a neck to rival Roman Harper's, he should be more than able to roast the Falcons for a pre-Thanksgiving meal.
Pick: Saints
***
Sunday, November 24th - Early Games
Buccaneers(2-8) at Lions(6-4)
Detroit can't afford to lose ground in the NFC North while their rivals deal with injuries at quarterback.
Pick: Lions
***
Green Bay's freefall continues without Aaron Rodgers.
Pick: Vikings
***
With the first pick of the 2014 NFL Draft the (loser of this game) selects...
Pick: Jaguars
***
Chargers(4-6) at Chiefs(9-1)
Kansas City bounces back from last week's loss on Sunday Night.
Pick: Chiefs
***
Panthers(7-3) at Dolphins(5-5)
Pick: Panthers
***
Pittsburgh's passing game will be the difference here.
Pick: Steelers
***
Chicago keeps pace with Detroit in the NFC North with a victory in St. Louis.
Pick: Bears
***
Rex Ryan's crew rebound with a road victory over the defending champs.
Pick: Jets
***
Sunday, November 24th - Late Games
The ratings for this game will be higher than any non-football programming this weekend. That is the power of the NFL, right there.
Pick: Raiders
***
I'm sensing an upset here, as Arizona has the Niners in their sights.
Pick: Cardinals
***
Tony Romo and Eli Manning will pass for a ton of yardage, but Eli has the advantage of facing the worst defense in football.
Pick: Giants
***
Sunday Night Football
Broncos(9-1) at Patriots(7-3) - Game of the Week
Like Tracy Porter, Foxboro is Peyton's Kryptonite. Also, you've gotta like the Pats following a controversial loss.
Pick: Patriots
***
Monday, November 25th - Monday Night Football
49ers(6-4) at Redskins(3-7)
San Francisco gets a must-win in Washington to avoid falling to third in the NFC West.
Pick: 49ers
***
That's how I see Week 12 going down. Another victory over the hated Falcons is just the way to get things started. Leave us your picks, comments and insight below.
More from Canal Street Chronicles:
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