In Week 11, the New Orleans Saints were flat, unprepared, and uninspired against Cincinnati, resulting in their second consecutive home loss. Now the final game of a three game homestand is upon us, and the Saints are desperate for a victory. Almost as important as the impact in the standings is what this Monday Night's game against the Baltimore Ravens represents. There is a twofold story in play for this game. First, the Ravens are the only team in the NFL that Drew Brees has not defeated in his career. Second, the Saints have not lost a primetime game in the Superdome since December 19th, 2009 vs Dallas, and they haven't lost at home on Monday Night Football since October 6th, 2008 vs Minnesota.
Which of these two will be the last domino to fall for Drew Brees and the Saints? We'll just have to wait until Monday Night to find out. Here's a look at the Monday Night showdown and the rest of a tough Week 12 schedule around the league.
Last week I went 5-9 (Yikes!)
I told you so: Chiefs over Seahawks!
What do I know: Colts over Patriots?
WEEK 12
Thursday, November 20th
Chiefs(7-3) at Raiders(0-10)
We may see 250 rushing yards combined in this one, with 200 of those yards coming from Kansas City. KC will pickup a blowout win in Oakland.
Pick: Chiefs
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Sunday, November 23rd - Early Games
The combination of Julio Jones and homefield advantage will be the x-factors in this close Atlanta victory.
Pick: Falcons
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Tennessee will be incapable of mustering enough offense to keep up in Philly.
Pick: Eagles
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Lions(7-3) at Patriots(8-2)
Detroit will lose another statement game, as Brady and the Pats keep on rolling.
Pick: Patriots
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As Green Bay looks to score 50+ for a third straight week, Minnesota should be happy to keep them to 40.
Pick: Packers
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Jaguars(1-9) at Colts(6-4)
After being demolished last Sunday Night, Indy bounces back in a big way.
Pick: Colts
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The duo of Arian Foster and Alfred Blue will run all over the Cincy defense, and their offense will have no answers for JJ Watt in this blowout win for Houston.
Pick: Texans
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Buccaneers(2-8) at Bears(4-6)
Chicago's season reaches a new low with an inexplicable loss at home to lowly Tampa.
Pick: Buccaneers
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Sunday, November 23rd - Late Games
Cardinals(9-1) at Seahawks(6-4) - Game of the Week
Alright, I give in. "The next NFC Champion Arizona Cardinals" will beat the defending champs in Seattle.
Pick: Cardinals
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St. Louis has failed to win back-to-back games all season, that trend continues in San Diego.
Pick: Chargers
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After a stunning loss last week, Denver rebounds with a home win over Miami in a surprisingly defensive battle.
Pick: Broncos
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The Niners are hitting their stride and they will crush Washington at home.
Pick: 49ers
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Sunday Night Football
DeMarco Murray will lead Dallas past the Giants with ease.
Pick: Cowboys
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Monday, November 24th - Rescheduled Game (CBS)
Jets(2-8) at Bills(5-5) - Ford Field, Detroit
The Jets have no answers for Buffalo on either side of the ball. It will be a long night in Motown for Rex and Co.
Pick: Bills
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Monday, November 24th - Monday Night Football (ESPN)
Ravens(6-4) at Saints(4-6)
You don't tug on Superman's cape.
You don't spit in the wind.
And you just don't beat the Saints in the Superdome in primetime.
I still believe in this. In a season that has left little to believe, in this I believe. Saints win 28-24.
Pick: Saints
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That's how I see Week 12 going down. Maybe the Saints still have a little bit of that ol' Superdome magic left in 'em. Leave us your picks, comments and insight below.