In week 11, the Arizona Cardinals continued to roll with a 14-6 win over the Detroit Lions to improve to 9-1. The Seattle Seahawks were outgunned by Jamaal Charles and the Kansas City Chiefs 24-10. The San Francisco 49ers fought off a tough New York Giants team 16-10. And lastly the St Louis Rams pulled off what is probably considered the upset of the year by dismantling Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos. Not only did they win the game handedly, they held Peyton Manning to the lowest amount of points scored since he’s been with the Broncos in a 22-7 win. With Week 11 now in the past, let’s get right to the NFC West Week 12 Game Previews:
Arizona Cardinals (9-1) at Seattle Seahawks (6-4) -7
The Cardinals used their strong defense to hold Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions to only 2 FGs in their victory. They still must show that Drew Stanton is enough to push this team to a Superbowl level, but so far so good. Coach Bruce Arians stated during the week that the team needs more from starting RB Andre Ellington. He is only averaging around 3 yards per carry and has been battling through injuries the entire year.
The Seahawks played a good competitive road game against the Chiefs. The lead changed hands numerous times in that game until Knile Davis had a 4 yard TD run to start the 4th and after that it was all defense for the rest of the game. This was a bit of an old school game with running the ball and playing defense. The Seahawks will once again be pushed to the limit as they try to keep their playoff hopes and their chance at back to back Superbowls alive.
I’m still not sure if I underestimated Arizona last week or if I just overestimated Detroit. This week will definitely tell a lot. Most, including me sees the Seahawks needing the win more and finding a way to pull this one out. However, if the Cardinals win this one on the road, they must be legitimately looked at as the favorite to represent the NFC in the Superbowl. Seeing is believing, so unless Drew Stanton makes me a believer this week, it’s hard to take them in front of what will be a raucous Seattle crowd.
Prediction: Cardinals 17, Seahawks 24
San Francisco 49ers (6-4) vs Washington Redskins (3-7) +9
The 49ers continue to win, as they hope it isn’t too late, in their chase to get into the playoffs. With them being 3 games behind the Cardinals with 6 to go, they may have to have their sights set to 1 of the 2 wildcard spots, which are currently take by the 7-3 Cowboys and the 7-3 Packers. With two games left against the Seahawks, it is highly unlikely that both can get in there. If they split, it’s actually a better chance of both looking at the playoffs from the outside.
The good news for the 49ers is they get the dreadful Washington Redskins this week. The entire team was horrible last week in their loss to Josh McCown and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, at home, by the score of 27-7. Robert Griffin III has played badly and the question came up again as to whether he would start this game. Controversy surfaced after the game when comments by the young QB seemed to throw his teammates under the bus. It’s hard for me to pick them normally, so with all the talk that went on this week, I can’t see them winning at all.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Redskins 17
St Louis Rams (4-6) at San Diego Chargers (6-4) -4.5
Last week showed everyone why you cannot make a living betting on football. There was no one that could see the Rams not only beating the Broncos, but completely shutting down Peyton Manning the way St Louis did last week. It more proves how strong the entire NFC West is from top to bottom. Not only is the winner of this division battle tested, they also should be looked at as likely the favorites to represent the NFC in the Superbowl.
The Rams will be traveling to San Diego to play a Chargers team that slipped their way past the Raiders last week. Philip Rivers is hurt with injured ribs, but the Chargers it may be a bit overblown and the Chargers have said he is fine and will play this week. Because of that I think the Chargers will win, but with how tough the Rams have played against almost everyone this year, it’s have to pick them to win by a blowout. Coach Jeff Fisher seemed to have instilled his toughness on his squad.
Prediction: Rams 20, Chargers 24
And that’s your NFC West Week 12 Game Previews
