Nfl Week 12 Picks Against the Spread: Cowboys Keep Rolling, Chiefs Keep Skidding – the Athletic

Key Highlights

  • Vic Tafur provides his picks for NFL Week 12 against the spread.
  • The Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots are expected to perform well according to Tafur’s analysis.
  • Tafur is confident in a couple of upsets, including backing the Houston Texans over the Buffalo Bills.

NFL Week 12 Picks Against the Spread: Surprises Ahead?

As we approach NFL Week 12, seasoned fantasy football analyst Vic Tafur is looking for a few surprises this season. With key games on Thursday and Sunday, Tafur’s picks are set to challenge conventional wisdom.

The Dallas Cowboys: Still Relevant

Tafur highlights the continued relevance of the Dallas Cowboys despite giving away star linebacker Micah Parsons in free agency. Dak Prescott is performing at a career-high 70 percent completion rate, with key acquisitions contributing significantly to the offense. Javonte Williams and George Pickens are standout performers, making the Cowboys a formidable team to watch.

Tafur notes that last week’s narrow win against the Las Vegas Raiders may not be indicative of the Cowboys’ true form, given the Raiders’ decline in performance this season. However, Tafur remains optimistic about their prospects moving forward.

Upsets on the Horizon

Tafur is looking for a couple of unexpected results to improve his overall record against the spread. One such pick involves backing the Houston Texans over the Buffalo Bills in Thursday’s game. The rationale behind this choice includes historical struggles between these teams, with the Bills having lost five consecutive games in Houston, and the underwhelming performance of the Bills’ defense.

In a Sunday matchup, Tafur backs the New York Giants over the Detroit Lions.

He points to recent trends favoring the Giants after their offensive line improved significantly following coaching changes and injuries. The Giants are also performing well with quarterback Jaxson Dart back in the lineup.

Challenges for the Chiefs

The Kansas City Chiefs, currently dealing with a 5-5 record, face scrutiny from Tafur. Despite their struggles, Tafur sees value in backing the Indianapolis Colts. He notes that the Colts are performing better than expected and could provide a tough challenge to the Chiefs, who have had a disappointing season so far.

The Minnesota Vikings also receive Tafur’s support against the Green Bay Packers. With Aaron Rodgers likely unavailable due to injury, the Vikings’ running game and defensive coordinator Brian Flores offer a strong counterpoint to the struggling Packers.

Final Thoughts

Tafur concludes by emphasizing that his picks are based on specific trends and recent performances rather than relying solely on team reputations. With the NFL season heating up, Tafur’s insights could prove valuable for fantasy football enthusiasts seeking to navigate the unpredictable landscape of Week 12.

Note: All dates, numbers, names, and quotes are exact as per the original article provided by Vic Tafur.