NFL Betting Week 12 Spreads and Picks: Dolphins-Bills and Bears-Vikings

NFL betting is extra special this week, as it kicks off with three Thanksgiving day NFL games this Thursday. That means we have to get our Week 12 NFL picks in early for those matchups.

Since Sunday and Monday have such big games too, however, we’ll choose the best Thursday has to offer and look ahead to the weekend for our football picks.

Miami Dolphins @ Buffalo Bills

Sunday, November 29, 1:00 p.m. ET

Sportsbook favorite: Dolphins -3

After an 0-3 start the Dolphins have crept back into AFC relevance but I think they have a trap game on their hands this Sunday.

It’s a rivalry game and the Dolphins are travelling from their balmy home in Florida up to frigid Buffalo – never a good trip for a Southern team. The Dolphins also just lost nose tackle Jason Ferguson to a torn quad so their run defense will suffer.

We also can’t help but notice that Terrell Owens absolutely went off in his first game since Dick Jauron got fired; what if he suddenly has new life? That would be bad news for a Miami pass defense that allows 235.6 yards per game. Miami should run the ball with gusto but there are too many negatives to consider here.

Dolphins-Bills sports betting pick: Bills +3

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Chicago Bears @ Minnesota Vikings

Sunday, November 29, 4:15 p.m. ET

Sportsbook favorite: Vikings -10.5

Here’s a tricky one. The Bears are absolutely reeling and a trip to Minnesota is a brutal matchup, but a double-digit spread in any divisional rivalry game is always a bit of a stretch.

The Vikings stop the run like crazy with the Williams Wall but are susceptible to the pass; does that mean Jay Cutler could have a bounce-back game? It’s not a question of whether or not the Vikings will put points on the board, as Brett Favre is having an MVP-type season and Adrian Peterson needs no introduction.

You just have to ask yourself if the Bears can score enough to get inside 10 points. I’d pick Minny to win but Chicago to cover based on the rivalry passion alone.

Bears-Vikings Sports betting pick: Bears +10.5

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New York Giants @ Denver Broncos

Thursday, November 26, 8:20 p.m. ET

Sportsbook favorite: Giants -6.5

MSF Thanksgiving Night Preview: Giants-Broncos Spread Pick and Prediction

How the mighty have fallen. The Broncos have gone from 6-0 to 6-4 and a touchdown underdog at home this Thursday. It’s tough to pinpoint one singular problem since so much has gone wrong for Denver of late.

Teams figured out they could break down the Bronco “D” by forcing Kyle Orton to throw often; the Broncos suddenly can’t stop the run anymore, having allowed 174 or more rushing yards in three straight games; the team chemistry is crumbling, as Knowshon Moreno and Brandon Marshall had it out on the sidelines during last week’s blowout loss to San Diego.

Since the Giants run the ball well and will know how to pressure Orton (or Chris Simms if Orton isn’t healthy enough to play), I like their chances to beat up on a wounded Denver team at INVESCO Field.

Giants-Broncos Sports betting pick: Giants -6.5

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