Miami Herald Logo

Greg Cote’s Week 12 NFL picks | Miami Herald

×
  • E-edition
  • Home
    • Site Information
    • Contact Us
    • About Us
    • Herald Store
    • RSS Feeds
    • Special Sections
    • Advertise
    • Advertise with Us
    • Media Kit
    • Mobile
    • Mobile Apps & eReaders
    • Newsletters
    • Social
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Google+
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    • Sections
    • News
    • South Florida
    • Miami-Dade
    • Broward
    • Florida Keys
    • Florida
    • Politics
    • Weird News
    • Weather
    • National & World
    • Colombia
    • National
    • World
    • Americas
    • Cuba
    • Guantánamo
    • Haiti
    • Venezuela
    • Local Issues
    • Crime
    • Education
    • Environment
    • Health Care
    • In Depth
    • Issues & Ideas
    • Traffic
    • Sections
    • Sports
    • Blogs & Columnists
    • Pro & College
    • Miami Dolphins
    • Miami Heat
    • Miami Marlins
    • Florida Panthers
    • College Sports
    • University of Miami
    • Florida International
    • University of Florida
    • Florida State University
    • More Sports
    • High School Sports
    • Auto Racing
    • Fighting
    • Golf
    • Horse Racing
    • Outdoors
    • Soccer
    • Tennis
    • Youth Sports
    • Other Sports
    • Politics
    • Elections
    • The Florida Influencer Series
    • Sections
    • Business
    • Business Monday
    • Banking
    • International Business
    • National Business
    • Personal Finance
    • Real Estate News
    • Small Business
    • Technology
    • Tourism & Cruises
    • Workplace
    • Business Plan Challenge
    • Blogs & Columnists
    • Cindy Krischer Goodman
    • The Starting Gate
    • Work/Life Balancing Act
    • Movers
    • Sections
    • Living
    • Advice
    • Fashion
    • Food & Drink
    • Health & Fitness
    • Home & Garden
    • Pets
    • Recipes
    • Travel
    • Wine
    • Blogs & Columnists
    • Dave Barry
    • Ana Veciana-Suarez
    • Flashback Miami
    • More Living
    • LGBTQ South Florida
    • Palette Magazine
    • Indulge Magazine
    • South Florida Album
    • Broward Album
    • Sections
    • Entertainment
    • Books
    • Comics
    • Games & Puzzles
    • Horoscopes
    • Movies
    • Music & Nightlife
    • People
    • Performing Arts
    • Restaurants
    • TV
    • Visual Arts
    • Blogs & Columnists
    • Jose Lambiet
    • Lesley Abravanel
    • More Entertainment
    • Events Calendar
    • Miami.com
    • Contests & Promotions
    • Sections
    • All Opinion
    • Editorials
    • Op-Ed
    • Editorial Cartoons
    • Jim Morin
    • Letters to the Editor
    • From Our Inbox
    • Speak Up
    • Submit a Letter
    • Meet the Editorial Board
    • Influencers Opinion
    • Blogs & Columnists
    • Blog Directory
    • Columnist Directory
    • Andres Oppenheimer
    • Carl Hiaasen
    • Leonard Pitts Jr.
    • Fabiola Santiago
    • Obituaries
    • Obituaries in the News
    • Place an Obituary

    • Place an ad
    • All Classifieds
    • Announcements
    • Apartments
    • Auctions/Sales
    • Automotive
    • Commercial Real Estate
    • Employment
    • Garage Sales
    • Legals
    • Merchandise
    • Obituaries
    • Pets
    • Public Notices
    • Real Estate
    • Services
  • Public Notices
  • Cars
  • Jobs
  • Moonlighting
  • Real Estate
  • Mobile & Apps

  • el Nuevo Herald
  • Miami.com
  • Indulge

Greg Cote

Greg Cote’s Week 12 NFL picks

BY GREG COTE

    ORDER REPRINT →

November 22, 2013 12:01 AM

What a weird week in what has been a weird, depressing season of picks for me. Enjoyed a solid and needed 11-4 mark overall, which normally bodes well for the against-the-spread record, too. But not for me last week. Of course not! I nailed two outright upset picks with Dolphins over Chargers and Steelers over Lions but not enough else went right. The three pushes were 3-point wins by the Colts, Bears and Saints. I was on the right side of all three games, meaning one point each cost me. Story of my season. The goal now: To not set personal career lows across the board. Incentive doesn't get much sadder, friends. [Note: Thursday-game pick was Saints (-9) over Falcons, 34-20].

Overall Pct Vs. spread Pct.
Last week 11-4 .733 3-9-3 .300
Season 93-69 .574 58-96-8 .383
Final 2012 166-89-1 .651 114-120-22 .488

Sign Up and Save

Get six months of free digital access to the Miami Herald

SUBSCRIBE WITH GOOGLE

#ReadLocal

PANTHERS (7-3) at DOLPHINS (5-5)

Line: CAR by 4

Cote’s pick: CAR 24-16

TV: 1 p.m., Fox (airing in South Florida)

The NFL's Bullygate investigator, New York lawyer Ted Wells, has been in town all week along with his Fabulously Surreal Mustache probing the Dolphins' inner sanctum. And if you've ever had your inner sanctum probed you know how uncomfortable that can be. (I mentioned Ted's extraordinary mustache. It is wider than the span of his lips, lending an appearance both mesmerizing and creepy. I digress). Miami is up to overcoming the undeniable, ongoing distraction of Bullygate; that was proved last week vs. San Diego. What the Dolphins are NOT up to overcoming here, I don't think, are the duel threat of Cam Newton and hot Carolina’s excellent, perhaps NFL-best defense. Miami would catch a break if Panthers DE Charles Johnson (knee) can't play, but there would be much else in the way. The Dolphins run defense has allowed 152.3 yards the past four games, and Ryan Tannehill's offense has struggled – averaging only 19.8 points since the 3-0 start – against far worse defenses. I do give Miami at home a medium upset shot, but it isn't something I'd bet on. Almost forgot: Miami, let's give a warm welcome-back to Ted Ginn Jr. and his family!

BRONCOS (9-1) at PATRIOTS (7-3)

Line: DEN by 2 ½

Cote’s pick: NE 34-30

TV: 8:30 p.m., NBC

“AAWWK!” booms the Upset Bird. “Tom Braawwk! Patriaaawwwk!” I know. Picking Tom Brady at home hardly feels like an upset. But picking against Denver and Peyton Manning this season is. More than the duel of top teams, it is these quarterbacks' 14th all-time head-to-head that makes this game ideal for the Sunday prime-time stage and should see huge TV ratings. Give me the Pats because they are 5-0 at home, because Manning is 2-9 all-time in Foxboro, and also because a concussion could erase Wes Welker from his return to New England. That would be a big loss for Manning. Also see Team Hoodie playing with some good anger after Pats felt cheated by the officials on that last-second call/non-call vs. Carolina last week. (By the way, Brady has now played 185 games under Bill Belichick, breaking the QB/coach longevity record held by Dan Marino and Don Shula). “Ever notice how Belichick's furtive visage suggests a man keeping dark secrets?” notes U-Bird. “Belichaaawwwk!”

JAGUARS (1-9) at TEXANS (2-8)

Line: HOU by 10

Cote’s pick: HOU 24-17

TV: 1 p.m., CBS

Two miserable seasons collide in a mutt of a matchup even by Dog of the Week standards. Nobody is worse than the Jaguars. And nobody has been a bigger disappointment than the Texans, who with an astounding eight losses in a row edge even Atlanta for gross underachievement. Houston has won five straight in this series, is the clearly more talented team, and should show it at home. Like Jaggers getting double-digits, though; seven of 10 HOU games have been decided by one score.

STEELERS (4-6) at BROWNS (4-6)

Line: CLE by 1 ½

Cote’s pick: PIT 23-20

TV: 1 p.m., CBS

Here are two of seven AFC teams at 4-6, one game behind Dolphins and Jets for the last wild-card spot, so this is a big game despite the mediocre records. Pittsburgh has rebounded pretty well from its 0-4 start, and Ben Roethlisberger is 15-1 all-time over the Earthtones and hasn't been picked off in Cleveland since '06. Interesting subtext: Steelers like to go deep and Brownies defend longball well. Money on Big Ben. Upset!

BUCCANEERS (2-8) at LIONS (6-4)

Line: DET by 9

Cote’s pick: DET 27-20

TV: 1 p.m., Fox

Detroit could get WR Nate Burleson back form injury for first time since Week 3, which would be well-timed, because T-Bay has Darrelle Revis to cover star Calvin Johnson. Buccaneers are 0-4 on road but have won four of past five trips to Motown and I think will keep this one inside the betting number.

VIKINGS (2-8) at PACKERS (5-5)

Line: GB by 5

Cote’s pick: GB 24-13

TV: 1 p.m., Fox

Gee Bees have lost three straigth sans Aaron Rodgers and need to hang on in the playof frace until his imminent return. Third-stringer Scott Tolzien starts again here, but I like Pack anyway. Cheesers on a 7-1 series run, and Purples are 0-5 on road. Minny also is banged up. Greg Jennings is iffy in his return to Lambeau, and, more important, Adrian Peterson (groin) is a legit questionable.

CHARGERS (4-6) at CHIEFS (9-1)

Line: KC by 5

Cote’s pick: KC 24-21

TV: 1 p.m., CBS

Sense a major upset shot for Chargers here. The caveat is that San Diego (for me) is is one of the more erratic, tough-to-predict squads. KC has Denver again next week and could be looking ahead despite protestations to the contrary. And Bolts have won nine of past 11 meetings in this rivalry. Give me Jamaal Charles against a run-D allowing 5.0 per carry. But see it close.

BEARS (6-4) at RAMS (4-6)

Line: STL by 1

Cote’s pick: CHI 19-17

TV: 1 p.m., Fox

Josh McCown has looked better than Kellen Clemens in the battle of backups QBs, and Chitown's injury-wracked defense has coalesced a bit lately. Bears have won past four in series and get by here in small upset. Bonus Fact: Bro Bowl! Bears rookie OG Kyle Long vs. Rams DE Chris Long. Chris takes the matchup, but not the win.

JETS (5-5) at RAVENS (4-6)

Line: BAL by 3 ½

Cote’s pick: BAL 24-17

TV: 1 p.m., CBS

Jets are first team since the 1970 merger to alternate wins and losses in all of their first 10 games. Since they lost last week, that checkerboard pattern suggests a win here. But not much else does. Ravens have won seven straight in series, Planes are 1-4 on the road, and QB Geno Smith was abysmla last week and is 1-8 on TDs/picks the past five games. Aside: New Jet Ed Reed faces his former team, but, like Mick Jagger, he can't get no satsifaction.

TITANS (4-6) at RAIDERS (4-6)

Line: OAK by 1

Cote’s pick: TEN 21-20

TV: 4:05 p.m., CBS

Grading Titans as the slightly better team here, and not that bad (2-2) on the road. Tenners also with a little more time to prepare after playing last Thursday. I am worried about Titans soft run defense stopping Rashad Jennings and Oaks' big ground game, but not worried enough to not like the slight upset.

COLTS (7-3) at CARDINALS (6-4)

Line: ARI by 2

Cote’s pick: IND 27-24

TV: 4:05 p.m., CBS

'Zona's Bruce Arians, you'll recall, won coach of the year honors for Indy last season before going west, and this marks the first time a reigning coach of the year has faced his old team the next season. Cardbirds have won three straight and I know I'm slow to the bandwagon, but I like Indy here. Nags are 4-1 on road, and Andrew Luck and Donald Brown will figure out a good Cacti defense,. Also never quite trust Carson Palmer to not throw two picks.

COWBOYS (5-5) at GIANTS (4-6)

Line: NYG by 2 ½

Cote’s pick: NYG 30-27

TV: 4:25 p.m., Fox

'Boys beat Biggies in Week 1 and Dallas hasn't swept season series since 2007. An upset here would not surprise even a little. NYG's four straight wins have come against all backup QBs and Tony Romo brings a far greater challenge. Still, Dallas is 1-4 on the road, and oh that awful defense! Cows' pass-D already has allowed four 400-yard games, and Eli Manning could well be No. 5.

49ERS (6-4) at REDSKINS (3-7)

Line: SF by 5

Cote’s pick: SF 34-20

TV: 8:40 p.m. Monday, ESPN

Duel of top backs Frank Gore and Alfred Morris spices an intriguing Monday nighter that finds San Fran having fallen to the outer edge of the NFC playoff chase and needing their mojo back. (Aside to the referee: Don't call Washington OT Trent Williams a bad name; he'll be listening). Whatever has been ailing Colin Kaepernick and his offense lately, the Unmentionable Nicknames' horrid defense provides the cure.

OFF THIS WEEK

BENGALS (7-4; next at Chargers): This week's bye teams were 4-0 last week and scored 143 points. They deserve a rest. Cincy holds No. 4 AFC playoff seed as of now.

BILLS (4-7; next vs. Falcons): Impressive win over Jets last week had better be the start of a serious run if Buffs are to beat odds and somehow climb into playoff contention.

EAGLES (6-5; next vs. Cardinals): LeSean McCoy-led Birds have soared to three straight victories and hold in their talons the No. 4 NFC playoff seed at the moment.

SEAHAWKS (10-1; next vs. Saints): Game of the Week alert! Seattle, winner of six in a row, welcomes to town Drew Brees and his high-flying Cajuns next Monday night.

  Comments  

Videos

Behind the scenes with Dan Le Batard

Greg Cote's Back in My Day: Halloween!

View More Video

Trending Stories

Patriots owner Robert Kraft is among the hundreds charged in Florida sex traffic sting

February 22, 2019 12:23 PM

Trump threatens to deport Venezuelan military officials’ families that have fled to Miami

February 22, 2019 07:21 PM

It’s about to get easier for legal immigrants in Miami to get their papers. Faster, too.

February 22, 2019 03:14 PM

Florida man forced 5-year-old to perform sex acts on him, deputies say

February 21, 2019 08:16 PM

Judge in Acosta/Epstein case gets it right. Now what?

February 21, 2019 10:39 PM

Read Next

Anyone in Zion Williamson’s shoes would be wise to shut it down and await NBA riches
Video media Created with Sketch.

Greg Cote

Anyone in Zion Williamson’s shoes would be wise to shut it down and await NBA riches

By Greg Cote

    ORDER REPRINT →

February 21, 2019 12:33 PM

Duke Blue Devils forward Zion Williamson — expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft — went down with a knee sprain in a game against North Carolina when his Nike sneaker suffered a blowout.

KEEP READING

Sign Up and Save

#ReadLocal

Get six months of free digital access to the Miami Herald

SUBSCRIBE WITH GOOGLE

MORE GREG COTE

No matter how this season ends for the Heat, Dwyane Wade is going out a winner

Greg Cote

No matter how this season ends for the Heat, Dwyane Wade is going out a winner

February 20, 2019 01:24 PM
Marlins open spring in full rebuild mode, but here are 6 reasons fans should feel good

Greg Cote

Marlins open spring in full rebuild mode, but here are 6 reasons fans should feel good

February 18, 2019 04:57 PM
Kaepernick, NFL reach collusion settlement, but stain on league stays until he’s signed

Greg Cote

Kaepernick, NFL reach collusion settlement, but stain on league stays until he’s signed

February 15, 2019 04:25 PM
PGA Tour star was wrong to stiff caddie, but vilification of Matt Kuchar is wrong, too

Greg Cote

PGA Tour star was wrong to stiff caddie, but vilification of Matt Kuchar is wrong, too

February 14, 2019 01:48 PM
Big decision on a small QB, but here’s why Kyler Murray is perfect for Miami Dolphins

Greg Cote

Big decision on a small QB, but here’s why Kyler Murray is perfect for Miami Dolphins

February 13, 2019 12:23 PM
Costas spoke out about the dangers of the NFL. It cost him his job — but not his integrity

Greg Cote

Costas spoke out about the dangers of the NFL. It cost him his job — but not his integrity

February 11, 2019 02:03 PM
Take Us With You

Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand.

Icon for mobile apps

Miami Herald App

View Newsletters

Subscriptions
  • Start a Subscription
  • Customer Service
  • eEdition
  • Vacation Hold
  • Pay Your Bill
  • Rewards
Learn More
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Newsletters
  • News in Education
  • Public Insight Network
  • Reader Panel
Advertising
  • Place a Classified
  • Media Kit
  • Commercial Printing
  • Public Notices
Copyright
Commenting Policy
Privacy Policy
Terms of Service


Back to Story