NFL Week 12 OddsShark Computer Picks

Don’t look now, but the Houston Texans appear to be a real threat to make the playoffs. The OddsShark Super Computer certainly seems to be a believer in the Texans, with the computer projecting a 30.4-21.5 victory for Houston over the New Orleans Saints.

Since the Texans got picked apart in a 44-26 loss vs the Miami Dolphins they have won three-straight games while allowing a combined 29 points in those games. The Texans defense has been astounding in that three game span as they have not allowed 200 yards passing in a single game while picking off quarterbacks four times.

The Saints offense has been up to their usual pass-heavy tendencies this season, ranking second in the NFL in passing yards per game, but quarterback Drew Brees has struggled on the road. Brees has thrown six touchdowns and five interceptions away from New Orleans this season with his passer rating dropping more than 30 points on the road.

Chiefs Expected to Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

If we are talking about surprising teams, we need to talk about the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs lost five of their first six games and lost Jamaal Charles for the season, but are now on a four-game winning streak and in the Wild Card hunt. The OddsShark Super Computer thinks the Chiefs get over .500 for the first time since Week 1, with a projected 26.9-13.7 win over the Buffalo Bills.

The past four games have seen Chiefs running backs combine for 603 yards rushing and nine touchdowns. Not only has the offense been clicking, but KC’s defense has been holding opponents to 9.8 points per game.

The Bills defense has been good at limiting rushing opportunities this season (10^th in rushing yards allowed), but is middling when is comes to containing rushers (16^th in yards allowed per carry).

Raiders and Titans to Have the Closest Game

The Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans are both young teams that have flashed some potential this season, which means that it shouldn't come as a surprise that the OddsShark Super Computer is projecting their tilt to be the closest this weekend. The Computer has pegged the Raiders to win 23.8-23.4 when they visit the Titans.

Oakland is on a three-game skid with last week's 18-13 loss to the Detroit Lions being the most embarrassing. Derek Carr has not been faltering though, as the second-year quarterback has thrown for 772 yards and six touchdowns in those three games.

Marcus Mariota looks like he may be hitting the rookie wall over the past two games, with the Oregon-alum averaging 208 yards with no touchdowns.