Out-Pick A Pro: Antonio Pierce’s Week 12 ATS Picks

Want to win a trip for two to the 2018 Pro Bowl in Orlando, Florida? Join SportsBettingDime.com’s FREE “Out-Pick A Pro” contest, hosted by Super Bowl champion Antonio Pierce. All you have to do to enter is submit your picks for the six games the former Giant linebacker has listed. Even if you don’t win our grand prize, we are also giving away great weekly prizes.

Mr. Pierce got back on track in Week 11, posting a 4-2 record against the spread. He’s now a very professional 21-15 ATS on the season. Here’s who the Super Bowl champion is taking in Week 12.

Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders (-4.5)

PIERCE’S PICK: RAIDERS (-4.5)

Though I believe the Broncos are doing the right thing by starting Paxton Lynch and having someone other than Mike McCoy call their offensive plays, there still remains one major problem: they can’t block anybody. This is particularly an issue this week in Oakland against Khalil Mack, one of the best edge-rushers in the NFL.

Last year’s Defensive Player of the Year is going to ruin Lynch’s first start of the season, while the Raider offense gets back on track against an extremely demoralized Bronco defense.

Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-9.5)

PIERCE’S PICK: CHIEFS (-9.5)

After starting 5-0, the Chiefs have stumbled, losing four of their last five games. The good news for Andy Reid’s squad is they have a great opportunity to right the ship this week against a Bills team that’s lost three straight while allowing 135 points in those games.

Buffalo’s run defense has completely fallen apart, allowing an average of 212.6 yards per game over their last three. Reid will take advantage of the opportunity and ensure Kareem Hunt sees plenty of touches.

Chicago Bears at Philadelphia Eagles (-13.5)

PIERCE’S PICK: EAGLES (-13.5)

The Chicago Bears are 1-3 on the road this season. In the three losses, the Bears average margin of defeat has been 17 points. Meanwhile, the Eagles average margin of victory this season has been 13.2 points, with many of those opponents being much better than the Bears.

John Fox’s defense has been pretty good this season, considering all the injuries they’ve had to deal with, but they also haven’t faced an offense as capable as the Eagles, either — neither the Falcons or Steelers are the same on the road. Carson Wentz will further his MVP case with another blowout in Week 12.

Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (-16.5)

PIERCE’S PICK: PATRIOTS (-16.5)

The Dolphins’ season is quickly spiraling out of control, as they have now lost four straight and will have to head into New England with Matt Moore under center. Though Moore may protect the football a little better than Jay Cutler, there is a reason Adam Gase continues to opt for other options at quarterback: he’s a game manager.

Miami does not have a defense they can rely on to win them games; and without big-play potential, their offense would be even worse than 30th in points scored. Tom Brady is still the best QB in the game, and the Patriots are starting to peak. This one will be over quick.

New Orleans Saints at Los Angeles Rams (-2.5)

PIERCE’S PICK: SAINTS (+2.5)

Robert Woods has been Jared Goff’s best receiver this season, racking up team-highs in receptions (47) and receiving yards (703). But Woods won’t be taking the field with the Rams this Sunday. He’ll be nursing a sprained shoulder suffered in last week’s loss to the Vikings instead. Without Woods, Goff is going to need Sammy Watkins to be more than just a deep threat. And I don’t see Watkins being much help to his quarterback.

The Saints dynamic duo of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara out of the backfield will have plenty of space against the Rams’ 28th-ranked run defense. Goff is enjoying a very nice bounce-back season, but I’ll side with the veteran Drew Brees in this one.

Green Bay Packers at Pittsburgh Steelers (-13.5)

PIERCE’S PICK: STEELERS (-13.5)

Like I predicted weeks ago, the Packers are learning how valuable Aaron Rodgers is with the two-time NFL MVP sidelined due to a broken collarbone. Brett Hundley has thrown just two touchdowns to seven interceptions this season, with an awful 63.3 passer rating. Without a quarterback that can get the ball into the hands of Green Bay’s playmakers — Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, etc. — very little is being accomplished on offense. Hundley will once again be in tough against a Steelers defense that ranks second in points allowed, fourth in total defense, and third against the pass.

Ben Roethlisberger will put this game to bed early, so you can too this Sunday night.