The Cowboys’ misery + Week 12 picks

That play was pretty much the epitome of what it feels like to be a Cowboys fan this season. Just when you think that they’ve pulled it together and are living up to all the potential that a team rife with all-pros should have, it all comes crashing down.

After scoring to take the lead and come back from a big halftime deficit against the Saints on Thanksgiving Thursday, the Dallas defence held the line and forced New Orleans to punt with only a few minutes remaining.

After a couple of running plays to wind the clock down, Jon Kitna completed a pass to Roy Williams who blew by a few defenders and was on his way deep into Saints territory to seemingly lock up the game.

But no, he didn’t protect the ball and Malcolm Jenkins – much better than Mike Jenkins – stripped it loose and the rest is history. Drew Brees marched his team down the field to score and the Cowboys fell to 3-8.

It really makes you wonder how it feels to be a fan of a team that actually gets some breaks.

The lines are straight from Vegas and the home teams are in CAPs.
 
Minnesota +1 over WASHINGTON
This Vikings team is full of talent and quite similar to the Cowboys, who got a jolt when their interim coach stepped in.
 
Pittsburgh -6.5 over BUFFALO
The Bills are coming on on offence, but their defence is still nothing special. The Steelers should be able to shut them down and easily win here.
 
Tennessee +6.5 over HOUSTON
Facing the Texans porous pass defence should be a nice way to ease into starting for the Titans’ Rusty Smith.
 
NEW YORK GIANTS -7 over Jacksonville
The Jags seem to be the hot team right now and actually lead their tough division. I can’t see the supposed contender Giants losing three in a row though.
 
Carolina +10 over CLEVELAND
It’s Brian St. Pierre vs. Jake Delhomme. After St. Pierre tossed two INTs for TDs in consecutive snaps last week, Delhomme has to be jealous. This one should be one of the worst games of the season and quite close.
 
Tampa Bay +7.5 over BALTIMORE
The Ravens get things done but the Bucs are just winning games. If anything, I can see a late comeback by Josh Freeman’s crew to cover here.
 
CHICAGO +3 over Philadelphia
The Bears have a great defence and don’t allow the deep ball. They’ve also had 10 days to prepare for this one.
 
Green Bay +2 over ATLANTA
Now here’s a real NFC Championship preview. The Falcons are so good at home, but the Packers are one of the most complete teams there is, despite their injuries.
 
OAKLAND (NL) over Miami
The Raiders were embarrassed by the Steelers last week and should rebound at home, regardless of who starts at QB for the Dolphins.
 
SEATTLE +2 over Kansas City
Both teams are solid at home, too bad for the Chiefs that they’re not the hosts here, because they’d have a good shot at winning this matchup.
 
DENVER -4 over St. Louis
The later the season gets, the more of a home field advantage the Broncos gain at mile-high altitudes. I don’t think rookie Sam Bradford can handle the thin air.
 
San Diego +3 over INDIANAPOLIS
It’s time for the Chargers charge – pardon the pun – for the post-season. The Colts were able to mount a comeback against the Pats, but the Chargers have a much better defence.
 
San Francisco -1 over ARIZONA
It’s a shame for ESPN that they can’t flex this game out of Monday Night. These two teams are the dregs, but Troy Smith gives the Niners a chance to win.
 
Thanksgiving: 2-1
Last week: 9-6
This season: 88-71-5