Week 12 NFL Game Preview- Part 1

Tampa Bay at Atlanta
After looking at the numbers, I was surprised to see how close Tampa Bay is to Atlanta. Their turnover differential is identical, they allow the same amount of yards per game, and generate similar pressure to the opposing quarterback. Here's where Atlanta wins this game. They move the ball more effectively, protect Matt Ryan, and are better in red zone defense. It will be closer than most suspect. Final score 28-21 Atlanta.

Miami at Buffalo
The Bills are a team in turmoil. This is their second week under a new coach and their offensive line is young and injured. The 68 quarterback hits prove its not effective. Miami is much more efficient in the red zone, both offensively and defensively. Plus, the Dolphins have had extra time to prepare for this one. Final score 24-14 Miami.

Cleveland at Cincinnati
Before the season, if you told me the Bengals are one game away from sweeping the division and their playing the Browns, I would have laughed. But it's true. The Bengals protect and attack the quarterback better. They average 100 more yards a game, while the Browns allow 90 more. Cincinnati is much more effective offensively and defensively in the red zone. And Cleveland is terrible at protecting the football. Final score 27-10 Cincinnati.

Seattle at St. Louis
Earlier this decade, this would have been a game of the week type matchup. Now? Not so much. Both teams turnover the ball too often, generate minimal quarterback pressure, and yield too many yards to their opponents. Surprisingly, the Rams protect better, Marc Bulger's injury notwithstanding. They've allowed four fewer sacks and 13 fewer hits. However, Seattle wins because they are more effective on both sides of the ball in the red zone. It will be a shootout. Final score 35-31 Seattle.