NFL Picks, Week 12: Raiders, Chargers Need Wins To Stay In AFC West Race

The Kansas City Chiefs aren't the only AFC West team playing in Week 12 as the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos host home games and the San Diego Chargers travel to Indy. The Chiefs are up one game in the AFC West and need to take this victory to hang onto their lead.

I've got just one of the three AFC West teams winning this week. Here are the NFL odds this week and here are my Week 12 NFL picks for the AFC West:

Miami Dolphins vs. Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are actually 2.5 point favorites in this game which is somewhat surprising. In Miami, WR Brandon Marshall has been downgraded to out so that's one less option for their quarterback. This game will come down to how well the Dolphins can stop the Raiders rush offense. If they can make them one-dimensional and pass the ball more often, then the Dolphins should win. The problem? I don't see that happening. I'll take the Raiders at home.

St. Louis Rams vs. Denver Broncos: If I ever have children, and they do something wrong, I will punish them by making them watch a game like this. The Rams are actually still in the NFC West race, while the Broncos are essentially out of the AFC West race, so St. Louis needs this game more. Since the Broncos have just been caught cheating, and their season is basically over, I'm guessing the right is gone. I'll take the Rams on the road.

San Diego Chargers vs. Indianapolis Colts: This might be the game of the week and it has significant AFC West implications. A Chargers loss and a Chiefs victory would put San Diego two games behind in the AFC West with three to go. It's very, very difficult to beat Indy in their own place. I'll go with the Colts at home.