Each week, the great minds behind numberFire will give you some answers to the big questions of the weekend. This week, we have the Texans/Patriots, a bit of love for the team from Cleveland, and a whole lot of bragging from Keith and Zach.
Game of the Week: Texans at Patriots. Who takes control of the AFC?
Keith Goldner, Chief Analyst: I'll take Tom Brady and the Patriots at home. Texans defense has been regressing the past few weeks, while the Patriots have shown their dominant offensive colors.
Nik Bonaddio, CEO: Patriots. Their offense is just too good and while the Texans have a stout defense to counteract them, they were exposed against both the Lions and Jaguars.
Michael Worthington, CTO: Patriots.
Sean Weinstock, COO: Texans. Finally. They're healthy-ish. And they're beasts.
Zach Warren, Editor: I'm not going to go away from the numbers, and Tom Brady is easily the leading MVP candidate. It's the Patriots.
GotW Records: Sean: 7-4, Keith: 6-6, Nik: 5-7, Michael and Zach: 4-6. It's fun when everybody takes Chicago over Seattle... and everybody loses.
Which game this week is your upset special?
Keith: I'd first like to gloat about my St. Louis pick despite them being 8-point underdogs last week. I'll take another big underdog, the Saints over the Giants on the road.
Nik: I'll take the Cowboys on the road to upset the Bengals.
Michael: Dallas is in the hunt for the NFC East and they won't be letting Cincy stand in their way (although I hope they do).
Sean: Houston over New England on Monday Night!
Zach: The Redskins are favored over the Ravens? I like RGIII, but not that much. Give me Baltimore.
Upset Special Records: Keith: 6-6, Zach: 4-6, Sean: 4-7, Michael: 3-7, Nik: 3-9
Who's more likely to win again this week: the Bills (vs. STL) or the Browns (vs. KC)?
Keith: Bills.
Nik: The Browns. Trent Richardson is a monster.
Michael: Despite their emotional win last week, KC will get back to its losing ways. The Browns should lock up a win.
Sean: Browns. Way better team, Vegas puts them 6.5 up... The Bills beat the the Jags. That doesn't count.
Zach: Did you know that the Browns have won four of their last seven? They're really not that bad guys. They should take care of KC.
Who are you picking for a survivor pool this week?
Keith: Indianapolis over Tennessee. Luck doin' work.
Nik: Can't see the Falcons losing to the Panthers.
Michael: Tampa Bay. Waited all season to use them. Now against a so-so Philly. Even with the Bryce Brown surge, the Bucs solid run defense should be able to shut it down.
Sean: Either the Niners or Pittsburgh. I've been a fan of what Miami's been able to do this season, but I don't think they stand up to the Niners. So yeah, the Niners.
Zach: Loving the Tampa over Philadelphia matchup. Do you really trust Nick Foles?
Survivor Records: Survivor Records: Michael and Zach: 8-2, Nik: 9-3, Keith: 8-4, Sean: 7-4. Props to Michael for last week's correct Cleveland selection.
Who will be the best currently under-the-radar fantasy player this week?
Keith: I like Justin Blackmon to have a huge week with Shorts recovering from injury.
Nik: Josh Gordon! No, I'm going to reach super deep and go with Montell Owens against the Jets.
Michael: Despite being bullish on the Cowboys winning, Andy Dalton will be reconnecting with his old flame Andrew Hawkins. So pick him up if an opponent dropped him a couple weeks ago.
Sean: Sam Bradford. The Bills are awful.
Zach: With James Starks out for the year and facing the Detroit defense, this is Alex Green's time to shine, especially if the Packers get up early.
Week 13's top under-the-radar pick: Riding Josh Gordon gets Zach the victory for the second time this year. Have to love those Browns receivers.