2018 NFL Picks, score predictions for Week 12

Oakland Raiders (2-8) at Baltimore Ravens (5-5)

Sunday, November 25, 1PM ET

Generally, playing against a rookie quarterback in only his second NFL start would seem like a huge plus. While you could probably say that it is in this case too, it isn’t going to be enough to land the Oakland Raiders in the win column for the third time in 2018.

Despite his lack of elite throwing abilities, Lamar Jackson is a dangerous threat with the football in his hands. As we saw in Week 11 during his first start, the young gunslinger thrived when he was using his speed and athleticism to hurt the defense. If the Cincinnati Bengals couldn’t contain him, how do the Raiders and their awful defense plan on doing so?

It’s simple, really — they won’t be able to.

The Oakland defense has been a mess this season, and the offense hasn’t been much better. Playing against an outstanding Baltimore Ravens defense will only make things that much more difficult for Derek Carr and Co.

This will probably be closer than it should be, likely as a result of a couple of turnovers by the Ravens. And yet, when the final whistle blows, Jackson will ensure his team of a victory against a Raiders team that hasn’t been able to get out of its own way this season.

Prediction: Ravens win 24-13