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5 NFL teams on upset alert in Week 12

By Cody Williams

Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) signals for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Carolina won 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 26, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) signals for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter of a NFL game on Thanksgiving at AT&T Stadium. Carolina won 33-14. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) drops back to pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Cincinnati Bengals

After going unbeaten through their first eight games of 2015, the Cincinnati Bengals have lost two-straight games and have seemingly come back to earth. That being said, the Bengals have every reason to come into a home game against a struggling 4-6 St. Louis Rams team on Sunday as 10-point favorites. Despite the Rams’ recent fall from grace, though, they have at least the potential to push Cincinnati’s losing streak to three games.

One of the biggest reasons for the Rams’ recent struggles is the fact that their defense hasn’t been nearly as effective as it was early in the year, specifically in regards to the pass-rush. Injuries to key components such as Robert Quinn and Chris Long have depleted arguably their greatest defensive asset. Though Quinn is still a question mark to play on Sunday, Long is back at full health and should join Aaron Donald to rejuvenate the pass-rush. Considering Andy Dalton’s recent performance against fierce pass-rushes, that’s bad news for the Bengals.

While the quarterback position is still an issue for St. Louis with Case Keenum dealing with a concussion and Nick Foles being benched before Week 11 because of his shortcomings this season, the Rams still have Todd Gurley. The rookie has been quiet as of late, but that talented of a player can’t be silenced for too long. I think Gurley can help the Rams control the flow of this game and, with the pass-rush causing Dalton and the Bengals offense problems, help lead St. Louis to a big upset on the road.

Next: No. 1 New England Patriots

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