Week 11 Picks
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| Two of the NFL's best teams face each other Sunday afternoon. Rams vs. Vikings from Minnesota. (Photo Courtesy of SI.com) |
Who will win this week? Spoiler, the Browns and Giants won’t be winners on Sunday nor the rest of the season for that matter. Picks are next.
Week 11 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
PITTSBURGH (7-2) over Tennessee (6-3)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET (NBC, Amazon Prime)
I was not impress at all with the Titans last week. Yes, they won a football game on the final drive with less than a minute to go, which is no easy task, but they seemed to play down to a bad Bengals team. I felt like the Titans entered the fourth quarter with a 17-13 lead and were playing not to lose being very conservative and trying to run the clock out. It almost cost them the game and with Mariota throwing four interceptions on Thursday, the Titans may be in trouble. Jacksonville plays the Browns this week, so you can beat they'll be a game out of division lead come Monday morning. If Pittsburgh can score like that and play solid defense like they have all season they're going to be tough to beat the rest of the season.
Detroit (5-4) over CHICAGO (3-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Lions kept the Browns in the game too long last week and if they do that again this week, they just might lose to the Chicago Bears. QB Mitchell Trubisky played his best game of his young career last week throwing for a career-high 297-yards and completing 60% of his passes. He's slowly starting to get more comfortable and the Bears are letting him throw it. He's attempted 67 passes in his last two games, compared to just 48 in his first three games. I think the Bears will keep it close at home behind Trubisky, but the Lions ultimately get the win.
Jacksonville (6-3) over CLEVELAND (0-9)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
I give the Browns some credit, they were tied 24-24 with the Lions going into the fourth quarter on Sunday and arguably played their best football game of the year. Still, they lost yet again and botched the clock at the end of the first half and ran out of time before they could kick a field goal that would've made it a four point game. Browns may, just may be, getting a bit better -- they had 413-yards of offense last week -- but I don't see them beating the first place Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Cleveland falls to 0-10.
GREEN BAY (5-4) over Baltimore (4-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Give the Packers some credit too, in particular QB Brett Hundley, for winning a football game without Aaron Rodgers. The Bears are not a good football team, but they're improving and that was a big win for Green Bay last week as at 5-4 they're still alive in the NFC Wild Care race. They'll have to keep winning though and that won't be easy. Baltimore is coming off a bye, but they've lost three of their last four and QB Joe Flacco has struggled in those games throwing for just 728-yards, 4 TD and 4 INT. I think Flacco will continue to struggle as the Packers get the win at home.
Week 11 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
PITTSBURGH (7-2) over Tennessee (6-3)
Thursday, 8:25 p.m. ET (NBC, Amazon Prime)
I was not impress at all with the Titans last week. Yes, they won a football game on the final drive with less than a minute to go, which is no easy task, but they seemed to play down to a bad Bengals team. I felt like the Titans entered the fourth quarter with a 17-13 lead and were playing not to lose being very conservative and trying to run the clock out. It almost cost them the game and with Mariota throwing four interceptions on Thursday, the Titans may be in trouble. Jacksonville plays the Browns this week, so you can beat they'll be a game out of division lead come Monday morning. If Pittsburgh can score like that and play solid defense like they have all season they're going to be tough to beat the rest of the season.
Detroit (5-4) over CHICAGO (3-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
The Lions kept the Browns in the game too long last week and if they do that again this week, they just might lose to the Chicago Bears. QB Mitchell Trubisky played his best game of his young career last week throwing for a career-high 297-yards and completing 60% of his passes. He's slowly starting to get more comfortable and the Bears are letting him throw it. He's attempted 67 passes in his last two games, compared to just 48 in his first three games. I think the Bears will keep it close at home behind Trubisky, but the Lions ultimately get the win.
Jacksonville (6-3) over CLEVELAND (0-9)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
I give the Browns some credit, they were tied 24-24 with the Lions going into the fourth quarter on Sunday and arguably played their best football game of the year. Still, they lost yet again and botched the clock at the end of the first half and ran out of time before they could kick a field goal that would've made it a four point game. Browns may, just may be, getting a bit better -- they had 413-yards of offense last week -- but I don't see them beating the first place Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. Cleveland falls to 0-10.
GREEN BAY (5-4) over Baltimore (4-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
Give the Packers some credit too, in particular QB Brett Hundley, for winning a football game without Aaron Rodgers. The Bears are not a good football team, but they're improving and that was a big win for Green Bay last week as at 5-4 they're still alive in the NFC Wild Care race. They'll have to keep winning though and that won't be easy. Baltimore is coming off a bye, but they've lost three of their last four and QB Joe Flacco has struggled in those games throwing for just 728-yards, 4 TD and 4 INT. I think Flacco will continue to struggle as the Packers get the win at home.
MIAMI (4-5) over Tampa Bay (3-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
This was supposed to be these two team's bye week, but because of Hurricane Irma at the beginning of the season it forced this matchup in Week 1 to be postponed till now. Neither team has been playing well and I’m only taking the Dolphins in this one because they’re at home and Bucs QB Jameis Winston is still out with a shoulder injury.
L.A. Rams (7-2) over MINNESOTA (7-2)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Game of the Week and this could be one of the games of the year. Two terrific football teams and two that not many thought would be 7-2 after 10 weeks. The matchup to watch this week will be the Rams number one scoring offense (32.9 points/game) going up against the Vikings fifth ranked defense. The Rams have won by 33, 34 and 26 points the past three weeks and if the Vikings are to win they have to get some stops on defense. Minnesota can score too though and QB Case Keenum has been outstanding this season filling in for Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater, who is close to coming back. Keenum threw for a career-high four touchdowns last week and if he plays well the Vikings will win this game. I'll go with the hot offense in the Rams here, but the Vikings will make it a close game.
NEW ORLEANS (7-2) over Washington (4-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
New Orleans is for real and if they run the ball like they have -- 298 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns on Sunday -- averaging 142.2 rush yards/game, they're going to be really tough to beat the rest of the way. Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara are a terrific 1-2 punch at running back and for the first time in what seems like his career, QB Drew Brees does not have to carry his team on his back. I think the Saints keep the streak alive and win their eight-straight game. Next week, Saints at Rams.
Kansas City (6-3) over N.Y. GIANTS (1-8)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
I won't be picking the Giants to win a football game the rest of the season. Fire head coach Ben McAdoo now. Chiefs win big as the Giants look to lock up a top two draft pick.
Arizona (4-5) over HOUSTON (3-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
I feel that every week from here on out is going to show us just how important Deshaun Watson was to the Houston Texans. That offense is pitiful without him. Tom Savage turned the ball over four times on Sunday and has struggled mightily. I'd start T.J. Yates if I'm Bill O'Brien or dare I say they sign Colin Kaepernick for the rest of the season. Someone else needs to start, because Savage is not an NFL quarterback and Watson won't be back until next season. We could have another quarterback change on the Arizona side as well as Drew Stanton, who is in for the injured Carson Palmer, has a sprained knee and could miss Sunday's game. That means that Blaine Gabbert could get the start opposite Savage or whoever the Texans decide to go with. Needless to say this probably won't be a good football game and I'm going with the Cardinals because at least they were competitive last Thursday against the Seahawks.
L.A CHARGERS (3-6) over Buffalo (5-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
L.A. Rams (7-2) over MINNESOTA (7-2)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
Game of the Week and this could be one of the games of the year. Two terrific football teams and two that not many thought would be 7-2 after 10 weeks. The matchup to watch this week will be the Rams number one scoring offense (32.9 points/game) going up against the Vikings fifth ranked defense. The Rams have won by 33, 34 and 26 points the past three weeks and if the Vikings are to win they have to get some stops on defense. Minnesota can score too though and QB Case Keenum has been outstanding this season filling in for Sam Bradford and Teddy Bridgewater, who is close to coming back. Keenum threw for a career-high four touchdowns last week and if he plays well the Vikings will win this game. I'll go with the hot offense in the Rams here, but the Vikings will make it a close game.
NEW ORLEANS (7-2) over Washington (4-5)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
New Orleans is for real and if they run the ball like they have -- 298 rushing yards and 6 rushing touchdowns on Sunday -- averaging 142.2 rush yards/game, they're going to be really tough to beat the rest of the way. Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara are a terrific 1-2 punch at running back and for the first time in what seems like his career, QB Drew Brees does not have to carry his team on his back. I think the Saints keep the streak alive and win their eight-straight game. Next week, Saints at Rams.
Kansas City (6-3) over N.Y. GIANTS (1-8)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (CBS)
I won't be picking the Giants to win a football game the rest of the season. Fire head coach Ben McAdoo now. Chiefs win big as the Giants look to lock up a top two draft pick.
Arizona (4-5) over HOUSTON (3-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET (Fox)
I feel that every week from here on out is going to show us just how important Deshaun Watson was to the Houston Texans. That offense is pitiful without him. Tom Savage turned the ball over four times on Sunday and has struggled mightily. I'd start T.J. Yates if I'm Bill O'Brien or dare I say they sign Colin Kaepernick for the rest of the season. Someone else needs to start, because Savage is not an NFL quarterback and Watson won't be back until next season. We could have another quarterback change on the Arizona side as well as Drew Stanton, who is in for the injured Carson Palmer, has a sprained knee and could miss Sunday's game. That means that Blaine Gabbert could get the start opposite Savage or whoever the Texans decide to go with. Needless to say this probably won't be a good football game and I'm going with the Cardinals because at least they were competitive last Thursday against the Seahawks.
L.A CHARGERS (3-6) over Buffalo (5-4)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET (Fox)
With the Bills benching QB Tyrod Taylor for rookie Nathan Peterman, I’m definitely not picking them. Never a good sign when you switch quarterbacks halfway through the season. Chargers have been in a lot of close games and even with QB Philip Rivers questionable with a concussion, I think they defeat the Bills and Peterman in his first NFL start.
Cincinnati (3-6) over DENVER (3-6)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Two disappointing teams take the field in Denver Sunday afternoon and I’ll go with the Bengals. Broncos are going with Brock Osweiler at quarterback for the second-straight week and he was terrible last week. He won’t improve that much in a week and I think the Bengals finally get a much needed win.
New England (7-2) over OAKLAND (4-5)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS) from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City
As the NFL heads south of the border to Mexico City for the second-straight season, the Oakland Raiders find themselves in a must win situation. The Raiders are coming off a bye and currently sit right outside the Wild Card race in the AFC. With the Cowboys, Eagles and Chiefs still on the schedule there is very little room for error for the Raiders. The Patriots have been playing really good football over their last five games, all wins, and I think they'll win a close game against the Raiders. The oxygen will be flowing on the sidelines in this one too as Mexico City sits at an elevation of 7,382 feet, 2,102 feet higher than the NFL's highest city, Denver, CO.
Philadelphia (8-1) over DALLAS (5-4)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Dallas is in trouble and this is not the ideal week for them to be playing the division leading Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys will be without RB Ezekiel Elliott as his suspension continues, LB Sean Lee left last week's game against the Falcons with a hamstring injury, and LT Tyron Smith could miss another game with a groin injury. Smith's replacement, Chaz Green, gave up four sacks and was continuously beat just about every snap in Atlanta last week. With the Cowboys best weapon on offense out, their All-Pro left tackle and All-Pro linebacker questionable with injuries, they'll have to play perfect football to beat the best team in the league. I don't see it happening. Eagles win by at least a touchdown.
SEATTLE (6-3) over Atlanta (5-4)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
This should be a rare quality game on Monday night. Most of the prime time games this season, especially Monday’s, have been duds. The Seahawks will miss CB Richard Sherman after he suffered a torn Achilles, but they still have a very good defense and if the offense continues to get the ball to TE Jimmy Graham, five touchdowns in his last four games, they'll continue to win games. Seahawks in a close, competitive game Monday night.
Bye: Carolina, Indianapolis, N.Y. Jets, San Francisco
This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 10-4
Overall: 93-54 (.633)
Cincinnati (3-6) over DENVER (3-6)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Two disappointing teams take the field in Denver Sunday afternoon and I’ll go with the Bengals. Broncos are going with Brock Osweiler at quarterback for the second-straight week and he was terrible last week. He won’t improve that much in a week and I think the Bengals finally get a much needed win.
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| For the second-straight season, the NFL will host a regular season game at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. (Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports) |
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS) from Estadio Azteca in Mexico City
As the NFL heads south of the border to Mexico City for the second-straight season, the Oakland Raiders find themselves in a must win situation. The Raiders are coming off a bye and currently sit right outside the Wild Card race in the AFC. With the Cowboys, Eagles and Chiefs still on the schedule there is very little room for error for the Raiders. The Patriots have been playing really good football over their last five games, all wins, and I think they'll win a close game against the Raiders. The oxygen will be flowing on the sidelines in this one too as Mexico City sits at an elevation of 7,382 feet, 2,102 feet higher than the NFL's highest city, Denver, CO.
Philadelphia (8-1) over DALLAS (5-4)
Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
Dallas is in trouble and this is not the ideal week for them to be playing the division leading Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys will be without RB Ezekiel Elliott as his suspension continues, LB Sean Lee left last week's game against the Falcons with a hamstring injury, and LT Tyron Smith could miss another game with a groin injury. Smith's replacement, Chaz Green, gave up four sacks and was continuously beat just about every snap in Atlanta last week. With the Cowboys best weapon on offense out, their All-Pro left tackle and All-Pro linebacker questionable with injuries, they'll have to play perfect football to beat the best team in the league. I don't see it happening. Eagles win by at least a touchdown.
SEATTLE (6-3) over Atlanta (5-4)
Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
This should be a rare quality game on Monday night. Most of the prime time games this season, especially Monday’s, have been duds. The Seahawks will miss CB Richard Sherman after he suffered a torn Achilles, but they still have a very good defense and if the offense continues to get the ball to TE Jimmy Graham, five touchdowns in his last four games, they'll continue to win games. Seahawks in a close, competitive game Monday night.
Bye: Carolina, Indianapolis, N.Y. Jets, San Francisco
This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 10-4
Overall: 93-54 (.633)
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