NFL Game Picks: Week 11
The NFL season is past its halfway point, and yet the playoff picture is no clearer than it was in Week 1. Almost every franchise has seen very surprising results come their way over the past few weeks.
Trying to predict what happens next is a tall task, but here are game picks for Week 11.
New England Patriots (6-4) @ Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
This Super Bowl rematch will take center stage Thursday night, and with the way the Patriots have been playing, chances are that this time they won’t need a 25-point comeback to get the win.
Prediction: Patriots 34, Falcons 13
Baltimore Ravens (6-3) @ Chicago Bears (3-6)
The Ravens suffered an ugly loss against Miami last week, but they remain atop the AFC North. If Baltimore is truly a playoff contender, they’ll handle business this week.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Bears 17
Green Bay Packers (8-2) @ Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
Bitter rivals Green Bay and Minnesota meet for the first time this season on Sunday. The Packers have continuously overcome injuries and setbacks all season, and that will only continue this week.
Prediction: Packers 27, Vikings 17
Indianapolis Colts (5-5) @ Buffalo Bills (6-3)
Jonathan Taylor has been putting the Colts on his back this season, but a re-focused Bills team will overcome Indy’s run attack this time around.
Prediction: Bills 31, Colts 24
Detroit Lions (0-8-1) @ Cleveland Browns (5-5)
The Browns were demolished by the Patriots in Week 10, but now they face a comically bad Lions team, allowing them to bounce back. Whether it’s Baker Mayfield or Case Keenum at quarterback, Cleveland should get a needed win here.
Prediction: Browns 24, Lions 9
Washington Football Team (3-6) @ Carolina Panthers (5-5)
Cam Newton likely returns to Carolina’s starting lineup this week, as the Panthers face former coach Ron Rivera on Sunday. If Carolina is going to make any sort of playoff push, now is the time.
Prediction: Panthers 23, Football Team 20
Houston Texans (1-8) @ Tennessee Titans (8-2)
So far, the Titans have still looked like a real threat since losing superstar Derrick Henry. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has had a rough season, but this is the perfect game for him to get back on track.
Prediction: Titans 38, Texans 14
San Francisco 49ers (4-5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7)
The 49ers announced their re-entry into the playoff picture with a surprising win over the Rams. Now they face a sinking Jaguars team, giving them a chance to build off their momentum.
Prediction: 49ers 31, Jaguars 7
Miami Dolphins (3-7) @ New York Jets (2-7)
Neither of these teams has real playoff hopes, with the only implications at stake being the status of the draft pick Miami owes the Eagles. Unfortunately for Philly, Miami will grab a narrow win this time around.
Prediction: Dolphins 16, Jets 10
New Orleans Saints (5-4) @ Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)
Speaking of the Eagles, they have an extremely easy schedule down the stretch, and that starts against a Trevor Siemian-helmed Saints offense. Nick Siriani has received plenty of criticism, but his squad could earn a huge win Sunday afternoon.
Prediction: Eagles 27, Saints 20
Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) @ Las Vegas Raiders (5-4)
Both of these teams desperately need a victory, with the loser having a hard road ahead if they want to make the postseason. The Raiders should edge out Cincinnati at home in a fun one.
Prediction: Raiders 34, Bengals 28
Dallas Cowboys (7-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (6-4)
If Patrick Mahomes replicates his recent performance from Sunday Night Football, then this could be the most exciting game of the year. Dallas has been the more consistent team this season, so expect them to earn a gutsy win on the road.
Prediction: Cowboys 35, Chiefs 30
Arizona Cardinals (8-2) @ Seattle Seahawks (3-6)
The status of Arizona's star duo of Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins remains unclear for this divisional showdown. The Seahawks have had a rough year, but the Cardinals’ injury miscues could benefit Seattle in this contest.
Prediction: Seahawks 24, Cardinals 21
Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3-1) @ Los Angeles Chargers (5-4)
After a hot start, the Chargers have disappointed with a few lackluster showings. The Steelers haven’t been much better, but with a road crowd that will be full of Pittsburgh fans, Mike Tomlin’s team should grab a primetime victory.
Prediction: Steelers 23, Chargers 17
New York Giants (3-6) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3)
Fresh off a loss to Washington, Tom Brady once again faces his kryptonite, the NFC East, on Monday night.
Assuming Eli Manning and Nick Foles aren’t in attendance, Tampa Bay should pick up a blowout win over the Giants.
Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Giants 10
Joe Tuman is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email him at joentuman@gmail.com
