Week 11 NFL Predictions
Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Sterling Shepard's expression in this photo shows that he and NFL fans are ready to roll for week 11. Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott continue to shine as rookies. Tony Romo admitted that the quarterback's job is Dak's right now. The Green Bay Packers are struggling and instead of their fans relaxing, shouldn't they be panicking?
Jared Goff will make his NFL debut on Sunday for the Rams. For the first time since 2005, a game will be played in Mexico City (Houston Texans vs Oakland Raiders). I went 7-7 last week and I am 88-57-2 on the year.
New Orleans Saints 28, Carolina Panthers 21: Drew Brees doesn't look as good on the road than at home, but he will this week. With Carolina blowing a 17 to 0 lead last week and losing the game, it seemed to suck the gravity out of there soul. In order to get momentum back and get back in the NFC South race, Cam Newton needs to play a turnover free game, but it won't happen.
Buffalo Bills 16, Cincinnati Bengals 24: This is the battle of the undisciplined football teams. What are the odds more fights happen than touchdowns scored? If that's the case, there will be a tons of ejections. In football reality, the Bengals are more talented than the Bills.
Pittsburgh Steelers 49, Cleveland Browns 14: The Steelers are on a 4-game losing streak and this is the perfect week for them to break it. Cleveland hasn't won a game yet this season and it doesn't look like they will anytime soon. Pittsburgh's offense is going to put the foot on the gas pedal.
Baltimore Ravens 27, Dallas Cowboys 24: Dak and Ezekiel are going to realize Baltimore's defense is far better than Pittsburgh's. That doesn't necessarily mean they won't get their yardage. What I'm saying is they are more fundamentally sound and they tackle better and don't allow the big play as much. They also have the number one ranked defense in the NFL. Joe Flacco will hit the deep ball with his speedster receivers.
Jacksonville Jaguars 14, Detroit Lions 29: Blakes Bortles has been inconsistent all year. The Lions defense has been better and could cause havoc for him. It is unknown which Lions receiver will step up to the plate. One week it is Golden Tate, another week it is Anquan Boldin, and another week is Marvin Jones. Matthew Stafford has been a lot better at limiting his turnovers this season.
Tennessee Titans 21, Indianapolis Colts 24: Until the Titans can beat Andrew Luck, I can't pick them to beat Indianapolis. Andrew Luck has won every game he has played against the Titans. That is a bit surprising. Tennessee didn't look that good on defense against him earlier in the season. They had a big win last week against the Packers but this week could be a let down.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 16, Kansas City Chiefs 21: It seems as if the Chiefs can't miss a beat in the regular season. They had an impressive comeback last week at Carolina when they trailed by 17 points. Alex Smith isn't exactly lighting it up, but he will make enough plays to win.
Arizona Cardinals 14, Minnesota Vikings 17: The Cardinals didn't look that impressive against the 49ers last week. With the Cardinals traveling to Minnesota, I think the offense will struggle and the Vikings defense will find a groove. Stefon Diggs will have another big day.
Chicago Bears 10, New York Giants 35: The Bears are in turmoil and the Giants are cruising along. Jay Cutler has looked heartless. Eli Manning is in complete command, and this should be a complete effort by the Giants.
Miami Dolphins 21, Los Angeles Rams 17: Jared Goff will be making his first NFL start on Sunday. Will the Dolphins defense make him look like a goof and or does he respond in a positive way? Jay Ajayi will have another rough week so expect the passing game to step up.
Philadelphia Eagles 24, Seattle Seahawks 27: It is a very dangerous sign for the NFL that Russell Wilson is finding his groove. They also get back Thomas Rawls in the running game. C.J. Prosise broke out last week at running back. The Eagles defense will have a tough time stopping the Seahawks offense. Carson Wentz will get smacked all game long.
New England Patriots 41, San Francisco 49ers 13: Tom Brady probably won't have his best friend Rob Gronkowski this week because of an injury, but Brady will take command of the offense. Blount could also have a big day on the ground.
Green Bay Packers 24, Washington Redskins 38: Kirk Cousins will have a field day against a horrific Packers defense. Aaron Rodgers might have to be responsible for 7 touchdowns for the Packers on Sunday and that might not even be enough. The Redskins will also double up the Packers in the rushing department.
Houston Texans 17, Oakland Raiders 27: Derek Carr is on a mission. It will be difficult for Brock Osweiler to out play him. DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller vs Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree sounds like a good receiver matchup on paper. In reality the Raiders will have more yardage. They will also force turnovers and dominate the line of scrimmage.
Byes: Atlanta Falcons, Denver Broncos, New York Jets, and San Diego Chargers
