NFL Week 11 Picks: Teams That Will Score Crucial Wins

At this stage of the NFL season, every game is important. However, a few squads are more desperate for a victory than others.

While there are a number of high-profile games this week, including a matchup between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, as well as the New Orleans Saints hosting the San Francisco 49ers, it seems likely that all four teams will reach the postseason in some way.

However, a few teams on the outside looking in will need a win to get back into the playoff conversation. These squads cannot afford a loss, which is a good thing as they should leave Sunday with a big victory.

Arizona Cardinals at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars proved last week that they are not just an automatic loss when they triumphed over the Tennessee Titans. Unfortunately, fans should not expect this to become a trend.

Jacksonville still struggled to move the football, averaging only 3.8 yards per play in the win. If not for four turnovers by the Titans, the squad would likely still be looking for its first win.

Arizona has an above-average defense that should be able to shut down the opponent, as its own offense continues to get better. Young players like Andre Ellington, Andre Roberts and Rob Housler continue to impress, and it makes the previously one-dimensional unit much tougher to defend.

With the 49ers dealing with another tough opponent, the Cardinals have a chance to tie their NFC West rival with a victory this weekend.

San Diego Chargers at Miami Dolphins

Even with the loss to the Broncos, the Chargers remain very much in contention for a playoff spot. They sit just one game behind the New York Jets, who are currently in possession of the sixth seed.

There are also positive takeaways from the recent loss. San Diego became the first team to hold Denver to fewer than 30 points in a game, while Philip Rivers remained relatively mistake-free. Against a weaker team, this will lead to a victory.

That weaker opponent will be on the schedule in Week 11. The Dolphins looked discombobulated in their loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and only managed two rushing yards on 14 carries. This is simply embarrassing no matter who you are playing.

The Chargers should continue to take advantage of this struggling opponent and come away with a much-needed win.

New York Giants vs. Green Bay Packers

In most cases, a team that started 0-6 would not be considered a playoff contender. However, the NFC East is so bad that the Giants are now just two games out of first place.

Of course, a lot of credit has to go to New York for sticking together after a terrible start. The squad has won three in a row and recently got a big boost to the offense in the form of running back Andre Brown. 

Although Eli Manning is still not playing to his potential, he has only thrown one interception in the last three games after throwing 15 in the six early losses. 

Meanwhile, the Packers will have to survive with their third-string quarterback Scott Tolzien, who becomes the starter after both Aaron Rodgers and Seneca Wallace went down with injuries. 

Running back Eddie Lacy is capable of carrying an offense, but opponents will now be able to stack the box against him. The Giants will do that and get another win to stay alive in the divisional race.

Away	Home	Pick
Indianapolis Colts	Tennessee Titans	Colts
New York Jets	Buffalo Bills	Jets
Baltimore Ravens	Chicago Bears	Bears
Cleveland Browns	Cincinnati Bengals	Bengals
Washington Redskins	Philadelphia Eagles	Eagles
Detroit Lions	Pittsburgh Steelers	Lions
Atlanta Falcons	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Buccaneers
Arizona Cardinals	Jacksonville Jaguars	Cardinals
Oakland Raiders	Houston Texans	Texans
San Diego Chargers	Miami Dolphins	Chargers
San Francisco 49ers	New Orleans Saints	Saints
Green Bay Packers	New York Giants	Giants
Minnesota Vikings	Seattle Seahawks	Seahawks
Kansas City Chiefs	Denver Broncos	Broncos
New England Patriots	Carolina Panthers	Panthers

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