NFL Week 11: Five Things to Watch for

It gets repetitive, but if you're a true NFL fan, it never gets old. The 2009 NFL season continues to be one of the more exciting, story-line filled seasons, and through 10 weeks we still have two teams that are undefeated.

They both have endured several close calls, including a game-saving interception for the Saints and a last-second touchdown for the Colts, and are facing teams attempting to be the first to knock them off every week. Obviously two of the things we'll all be looking for is if either of these two teams will finally fall.

Read on for the remaining hot topics in this Week 11's Five Things to Watch for:


5. Can Ricky Williams Be an Elite Starting RB?

Is there any question? All the 32-year-old does is make plays, and despite losing his partner in crime, Ronnie Brown, he should still keep on trucking as the Miami Dolphins continue their dominance in the rushing attack.

There's no guarantee his jump to the elite level will mean Miami beats Carolina this week, or goes on to make the playoffs, but there's little doubt that he'll be making several fantasy owners very happy.


4. Can the Patriots Bounce Back?

Definitely. Head coach Bill Belichick made a tough call last week and basically gave the Indianapolis Colts their ninth win in 2009. But it was a gutsy call, and one that showed that he does not waiver in confidence in regards to his defense.

Look for the offense to continue its rampage on opposing defenses against a depleted and shaky New York Jets team that has gone 1-4 in its last five games.

Rex Ryan will be crying all week long.

Patriots 41, Jets 17


3. Will the Saints Keep Winning?

Let's be honest. Did anyone with a football brain, that has watched this team this year, actually smell a possible upset against St. Louis? No, probably not, but they should have.

Any team that is smart enough to run up the gut against this lousy Saints run defense will be able to compete with them, regardless of their overall talent level. On a lighter note, if Drew Brees and Co. can ever find their mojo again, it likely won't matter. Still, this defense is missing Sedrick Ellis like no one's business.

The Buccaneers will try their damnedest, but the Saints pass defense will be good enough to keep Josh Freeman from getting his second win.

Saints 31, Buccaneers 21


2. Are the Packers Playoff Contenders?

Considering they face the 49ers, and San Francisco is likely being asked the same question, we're about to find out. Both teams take pride in their defense, but really have only made strides in that department in the past week.

Unfortunately for football fans, instead of an offensive explosion between two former first round quarterbacks, we're more likely to see something like the 10-6 game the 49ers played against the Chicago Bears. Same ugly style, same ugly result.

49ers 16, Packers 13


1. Can the Cardiac Colts Continue the Streak?

It's been a remarkable ride, and as much as some experts want to believe the Baltimore Ravens are turning a corner after their shut-out against the Cleveland Browns, it's more likely that they're not.

The Colts did need a gimme fourth down call from the Patriots to enter Week 11 as 9-0 and the arguable best team in the league, but they are still undefeated, and are on a much higher level than the Ravens.

Baltimore's run defense should help their offense keep it close, but it'll be the same old mediocre ending for a disappointing Ravens team.

Colts 34, Ravens 24