NFL Picks Week 11: First Look at Predictions for Every Game
The NFL picks Week 11 feature some truly fantastic matchups from start to finish.
With the playoff race heating up, games begin to take on additional meaning for the teams involved.
Who will come out on top?
We're taking a first look at every game coming down the pipeline this weekend, giving you the lowdown on what's at stake, why each team will win, and who will come out of the clash victorious.
Let's get rolling.
Chicago Bears @ Miami Dolphins, Thursday, 8:20 P.M. EST
1 of 16
The Lowdown
A pair of potential playoff teams square off in this clash.
Both the Bears and Dolphins are coming off big wins—Chicago over division rival Minnesota, and Miami over a good Tennessee team.
However, the Dolphins have some serious quarterback issues, as Chad Pennington and Chad Henne are banged up.
Why Chicago Will Win
The Bears offense looks to be clicking once again, and if they are, the Dolphins secondary is in trouble. Jay Cutler can bomb the football down field, and Miami lacks the secondary to keep up with the Bears' speedy wideouts.
The Dolphins offense has been sputtering in recent weeks, and Chicago's defense is playing its best football of the season.
Why Miami Will Win
The Dolphins are a tough, scrappy team who love to win close games. The Bears have shown a nasty tendency let teams stay close, and if that happens, Miami's got a good chance of pulling out the win, even if Tyler Thigpen is their quarterback.
Who’s the Pick
Chicago 24, Miami 14.
The Bears have too much offense for the Dolphins to keep up, especially if Tyler Thigpen starts this week.
Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, 1:00 P.M. EST
2 of 16
The Lowdown
Both of these teams are playing for pride at this point, as neither has a chance of making the playoffs. But with these offenses in play, this could be a thriller right up until the end.
Why Buffalo Will Win
The Bills got their first win of the season last week against Detroit, and they've looked a lot better than a 1-8 team in recent weeks. The offense is clicking with Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback, and the defense is showing signs of life.
Add that to a reeling Bengals team, and you've got a recipe for win number two.
Why Cincinnati Will Win
On paper, the Bengals are the more talented ball club. Their offense is more explosive, their defense is capable of shutting people down when healthy, and they're playing at home, a big boost for this team.
Who’s the Pick
Cincinnati 28, Buffalo 24.
Even as badly as this year's gone, the Bengals can't lose to the Bills at home, right?
Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys, 1:00 P.M. EST
3 of 16
The Lowdown
Another case of two teams more or less playing for pride.
The Lions have looked sharp offensively, but were knocked off by the previously winless Bills last week.
Dallas was thought to be more or less dead this season, but they proved us wrong by knocking off the Giants last week.
Why Dallas Will Win
If the Cowboys play like they did in the first half against New York last week, this one won't be close.
Dez Bryant appears to have become the star we thought he would be, and the Dallas defense didn't look as hopeless as they have in previous weeks.
Plus, the Cowboys need a win at home.
Why Detroit Will Win
The Lions pass game is as formidable as it has been all year, with quarterback Shaun Hill and wideout Calvin Johnson forming a nearly unstoppable connection. With the Cowboys' secondary woes, who's going to shut them down?
The Lions defense has looked better in recent weeks, and there's no guarantee the Cowboys can keep the momentum going.
Who’s the Pick
Detroit 28, Dallas 21.
The Lions have too many weapons, and Dallas hasn't shown any ability to maintain the fire they need to win games.
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Washington Redskins @ Tennessee Titans, 1:00 P.M. EST
4 of 16
The Lowdown
A pair of teams who need a win to keep their postseason hopes alive.
Tennessee had zero offensive production in their loss to the Dolphins in Week 10, while Washington got embarrassed by the Eagles.
Why Washington Will Win
The Redskins pass rush is formidable, and the Titans passing game slumped badly in Week 10.
If Donovan McNabb can find his rhythm in the pocket for the Redskins, and Ryan Torain can find room to run, Washington could get itself back into the the playoff picture.
Why Tennessee Will Win
Washington's defense has been pretty awful for most of the year, and Tennessee has been decent offensively in 2010.
The Titans defense is fully capable of overwhelming the Redskins offense.
Running back Chris Johnson is a stud in Nashville, and should have fun running against Washington's defense.
Who’s the Pick
Tennessee 24, Washington 10.
The Redskins are officially in trouble, and the Titans are still in the playoff picture.
Arizona Cardinals @ Kansas City Chiefs, 1:00 P.M. EST
5 of 16
The Lowdown
The Chiefs and Cards are both in the midst of their respective division races, and both could use a win in the worst way.
Kansas City has lost two straight to division foes, while Arizona's on a four-game skid.
Why Kansas City Will Win
The Chiefs have been the superior team in 2010, on both sides of the ball.
The offense is clicking on the ground and through the air, while the defense had been doing extremely well until the Broncos lit them up in Week 10.
On paper, this one's not close; it should be Kansas City all the way.
Why Arizona Will Win
Derek Anderson's got a cannon, Kansas City is vulnerable over the top, and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is talented enough to give Arizona a puncher's chance.
If the ball-hawking defense could actually stop someone once in a while, the Cards could win.
Who’s the Pick
Kansas City 21, Arizona 14.
The Chiefs have more talent, and are playing at Arrowhead.
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 P.M. EST
6 of 16
The Lowdown
Two teams headed in decidedly different directions.
The ship seems to be sinking in Minnesota after their Week 10 loss to Chicago. They're still technically in the playoff hunt, but a loss would more or less finish them off.
Meanwhile, the Packers have won three straight after losing three of four, and their defense is flat-out dominant.
Why Minnesota Will Win
If there's someone who can knock off the Packers, it's Minnesota in Minneapolis.
We all know Brett Favre and the Vikes will be up for this one, and when they're motivated, they can hang with anyone.
Adrian Peterson has given good defenses fits all season, and the Minnesota defense is good enough to contain the Packers' high-octane offense.
Why Green Bay Will Win
The Packers have been dominant defensively during their three-game win streak, and the offense seems to have found a bit of rhythm behind quarterback Aaron Rogers. If the run game can get anything at all, this one might not even be close.
Who’s the Pick
Green Bay 28, Minnesota 17.
The Packers have too much, and Brad Childress' seat turns downright scalding.
Houston Texans @ New York Jets, 1:00 P.M. EST
7 of 16
The Lowdown
Two teams still in the playoff hunt square off here, although the Texans need to win in a bad way.
Houston is reeling, having dropped three straight and four of five, while New York has dodged bullets against both Detroit and Cleveland in the last two weeks.
Why New York Will Win
The Texans defense has cost them at least two, possibly three wins in 2010. Surely the Jets can exploit that.
New York's defense can shut down a Texans offense that isn't nearly as potent as they appeared in years past.
Why Houston Will Win
Houston's offense is capable of lighting up the scoreboard, and the Jets' secondary isn't as formidable as it was last year.
Both of the Jets' losses have come at home, and Houston is just the kind of team to pull the stunner on a New York team that could easily be 5-4 right now.
Who’s the Pick
Houston 24, New York 21.
The Jets finally run out of luck in this one, and Houston's defense comes together just enough to pull out the win.
Oakland Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 P.M. EST
8 of 16
The Lowdown
The Steelers find themselves in the thick of a brutal playoff race, locked in a dead heat with Baltimore in the AFC North.
Likewise, Oakland is tied for the AFC West lead, and have ripped off three straight wins.
The Steelers are reeling slightly, having dropped two of three after starting the season 5-1.
Why Pittsburgh Will Win
Pittsburgh is the better team, and Oakland's defense can't slow down the Steelers offense. Running back Rashard Mendenhall will light up a soft Raider front seven, and the passing game has too many weapons for Nnamdi Asomugha to cover all at once.
Defensively, Pittsburgh got embarrassed against New England, and will be looking to send a message.
Why Oakland Will Win
The Raiders are rolling right now, and Pittsburgh's slumping.
Running back Darren McFadden has come alive, and if he can find some success against the Steelers' vaunted defense, the Raiders could be in business.
Who’s the Pick
Pittsburgh 28, Oakland 17.
The Raiders' winning streak ends here, as Pittsburgh looks to send a message.
Baltimore Ravens @ Carolina Panthers, 1:00 P.M. EST
9 of 16
The Lowdown
Carolina is more or less finished in 2010, but they're just dangerous enough to play the role of spoiler down the stretch.
Baltimore, meanwhile, fell to Atlanta last week, and needs a win to keep pace with Pittsburgh in the AFC North.
Why Baltimore Will Win
Carolina's defense is a joke in 2010, and the Ravens have looked pretty solid offensively this year.
The Panthers will get engulfed by a defense still capable of delivering virtuoso performances against inferior teams. Jimmy Clausen will get harassed all day, and Carolina's run game, their one strength, will get shut down.
Why Carolina Will Win
If Jimmy Clausen channels the spirit of another Notre Dame alumni—Joe Montana—the Panthers might be able to exploit the Ravens' porous secondary.
Who’s the Pick
Baltimore 28, Carolina 10.
This one won't be close, as Carolina's miserable 2010 campaign continues.
Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 P.M. EST
10 of 16
The Lowdown
Two of the more pleasant surprises of 2010 square off in this one.
Cleveland was oh-so-close to being 4-5 and in the playoff hunt, but couldn't close out the Jets in Week 10, while Jacksonville is in the midst of a serious hot streak in which their offense turned on the afterburners, smoking the Cowboys and dropping 31 on the Texans.
Why Jacksonville Will Win
If this one turns into a shootout, the advantage lies with the Jags. Running back Maurice Jones-Drew and quarterback David Garrard provide a good balance, while the defense has done just enough to give the offense room to work.
Why Cleveland Will Win
The Browns defense has developed into a solid unit, and Jacksonville's defense can't stop anything Cleveland's offense throws at them. Running back Peyton Hillis has been a stud all season, and the Browns seem like a much tougher team than in years past.
Who’s the Pick
Cleveland 17, Jacksonville 14.
The Jags run out of steam in this one, and Cleveland gets another win.
Atlanta Falcons @ St. Louis Rams, 4:15 P.M. EST
11 of 16
The Lowdown
Two teams in the top half of their divisions square off in this one, although they're at decidedly different levels.
St. Louis is 4-5, but has looked solid all year, while Atlanta looks like one of the NFL's best teams.
Why Atlanta Will Win
The Falcons are by far the more talented team.
Quarterback Matt Ryan runs the offense with brutal efficiency, and the defense showed that it can contain strong offenses last week against Baltimore. The Rams lack the corners to shut down Roddy White, and should struggle to slow down the Falcons at all.
Why St. Louis Will Win
The Rams are playing at home, where they're 4-1 on the season.
The Falcons offense is capable of being closed down, and St. Louis has enough offensive weapons to keep things close. Running back Steven Jackson should be poised for another strong performance this week.
Who’s the Pick
Atlanta 24, St. Louis 21.
The Rams will push the Falcons to the brink, but Atlanta will pull this one out in the end.
Seattle Seahawks @ New Orleans Saints, 4:15 P.M. EST
12 of 16
The Lowdown
The Saints have been one of the NFL's better teams this season, but sit second in the NFC South and need a win to keep their deficit at just one game.
Seattle is leading the NFC West at 5-4, but they've looked pretty bad on the road for most of the year.
Why Seattle Will Win
If Matt Hasselbeck plays, the Seahawks could stage the upset, and the pass rush could force Saints quarterback Drew Brees into making mistakes.
Why New Orleans Will Win
The Saints are by far the better team in this one.
Their offense can and will light up Seattle's porous defense, while the D will harass whoever starts at quarterback for the 'Hawks.
Oh yeah, and New Orleans gets Reggie Bush back.
Who’s the Pick
New Orleans 35, Seattle 10.
The Saints win this one easy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:15 P.M. EST
13 of 16
The Lowdown
The 49ers still have an outside shot at the playoffs, since they play in the awful NFC West, while Tampa Bay needs a win to keep pace with New Orleans and stay a game behind Atlanta in the NFC South.
This should be a closely fought contest.
Why San Francisco Will Win
The offense might actually be clicking, the defense looks like the unit most were expecting coming into 2010, and the Niners have won two straight games.
Tampa Bay's defense has been incapable of shutting down good offenses, and San Francisco is slowly turning into a good offense.
Why Tampa Bay Will Win
The Bucs offense, led by quarterback Josh Freeman is just as good, if not better than San Francisco's.
San Fran hasn't exactly been the model of consistency, and Tampa has the talent to knock them off.
Who’s the Pick
San Francisco 31, Tampa Bay 28.
The Niners score the upset and keep their playoff dreams alive, thanks to Frank Gore blowing holes in Tampa's defense.
Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots, 4:15 P.M. EST
14 of 16
The Lowdown
This is the most anticipated matchup of Week 11.
The Colts lead the AFC South at 6-3, while New England sits tied for the AFC East lead with a 7-2 record.
Add to that the fact that these teams aren't too fond of one another, and you've got the must-see matchup of the week.
Why New England Will Win
The Pats offense is clicking, and their defense got the job done in Week 10 against Pittsburgh.
They're playing at home, and the Colts have struggled in Foxboro.
Quarterback Tom Brady is capable of picking Indy's defense apart, and running back BenJarvus Green-Ellis is looking forward to their soft run defense.
Why Indianapolis Will Win
Despite all the injuries to Indy's offensive skill players, this team is capable of scoring points, thanks to quarterback Peyton Manning and wideout Reggie Wayne.
The Patriots defense hasn't exactly inspired confidence in 2010, and the Colts are capable of taking full advantage.
Who’s the Pick
Indianapolis 35, New England 31.
This one's going to be a shootout, and Peyton snags himself a win in Foxboro.
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 P.M., EST
15 of 16
The Lowdown
These teams are neck-and-neck in the NFC East race, both sitting with 6-3 records.
This game will go a long way towards determining possible tiebreakers, and will give someone a big leg up in the hunt.
Why Philadelphia Will Win
The Eagles looked awfully good Monday night against Washington. Quarterback Michael Vick is looking like the NFL's most exciting player once again, and if Philly's ball-hawking secondary can force Eli Manning into making some bad decisions (he's usually good for three or four questionable passes a game), the Eagles could run away with this one.
New York's got to be hurting from last week's loss to the Cowboys, while Philly's riding high from back-to-back big wins.
Why New York Will Win
The Giants defense looks much improved over it's 2009 edition, and is capable of containing Vick with it's pass rush.
The offense is explosive, and running back Ahmad Bradshaw should have a field day against Philly's soft front seven. If Eli Manning can avoid turnovers, the Giants will come out on top.
Who’s the Pick
New York 28, Philadelphia 27.
The Giants eke out a win in Round 1 of these teams' meetings this season.
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers, Monday, 8:30 P.M. EST
16 of 16
The Lowdown
The Broncos are desperate to keep their playoff hopes alive, and a loss to San Diego would all but end their season.
For San Diego, they sit a game back of Kansas City and Oakland, and need a win to keep pace in the division.
Why Denver Will Win
The Broncos showed what they can do last week, as they routed the Chiefs. The offense is explosive, and if the defense can get anything going against the pass, they could definitely leave San Diego with a win.
Quarterback Kyle Orton is capable of picking apart the Chargers defense.
Why San Diego Will Win
The Chargers look like the better team here, even without so many receivers.
Quarterback Philip Rivers can put big numbers on the board in a hurry, and if tight end Antonio Gates is back this week, look out.
The defense has been stellar in 2010, and Denver struggles away from Mile High Stadium.
Who’s the Pick
San Diego 31, Denver 28.
The Broncos nearly snag the victory, but San Diego starts its late season charge with a big divisional win.
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