NFL Picks Week 11: Top 10 Shockers You'll Never See Coming
NFL Picks Week 11 are here.
After a few huge upsets (see: Buffalo getting first win), it is clear that in a crazy NFL season, anything is possible.
This week is no different: With a bunch of interesting matchups and a lot of home favorites, this could be one of those weeks where at the end of it, the big picture of the NFL season gets that much murkier.
Baltimore at Carolina
1 of 16
Why Baltimore Will Win
A week ago, Baltimore was being touted as the best team in the league. A dominating defense and a emerging offense showed signs of being a dominant team. But then they lost. However, they played on Thursday, giving them a few more days to get ready for a game against possibly the worst team in the league.
Why Carolina Will Win
Carolina's lone win came at home. That is really the only thing they have going for them in this one against an angry Ravens team who want to avenge last week's loss.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
If the Panthers were going to pull the upset, Jimmy Clausen would need to have his "I can do this" moment. We have seen Colt McCoy show signs of life; if Clausen can follow suit, the Panthers might be feisty.
Prediction
Baltimore 35, Carolina 3
Washington at Tennesssee
2 of 16
Why Washington Will Win
Washington was destroyed by Mike Vick and the Eagles on Monday Night Football this week. If the Redskins play angry this week they could pull the upset over a banged-up Titans team.
Why Tennessee Will Win
The Titans are getting healthy and adding Randy Moss to the mix makes them a more dangerous team. Chris Johnson is starting to put it together and if Vince Young plays half as well as Mike Vick did on Monday, the Titans run away with this one.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
In order for the Redskins to have even a chance in this one they need Ryan Torain to play and play well. Torain was battling a hamstring injury on Monday night and he never saw the field.
Prediction
Tennessee 28, Washington 17
Seattle at New Orleans
3 of 16
Why Seattle Will Win
Seattle has shown that they could end up being a playoff team coming out of the NFC West. I know that is not saying much, but the Seahawks might end up being the ugly duckling in a few years, the bad team that turns out to be good. For them to win they need a perfect game. Unlikely.
Why New Orleans Will Win
Seattle has had huge difficulties winning on the road and the Superdome is one of the few home-field advantages in the NFL. The Saints really only need to play a halfway decent game to win going away.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Since he was acquired, Marshawn Lynch has shown signs of life. In order for the Seahawks to pull the upset, Lynch needs over 100 yards and a few scores.
Prediction
New Orleans 31, Seahawks 17
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Denver at San Diego
4 of 16
Why Denver Will Win
Denver is coming off a near-perfect game against Kansas City. If they are able to continue that style of play, the Broncos will walk away with the win over the favored Chargers.
Why San Diego Will Win
The Chargers have started their ascent to the top of the division. With solid wins in their last two games, it looks like the Chargers are destined to be in the playoffs yet again. Norv Turner need to figure out who his go-to running back is, and if he does, the Chargers will run all over the Broncos.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Kyle Orton had a huge game against Kansas City with four touchdown passes. If he continues that hot play, the Broncos will win.
Prediction
San Diego 28, Denver 14
Houston at NY Jets
5 of 16
Why Houston Will Win
The Texans have shown that they finally have playmakers in nearly every unit on the field. If Andre Johnson is at least 75 percent then I think Houston can pull the upset. Arian Foster has been great and the defense is improving. But the key is Johnson.
Why NY Jets Will Win
The Jets showed that they can win tough games each of the last two weeks. The Texans aren't as difficult an opponent as some of the other teams they have faced. If they at least come out competitive, they pull this out.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
As stated above, Andre Johnson is the motor that makes the Texans go. If he is able to put fear in the talented secondary of the Jets, it will go a long way to helping the Texans move the ball.
Prediction
NY Jets 24, Houston 21
Indianapolis at New England
6 of 16
Why Indianapolis Will Win
In big games, it is really hard to pick against Peyton Manning. He is one of the greatest of all time. The Colts will win if Peyton does what Peyton does. Easy as that.
Why New England Will Win
In big games, it is really hard to pick against Tom Brady (sound familiar?). New England seemed to get its defense figured out against Pittsburgh—if they carry that over then this one will go their way.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Easiest question ever asked. Peyton Manning will be the reason for any sort of Colts success.
Prediction
New England 34, Indianapolis 31
Arizona at Kansas City
7 of 16
Why Arizona Will Win
If there is one thing the Cardinals can do, it is score. Granted, they haven't done that as well this year as in years past, but it is tough to count someone like Larry Fitzgerald out. Arizona will win if they can score points.
Why Kansas City Will Win
Matt Cassel had an outstanding game against the Broncos on Sunday. He was really the only Chief to have a good game. If he keeps up his production from last week, they will win this one.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Derek Anderson has been the reason for a decline in the Cardinals this year. However, he is also the reason for an upset in this one (Hint for Anderson: Throw the ball to No. 11 on your team).
Prediction
Arizona 28, Kansas City 24
Chicago at Miami
8 of 16
Why Chicago Will Win
The Bears have been one of the surprising teams this year. A revitalized defense and the addition of offensive coordinator Mike Martz has helped put the Bears in position for a strong finish. They win this one if they don't turn the ball over and because Miami is missing their top two quarterbacks.
Why Miami Will Win
The Dolphins will win if they run the wildcat 100 percent of their offensive plays. With Tyler Thigpen as the only experienced quarterback on their roster, the only hope they have is to let the scheme win the game until they have a quarterback on the roster that is decent.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Jay Cutler is the kind of guy who could win the game for you or ensure that you get blown out. If he doesn't have a "Jay Cutler game," the Bears win this one.
Prediction
Chicago 17, Miami 10
Atlanta at St. Louis
9 of 16
Why Atlanta Will Win
Atlanta is coming off a huge last-second win against the Baltimore Ravens. If they are able to maintain that momentum, this one won't be close.
Why Saint Louis Will Win
Call me crazy, but I think the Rams aren't half bad. This is the week that Sam Bradford starts to assert himself as one of the good young signal-callers in the NFL.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Sam Bradford has to be the guy to key this upset. If he spreads the ball around and doesn't turn it over, the Rams have a chance to win this one.
Prediction
St. Louis 14, Atlanta 13
NY Giants at Philadelphia
10 of 16
Why NY Giants Will Win
A week ago, the experts were touting the Giants as the best team in the NFC. Then they quickly got slaughtered by the lowly Cowboys. If the Giants have any pride they win this game to re-assert themselves as a factor in the NFC.
Why Philadelphia Will Win
If Michael Vick does half of what he did against the Redskins, the Eagles win this one.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
When looking at the Giants you have to mention the defensive line as really one entity. If the defensive line forces Michael Vick to rush his throws, but also doesn't let him do too much damage outside of the pocket, the Giants will come away with a win.
Prediction
NY Giants 24, Eagles 17
Tampa Bay at San Francisco
11 of 16
Why Tampa Bay Will Win
Josh Freeman has shown that he is one of the best young players in the league. He is unstoppable in the fourth quarter and if he does his thing, the Bucs will come up with a win in San Francisco.
Why San Francisco Will Win
The 49ers were touted all offseason as the team that would step up in the NFC. Needless to say, they have been a disappointment. However, after consecutive wins with Troy Smith at the helm, it looks like the 49ers might be who we thought they were.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Josh Freeman is the key to the Bucs. In a close game, I think Freeman adds to his fourth-quarter legacy and pulls one out in the final minutes yet again.
Prediction
Tampa Bay 24, San Francisco 21
Cleveland at Jacksonville
12 of 16
Why Cleveland Will Win
I think the Browns are actually a good team. They have some solid components to work with and despite being underdogs, this is a game I think they should win. Cleveland wins if they have pride.
Why Jacksonville Will Win
Call it what you want, but Jacksonville won on Sunday. Sure it was luck, but in the NFL you make your own luck. Jacksonville wins if they can play a complete game and control the clock with Maurice Jones-Drew.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Colt McCoy has been impressive for the Browns. In order for the Browns to win, he needs to continue his streak of solid games.
Prediction
Cleveland 21, Jacksonville 17
Oakland at Pittsburgh
13 of 16
Why Oakland Will Win
Oakland is a feisty team. They are leading their division, which is surprising to any casual NFL fan. Darren McFadden has started to break out this year and the Raiders win this one if he continues his streak of 100 total yards in every game.
Why Pittsburgh Will Win
Pittsburgh is at the top of the AFC this year despite the loss to New England on Sunday. Pittsburgh wins if it gets back to Steelers football: run the ball and play solid defense.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Darren McFadden has shown that he can carry the Raiders on his back. He was unbelievable earlier this year against the Broncos. Granted, the Steelers are a whole different animal, but McFadden is a skilled player.
Prediction
Oakland 28, Pittsburgh 21
Green Bay at Minnesota
14 of 16
Why Green Bay Will Win
Green Bay is coming of a much-needed bye week. The Packers have been killed by injuries this year, but they are still at the top of the NFC North. The Packers win this one if they don't commit a ton of penalties, as they have been prone to do this year.
Why Minnesota Will Win
Desperation is the only reason the Vikings have a chance in this one. They are coming off a loss, and if you believe Brett Favre's comments this week, this will be the last time he faces his old team, the Packers. They are desperate for this win and that makes them dangerous.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
If Sidney Rice plays for the Vikings this week, he could be just what the doctor ordered for this team. He is what the Vikings were hoping for with Randy Moss, a wide receiver who can stretch the defense, demands double teams, and helps open things up for his teammates.
Prediction
Minnesota 21, Green Bay 20
Detroit at Dallas
15 of 16
Why Detroit Will Win
Detroit may only have two wins this season, but they have been competitive in nearly every game. They have a few good young players and a head coach who seems to know what he is doing most of the time. The Lions win if the Cowboys revert, which I think there is a good chance of happening.
Why Dallas Will Win
Dallas smacked the Giants on Sunday. It was something no one saw coming and it showed just how stupid their 1-7 start was. If they are professional enough to beat the Giants, then they should have been professional enough to win more than just one game. Dallas wins if they remain professional.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Calvin Johnson has been a star for the Lions this year. Imagine how good he would be if the team around him was just a little better. Johnson will feast on the Cowboys secondary this week and he will be the reason the Lions pick up win number three.
Prediction
Detroit 31, Dallas 21
Buffalo at Cincinnati
16 of 16
Why Buffalo Will Win
Buffalo could possibly have been the best 0-7 team in history. Well, now that they have won a game, how do they build on that? Buffalo will win if they continue to rattle Carson Palmer.
Why Cincinnati Will Win
Carson Palmer has had a tough season. He needs to remember that his guys wear orange and black not blue and red. But really, if the coaching staff gives the ball to Cedric Benson 30 times in this game, the Bengals win.
Star Who Could Lead Upset
Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown that he is capable of being a quality NFL starter. If he continues to play well then the Bills win on the road.
Prediction
Buffalo 17, Cincinnati 14
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