NFL Week 11 Picks: 5 Teams on Upset Alert This Weekend

At this time last week, there was little doubt that the Giants would blow out the Cowboys, another case of Brett Favre's heroics would lift the Vikings above the Bears, and Randy Moss' debut in Tennessee would result in a Titans victory over the Dolphins.

However, none of that ever came to fruition in yet another representation of such an unusual NFL season.

We already saw another case of just how bizarre this year has been on Thursday night. Without Chad Henne and Chad Pennington for the remainder of the season, the Dolphins were blanked by the Bears, 16-0.

Without further ado, here are five teams that should not take their opponents lightly this weekend.

Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. Cleveland Browns)

Let's face it: The only reason why the Jacksonville Jaguars are above .500 at this point is due to this Hail Mary from David Garrard to Mike Thomas in the final play against the Texans last weekend.

Narrowly surviving yet another AFC South test doesn't work in the team's favor, as they play the surging Cleveland Browns this weekend.

Despite a 3-6 record, Cleveland has defeated the Saints and Patriots over the past few weeks and nearly played the Jets to a tie last weekend. They benefit from a surprisingly great defense from coordinator Rob Ryan, and a breakout season from running back Peyton Hillis, who has nearly 1,000 combined yards rushing and receiving thus far.

Neither of this works in Jacksonville's favor, and expect the Browns to possibly win decisively this weekend.

New York Jets (vs. Houston Texans)

Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

CLEVELAND - NOVEMBER 14: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks for a receiver as Damien Woody #67 looks on against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on November 14, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty

After winning an overtime thriller against the Browns last weekend, the big issue for the Jets is whether they will suffer a bit of a burnout after playing for nearly 75 minutes last weekend.

Their defense will need to show up against the Texans, as Matt Schaub is able to move the ball down the field at will on any defensive unit. However, the seventh-year quarterback is fighting a knee injury at the moment, so his status for Sunday's game is still uncertain.

If Schaub can go at 100 percent, the Jets may be in trouble on Sunday.

Green Bay Packers (vs. Minnesota Vikings)

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

GREEN BAY, WI - NOVEMBER 07: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers runs for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on November 7, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Cowboys 45-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty I

The injury-plagued Packers find themselves in second place in the NFC North without playing a game last week, as the Bears tallied two wins while Green Bay was not in action.

This weekend, Aaron Rodgers and the Pack travel to the Metrodome to face Brett Favre and the Vikings in what could be considered "Favre Bowl IV."

Much has been made of Minnesota's struggles this season, but many gloss over the fact that those issues usually surface on the road. The Vikings are 3-1 at home this season and host the Bills, Giants and Bears in the final half of the season—all winnable games. 

If Favre can play like his old self this week, the Packers may find themselves further behind Chicago in the division standings.

San Diego Chargers (vs. Denver Broncos)

Bob Levey/Getty Images

HOUSTON - NOVEMBER 07: Quarterback Philips #17 of the San Diego Chargers gives a thumbs up to he bench after a touchdown against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on November 7, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

The AFC West has been topsy-turvy at best this season, with perennial cellar-dwellers Oakland and Kansas City on top of the division.

San Diego, at 4-5, ranks third in the division and faces Denver (3-6) on Monday Night Football. It's almost a certainty that the Chargers will probably make a run at the division title once again, as has been the case under Norv Turner's reign.

However, the Broncos come into this weekend off of a 49-29 beatdown of the Chiefs last weekend. Quarterback Kyle Orton has had a quietly successful season, with 2,806 yards and 16 touchdowns passing this season.

In addition, Denver may have one of the easier paths to the playoffs if they can piece a streak together; after this week, they play the Rams, Cardinals and Texans, in addition to another meeting with each of their division rivals.

Atlanta Falcons (vs. St. Louis Rams)

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ATLANTA - NOVEMBER 11: Quarterback Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons looks to pass against the Baltimore Ravens at Georgia Dome on November 11, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Coming off of a big statement victory over the Ravens last week, the Falcons travel to St. Louis to play the Rams this weekend.

Even though the Falcons rank among the top two or three teams in the NFC (with the Giants and the Eagles in the conversation at this point), the young Rams are 4-1 at the Edward Jones Dome.

Additionally, it would be a huge victory for the Rams to stop a three-game skid against the Falcons, as they look to stay in contention for the NFC West crown.

Thoughts? Comment below.

Ryan Papaserge is a junior journalism/mass communication student at St. Bonaventure University and a writing intern at Bleacher Report.