An Inside Look at Week 11 of the NFL, Game by Game with Michael Phillips.

Falcons rookie quarterback Matt Ryan should have a field day when he meets Denver’s 28th ranked pass defense Sunday. Atlanta’s immaculate rookie quarterback has led them a 6-3 record. The Broncos only chance of winning comes if quarterback Jay Cutler can get on rhythm and out score the Falcons, something I just do not see happening.

Atlanta defeats Denver.

Many expected Detroit to pick up there first win of the season last week against Jacksonville, but they did not, and there is no reason to think they will this week either when they take on Carolina. Look for the Panthers defense to give the Lions offense troubles all game long.

Carolina defeats Detroit.

The Cincinnati Bengals finally won a game when they defeated Jacksonville 21-19 two week ago, but do not expect them to pickup a second win Sunday against Philadelphia. Look for Philadelphia to be upset after there narrow loss to division rival New York and to take out their frustrations mercifully on Cincinnati.

Philadelphia defeats Cincinnati.

When the match up of Kansas City and New Orleans comes to mind, it brings the thought of another brutal Chiefs loss. However, this Chiefs team is playing with a spark and are better than there record shows with young Tyler Thigpen at quarterback. The downside for Kansas City is that they are against an explosive New Orleans offense that will be too much for the KC’s defense to handle.

New Orleans defeats Kansas City.

Expect a lot of hard hits and bloodied noses when the Ravens meet the Giants Sunday. While Baltimore has the leagues number two defense, perhaps it is the offense that is most impressive averaging 33.5 points per game over the past four games. The problem Baltimore faces is the Giants bruising defense, which will give Ravens rookie quarterback Joe Flacco problems all game long.

New York Giants defeat Baltimore.

Tampa Bay meets Minnesota in a crucial game for both teams, Minnesota who has a chance at NFC North division lead and Tampa Bay who is looking to keep in playoff range. Expect a big game from Vikings running back Adrian Peterson in a low scoring physical battle.

Minnesota defeats Tampa Bay.

At 5-4, the upstart Miami Dolphins has a chance at the playoffs this year and should push farther toward that reality against Oakland Sunday. Yep, I said Dolphins and playoffs in the same sentence thanks to a strong defense, accurate running game and bullying running game. Look for Miami running backs Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams to run wild against Oakland.

Miami defeats Oakland.

Green Bay could catch a cold before they could a win as of late. Chicago on the other hand is in control of the NFC North division. If quarterback Kyle Orton returns to Chicago this week then expect a big day from the Bears offense against a suspect Green Bay defense. Look for another big game from versatile Chicago rookie Matt Forte in a Bears win.

Chicago defeats Green Bay.

Indianapolis is getting hot at the right time and take on a injured Texans team which they should defeat much easier the second time around. Do not expect the Colts to have to make any miracle comeback against the Texans Sunday. Still with out quarterback Matt Schaub look for Peyton Manning and the Colts offense to easily out score Houston all game long.

Indianapolis defeats Houston.

Oh, the utter sadness that is the NFC West division. This week NFL fans get the treasure of watching 2-7 San Francisco take on 2-7 St. Louis. Look for the winner to be determined by the running game of St. Louis Steven Jackson and San Francisco’s Frank Gore. Look for the 49ers to pick up a rare win, but nonetheless the win and some progress in the process.

San Francisco defeats St. Louis.

It is amazing that a team with six wins has no doubt secured their own division title, but that just what the 6-3 Arizona Cardinals have done. There is no way they are going to loose the NFC West title with the next best team sitting at 2-7. Look for Arizona to get a tougher Seattle team than many have seen this season thanks to the return of some key players, but don’t in the least expect a Seahawks win.

Arizona defeats Seattle.

In my upset of the week, I am taking the 4-5 Jacksonville Jaguars to upset the 9-0 Tennessee Titans. As good as the Titans have been, they struggled against a Chicago team without there starting quarterback and were shutdown on the ground. Now, quarterback Kerry Collins was no doubt solid, but looks for Jacksonville secondary to wake up and give him a tough challenge. If the Jags can establish a ground game and keep Tennessee off the field then Jacksonville will take home the win. Expect a big game from Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

Jacksonville defeats Tennessee.

After nearly being upset by the Kansas City Chiefs last Sunday, San Diego will be in for a rough time when they take on a Pittsburgh team that looks hungry for a win. Expect a big game from Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and a Pittsburgh defense that will give Chargers running back Ladainian Tomlinson troubles all game long.

In week four, Washington defeated Dallas 26-24 in what at the time seemed like an upset but now, I would expect the Redskins to complete the sweep of division rival Dallas on Sunday. Look for the Cowboys to play much better than they have in the past few weeks, but in the end Washington running back Clinton Portis and the offense will be to much for Dallas to handle.

Washington defeats Dallas.

The Monday night match up features 5-4 Buffalo at Brady Quinn’s 3-6 Cleveland Browns. Look for a big game from Brady Quinn, but Buffalo will prevail and improve their home record to 4-1 on the season. Look for a rebound game from Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards and the Bills offense.

Buffalo defeats Cleveland.