NFL Picks Week 11: Predictions Against the Spread for Divisional Matchups

Week 11 of the NFL features an excellent slate of Division matchups that could have a huge effect on the incoming playoff landscape.

Cincinnati, who lost 24-17 to Pittsburgh in Week 10, will have a chance to bounce back in Baltimore against the Ravens.

Meanwhile, faltering Buffalo finds themselves the underdogs in Miami, and the Giants could take a commanding lead in their division with a victory against the struggling Eagles.

How will Week 11's divisional matchups end up, and who is sure to cover the spreads? Let's take a look.

St. Louis Favored Against Seattle (-2)

St. Louis is the only NFC West squad without three wins, and they'll get a decent chance to get there and win their second straight with a home contest against Seattle.

The NFC West is coming off a perfect week, with the Rams beating the Browns 13-12 in Cleveland and the Seahawks upsetting the Ravens in Seattle.

It's hard to pick between two of the NFL's worst teams, but if pressed, take St. Louis to beat the spread. The Seahawks have the momentum, beating a far better team in the Ravens, but St. Louis has more offensive firepower.

Sam Bradford and Brandon Lloyd will have had two full weeks of practice to get used to each other, and Steven Jackson should dominate against the Seahawks' weak defense.

If Seattle has a shot at winning, it will come thanks to Marshawn Lynch, who had 109 yards against Baltimore's dominant defense.

Prediction: St. Louis 20, Seattle 13

Baltimore Favored Against Cincinnati (-7)

Cincinnati played well against the Steelers last week, and will get another shot at a division rival this week when they head to Baltimore.

The Ravens, meanwhile, are coming off a dreadful loss to the Seahawks. Baltimore's advantage over the Steelers evaporated when the Ravens lost and Pittsburgh won.

While the Bengals have a lot to play for, Baltimore has more. They have to prove, once again, that they really are the AFC North's best team.

I expect the Ravens will win and cover the spread. The Bengals are a good football team, but Baltimore, when properly motivated, are arguably in the top five in the league. I'm not so sure you can say that about the Bengals quite yet.

The Bengals' passing attack, led by quarterback Andy Dalton and a strong collection of weapons, is the Bengals' best hope. If A.J. Green can return completely healthy, Cincinnati could take advantage of the Raven's secondary.

Baltimore's Ray Rice needs to step up with a big game against a very good defensive team, and I expect he'll pull it off, which will be the difference maker.

The contest has huge implications for both squads and for Pittsburgh in what is easily the tightest division in the NFL.

Prediction: Baltimore 23, Cincinnati 14

San Francisco Favored at Arizona (-9.5)

San Francisco has only blown out one team this season (Week 4 in a 48-3 blowout of Tampa Bay), but this week will provide as good a chance as any for San Francisco to rack up some points.

The Cardinals could put out either Kevin Kolb or John Skelton, and it wouldn't really matter. San Francisco arguably has the toughest defense in the league, and no matter how Arizona attacks it, they simply don't have the weapons to break the 49ers down.

Frank Gore is questionable with a knee injury, but backup Kendall Hunter has proven all season he can handle a decent workload, and the San Francisco passing game has improved in every game this season.

As for the spread, take it. The 49ers can easily outscore the Cardinals by a touchdown and a field goal.  The 49ers have a commanding lead in the division, and they won't misstep this week.

Prediction: San Francisco 33, Arizona 13

New York Giants Favored Against Philadelphia (-4)

With Michael Vick a slight question mark coming into Sunday night's matchup in New York, you have to wonder why the the Giants are only favored by four.

Certainly New York's passing attack isn't the most dangerous in the league, and Philadelphia's defensive weakness is the rush, not the pass. Eli Manning could be in more trouble if he's forced to handle a large majority of the offensive workload.

Brandon Jacobs had 55 yards against the 49ers' fantastic run defense, so New York could let him (or Ahmad Bradshaw if he returns healthy) go big against the Eagles.

But New York will find ways to score, even if they have to trust in Manning against the Eagles' excellent secondary. With Philadelphia reeling after two straight home losses and the Giants having home field advantage, expect the Giants to cover the spread.

New York needs the win to keep their lead in the NFC East, and Philadelphia needs to win every game from here on out to really compete for a wild-card spot.

Prediction: New York 30, Philadelphia 24

Miami Favored Against Buffalo (-2)

Buffalo is 2-4 in their last six games, and Miami has won two straight games.

Are those good enough reasons to favor the Dolphins in a matchup in Miami? Definitely not.

Recent struggles aside, there is no way that Buffalo will drop such an easy matchup against the Dolphins. Matt Moore has been excellent over the past few weeks for Miami, but Buffalo's secondary won't have a better chance to regain their momentum.

Offensively, Fred Jackson will break out of his two-game slump and should run all over Miami's mediocre defense. Buffalo will easily cover the spread.

Buffalo needs this victory badly if they hope to stay in the wild-card race, and they can't afford another misstep.

Prediction: Buffalo 27, Miami 10

Dallas Favored at Washington (-7.5)

Dallas' offense lit it up against Buffalo last week, and while they'll face a tougher defense in their trip to Washington this week, it shouldn't stop them from covering the spread.

Washington is a good defensive team, no doubt, but the Redskins' offense is simply awful. Jon Beck is arguably the worst starting quarterback in the league, and even though Dallas is only a slightly above average defensive team, they should keep the Redskins very quiet.

Meanwhile, DeMarco Murray has been unstoppable since he earned the starting job, and if the Redskins pile up too much trying to stop him, it'll open up Dallas' passing options.

The Cowboys have too many weapons and the Redskins have far too few. Dallas should win this easily and keep within striking distance of the division lead, especially if the Giants lose to Philadelphia.

Prediction: Dallas 24, Washington 6