NFL Week 11 Picks: Predicting Winners for Every Key Game

If the 2011 NFL season has taught us anything, it's that picking games this year is almost completely pointless. There have been so many twists, turns and crazy outcomes that it has been nearly impossible to pick winners consistently.

But Week 11 is going to be different for me. That's right, I'm going to finally nail down some winners for this week's biggest games.

As I see it, there are four matchups worthy of being called "key games," and I'm going to break them down and pick winners for each one.

And the best part? I'm going to be right.

San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Chicago Bears (6-3)

The San Diego Chargers have been one of the most disappointing teams in the NFL this season, and at 4-5 they sit in second place in the AFC West.

Another loss could take the Bolts completely out of playoff contention, while a win on the road against the 6-3 Bears could help to turn around their season.

San Diego opened the season at 4-1, but the Chargers have lost four straight games and have shown almost no signs of turning things around.

Quarterback Philip Rivers has struggled mightily, head coach Norv Turner's play-calling has been awful and injuries haven't helped things.

Unfortunately for the Chargers, they face a Bears team that has won four straight games after a 2-3 start.

Chicago has improved over the past five weeks and has notched consecutive wins over the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions.

While the Chargers have played well defensively, I don't expect their offensive woes to be fixed by Sunday, and I see them losing exactly how they always do. They will have the ball driving with less than four minutes left and need a touchdown. They will start a promising drive and look good before stalling and doing something to screw it up.

Prediction: Chicago 27, San Diego 21

Cincinnati Bengals (6-3) at Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

The Bengals and Ravens both lost in Week 10, and this Sunday both teams will try to right the ship and keep pace with the 7-3 Pittsburgh Steelers at the top of the AFC North.

Last week, the Bengals finally hit a wall against Pittsburgh's tough defense, and they showed that they just weren't ready for the big time.

Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton folded against an experienced defense, as he completed just 15 of 30 passes for 170 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

While the Ravens have struggled offensively and suffered an embarrassing 22-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, their defense is as good as ever.

The Ravens have the NFL's third-ranked defense, allowing 284.7 yards per game, and are also surrendering just 16.9 points per game, which is third in the league.

This weekend, Dalton is going to have a very tough time against Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and company. I don't see the Bengals coming out with a win.

Prediction: Baltimore 24, Cincinnati 14

New York Jets (5-4) at Denver Broncos (4-5)

Normally, a matchup between a 5-4 and 4-5 team wouldn't be considered a "key game" but this is a special case.

The New York Jets travel west to face a Denver Broncos team that has won two straight games after a 2-5 start.

All the Broncos need to put themselves at the top of the AFC West is a win and a loss from the Oakland Raiders.

Meanwhile, the Jets are coming off a 37-16 beating at the hands of the New England Patriots, and if they want any chance at a playoff berth, they need a win on Thursday night in Denver.

For some reason, I just don't think Tim Tebow's whole veer offense thing will work against the Jets, who have been disappointing defensively but should be able to stop Denver's joke of an attack.

Meanwhile, Mark Sanchez keeps alternating between decent and awful for the 5-4 Jets, and I think he and his offense actually match up well against Denver's 18th-ranked defense that is allowing 360.7 yards per game.

Prediction: New York Jets 24, Denver 21

Philadelphia Eagles (3-6) at New York Giants (6-3)

The New York Giants have somehow limped through the season, battling injuries and everything else that has been thrown their way, and have come through it with a 6-3 record so far.

This Sunday night, the Giants host the 3-6 Eagles, and even if Philadelphia has been struggling, these two teams always bring their best against each other.

If the Giants want to maintain their hold on the top spot in the NFC East, they'll need to get a win Sunday night.

Eagles quarterback Michael Vick has two fractured ribs and may not be able to play in Week 11, which means Vince Young would likely be thrust into action. Still, with LeSean McCoy running how he has this year, Young probably won't have to do a whole lot for the Eagles to move the ball.

That said, the Giants have somehow found a way to win this year when it has looked like they have been down and out.

I think at home on Sunday night they'll figure it out late and sneak past the struggling Eagles.

Prediction: New York Giants 28, Philadelphia 24