NFL Picks Week 11: Predictions for Every Major Showdown on the Roster

Week 11 of the NFL season features three games that could make or break the playoff hopes of the teams involved.

While picking games has been really hard this season because of some crazy results, I'm still going to give you the lowdown on these extremely important matchups.

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

The Chargers have dropped four straight games after a 4-1 start, while the Bears have won four straight after a 2-3 start.

Clearly, Chicago has the momentum heading into this one, and the Bears have been steadily improving over the past five weeks.

The Chargers have had to overcome injuries, inconsistency and quarterback Philip Rivers has been facing near-constant pressure, forcing him to look awful. Rivers' struggles have been well-documented this season, but the rest of the roster hasn't provided him with much help.

If San Diego wants any chance at reaching the playoffs, it must win this Sunday. Meanwhile, the Bears can further solidify their position in the wild card picture by knocking off the Chargers.

I just simply have no faith in the Chargers anymore, and Norv Turner's tenure in San Diego has to be coming to a close. The Bolts will do what they always do and keep things close before losing in disappointing fashion.

Chicago 27, San Diego 21

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

Both the Ravens and Bengals are trying to keep pace with the 7-3 Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC North, and both teams suffered losses in Week 10.

The Bengals had been rolling until they ran into the wall that was the Steelers' defense on Sunday. Quarterback Andy Dalton finally looked like a rookie against Pittsburgh's talented and experience defense. He completed just 15 of 30 passes for 170 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Meanwhile, the Ravens have struggled mightily on the offensive side of things this season. That was readily apparent during their 22-17 loss to the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday.

Still, Baltimore's defense ranks third in the NFL in total yards allowed (284.7 yards per game), and the unit is also surrendering just 16.9 points per game (third in the league).

I just don't see Dalton bouncing back and figuring things out against Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and the rest of Baltimore's vaunted defense. The Ravens will get a solid home victory.

Baltimore 24, Cincinnati 14

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

It's rare that a matchup between a 5-4 and a 4-5 team would be considered important, but this one certainly is.

Though the Jets have underperformed this season, they still have a shot at the postseason, while the Broncos only need a win and a loss by the Oakland Raiders to be tied for first atop the AFC West.

On Thursday night, anything is possible when these two teams clash.

Frankly, I think the Tim Tebow veer offense that the Broncos have been running can't possibly work against the Jets' savvy defense. And while New York quarterback Mark Sanchez has been alternating between being decent and horrible, I think the Jets match up well against Denver's defense.

While relying on a Jets team that consistently underperforms is dangerous, I get the feeling that they will pull this one out late.

New York (Jets) 24, Denver 21