NFL Week 11 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Top 4 Defenses

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of pro football is the defense's ability to adapt.

In the midst of rule changes and more pass-happy offenses, playing defense just doesn't garner any credit unless you're a sack master or ball hog.

Nonetheless, we see that the best defenses are those that tackle the best, which is the core aspect of playing defense.

That said, here are Week 11's top four defenses.

4. Baltimore Ravens (vs. Cincinnati)

Despite having a somewhat inconsistent offense, Baltimore's defense has kept the Ravens afloat and fighting atop the AFC landscape.

Currently, the Ravens allow just 284 total yards and rank No. 6 against the pass and No. 3 against the rush. Invading Baltimore this week are the 6-3 Bengals who are not only young, but are learning how to contend in one of the NFL's most difficult divisions.

Cincinnati's offense, however, gains just 311 total yards per game and ranks No. 23 in passing and No. 20 in rushing. That said, although the Bengals moved the ball rather well at home against the Steelers, the Ravens are even better.

And coming off a loss, you have to expect this veteran Baltimore team to bounce back, but Cincinnati has yet to play in a game of this magnitude. Therefore, expect a lot of blitzing from the Ravens to go with bump-and-run coverage.

The Ravens' defensive line alone is good enough to stop the run, but forcing Bengals rookie QB Andy Dalton to play under duress is what will give Baltimore a major advantage, especially at home.

3. San Francisco 49ers (vs. Arizona)

Right now, the Achilles heel of the 49ers' defense is its inability to stop the pass. Currently, San Fran allows just 333 total yards per game—however, 260 of those come through the air.

As for the Niners' opponent Arizona this week, the Cardinals are coming into Candlestick Park with a little more confidence than most anticipate. With two straight wins, one being over the Eagles in Philly last week, Arizona has every reason to feel good.

And throwing the ball is the Cardinals' forte, because why do anything else when the ground game lacks and Larry Fitzgerald is still outside? That said, however, the 49ers will stuff the run all game and have Fitz double-covered all game long.

Now, Fitzgerald will get his, as he's simply too good to completely stop, but blanketing him and forcing others to step up will give San Fran a major advantage.

Not to mention, the 49ers pass rush is quite good with Justin Smith and Aldon Smith doing work each week.

2. Dallas Cowboys (at Washington)

The last time the Redskins and Cowboys met in Dallas, Big D held Washington to just 298 total yards, but 233 were in the passing game.

Now, however, the tides have taken a significant turn in favor of Dallas. Washington is riding a five-game losing streak and has lost six of its last seven (lone win at St. Louis).

On the other hand, the Cowboys have won two straight, just one game behind the Giants in the NFC East, and are really beginning to click on both sides of the ball.

As for Washington, coach Mike Shanahan has to decide between Rex Grossman and John Beck as his QB—hence, fail.

This time around, Washington will be lucky to even score, as Dallas' defense is playing on a whole different level. The Cowboys have arguably the best linebacking core in the NFL, and who do the Redskins have on offense worth noting? No one that stands out like a diamond in the rough.

Big advantage to Dallas.

Expect the Cowboys to blitz from the outside quite often and force a lot of passes into the flats. Over the top, there will most likely be just a Cover 2 from the safeties, as the CBs will need to play in the hook/curl zone.

Against the run, the middle LBs and the DL will be most responsible, as blitzing off the edge forces draws and screens to be set up.

Either way, however, Washington's offense—that gains just 313 total yards per game—won't have any shot at moving the rock consistently.

1. Chicago Bears (vs. San Diego)

Week 11 at Soldier Field in Chicago, IL pits "Da Bears!" versus "Da Bolts!" Only problem, however, is that San Diego's offense can't run the ball effectively and QB Philip Rivers has been turnover-prone this season.

As for Chicago, the defense has made significant strides to improve since early in the year, and it has shown, as the Bears have allowed just 65 points in the last four games combined.

On the flip side, the Chargers come in on a four-game losing streak, and they have just one road win in 2011 (against Denver) and are 1-3 in away games thus far.

Plus, this is November, so we can't expect Chicago weather to be all sunny and perfect like San Diego.

That being said, Chicago will rely on just the front four to get pressure on Rivers. The Bears' weakness still lies in defending the pass, so having LBs Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs to patrol the intermediate routes will take away a big part of the Bolts' game plan.

In addition, San Diego has no threatening ground game, so no matter how and when they try to run the ball, the Bears will be ready.

By game's end San Diego will have been fortunate to compile over 300 total yards, because its near 400-yard average won't happen against a supremely confident defense like The Monsters of the Midway.

Be sure to check out John on Bleacher Report. 

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