NFL Week 11 Picks: Games Sure to Come Down to the Wire

When it comes to the 2011 NFL season, it is safe to expect the unexpected. There have been a ton of nail biters this season, along with big upsets and insane comebacks. 

Week 11 will be just as crazy as the rest of them, which means you better have the NFL Red-Zone channel or Sunday NFL Ticket so you can catch all the madness. 

With several divisional matchups set for Sunday, there will be intense battles that lead to great finishes. 

Here are three games that are certain to come down to the wire in Week 11.

Carolina at Detroit 

The Lions have lost three of their last four games, which is heartbreaking considering their great 5-0 start. Injuries have hindered the Lions from truly shining, and because of that the Panthers will keep this at a close game.

Expect rookie sensation Cam Newton to have an outstanding performance to make the Lions sweat for all four quarters. With a banged-up Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, the Lions will struggle to find success.

Since Jahvid Best is still out with a concussion, the Lions' run game will remain putrid, and the team will continue to be one-dimensional, which puts a lot of pressure on Stafford. 

In the end, I think the Lions pull out a close victory at home, but it's not going to come easy for them. 

Prediction: Lions 31, Panthers 27

Oakland at Minnesota 

The Raiders' offense is picking up the pace, but their defense is what will keep the Vikings in this game. Carson Palmer will have a field day against Minnesota's pass defense, which is ranked No. 30 in the NFL. 

However, Adrian Peterson will be running all over the Raiders' defense, which ranks No. 25 in the NFL. Look for Christian Ponder to step out of his shell and deliver a strong performance. The Raiders are allowing 246 passing yards per game, and Ponder will find Michael Jenkins on the deep route more than once. 

I give the edge to the Raiders because they're playing better right now, but Peterson's dominant running will save the Vikings from being demolished. 

Prediction: Raiders 23, Vikings 17 

San Diego at Chicago 

The slumping Chargers desperately need a victory on Sunday, but it's not going to be easy stealing a win in the Windy City against a surging Bears team. 

Losing four straight games has put a ton of pressure on Philip Rivers and the Chargers, but the Bears will be very ready to shut them down. Jay Cutler has been making few mistakes, and the defense keeps making plays. 

The Chargers will be better on Sunday, so I don't see a blowout game happening because Rivers will step his game up, take charge as the leader of the team and keep the Chargers competitive.

We've seen the ups and downs of Rivers, and we will see them both again on Sunday, as he makes costly errors in the fourth and the Bears close out the game strong.

Prediction: Bears 33, Chargers 28