NFL Week 11 Predictions: Projecting Sunday's Breakout Performances

Daniel Thomas is one player to watch this Sunday against the Buffalo Bills; he faces a run defense that is really missing stud nose tackle Kyle Williams.

Thomas is finally healthy from his nagging hamstring injury, and if the Dolphins play anything like they have have the past two weeks, they may get a big lead early and feed the rookie carries rather than wear down the smaller Reggie Bush.

Let's take a look at some other players that are due for breakout performances in Week 11.

Johnathan Stewart

The Panthers will look to rebound from an awful loss to the Titans last week against Detroit. If they hope to upset the Lions, they will need to take advantage of the Lions' over-aggressiveness by running the rock. 

Given DeAngelo William's inability to live up to the monster contract he signed over the summer, expect a heavy dose of Stewart. 

Running the ball will also take a lot of pressure off Cam Newton, who had his worst game of the season last week, and needs a good performance to rebound and get back the level he was playing at earlier in the season. 

Andrew Whitworth

Wha? A left tackle as a breakout performer?

Whitworth is playing as well as any offensive lineman in the league, and he will need to have his best game this Sunday. He will get a heavy dose of Terrell Suggs in a big game against the Ravens that has huge playoff implications.

With A.J. Green out, Dalton is going to need some extra time to let his receivers get open.

If Whitworth can shut down Suggs, he will finally get the recognition he deserves.  

Clay Matthews

Matthews has had a good season, but his numbers don't necessarily reflect his performance on the field. 

Expect that to change against the Bucs' vastly-overrated offensive line. Once the Packers get a huge lead at home, Clay can pin his ears back and get after it. Sprinkle in the fact that Josh Freeman has a tendency to hold onto the ball for too long, and Clay will get his chances. 

Adrian Peterson

If the Vikings plan on beating the Raiders this Sunday, they are going to rely on the legs of Peterson.

As much talent as the Raiders have on the defensive line, they are incredibly undisciplined and have let inferior teams gash them on the ground. 

When they face a back like Peterson, he will make them pay for every mistake.