GAME PICKS... NFL WEEK 11
Picking winners for a huge week of NFL action
There are some massive games on the slate this week as true contenders go head-to-head across the league. And that only serves to make the task of picking games that much tougher in Week 11.
I went 9-5 with my picks last week, taking my season record to 97-52. Let’s see how I get on this weekend.
New York Jets (2-7) at New England Patriots (8-2)
The Jets have won two in a row, but I don’t think they can keep pace with the New England Patriots on Thursday night. New England have been powered all season long by quarterback Drake Maye, and now rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson is joining the party for a team that has won seven straight. Give me the Patriots at home. Neil’s Pick… New England Patriots.
Washington Commanders (3-7) vs Miami Dolphins (3-7)
(Photo: NFL UK)
Miami have won two of their last three, and I think they keep their improved form going in Madrid. The Washington Commanders are ravaged at injury, especially at quarterback without Jayden Daniels, and they’ve lost five straight. Miami are not about to make a run to the playoffs, but they can start to feel a bit better about themselves with a win in Spain. Neil’s Pick… Miami Dolphins.
Carolina Panthers (5-5) at Atlanta Falcons (3-6)
The Panthers blew out the Falcons earlier this season but I think this is where the home team gains some revenge and snaps a four-game losing streak in the process. I’m not a big believer in Bryce Young and his form is holding Carolina back. I do trust the Falcons to get the football to Drake London and I trust that their defense will continue to make big plays. Neil’s Pick… Atlanta Falcons.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) at Buffalo Bills (6-3)
The Bills are a real puzzle. Having just gone out and beaten the Kansas City Chiefs, they get blown out 30-13 by the Dolphins. Now they face another tough test as the Bucs head to Orchard Park. Tampa’s three losses this season have come against playoff calibre teams and I still do believe the Bills are a playoff calibre team. Give me Josh Allen at home. Neil’s Pick… Buffalo Bills.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
I continue to be so impressed by a Chargers team that is very banged up along the offensive line. They’ve now won three games in a row as they head to Jacksonville to take on a team that has to pick itself up off the floor after blowing a 19-point lead in Houston last week. I don’t know if the Jags are up to that particular task, especially when facing Justin Herbert. Neil’s Pick… Los Angeles Chargers.
Chicago Bears (6-3) at Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
The Bears have won six of seven after an 0-2 start, while the Vikings have lost three of their last four and have serious questions at the quarterback position with JJ McCarthy proving to be a bumpy ride. The first game between these teams went down to the wire, with the Vikings winning in week one. I’m looking for the Bears to exact some revenge in week 11, although it won’t be easy against Brian Flores’ defense. Neil’s Pick… Chicago Bears.
Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) at New York Giants (2-8)
It’s time for our annual late-season fun with Jameis Winston at the helm of an NFL team as he leads the Giants against Green Bay on Sunday. The Giants have lost four straight and I don’t know how they turn that around against a Packers team now in desperation mode having lost two in a row. Neil’s Pick… Green Bay Packers.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4)
The Pittsburgh Steelers have lost three of their last four including a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in mid-October. This rematch is vital for the Steelers because the Ravens are breathing down their necks. I think Pittsburgh just about takes care of business at home. Neil’s Pick… Pittsburgh Steelers.
Houston Texans (4-5) at Tennessee Titans (1-8)
The Texans have won two of their last three to keep their slim playoff hopes alive and they will be banking on CJ Stroud returning at quarterback. Even if it is Davis Mills, Houston’s defense will have too much for Cam Ward and the Titans. Neil’s Pick… Houston Texans.
San Francisco 49ers (6-4) at Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
Brock Purdy could return at quarterback for the Niners in Week 11, but the level of play at that position has not been a problem with Mac Jones at the helm. The issue is the defense and injuries. But the Cards will be without star WR Marvin Harrison Jr and may not score a lot of points. Neil’s Pick… San Francisco 49ers.
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Seattle Seahawks (7-2) at Los Angeles Rams (7-2)
Neil’s Pick… Los Angeles Rams
Baltimore Ravens (4-5) at Cleveland Browns (2-7)
The Browns offer up a much tougher proposition on the defensive side of the ball when playing at home. But they just cannot produce enough points to be competitive. The Ravens have won three in a row and are looking more like their old selves, especially on defense. Neil’s Pick… Baltimore Ravens.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) at Denver Broncos (8-2)
The Broncos have had to work way harder than they would have liked for wins against some cellar-dweller teams such as the Giants, Jets and Raiders. But a seven-game winning streak is to be appreciated. Can their pass rush get home against Patrick Mahomes? The magic of Mahomes will be on full display as he moves around to create big plays. Neil’s Pick… Kansas City Chiefs.
Detroit Lions (6-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)
Here is another potential NFC Championship Game preview as the Lions visit the Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Both teams will want to establish the run and control the pace and style of the game. The Eagles have the better of the two defenses but I think Detroit have the chance to be more potent on offense. And I’m backing them for a huge road win. Neil’s Pick… Detroit Lions.
Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
The Cowboys are not giving up on the season just yet, trading for defenders in Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson. Both will be called into action early as they face a Raiders team struggling to move the ball. The Silver and Black have potential game-changers in tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty, but get nowhere near enough from Geno Smith at QB. Neil’s Pick… Dallas Cowboys.