Week Eleven NFL Picks and Predictions - Playoffs Looming Large

Having spent the majority of this NFL football office pool season right on the edge of making a move, I think that I might be finally ready. After a tough week last week, we now have the meat of the NFL football schedule ahead of us for week 11. At this point, virtually every game means something. Whether a team is playing for draft position in the case of Buffalo, Carolina and a few others, or a team is playing for playoff position, no game is meaningless. With that in mind, lets dive right in to the NFL games for week 11!

THURSDAY, NOV 18

Chicago at Miami

The Bears finally came up with a big win when it mattered during week 10 over the Vikings, and now they face a tough Miami team. Miami is particularly tough at home, and should give the Bears fits. This is the type of game that has given Chicago fits this season. Can they finally get over the up and down habits of 2010? I think they do this week.

Winner - Chicago Bears

SUN, NOV 21

Buffalo at Cincinnati

Those pesky little Bills finally did it...they won a game. In defeating Detroit, the Bills pulled into a tie with my Carolina Panthers for the worst record in the NFL, and I did not like that one bit. Still, I guess it does mean that the Panthers have a better shot at getting that number one pick, but we will have to wait and see. Either way, the Bengals are pretty bad in their own right, so I do not see Buffalo being blown out here. In fact, I smell a little upset possibility here. In spite of this, I will say that Cincinnati will come out with the win.

Winner - Cincinnati Bengals

Detroit at Dallas

It is amazing how much a little respect can buy a coach in the NFL. Jason Garrett took over the Cowboys and instantly they became the team that everyone expected all along. This is not a one week aberration here. I expect that they will keep on trucking.

Winner - Dallas Cowboys

Washington at Tennessee

Two teams with disappointing losses in week 10 face off in a game that is vital to both. While many consider the Redskins toast at this point, nobody is counting out the Titans. Maybe this is the week that Randy Moss gets acclimated to his new digs. Either way, the Titans should be able to handle the Redskins with that vaunted running game.

Winner - Tennessee Titans

Arizona at Kansas City

The Cardinals are a team that nobody seems to be able to figure out. One minute they look fantastic and the next they look horrible. The Chiefs are in the middle of an identity crisis of their own, having lost a couple in a row after a fantastic start to the season. Who will right the ship first? Kansas City is at home so that makes this prediction much easier.

Winner - Kansas City Chiefs

Green Bay at Minnesota

In a game that used to be the marquee match up of the year, this one falls almost completely flat. While it could mean the end of Favre in Green Bay regardless of his uniform, it still has no excitement in it for me. I think Green Bay will dominate the Vikings in every phase of the game.

Winner - Green Bay Packers

Houston at NY Jets

The Texans are fading fast after a disappointing loss to Jacksonville in week 10. They seem to be losing some of that winning edge that they began the season with. So much talent in place, however, makes them unpredictable. The Jets are similar but have been much more consistent. I will take the Jets for just that reason, and because they are at home.

Winner - NY Jets

Oakland at Pittsburgh

The Raiders have got to be on cloud nine at this point. They have been winning games, and doing so convincingly. This week they face the mighty Steelers and after a loss no less. It is reality check time for the Raiders.

Winner - Pittsburgh Steelers

Baltimore at Carolina

So does Carolina have any chance whatsoever to beat Baltimore this week? The only real chance is if Flacco completely breaks down and throws several interceptions. I will let you guess whether I think that will happen.

Winner - Baltimore Ravens

Cleveland at Jacksonville

The Browns have shown that they are a different team from the one that started the season. Last week I lamented about how Jacksonville loses when I pick them and wins when I do not. Sure enough, I picked the Texans and the Jags beat em. This week, I say the Jags will win.

Winner - Jacksonville Jaguars

Tampa Bay at San Francisco

The Bucs have certainly proved one thing this season. Having a good quarterback can make a huge difference. Josh Freeman is the real deal folks, and we have only seen the start of his talents. The Niners barely escaped with a win over the improved Rams, and are making an itty bitty move in the NFC West. The Bucs will take another step in their growth this season by whipping the Niners on their own turf.

Winner - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Seattle at New Orleans

The Saints were flying high when they entered their bye week last week, and there is nothing to make me think that a bit of rest will change that. The Hawks are good but not in the Saints league - especially at home.

Winner - New Orleans Saints

Atlanta at St. Louis

The Falcons are facing a serious batch of contenders in the up and coming Bucs and the Super Bowl defending champion Saints - they have no room for a loss to the Rams. The only problem here is that the Rams are tough as nails at home. I expect that the Rams will surprise the Falcons and further tighten the NFC South in the process.

Winner - St. Louis Rams

Indianapolis at New England

The Colts and the Patriots - need I say more? This game is annually one of the most entertaining as we get to watch the two most talented quarterbacks on the planet do battle. The Colts are at about half strength and that is the only reason why I say the Patriots will take this battle.

Winner - New England Patriots

NY Giants at Philadelphia

In a game that is being hyped by many as a preview of the playoffs, I expect that Michael Vick and the Eagles will keep on rolling along. I do not even think this will be close.

Winner - Philadelphia Eagles

Score - Philly 31 Giants 14

MON, NOV 22

Denver at San Diego

The Broncos woke up in a big way in week 10, but was it an aberration? Hard to say really, but I do not think they will handle the surging Chargers in the same manner.

Winner - San Diego Chargers

Score - Denver 14 San Diego 28

Week 10 Record - 6-7
Season Record to Date - 82-61