This really has been a crazy season and I'll be honest in saying I wrote some teams off after the first month of the season -- would the Minnesota Vikings please stand up? It's hard to think that some of these squads have done the rope-a-dope and held firm in the playoff picture. There are a couple key matchups with some big playoff implications this week and two of them are in prime time spots. Let's dive into the Week 11 matchups.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Nov. 18)
Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) @ Baltimore Ravens (7-3)
The Bengals fought back in the 4th quarter last week, only to lose a heartbreaker to the Texans. Joe Burrow made some uncharacteristic mistakes in the second half and will try to bounce back on a quick turnaround here against the Ravens. Speaking of bad beats, the Ravens blew a double-digit 4th quarter lead to the Browns and squandered an opportunity to create separation in the AFC North -- they will be out for revenge here. Pick: Ravens, 27-20.
Line: Ravens -4
ML: Ravens
Spread: Ravens
Arizona Cardinals (2-8) @ Houston Texans (5-4)
Kyler Murray was victorious in his season debut, which included a heroic 4th quarter scramble to keep the Cards' final drive alive before a game-winning field goal. As nice as that was, I think they will have their hands full with rookie C.J. Stroud, who continues to take the league by storm. Pick: Texans, 28-21.
Line: Texans -6
ML: Texans
Spread: Texans
Chicago Bears (3-7) @ Detroit Lions (7-2)
The Lions won a thriller over the Chargers last week as Dan Campbell's crew looks to keep strengthening their lead on the NFC North, while keeping pace in the race for home field advantage in the NFC. The Bears look like they will get Justin Fields back for this game, which is enough for me to lean towards a one score game here. Pick: Lions, 27-20.
Line: Lions -8
ML: Lions
Spread: Bears
Dallas Cowboys (6-3) @ Carolina Panthers (1-8)
The Cowboys bounced back in a big way last week, dismantling the Giants, but they need to find a way to exercise their red zone demons. This game shouldn't be competitive as the Cowboys' defense will have a field day with Bryce Young in the pocket and likely force their fair share of turnovers. Pick: Cowboys, 27-13.
Line: Cowboys -10.5
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys
L.A. Chargers (4-5) @ Green Bay Packers (3-6)
The Chargers just can't seem to buy a break on these one score games and the bad news keeps piling up as Keenan Allen is reportedly dealing with an injury to his left shoulder (both shoulders are now hurt). The good news, he will play, but how effective will he be? Besides that, it would be the perfect opportunity to lean the Packers here, but they continue to disappoint week in and week out. Pick: Chargers, 26-21.
Line: Chargers -3
ML: Chargers
Spread: Chargers
Las Vegas Raiders (5-5) @ Miami Dolphins (6-3)
The Raiders have found new life under interim head coach, Antonio Pierce, entering this game with back-to-back wins. The Dolphins will look to keep their offense rolling against a suspect Raiders' secondary and could also get some help in the backfield with the possible return of De'Von Achane. Pick: Dolphins, 30-17.
Line: Dolphins -14
ML: Dolphins
Spread: Raiders
New York Giants (2-8) @ Washington Commanders (4-6)
There's not much for Giants fans to be cheering for going into the second half of the regular season, except for the chance at the top pick in next year's draft. The Commanders can give Giants fans some more hope and look to keep their slim wildcard hopes alive in the process. Pick: Commanders, 24-13.
Line: Commanders -9
ML: Commanders
Spread: Commanders
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3) @ Cleveland Browns (6-3)
The Browns got some tough news earlier this week that Deshaun Watson will miss the remainder of the season. Surprisingly, they will go with rookie, Dorian Thompson-Robinson, under center this week agaisnt a tough Steelers defense. The Steelers' offense has struggled this year, but Kenny Pickett protects the ball and that will be key against the Browns. Pick: Steelers, 17-14.
Line: Browns -1
ML: Steelers
Spread: Steelers
Tennessee Titans (3-6) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (6-3)
The Jags really need this game after being embarrassed by the 49ers at home last week, plus, the Texans are suddenly pushing them for top spot in the AFC South (big divisional matchup between the two next week). Trevor Lawrence really needs to find his groove and he has a great chance to do so a mediocre Titans' secondary. Pick: Jaguars, 26-17.
Line: Jaguars -7
ML: Jaguars
Spread: Jaguars
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5) @ San Francisco 49ers (6-3)
The 49ers dismantled the Jags last week and looked much closer to the 5-0 team they once were. Brock Purdy was polished and looked fully recovered from his concussion and now they have a chance to build on their NFC West lead against the Bucs. I think Baker Mayfield feels the pressure early and often from this revamped defensive front. Pick: 49ers, 31-17.
Line: 49ers -12
ML: 49ers
Spread: 49ers
New York Jets (4-5) @ Buffalo Bills (5-5)
What in the world has happened to the Bills? Dubbed as a Super Bowl contender entering the year, this team has fallen from grace. It could be Josh Allen's throwing shoulder, it could be Sean McDermott's decision-making, whatever the case they need a win here against the Jets. Pick: Bills, 23-16.
Line: Bills -7.5
ML: Bills
Spread: Jets
Seattle Seahawks (6-3) @ Los Angeles Rams (3-6)
The Seahawks continue to show a lot of grit and keep pace with the Niners for the NFC West crown. However, this should be a tough divisional matchup with the Rams getting Matthew Stafford back after the bye week, and Sean McVay's group came away with a tough road win in Week 1 over these same Seahawks. Pick: Rams, 23-20.
Line: Rams -1
ML: Rams
Spread: Rams
Minnesota Vikings (6-4) @ Denver Broncos (4-5)
The Vikings are becoming a bit of a Cinderella story after the injury to Kirk Cousins that led to a trade for Joshua Dobbs. Dobbs has been impressive since arriving in Minny and has this team very much in the thick of the playoff picture. The Broncos on the other hand are clicking a little bit and Russell Wilson has quietly put together a productive year. Pick: Broncos, 24-21.
Line: Broncos -2.5
ML: Broncos
Spread: Broncos
Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (7-2)
This is the matchup everyone is waiting to see, a rematch of last year's Super Bowl that went down to the wire. Both teams are coming out of their bye week and we know the history on Andy Reid's performance in that situation. I'll lean towards the home side here and expect Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce to connect quite a bit in this game. Pick: Chiefs, 27-24.
Line: Chiefs -2.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Chiefs
Results
Week 10
ML: 9-5
ATS: 7-6-1
Overall
ML: 100-50
ATS: 84-59-7
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