Welcome to another NFL weekly preview! Last week featured almost everything: lopsided afternoon games, crazy upsets, and a bookend of 10-7 games on Thursday and Monday night. Overall, there weren’t too many exciting games, but that’s what Week 11 is for! There are PLENTY of high-powered matchups, including some intriguing divisional contests. Let’s jump right into it!
PICKS (95-54 Overall)
New York Jets (2-7) @ New England Patriots (8-2)
- Normally the Thursday night games are pretty stinky, and this one definitely continues the trend. The Patriots are extremely hot right now, especially after a huge road win in Tampa Bay last weekend. I think they put it on the Jets tonight, and I would be shocked if it ends in a one score game.
Washington Commanders (3-7) vs. Miami Dolphins (3-7)
- Congratulations Madrid, for your first ever NFL game, we’re gifting you the 3-7 Commanders vs. the 3-7 Dolphins! The Commanders defense has been comically bad, even with a defensive-minded head coach in Dan Quinn. I think the Dolphins’ playmakers will have big days and the Dolphins get a win overseas.
Cincinnati Bengals (3-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (5-4)
- Last time these two met, Joe Flacco and the Bengals stunned the Steelers on Thursday Night Football in a high-scoring affair. I think (and hope) the Steelers have figured out how to handle Joe Flacco this time around, and I expect the Pittsburgh crowd to play a big factor in this one.
Los Angeles Chargers (7-3) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (5-4)
- There are several games this week that truly feel like a coinflip, with this being one of them. Jacksonville gets a home game after blowing a 19-point lead in the 4th quarter against the Texans, and I think they will be hungry to get back on track against the Chargers. Jags in a tight one.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3) @ Buffalo Bills (6-3)
- Here’s another extremely tough one to pick. Some might consider this to be a possible Superbowl matchup, but both teams are fresh off of losses the week before. I expect the Bills to be extremely motivated after their shocking defeat against the Dolphins, in a game that was never really close. If this game was in Tampa, I would take the Bucs, but I’m going Buffalo here.
Chicago Bears (6-3) @ Minnesota Vikings (4-5)
- A very intriguing divisional matchup! These two teams played the first game of the season, with JJ McCarthy having some 4th quarter heroics to defeat the Bears on the road. Since the, the Bears are 6-1 in their last seven, and I think they are definitely capable of picking up a divisional win over Minnesota.
Houston Texans (4-5) @ Tennessee Titans (1-8)
- Well, this is a game I will not be paying much attention to. The Texans are trending towards playing their backup QB Davis Mills again, and the Titans are horrendous so far this season. I wouldn’t be shocked if this game ends 9-3, with the Texans getting to .500.
Carolina Panthers (5-5) @ Atlanta Falcons (3-6)
- Does anyone know what to think of the Atlanta Falcons? One week they are incredible, the next they look like a D-III college team. The Panthers have shown flashes of success this season, but I still do not trust them that much. They could totally prove me wrong in this game, but I don’t expect that.
Green Bay Packers (5-3-1) @ New York Giants (2-8)
- The Giants have fired HC Brian Daboll, and interim HC Mike Kafka is choosing to start QB Jameis Winston with Jaxson Dart still in the concussion protocol. I LOVE this decision to start Jameis, as he is one of the most electric players in the league. However, this is a very tough defense to start your first game of 2025 against. I think the Packers win, even with their offensive struggles of the past few weeks, but the Giants keep it close.
Seattle Seahawks (7-2) @ Los Angeles Rams (7-2)
- This is the game we are all waiting for. These two powerhouse NFC West teams look to earn their spot at the top of the division with a win against a divisional foe. Seattle’s defense has been elite so far, but Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford will surely have something to say about that with their offensive gameplan. I’m taking the Rams in this one, as I just trust McVay & Stafford more than McDonald & Darnold.
San Francisco 49ers (6-4) @ Arizona Cardinals (3-6)
- Brock Purdy might be playing in this one? I feel like that’s been the question for the last eight weeks or so. Both of these teams got absolutely SMACKED last week, so they’ll obviously be looking to bounce back in a big way. I think the Niners are more talented and better coached, so I’ll go with them to get to 7-4 on the year.
Baltimore Ravens (4-5) @ Cleveland Browns (2-7)
- Here come the Ravens. Yes, they started 1-5, and yes, they are now 4-5. It can be difficult to play against Cleveland in Cleveland, especially when it’s cold and their defense is humming. However, the Ravens are in desperation mode, and I think they get to .500 here, keeping pace with the Steelers for the lead in the AFC North.
Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) @ Denver Broncos (8-2)
- It’s been a very long time since the Broncos and Chiefs have had a high-powered, meaningful matchup in the middle of the season. Last season, it took some late-game special teams heroics for the Chiefs to squeak out a win against Denver. The Broncos defense is the best defense in the league, but I’ve learned my lesson betting against Patrick Mahomes on any stage. Pat Surtain is still hurt for the Broncos as well, so I’ll give Kansas City the edge in this one.
Detroit Lions (6-3) @ Philadelphia Eagles (7-2)
- Talk about an amazing Sunday Night Football game! I continuously switch between these two teams as my pick to win the NFC this year, as both are as elite as they come. I’m going to take the Lions on the road, as I believe their offense will be quite a lot to handle for this Eagles’ defense. Did somebody say rematch in the NFC Championship?
Dallas Cowboys (3-5-1) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-7)
- Yup, Cowboys and Raiders play Monday night. What a stinker of a game. I think Dak Prescott and the Cowboys offense will have their way with the Raiders’ defense, and it might get ugly. Cowboys by a few scores.
BETS (18-11 Overall)
Buccaneers/Bills Over 47.5 Points (-110)
Jameis Winston Over 228.5 Passing Yards (-114)
Tyler Allgeier Anytime TD (+190)
FANTASY
Last Week’s Pick: Quinshon Judkins (9.50 points)
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers should be a solid start this week against the terrible Bengals defense.
See you next week!