1:00 PM EST
New York Jets at Washington Redskins
Our week 11 Sunday starts with a match up between the 2-7 Jets and the 1-8 Redskins. With both teams struggling, these types of games usually end up being more exciting than you think. The Jets defense has been solid against the run in 2019, but they still give up 26.4 points/game. The Redskins has been the opposite, as they are very susceptible to the running attack while their secondary is stronger. Nevertheless, both defenses have given up tons of scoring while their offenses have been extremely inefficient. If the Jets can get Le’Veon Bell going early, they should be able to keep control of this game.
Prediction: Jets 20, Redskins 17
Jacksonville Jaguars at Indianapolis Colts
With Nick Foles and Jacoby Brisset both returning to the lineup, both offenses will be at full strength once again. Gardner Minshew served as a wonderful replacement, helping the Jags to a 4-4 record as a starter. With Foles back under center the Jaguars will surely take more shots downfield, but the Colts are no easy match up. The Colts give up the 10th least receiving yards/game at just 223 yards/game. In Indianapolis, the Colts will have just enough to squeak by with the victory.
Prediction: Colts 24, Jags 20
Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins
The Bills suffered a tough loss last week in Cleveland, as the offense couldn’t get anything going all day. This week will be a different story, as the Bills will be able to run all over the Dolphins. Establishing the run is the most important part of the Bills success, as it allows their defense to rest while controlling time of possession. The Dolphins pulled off a miracle last week in Indianapolis, but they just don’t have the weapons on the offensive side to consistently produce, and Buffalo will make them pay.
Prediction: Bills 21, Dolphins 14
Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Lions
Another week without Matthew Stafford spells doom for Detroit. As the Cowboys come into town after a tough defeat to the Vikings, Dallas will be ready to go. Expect to see a lot of Ezekiel Elliott this week, as the Lions have given up an average of 129 yards/game on the ground. Without Stafford under center, the Lions just don’t have the firepower to keep up with one of the league’s best offenses.
Prediction: Cowboys 31, Lions 17
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens
The first professional match up between Lamar Jackson and Deshaun Watson should make for one of the best games of the week. Two explosive offenses with marginalized defenses will lead to plenty of points. Both Jackson and Watson have been sensational this year, leading their teams to the top of their division while playing at an MVP level. The hometown Ravens will have just enough to grab the win here, although it’s hard to bet against Deshaun Watson in close games.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Texans 27
Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers
The Falcons are coming off a very impressive road win against the Saints last week. They will be without their star TE Austin Hooper, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Their offense looked rejuvenated last week, but consistently has been their issue. The Panthers suffered a tough loss in the snow at Lambeau Field, but they were never out of the game. Although Kyle Allen didn’t lead them to overtime on the last drive, there was a lot to like about his performance and composure in such a big moment. Back at home in better weather, Carolina takes this one by a field goal.
Prediction: Panthers 27, Falcons 24
New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Saints look to bounce back from that humiliating 26-9 home loss to the Falcons. Tampa Bay has been a strange team this year. They are very strong in the passing game on offense while also shutting down the run on defense. Seems like a good formula for success, but their secondary has been so weak that they still give up tons of points. The Saints will get back on track on the road. Expect a huge game from Michael Thomas on the perimeter, as the Bucs have no one who can cover him.
Prediction: Saints 31, Bucs 24
Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings
If Kirk Cousins continues his excellent play, this game could be over quickly. Denver always seems to keep it close though, as their gritty defense can force stops and turnovers on anybody. The Vikings run defense has been solid this year, and although the secondary has struggled, expect to see them playing with a lead which will help play calling. Brandon Allen will still be taking snaps for the Broncos, as rookie Drew Lock is still recovering from a hand injury.
Prediction: Vikings 28, Broncos 17
4:05 PM EST
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers
A rematch of the week 9 divisional game when the 49ers took the 27-24 victory. One story line coming out of Arizona this week is the David Johnson dilemma, as the running back appears to be healthy while Kenyan Drake was taking first team reps in practice. Something is going on there and Kliff Kingsbury remains to call to backfield a ‘committee’. No matter who is in the game, the 49ers are one of the best teams at stopping the run. Kyler Murray will have to be special if Arizona wants any chance to take down the 1-loss 49ers.
Prediction: 49ers 27, Cardinals 20
4:25 PM EST
New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
America’s game of the week begins at 4:25 PM EST as the Patriots march into Philadelphia looking to rebound from their worst performance of the year. The Bye week came at a perfect time for New England, as their next four games come against very strong opponents. This is the first fans will see of N’Keal Harry, as the first round wide out will make his NFL regular season debut after being on injured reserve. The Eagles are also coming off their bye week, fully rested and looking to make strides towards the top of the NFC East. The Patriots defense was really thrown off guard with Lamar Jackson, but Belicheck will have a better game plan for Carson Wentz.
Prediction: Patriots 30, Eagles 20
Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland Raiders
The other 4:25 PM EST kickoff will be from Oakland, as the Raiders will look to keep the Bengals win-less. The Raiders have been one of the pleasant surprises so far this year, as Jon Gruden has them playing smash mouth football at a high level. After all of the Antonio Brown drama and management decisions, I’ll be the first to say I thought the Raiders would be a dumpster fire, was I ever more wrong? The 5-4 Raiders just keep proving people wrong, as they stand only 1 game back of the Chiefs in first place of the AFC West.
Prediction: Raiders 21, Bengals 14
