NFL Week 11 Picks

Finally, an exciting week of NFL games! The 2016 NFL season so far has been highlighted (or, should I say, lowlighted) by dropping ratings and ugly primetime games. That was not the case last week. Sunday afternoon was filled with marquee matchups and exciting finishes, and both the Sunday night game (a 31-24 Seahawks win over the Patriots) and Monday night game (a 21-20 Gianst victory over the Bengals) were nail-biters. Let's hope for more weeks like that in the latter part of the season.

Last Week: 7-6 (8-5 vs. Spread)
Overall: 85-59 (76-69 vs. Spread)

(Home Team Listed Last)

Thursday
Saints 35, Panthers 21 (8:25 PM, NBC)
New Orleans dropped a heartbreaker to Denver last week, while Carolina blew a 17-0 lead against Kansas City (which I blame on Cam Newton bringing the dab back). The Panthers have looked better of late, but they can't stop the Saints offense (as evidenced by a 41-38 loss four weeks ago).

Sunday
Steelers 32, Browns 28 (1:00 PM, CBS)
I do think the 0-10 Browns can keep it close against the 4-5 Steelers, but being the Browns, they'll find a way to lose. I do think Hue Jackson will not bench Cody Kessler again (it worked horribly last week), and I think he'll play better. Still, Big Ben and the Steelers own the Browns.
Ravens 17, Cowboys 28 (1:00 PM, CBS)
How 'bout them Cowboys! Everything is going well for the 8-1 'Boys, including the quarterback controversy that never was. Tony Romo graciously relinquished the reigns to rookie Dak Prescott in a press conference this week.
Jaguars 21, Lions 24 (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Lions are in first place! Hopefully, they can hold on to that, but you never can be sure with the Lions. Luckily for Detroit, it gets to face 2-7 Jacksonville this weekend. This game will probably be decided by a Matt Prater field goal.
Titans 38, Colts 31 (1:00 PM, CBS)
Marcus Mariota has looked very good recently, especially last week, when he outplayed Aaron Rodgers in a blowout of Green Bay. Tennessee did lose to Indianapolis four weeks ago, but I think Mariota, DeMarco Murray, and the Titans will take this one.
Bills 21, Bengals 17 (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Bengals lost a very close one to the Giants on Monday night. Expect another close game when they take on the Bills, another team that has some very good players, but hasn't been great so far this season. Buffalo will squeak by.
Buccaneers 13, Chiefs 27 (1:00 PM, FOX)
The Bucs did pick up a win over the Bears last week, but it is the Bears. The 7-2 Chiefs, who extended their winning streak to five games last week with a comeback victory over Carolina, are a different story.
Bears 14, Giants 31 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Speaking of the Bears, Jay Cutler did not look great in last week's blowout loss, throwing two interceptions. He might look a little better this week (or maybe not), but he won't look as good as Eli and the streaking Giants.
Cardinals 17, Vikings 14 (1:00 PM, FOX)
The Vikings have lost four in a row after starting 5-0, as the injuries and line struggles on the offensive side of the ball are catching up to them, and the defense hasn't been as dominant as it was the first five games. I have the Cards by a field goal.
Dolphins 27, Rams 17 (4:05 PM, FOX)
If the Rams don't score a touchdown on Sunday, I think they'll win. Jeff Fisher is finally freeing first overall pick Jared Goff, staring him over Case Keenum on Sunday. I think he'll look a little better than Keenum, but he still doesn't have a great offensive line.
Patriots 38, 49ers 14 (4:25 PM, CBS)
This game might get ugly. New England dropped its second game of the season last Sunday night, and Rob Gronkowski probably won't play, but the 1-8 49ers are second worst team in the NFL, and they haven't won since Week 1.
Packers 32, Redskins 35 (8:30 PM, NBC)
The Packers are a bit of a mess, and its not Aaron Rodgers' fault. It's hard when the defense isn't great, the receivers can't get open, and the team keeps having to add new running backs (they added Christine Michael this week). A loss to Washington Sunday night will make it four in a row.
Texans 24, Raiders 31 (Mexico City, 8:30 PM, ESPN)
I want to believe in Brock Osweiler, but he hasn't looked good this season (the good news is, the Texans have Lamar Miller). I can and do believe in the 7-2 Raiders, who have looked outstanding this season, and will probably take this one in Mexico.