Pick 6: NFL Week 11
The last week has been quite eventful in the NFL. Before Sunday's game, newly acquired Saints WR, Dez Bryant, tore his Achilles on Friday, ending his season before it began. This could possibly be the end to his football career. Whether you like him or not, you don't want to see a career end in such a way.
Once Sunday rolled around, we were treated to a few surprising upsets. These included Browns over Falcons, Titans over Patriots, and Cowboys over Eagles on Sunday night. Even more surprising than any of those games was the odd and unusual history made by Bears Placekicker, Cody Parkey. In a 34-22 win over Detroit, Parkey missed four kicks (2 PAT's and 2 FG's). Amazingly, all four bounced off the uprights. How does that even happen? I don't believe this has officially been declared as an NFL record, seeing as no one wants to put in that kind of work. But I think it's safe to say that a record was set in Soldier Field that day.
This following week is littered with good football games. As always I have 6 games for you, and all of them are certainly worth a watch. So without further ado, let's begin with Thursday night.
Packers vs Seahawks
There have been some unforgettable moments in Packers-Seahawks games over the years. I'm sure most of us remember the 2003 NFC wild card game, when Matt Hasselbeck, after winning the OT coin toss, proclaimed, "We'll take the ball, and we're gonna score", and proceeded to throw the game ending pick 6. And who could forget the infamous Golden Tate TD on Monday Night Football in 2012, or Brandon Bostick's onside kick muff that costed the Packers a trip to the Super Bowl in 2015? You get the feeling that something special is going to happen whenever they play.
Both of them really need that something special to kick start a late-season winning streak to get them to the post-season. There are a lot of good teams in the NFC, and these two need to separate themselves from the middle of the pack soon if they want a chance.
I believe the Packers have a shot at making a run, and it will start with a win in Seattle. Two of the most important things in this league are QB's and pass rush, and the Packers have both. We know how great Rodgers is, but I think most of us have overlooked Green Bay's pass rush. The Packers have 31 sacks, which is tied for 1st with three other teams in the NFL. Against Seattle's O-line, the Packers may separate themselves from those other three. Wilson will be running for his life all night.
Packers win, 28-20
Bengals vs Ravens
Things have taken a turn for the worst for both of these AFC North rivals. Strong starts put them both ahead of the struggling Pittsburgh Steelers. But now, the Steelers have won five straight and counting, while the Ravens and Bengals are digging themselves into holes.
The Ravens started 4-2. They were led by a top notch defense which only allowed one 20-point performance during that stretch. Now they're on a 3-game skid, and they've allowed 20+ in all three. The Bengals started 4-1. They were led by one of the best offenses in the league, averaging 30 points per game. Since then, they're 1-3, and they are averaging just under 20 per game. They have each had some real tough competition in each of those stretches. The Ravens' losses came at the hands of New Orleans, Carolina, and Pittsburgh, while the Bengals' were from Pittsburgh, Kansas City, and New Orleans. Those are some of the toughest opponents in the game right now, but I would have thought they would each win at least one of those. Now this feels like a must-win for each of them.
Cincinnati beat Baltimore back in week 2. It was one of the two games in which the Ravens surrendered 30+ points. But I don't think they'll have the advantage this time around. Not only do the Ravens have home-field, but I think losing the earlier game is actually good for them. You learn more from losses than from wins, and I think the 2nd time around, they will fair much better. Good coaches know how to win this type of game, and John Harbaugh is one of the best around,
Ravens win, 24-17
Texans vs Redskins
I think it's safe to say that none of you expected both of these two to be in playoff position at this point in the season. Washington has been solid all year, while the Texans started terribly and had to seriously turn things around with a 6-game winning streak to get where they are. But other than the placement of their wins and losses, these teams couldn't be much more alike.
Both the Redskins and Texans have capable offenses. The two have each maintained a steady run game, solid QB play, and good ball control. But neither team is winning because of their offense. The defenses have gotten them where they are. They may not put up huge INT or sack totals, but they have two of the most balanced defenses in the NFL. They do everything well. These defenses may not be feared like some others, but no one wants to play them.
All in all, both Washington and Houston are two of the most well-rounded teams out there. I do think Washington's experience, combined with home-field, gives them the advantage. Houston is a very good football team, but I don't think they have the same veteran leadership as the Redskins, led by Alex Smith and Adrian Peterson. That's a big deal down the stretch in key games.
Redskins win, 20-16
Eagles vs Saints
If it weren't for the "Minneapolis Miracle", this would have been our NFC Championship back in January. The Saints, led by Drew Brees, would have had a real shot at winning that game, as well as the Super Bowl two weeks later. The Eagles would have been the favorite in that one. Most people probably would have expected the same in this week 11 meeting. But instead, after many weeks of disappointing Eagles performances, they come in as big underdogs to the dominant New Orleans Saints.
For whatever reason, the Eagles have been a mere shadow of what they were last year. Maybe losing Frank Reich, their former offensive coordinator, threw the offense out of whack. Maybe it was the old "Super Bowl Hangover." Whatever it is, they need to find some of their magic from 2017 right now. They can't afford anything short of excellence from this point forward with one of the toughest finishing schedules in the league. A win against the Saints might give them the spark they need.
The question is, do they have a realistic shot at winning? The answer is, well, yes. In the NFL, anybody has a chance at beating anybody. But I certainly wouldn't bet on it. The Saints look almost unbeatable. Drew Brees is player better than ever at age 39, Kamara and Ingram make up the best running tandem in football, and the Saints hold one of the best run defenses as well. The Eagles haven't lost a game by multiple scores yet. I think that changes this week.
Saints win, 31-21
Vikings vs Bears
This game is so big that the league moved it to the Sunday night slot for all to see. The Bears hold a slight lead over the Vikings, but a Minnesota win would swing it back in their favor. The two play again in week 17, and don't be surprised if that one gets flexed to primetime as well. These games will be huge for each of their seasons.
The Bears come in to this game as a slight favorite. They are the only team in the NFL to crack the top 5 on offense and defense in scoring. Surprising, right? While Mitchell Trubisky hasn't lit up the league like some other QB's, he has shown dramatic improvements in his game, and he has played a huge role in Chicago's success. Trubisky has completed 65.5% of his passes, scored 22 total TD's, and has a passer rating over 100. He has also run for 320 yards, 2nd only to Cam Newton among QB's. Defensively, with Khalil Mack healthy, they are scary.
The Vikings had a rough start to their season. Through 4 games, they stood at 1-2-1, including an embarrassing blowout loss against Buffalo. They really didn't look good. But they quickly turned the ship around, and have since gone 4-1 with their only loss coming at the hands of the Saints. They're back in 2017 form, and they are dangerous. The combination of Thielin and Diggs in particular can wreak havoc on opposing defenses.
This should be a great game. Both teams have top tier defenses, but I also believe they both have key pieces to breaking said defenses. Trubisky's athletic ability could cause a lot of trouble for the Vikings' strong front seven. Thielin and Diggs could dominate a relatively weak Chicago secondary. But in the end, I believe the biggest difference maker will be the Bears' backfield. Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen make a great duo, although they don't always get used as well as they could be. The Vikings have one of the worst running games in the NFL. On a cold Chicago night, making plays on the ground will be huge. Howard's bruising running style could take a toll on Minnesota's defenders.
Bears win, 27-24
Chiefs vs Rams
The much anticipated battle of the titans has arrived. From the very start of the season and onward, no teams have gotten as much attention as the Chiefs and the Rams. And rightfully so. They have been absolutely incredible. Patrick Mahomes is one of the most fun players in the game to watch. Todd Gurley is right there with him. These offenses appear unstoppable. Both have only failed to reach 30 points just twice through 10 games. Neither defense has been stellar. The Rams started pretty well on that side of the ball, but lately, they've been just as weak as KC. Defense could be nearly nonexistent in this game.
Originally, this game was suppose to be played in Mexico City. But do to poor field conditions, the game has been moved to L.A.. Obviously this is a point in the Rams' favor. However, the bigger thing is Kansas City's terrible run defense. The Chiefs allow an awful 5.1 yards per carry. They don't have an answer for Todd Gurley. Oddly enough, the Rams struggle with the same problem. Their run defense is just as bad. But as good as Kareem Hunt is, Gurley is on a whole different level. Both could go crazy this week, as well as their QB's, but the Rams will be just a bit better.
Rams win, 42-38
