The Super Bowl is less than 3 months away heading into Week 11. There is still plenty of time for movement in the standings, especially in the NFC since almost every team is still in the hunt (except for the Giants). Week 11 has a busy Sunday slate with fantastic primetime matchups too so there’s plenty to be excited about this week. Let’s debrief Week 10 before we get into the Week 11 headlines and our expert’s best bets.
Week 10 Takeaways
It’s important to look back at last week before looking ahead to this week. Here are some of the biggest things that happened in Week 10, starting with Thursday Night Football.
Ravens Win Shootout On Thursday Night Football
The Bengals and Ravens were matched up for Week 10’s edition of Thursday Night Football and it became an instant classic. Joe Burrow and the Bengals were up 14-7 heading into halftime but the Ravens offense finally woke up in the second half. It was still back and forth between the two offenses and 34 points were scored in the final quarter alone. The game came down to Burrow and the Bengals with less than two minutes left down seven points.
Burrow led Cincy downfield and scored the touchdown with less than a minute remaining. However, instead of going for the extra point, Zac Taylor decided to go for the two-point conversion to take the lead. The Bengals failed and the Ravens won by a point even with Burrow throwing for 428 yards and four touchdowns, while Ja’Marr Chase finished with an 264 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
Chiefs Remain Undefeated With Blocked Field Goal
It appeared as if Kansas City’s perfect season hopes were about to end, but then the Chiefs pulled off a miracle. The game was filled with a lot of punts and long drives with not much to show for it. The Chiefs took a 16-14 lead into the final minutes of the fourth quarter but Bo Nix led the Broncos downfield and into field-goal range. With one second left on the clock, the Broncos sent out Will Lutz for the 35-yard field goal attempt to hand the Chiefs their first loss of the season. The ball was snapped and Kansas City broke through the line and blocked the ball. With that, the game ended 16-14 as Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs somehow evaded yet another loss and moved to 9-0.
Jared Goff Throws Five Interceptions And Still Wins
Sunday Night Football featured two extremely dangerous offenses meeting in Houston, Texas. The first half was all Texans as the home team took a 23-7 lead into halftime and it was clear that Jared Goff was struggling. However, the Lions fought back in the second half and managed to tie the game in the fourth quarter. The Texans had the opportunity to take the lead on a 58-yard field goal but Ka'imi Fairbairn missed and gave the Lions the ball with great field position. A few plays later, Jake Bates kicked a 52-yard field goal for the win.
It was a great team win for the Lions, but the incredible part is that Jared Goff threw five interceptions. Goff was unlucky on several tipped throws and unlucky bounces, yet the Texans failed to capitalize on the turnovers.
Week 11 Headlines
Now that we know the Week 10 storylines, here are the Week 11 headlines to watch for.
Commanders And Eagles On Primetime
The Week 11 slate kicks off with a primetime matchup between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. Jayden Daniels has led the Commanders to a phenomenal 7-3 record, but it’s no secret that Washington has had a hard time beating teams with a winning record. This is Daniels’ opportunity to put those talks to rest against one of the best defenses in football.
Philly has won five games in a row and is soaring towards the top of the NFC standings. Plus, their offense has scored at least 28 points in their last four games. That could create trouble for a lackluster Washington secondary. Oddsmakers are expecting plenty of points with a game total near 50.
It’s A Potential AFC Championship Preview In Buffalo
Doesn't it feel like the Chiefs and Bills meet in the NFL playoffs every year? That’s because they nearly have. These two AFC powerhouses have met in the playoffs three times in the last four seasons - twice in the Divisional Round and once in the AFC Championship game. Josh Allen and the Bills are 0-3 against the Chiefs in those playoff games.
As if there wasn’t enough motivation to beat the Chiefs to end their perfect season, the Bills have a long and disappointing history against Kansas City. Is this finally the week that the Chiefs lose? Oddsmakers seem to think so, with the Bills currently 1.5-point favorites.
In-State Rivalry On Monday Night Football
Monday Night Football features two teams that have been devastated by the injury bug. The Texans travel from Houston to Dallas for their matchup with the Cowboys and there will be a lot of stars missing from this in-state rivalry. Dak Prescott underwent season-ending surgery on his hamstring, Stefon Diggs is out with a torn ACL and Nico Collins is questionable as he’s still recovering from his hamstring injury. The Texans are listed as 7.5-point favorites, but after their brutal loss to the Lions last week, can we trust the Texans to cover such a big spread?
Week 11 Best Bets
Here are our favorite NFL picks and best bets for the Week 11 slate, featuring predictions for Sunday Night Football and Monday Night Football.
Chargers -1.5 Over Bengals (-110)
We need to start a dialogue on the Chargers’ defense. Last season, the Los Angeles secondary was one of the worst in the league and they allowed the 10th-most points per game. However, it’s a new era with Jim Harbaugh in L.A. He’s created an elite defense that is allowing just 13.4 points per game, which is by far the fewest in football. The Chargers have yet to allow more than 20 points in a game this season. Plus, Justin Herbert and the offense has scored at least 26 points in three straight games. Expect Herbert to take advantage of Cincinnati’s struggling defense and for Burrow to get frustrated against the best defense in the league.
Texans -7.5 Over Cowboys (-110)
Houston’s loss on Sunday Night Football was demoralizing. Holding a 16-point lead at halftime should put you in a good position to win the game, but not when you go scoreless in the second half. C.J. Stroud struggled against the Lions secondary in the second half and that led to Joe Mixon getting a lot of touches. I see their Week 11 matchup as a bounce-back spot considering the Eagles just dominated Cooper Rush and the Cowboys 34-6 last week. Dallas is a sinking ship and the Texans should be able to cover this touchdown spread.
