Week 11 NFL Picks

Last week I went a humbling 6-8, a performance similar to the New York Giants effort against the Cowboys.  My season total is 79-65 which definitely leaves a lot of room for improvement.  Here are my picks for week 11.

Ravens over the Panthers- Carolina is starting Brian St. Pierre at quarterback.  Enough said.  Ravens 28-3

Bengals over the Bills- It is only a matter of time before Cincy mails it in, but I think they take advantage of the struggling Buffalo defense this week.  Anyone else think T.O. is a better fit in Cincy than Ochocinco? Bengals 31-17

Cowboys over the Lions- Nice to see the Cowboys show up last week, can they win 2 in a row? My guess is yes but could be a very close game.  Cowboys 24-21

Jaguars over the Browns- I am real tempted to take the Browns here but thinking they may suffer a let down after 3 very emotional weeks of football.  Have to give Mangini credit, he has done some good things with Cleveland. Jaguars 24-17

Chiefs over the Cardinals- The Chiefs have struggled recently but will take care of an Arizona team that is falling apart on both sides of the ball. Chiefs 21-13

Packers over the Vikings- How fitting is it that Favre’s last stand will be against his former team?  I expect a big time performance out of Green Bay especially coming off of a bye.  Enjoy the spotlight while it lasts Brett.  Packers 34-21

Steelers over the Raiders- This could end up being a very physical game as Oakland is playing with a lot of confidence.  I look for Big Ben and Pittsburgh to bounce back off of a disappointing performance against the Patriots.  Steelers 28-17

Titans over the Redskins- Tennessee has some concerns at the quarterback position, but Washington has concerns all over the field.  Enjoy that new contract Donovan.  Titans 24-10

Saints over the Seahawks- New Orleans is expected to get Reggie Bush this week which should really get their offense rolling again.  Saints 31-17

Buccaneers over the 49ers- San Francisco quarterback Troy Smith has given his team some life, but I think it will be a case of too little, too late.  Maybe the Bucs are amongst the NFC’s best.  Buccaneers 17-10

Falcons over the Rams- An argument can be made that Atlanta is the best team in the NFC.  This will be a good road test to prove it.  Falcons 23-13

Patriots over the Colts- One of the best rivalries in the AFC as Peyton Manning takes on Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.  Going to take the home team whose defense is much improved.  Patriots 27-24

Eagles over the Giants- Another great rivalry game that matches up two of the best teams in the NFC.  The injury bug is starting to plague the Giants while Philly is starting to roll.  Eagles 27-21

Chargers over the Broncos- Don’t look now but San Diego is ready to make another late season run.  This game could be a shootout, therefore have to take Rivers over Orton.  Chargers 31-27

New York Jets vs. Houston Texans

The streaking New York Jets take on the struggling Houston Texans at the New Meadowlands Stadium on Sunday (1pm EST).  Gang Green is looking to get a much needed home win to keep pace with NFL’s best, while Houston is trying to save their season.  Can Gang Green slow down the Texan’s passing attack? Will the Jets offense improve their red zone efficiency? Will Nick Folk continue to struggle?  Find out on Sunday in my game preview.

Tyson Rauch

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