NFL Week Eleven Predictions
Due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in the United States, the NFL has imposed an intense protocol for the rest of the season. The use of masks will be mandatory at all times at team facilities, including during practices and in the weight rooms.
Article by Dave Nguyen, AKSM Sports
News and Notes
NFL Imposes Intense COVID-19 Protocol: This week, due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in the United States, the NFL has imposed an intense protocol for the rest of the season. The use of masks will be mandatory at all times at team facilities, including during practices and in the weight rooms. Meetings must be held visually or in the largest indoor space with approval by the league. Additionally, meals have to be made available as grab-and-go and time spent in the locker room is limited. This has been implemented to reduce the number of COVID cases in team facilities and in hopes to keep all players and personnel safe and healthy. Clubs who are operating under this protocol have reduced close contact by more than 50% since Week Five, according to The Associated Press.
Brees Out, Hill In: In their win against the 49ers on Sunday, Saints quarterback Drew Brees suffered multiple injuries to his ribs that caused him to leave the game in the second half. After an MRI on his ribs, Brees suffered multiple fractures on both sides of his chest, three fractured ribs on his left and two fractured ribs on his right sides, and a collapsed lung on his right side as well. There is no exact time table for Brees, but many expect him to be out for an extended period of time. As of Friday, it is confirmed that Taysom Hill will be the starting quarterback and Jameis Winston will be the backup.
Alex Smith Shines in 1st Start Since Injury: Last week in their loss to the Lions, Alex Smith started his first NFL game in 728 days since his season ending leg injury two years ago. In his debut he completed 38 of 55 passes for 390 yards and a touchdown pass. He is the odds-on favorite to win Comeback Player of the Year.
Three’s Company for Tua: Ever since Tua Tagovialoa took over the starting quarterback job in Miami, the Dolphins are 3-0 in his starts, and an overall record of 6-3. So far this season, the rookie from Alabama has completed 63.6% of his passes for 519 yards, and five touchdowns. Watch out for the Dolphins to make a playoff push.
Bakhtiari is Rich: Earlier this week Packers offensive tackle David Bakhtiari signed a record four-year contract extension worth up to $105.5 million. His base is $103.5 million with two million dollars in incentives, and an average of $23 million per year. Not bad for protecting the blind side of future.
Miles Garrett Out - COVID: It was ruled on Friday that Browns defensive end Miles Garrett was placed on the COVID-19 list and is ruled out against the Eagles. Garrett, who leads the league in sacks with 9.5, will be a huge loss for the Browns defense and may play a huge role in this game, possibly giving the Eagles a better chance to win this Sunday.
This Week’s Predictions
Sunday at 1 pm
Eagles (3-5-1) at Browns (6-3): With crazy weather that delayed game-time against the Texans, the Browns managed to edge out Houston at home 10-7 in Nick Chubb’s return from his injury that he suffered in October. When Chubb was in the lineup, the Browns were arguably the best rushing team in the league. With Chubb back in the lineup to compliment Kareem Hunt, the Browns look to run the ball early and often against the Eagles, who are in the bottom 10 in run defense. Coupled with a loss to the Giants last week, this may be a must win for the Eagles if they want to keep their season alive in the NFC East. While Carson Wentz did not turn the football over last week, the Eagles need to figure it out offensively, as they were 0-9 on third down in their 27-17 loss. Prediction: Browns 24-20.
Falcons (3-6) at Saints (7-2): Taysom Hill will be the starting quarterback for the Saints this Sunday, and are still a favorite to win at home. This game could be a stay-away for those betting on the game, as the Falcons have a stellar offense with Matt Ryan at quarterback, who is currently third in passing with 2,746 yards. While the Falcons have had an odd season this year, but Taysom Hill will have a lot to show and could have the game of his career. If Alvin Kamara is healthy, he can step up like he has all season with 1,134 total yards and 15 total touchdowns this season. Prediction: Saints 31-28.
Bengals (2-6-1) at Washington (2-7): Both teams have losing records and have not won a game in at least three weeks. The quarterback matchup will be interesting to watch, as Alex Smith will try to follow up his 390 yard performance last week against the Lions, while Joe Burrow has had a stellar rookie campaign, throwing for 2,485 yards and 12 touchdown passes this season. The edge may favor Washington, as their defensive line with Chase Young and Jonathan Allen will look to create pressure against Burrow. Prediction: Washington 27-24.
Lions (4-5) at Panthers (3-7): The Lions needed a 59-yard field goal at the end of the game to beat the Washington Football team last week, while the Panthers suffered another loss to the Buccaneers. Carolina will not have Christian McCaffrey, as he is suffering from a shoulder injury that is going to be multiple-weeks. The Panthers have played their opponents tough this season, as eight of them have been decided within 10 points. Carolina has lost five games in a row, but they have played much better than that. I can’t see the Panthers losing six straight. Prediction: Panthers 31-28.
Steelers (9-0) at Jaguars (1-8): Despite a great effort on the road, the Jaguars suffered a four-point loss to the Packers 24-20. James Robinson rushed for 103 yards, showing a lot of promise and is one of the bright spots for the lowly Jags this season. While they may play the Steelers tough, Big Ben and the Steelers are too talented and will continue their best start in franchise history, moving to 10-0. Prediction: Steelers 36-10.
Titans (6-3) at Ravens (6-3): A game that will have major playoff implications and a rematch of last year’s divisional playoff game as the Titans travel to Baltimore. Both teams have lost the last game they played, as the Titans fell at home to the Colts on Thursday Night Football while the Ravens lost in a rainstorm in New England. Additionally, both teams play their division rivals in the next game, as the Ravens and Steelers play each other on Thanksgiving and the Titans play the Colts again next Sunday. It will be interesting to see which defense can stop the running game because the Ravens are a run-first ball-control offense while the Titans have the league’s second leading rusher in Derrick Henry. Expect a low scoring game with the edge given to the Ravens, as they can’t afford to lose two games in a row. Prediction: Ravens 28-24.
Patriots (4-5) at Texans (2-7): The Texans only two wins have come against the Jaguars, and they lost by three to the Browns last week. It’s been a tough season for Houston and arguably a waste of a season for Desean Watson. On the flip side, the Patriots have won two games in a row and a win on Sunday can get them to .500 and on the outside looking in at the AFC playoff picture. Cam Newton has played well in back-to-back weeks, completing over 75% of his passes and thrown 0 interceptions. The running game of Damien Harris emerged last week, carrying the ball 22 times for 121 yards, so expect Harris again to tear up the Texans defense. Prediction: Patriots: 24-21.
Sunday at 4:05 PM
Dolphins (6-3) at Broncos (3-6): This game is tricky because Tua and the Dolphins are traveling to Denver in November, where it’s normally cold. A warm weather team traveling to a cold city can raise some concern, even though the Dolphins are 3-0 in Tua’s three starts this season. What keeps the Dolphins in games is their defense, who are 5th in points allowed per game. Drew Locke, who is listed as questionable, needs to play better if the Broncos have a chance to win, as he has completed less than 53% of his passes in back-to-back weeks. Prediction: Dolphins 24-21.
Jets (0-9) at Chargers (2-7): This game could be the final chance for the Jets to win a game this season. The Chargers haven’t won a game since October 25th, yet have been competitive in very game they have played in this season. Justin Herbert is having a spectacular rookie season, throwing for 2,333 yards and 19 touchdowns so far this season. Yet, the Chargers have blown many leads this season, which gives the Jets some optimism. Prediction: Chargers: 29-26.
Sunday at 4:25 PM
Packers (7-2) at Colts (6-3): This will be one of the best games on the Sunday slate as the Packers take on the Colts. Aaron Rodgers is second in the league with 26 touchdown passes and seventh in passing yards with 2,578, but is facing a Colts defense that is one of the best in the league. Indy’s defense is first in yards allowed, second in passing yards, and fourth in rushing yards allowed. However, if the Packers defense force Phillip Rivers to throw two interceptions, they have a chance to win, as Rivers has thrown at least two interceptions in two of the three Colts losses this season. Prediction: Packers: 33-30.
Cowboys (2-7) at Vikings (4-5): The Vikings are on a three game winning streak and could find themselves in the middle of the NFC playoff picture, as the surge of Dalvin Cook and the run game along with Justin Jefferson’s ability have made the Vikings an interesting team to watch as the calendar nears December. The Cowboys, despite their efforts against the Steelers, are having a season they want to forget. Regardless of who’s playing quarterback for the Cowboys, the Vikings will be much more talented in this matchup on Sunday. Prediction: Vikings: 28-10.
Sunday Night
Chiefs (8-1) at Raiders (6-3): A highly anticipated matchup between these two divisional foes as the Chiefs and Raiders square off in Raiders. Many believe that the Chiefs are primed to get back to the Super Bowl again, but the only loss they suffered this season was to: the Raiders. It is hard to defeat a team twice in the same season, as Chiefs Defensive Coordinator Steve Spagnulo looks to devise a plan to make Derek Carr uncomfortable. Patrick Mahomes is bound to have a better performance than the last time these two teams played, when he only completed 51% of his passes, was sacked three times, and threw his lone interception of the season. Last year’s Super Bowl MVP is having another great year, throwing for 2,687 yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and a quarterback rating of 84.6. Expect Mahomes and the Chiefs to get their revenge. Prediction: Chiefs: 35-28.
Monday Night
Rams (6-3) at Buccaneers (7-3): While both teams have great offenses, this Monday Night matchup will be about the defenses. Both the Rams and Bucs are top five in yards allowed and sacks, and the Bucs defense is tied for fourth in forced turnovers. Tom Brady will have his eye on Aaron Donald, who is second in the league in sacks with nine, but he has a lot of weapons to throw to, including recently acquired receiver Antonio Brown, who had seven receptions for 68 yards in their win against the Panthers. The best chance for the Rams to win this game is to control the clock by running the ball on offense, and get after Brady on defense. In what might be the best Monday Night Game this season, Tom Brady is poised to create separation between these two teams in the NFC playoff picture. Prediction: Buccaneers 27-24.