NFL Picks Week 11: Welcome Back, Old Friend
The New Orleans Saints finally won their first game since Week 2 and now look to start another winning streak. The chance to start that streak begins this week against the Cleveland Browns. After unfortunately losing seven-consecutive games, the Saints also lost Dennis Allen as head coach and gained Darren Rizzi as his interim replacement. The move immediately paid dividends, as the Saints finally snapped the losing streak thanks to the change.
The biggest storyline in this game is the return of Jameis Winston to New Orleans. Although he left the franchise via free agency in the offseason, Winston has always shown love for the city of New Orleans and the fans who embraced him during his uneven and unfulfilled stint with the Saints. Jameis will likely receive the gift of many cheers in the Superdome this Sunday, but hopefully our old friend will give the Saints defense his familiar gift of interceptions, the gift he keeps on giving.
Let’s take a look at all of the matchups in the NFL here in Week 11.
Last week I went 9-5
I told you so: Ravens over Bengals!
What do I know: Falcons over Saints?
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Thursday, November 14th – Thursday Night Football
Commanders(7-3) at Eagles(7-2)
This crucial NFC East showdown will come down to Jayden Daniels outplaying Jalen Hurts in the passing game. Washington wins 36-31.
Pick: Commanders
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Sunday, November 17th – Early Games
Packers(6-3) at Bears(4-5)
Chicago’s offense simply lacks the firepower to compete in this NFC North matchup. Green Bay wins 28-14.
Pick: Packers
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Jaguars(2-8) at Lions(8-1)
Jacksonville’s defense has absolutely no shot against the loaded Lions in Motown. Detroit wins 37-12.
Pick: Lions
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Vikings(7-2) at Titans(2-7)
Quarterback play will once again doom Tennessee, and their defense will ultimately fold against Justin Jefferson and company. Minnesota wins 28-14.
Pick: Vikings
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Raiders(2-7) at Dolphins(3-6)
Vegas’ inability to run the ball will cost them as it has all season. Miami wins 25-23.
Pick: Dolphins
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Rams(4-5) at Patriots(3-7)
Los Angeles improves their record to .500 by outgaining New England on the ground in this one. Los Angeles wins 24-13.
Pick: Rams
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Colts(4-6) at Jets(3-7)
Joe Flacco’s return to MetLife Stadium will be a successful one for Indy, as the Jets’ massively disappointing season drags along. Indianapolis wins 32-19.
Pick: Colts
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Ravens(7-3) at Steelers(7-2)
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers simply have had Lamar Jackson’s number. This pivotal AFC North showdown will be no different. Pittsburgh wins 17-10.
Pick: Steelers
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Browns(2-7) at Saints(3-7)
This game will ultimately come down to the Saints defense and what they are made of. Cleveland fields the NFL’s last-ranked offense, but despite that fact, we all know what quarterback Jameis Winston is capable of when he is at his best. The Saints defense can’t allow his to be at his best, they need to force the Jameis we saw against the Chargers last week, not the Jameis we saw against the Ravens in his first start two weeks ago. If the Saints can force Winston into turnovers, if they can stop the Browns’ anemic running game, they can win this game. This one will be close, like any potential Saints win this season, but they will win. Saints win 20-14.
Pick: Saints
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Sunday, November 17th – Late Games
Falcons(6-4) at Broncos(5-5)
Sean Payton will complete his 2024 season sweep of the NFC South by exploiting the suspect Atlanta defense. Denver wins 29-10.
Pick: Broncos
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Seahawks(4-5) at 49ers(5-4)
Brock Purdy will outduel Geno Smith in this NFC West rivalry game. San Francisco wins 31-17.
Pick: 49ers
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Chiefs(9-0) at Bills(8-2) – Game of the Week
Buffalo has been one of the NFL’s hottest teams, but they have built much of that against vastly inferior opponents, but that won’t be the case this week, and the next three weeks after this really. This showdown against their playoff tormentors from Kansas City will be as good as advertised, but “Mahomes Magic” wins out in the closing moments once again. Kansas City wins 27-26.
Pick: Chiefs
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Sunday Night Football
Bengals(4-6) at Chargers(6-3)
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase will come through with a huge game against the Bolts in Los Angeles. Cincinnati wins 34-24.
Pick: Bengals
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Monday, November 18th – Monday Night Football
Texans(6-4) at Cowboys(3-6)
CJ Stroud and the Texans rebound from a nail-biting loss in primetime last week with a primetime beating of their in-state rivals in Dallas. Houston wins 23-17.
Pick: Texans
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There it is Week 11 of the NFL season. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!