Week 11 began on Thursday Night Football with an NFC East Showdown between the Washington Commanders and Philadelphia Eagles. The first half of the game belong to the defenses, with the Commanders leading the game 7-3 thanks to a Brian Robinson 1-yard touchdown run and a Jake Elliott field goal. It took until early in the fourth quarter for the Eagles offense to come alive due to the brilliance of Saquon Barkley. After taking a 12-10 lead, Barkley led the surge with 23-yard and 39-yard touchdown runs to complete the victory. Barkley finished the game with 26 carries, 146 yards and two touchdowns. The former Penn State Alum appears to be an MVP candidate after the win with consistent performance to the Eagles’ 8-2 record and the division lead. Week 11 will continue with more heavyweight clashes, and in this article, we discuss the five hottest games ahead.
Last week’s record: 3-2
Overall Record: 34-16
1. Baltimore Ravens (7-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (7-2)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS
This game deserves to be a primetime game based on the two franchises, the rivalry, and the winner grabbing the AFC North lead. The Ravens will have 3-days extra rest after defeating the Bengals on Thursday Night Football. The offenses thrilled in that game, with Lamar Jackson edging Joe Burrow 35-34 in a shootout. The Ravens offense is prolific, with Jackson and Derrick Henry forming a formidable duo. However, I think the defense is a big concern, and places too much pressure on the offense to deliver. I think they will run into problems this week against the Steelers, who will be able to slow down the Ravens just enough. I think Russell Wilson is playing confidently and has developed a rapport with George Pickens. I think Pittsburgh will pull off the upset and win this game.
Steelers 24-Ravens 23
2. Atlanta Falcons (6-4) at Denver Broncos (5-5)- Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET Fox
Last week, the Denver Broncos had a crushing loss against the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos were in position to kick a 35-yard game-winning field goal to end the Chiefs’ undefeated season. Instead, the Chiefs stunningly blocked the attempt and handed the Broncos a devastating loss. On the other hand, the Falcons lost a surprising game against the struggling New Orleans Saints, with Kirk Cousin completing 23 of 38 passes, 306 yards, and an interception. I think the Broncos’ defense is better than the Saints, and I think the disappointment last week fuels the home team to make amends in front of their crowd. I think the Broncos win a low-scoring game.
Broncos 20-Falcons 17
3. Seattle Seahawks (4-5) at San Francisco 49ers (5-4)-Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET Fox
After coming off their bye, the 49ers fielded a healthy team in a win over the pesky Buccaneers on the road. Christian McCaffery made his season debut with 19 combined touches and 107 yards. Deebo Samuels also returned to action with five catches and 62 yards in the important win. It is not a coincidence that their return led to better play from Brock Purdy. On the other hand, the Seahawks will be the more rested team after coming off their bye, but the defense will be a concern. They failed to stop the Los Angeles Rams in overtime from getting a touchdown, and Geno Smith threw three interceptions along with three touchdowns. The 49ers won this matchup earlier in the season on the road, and I think they will win this game easily in the end.
49ers 31-Seahawks 20
4. Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) at Buffalo Bills(8-2) -Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET CBS
This will be the most intriguing matchup in Week 11. The Kansas City Chiefs are undefeated, and at this point, their opponents must be wondering what it will take to defeat them after their special team heroics last week. Patrick Mahomes did not play well last week, but with an elite defense, he does not need to be at his best for this team to win. On the other hand, Josh Allen has to play well for this team to beat the two-time reigning champions. Allen completed 25 of 39 passes, 235 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception in a 30-27 win over the Dolphins. Interestingly, Kansas City are underdogs in this game, and I think that will play into their hands and fuel their desire to prove the doubters wrong. I think they will not remain undefeated, but the loss will come from an unlikely team. The Chiefs win in another classic.
Chiefs 27-Bills 26
5. Cincinnati Bengals (4-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) -Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET NBC
This is a classic matchup of elite defense vs elite offense. The Bengals offense is back to their prolific best, with Joe Burrow completing 65.9 percent of his passes with 10 TDs and two interceptions in his past three games. On the other hand, the Chargers are a top defense that has held opponents to 17 points or fewer in their wins. My concern for the Bengals in this game is their defense because Justin Herbert can take advantage of their deficiencies. However, I think Burrow will pull this win out because this game is a do-or-die matchup, and this team is too talented to fold so easily.
Bengals 31-Chargers 27