Last week, Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers reminded the football world that they should not be counted out under any circumstances. Brady and the Bucs took care of business against the Seahawks in a festive atmosphere in Munich, Germany. Rodgers and the Packers showed resiliency in scoring 14 points in the 4th quarter to comeback against the Dallas Cowboys. With the Buccaneers on their bye, Rodgers will take centerstage on Thursday Night Football. It is one of the top 5 matchups we will discuss as we preview the five hottest matchups of week 11.
Last Week: 3-2
Overall: 32-18
1. Tennessee Titans (6-3) at Green Bay Packers (4-6)-Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Amazon Prime)
The Packers should feel good about themselves after showing some grit in the comeback against the Dolphins. They head into this matchup knowing the formula for success is utilizing Aaron Jones and AJ Dillion who combined for 37 carries for 203 yards and a touchdown in the win against the Cowboys. An effective running game helped Rodgers shred Dallas’ defense through the speedy Christian Watson, who feasted with three touchdowns. The Titans’ game plan will be similar to the Packers’ strategy in running the ball through Derrick Henry. However, I will take Aaron Rodgers over Ryan Tannehill in a short week, and Lambeau Field is still a special place to play at night.
Packers 23-Titans 19
2. New York Jets (6-3) at New England Patriots (5-4)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
This is a big AFC matchup because both teams are contending for playoff spots. Both teams are coming off their bye weeks, so there will be no excuses based on preparation time and energy levels. These two teams have the same gameplan to run the ball first and take the pressure off their young quarterbacks. However, the Patriots have the psychological edge with 13 straight wins against their divisional foes. It includes a 22-17 win just three weeks ago on the road in New Jersey. I think the Patriots’ defense is better than the Jets, the team is at home, and Zach Wilson struggles against Belichick’s defense.
Patriots 21-Jets 17
3. Dallas Cowboys (6-3) at Minnesota Vikings (8-1)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
The Vikings got their statement when they pulled off a thrilling comeback against the Bills in what is considered the game of the year. Justin Jefferson proved he is one of the best receivers last week with his heroics in tallying 14 catches, 119 yards, and a touchdown. The Cowboys’ defense got exposed last week in Green Bay because Christian Watson gave the secondary fits. I think Dalvin Cook will have a successful game on the ground, and it is the core weakness of the Dallas defense. I have the Vikings winning a close home game.
Vikings 31-Cowboys 28
4. Kansas City Chiefs (7-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-4)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
The Los Angeles Chargers season has stalled due to the mounting injuries on offense and defense. The team is hopeful to have the return of Keenan Allen and Mike Williams for this pivotal divisional matchup. However, it is hard to predict whether they will suit up and play on Sunday. The Chiefs on the other hand, are poised to take the division crown and the top seed in the conference. However, they will need to be more balanced in this matchup by running the ball against the Chargers’ defense. I think they will get it done and win easily in the end.
Chiefs 34-Chargers 23
5. San Francisco 49ers (5-4) at Arizona Cardinals (4-6) (at Mexico City)-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Football returns to Mexico in this NFC West divisional matchup. The 49ers overcame a slow start to put away the Chargers in Week 10, while the Cardinals beat the Rams in a game that featured backup quarterbacks. I think the 49ers will be better as they integrate Christian McCaffery into a group of dynamic playmakers. The defense is also a tough matchup for the Cardinals, even if Kyler Murray returns to the starting lineup. The 49ers win big in the end.
49ers 30-Cardinals 20