NFL Week 11-Games to Watch

1 PM-Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings:  Two surprise teams in the NFC square off in a playoff preview. How far can Case Keenum lead the 7-2 Vikings?? While he has never posted over a 52.2 QBR in a season in his entire career, never has Keenum had such a strong supporting roster. Aided by an offensive line that has surrendered the 2nd fewest sacks in the league, he’s been able to find star wideout tandem Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen in bunches (He’s Thielen it). The Vikes also remain rock solid on defense, allowing only 18.3 points per game.   On the other sideline, the Rams are also lead by a QB who has turned his career around. Second year rising star Jared Goff was 0-7 last year as a starter and posted a QBR of a measly 22.2.  He’s taken a step forward, but can he lead his team to a road win at Minnesota against this fierce defense? I think the key will be getting Todd Gurley going against the 2nd ranked Vikings rush defense.  One facet about this game that could be huge will be the return of Everson Griffen to the Vikings.  I’ll take them as the home team in a very close seesaw battle.

Prediction: Vikings 33-27

425 PM-New England Patriots vs Oakland Raiders: These two teams travel to Mexico City for a neutral site showdown.  With Brady and company coming fresh off of a big, convincing win at Denver, many analysts already are touting them as “hitting that midseason stride.” But playing at an unfamiliar site against a team with Khalil Mack can add some difficulty.  To add to that, the Raiders are coming off a bye week and have had a full couple weeks to dial up some confusing packages against Brady.  It’s also a dire situation for the Raiders, who sit a game below .500, and need a win to carve their way into the playoff picture.  Yet this Pats offense is extremely hard to defend, and I don’t think the Raiders have the personnel to keep up. Expect the Patriots  running backs and tight ends to have another huge week.  The Raiders will scrap in Mexico City, but Derek Carr won’t be able to match Brady.

Prediction: Patriots 34-24

830 PM-Philadelphia Eagles vs Dallas Cowboys: Enter the NFL’s best team to “Jerry World.”  The Cowboys will be without three of their best players: left tackle Tyron Smith, defensive anchor Sean Lee,  and star running back Ezekiel Elliott.  For a while, this matchup looked like a huge showdown for NFC East supremacy.  It was circled on both teams calendars.  The Eagles will look to fly in and put the division away, led by rising star QB Carson Wentz.  Their defense stands strong as 9th in fewest total yards allowed, including first in rush yards by 100 yards under the closest competition. So the key to this game will be the play of Dak in the pass game.  Against this great Eagles rush defense, Dak will need to assault them through the air to keep up with Wentz and company.  The loss of Sean Lee will severely harm Dallas’ defensive chances as well, so I am not too optimistic. Fly Eagles fly on Sunday night.

Prediction: Eagles 41-19

Written by Will McGuinness