The Pats are still riding their way to another AFC East win. The Ravens are rolling, and the Niners are mining for gold at the end of their so far, rainbow-like season– I know … they are not leprechauns.
So, first, let’s have a look at the overall state of the union. Then, let’s peek at the odds at the best sportsbooks for a couple of big games for Week 11.
The American Football Conference
As of now, the Patriots would be in the postseason. However, they have a super-tough three-game stretch with two NFC opponents and the Houston Texans before their season tapers off into cruise control for the final three games.
Over in the North, the Ravens are starting to get a stranglehold on their division and are looking like true playoff competitors. After all, it was Baltimore who finally slew the beast. They have thoroughly smashed everyone they have played for the last few weeks.
In the West, it’s the Chiefs, but they just came off a tough loss to the Tennessee Titans, meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders got another win. So, the Chiefs have to watch out. Jon Gruden’s boys are all dressed in black, have knocked out the porchlight and are waiting outside the backdoor. They have the lowly Bengals in Week 11 and are looking to move to 6-4 while hoping the Chiefs take a loss to the Chargers.
Finally out of the AFC South we would have the Houston Texans. Houston enjoyed a week off after they traveled across the pond to London in Week 9. Now they have the toughest test of the season in the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. This game means a lot to both teams and could potentially cause the Indianapolis Colts to leapfrog the Texans with a loss.
The National Football Conference
The Cowboys are hanging onto the top spot in the NFC East by a razor’s edge. They are 5-4 and just took a tough home loss to the Minnesota Vikings on SNF. The Eagles share the same record and are breathing down their necks.
Over in the NFC West, the Seahawks are making a case for themselves, and they could end up getting that wild card spot if the Niners don’t trip and stumble. But for now, the 49ers are still perfect. They are 8-0 going into Monday Night Football where they’ll face the Seahawks. Even with a loss, they’ll still sit on top of the division, that is, until they lose again – if the Seahawks run the table.
The Pack-Attack looked great against a tough Panthers squad this Sunday afternoon. Green Bay is now 8-2 and leading the NFC North. However, they can’t get comfortable, the Vikings are looking good and Kirk Cousins is making a case for MVP.
The Saints rule the NFC South. At 7-2, the 5-4 Panthers would have to get a lot of help to overtake the division at this point. It isn’t out of reach for Carolina, it’s just not very likely.
Two Big Games
Monday Night Football: Chiefs -4.5 vs. Chargers (MX)
The Chargers have struggled recently, but they are still a Philip Rivers-led team with an explosive offense that can surprise on any given Sunday … or in this case, Monday. The bad news for the Chargers is the KC Chiefs play better on the road. Right now they are averaging 32.8 points per game as the visiting team. This number goes against the Chargers 21.20 home number. Defensively, the Chargers are tough as nails, allowing just a tad over 19 points per game. But the Chiefs are no slouches either at 23.9 points per game. So, looking at the averages, the Chargers offensive number falls right into the Chiefs defensive stats, So we should expect them to put up 21 to 24 points. I Imagine the tougher LA Defense will keep the Chiefs under 31 … So I predict a 27 to 23 victory for the Chiefs in this one, especially since the Chargers are not actually at home, so the home numbers don’t really apply.
New England Patriots -3.5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Pats have had a moment to breathe and try to regain their defensive posture. That said, it won’t be any easy Week 11 for them. They have to go into Philadelphia and face a tough nonconference foe; one that has a lot to play for. If the Eagles win this, they can overtake the Cowboys in the NFC East and you better believe that is on their minds. The Pats, on the other hand, are in no immediate danger of losing their grip on the AFC East, but they are in danger of losing the best defensive statistics in modern history.
This one is going to be a battle. I think we’ll see the return of the Pats D and a low scoring game from both teams.
