The Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons combined to send many knockout pools to the finish line in Week 10. However, if you rolled the dice and went with the Bears against the Matthew Stafford-less Lions as a late audible, you were rewarded … barely. On to Week 11 as the drama builds and tension heightens.
Don’t think about it
The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles get together for the first time since Super Bowl LII. This figures to be a great game to watch and if you somehow have either team available, keep them in the bank. The Rams and Bears get together again. Last year saw Chicago on top. Another game that is worth enjoying and not getting anywhere near. Would have to say the Steelers and Browns fall into this category. Pittsburgh is playing well and Cleveland is coming off a good win against Buffalo. It’s Thursday night and not worth ruining your weekend. The Texans and Ravens get together in what should be a showcase of two of the best QBs in the game, Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson. This could come down to who has the ball last and that is not the memory you want to take away from being eliminated from a knockout pool. Not going to try and figure out what Colts team shows up to face the Jaguars. If Brian Hoyer plays again, stay far away from Indy. And, in the Monday night matchup, San Diego plays host to Kansas City in Mexico City. This could provide plenty of offensive fireworks and is a great way to finish NFL Week 11 by enjoying it and not having to choose sides.
Let the bettor beware
NFC South matchups fit this category perfectly. The Panthers have been playing better and almost forced Green Bay to OT at Lambeau. Atlanta comes off one of the most surprising victories of the season, winning at New Orleans. Could the Falcons have found their groove and make it two straight against divisional opponents? Will the Panthers rebound? If there are questions, the answer is to avoid the game. One could also lump New Orleans at Tampa Bay here. Same kind of matchup and same kind of questions. Don’t risk your season. The Bills journey to Miami to face the suddenly resurgent Dolphins. Will Miami make it three in a row? Will Buffalo end the Dolphins’ run? This one is far too unpredictable to try and dissect. Buffalo took the first meeting by 10 in a game that was not as comfortable as the final score indicates. Dallas feels like a strong play against the Lions. However, this is a team that is 5-4 and does not provide security. Detroit gave Chicago a mighty test with Jeff Driskel at QB. It’s unlikely the Cowboys will tumble, but they did lose at the New York Jets. So they feel more like road worriers than warriors.
Tempting fate
The Jets have two wins, each over NFC East teams, the Cowboys and Giants. Will they make it a trifecta against Washington to complete their NFC East portion of the schedule at 3-1 and winless against the rest of the world? It is so alluring, especially with Dwayne Haskins at QB. Remember, however, Gang Green is inept and as bad as Washington is, anything can happen. … Feels like the Niners should complete the sweep of the Cardinals. However, it is a short week and they are coming off a slugfest with Seattle. As unlikely as it is for Arizona to notch a victory, it is coming off three-point losses in its last two games, including one against the Niners. Trap game, anyone?
Go for it
Take your pick of whether you like the Oakland Raiders against the Cincinnati Bengals or the Minnesota Vikings against the Denver Broncos. The Bengals are winless and if the Raiders rattled Philip Rivers, imagine what they will do to Ryan Finley. It feels like a much safer way to go than the Purple People, only because the Broncos do have a sturdy defense and could somewhat disrupt the Vikings, who are coming off a huge win at Dallas. Letdown, anyone?
