NFL Week Eleven predictions

We're back up to 16 games this week so that's another six hours of football for all you fanatics out there. Seems like I'm the only one that gives Carolina a chance against Chicago. Well, I guess we'll see who's right, huh? By the way, Reggie Bush had 513 all-purpose yards last night. That's more than most teams get in a game! Can anyone else say that he's making a huge case to be the number one pick in next year's draft?

NFL Weekly Picks

Photo: From left to right: Josh, Abe, Phil and Pratik.

From left to right: Josh, Abe, Phil and Pratik. Photo courtesy of Zoe Norvell.

Last Week

Sunday, November 20, 2005

Arizona (2-7) at St. Louis (4-5) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: St. Louis is by no means a great team, but the Cards are downright awful. In this matchup of highflying offenses, expect the better one - St. Louis - to win.

Abe says: The Cardinals have only beaten two teams: the 49ers and the Titans. Unfortunately for Arizona, the Rams are neither of those teams.

Josh says: Marc Bulger should have a field day against one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL. Larry Fitzgerald has proved he can go deep for the Cards.

Carolina (7-2) at Chicago (6-3) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: Both of these teams have great defense, but Carolina has the ability not only to stop the other team from scoring, but also to capitalize on those chances with their powerful running game and explosive passing attack, led primarily by superb wideout Steve Smith.

Abe says: Did you see that wind up in Chicago last week? Joe Nedney's field goal attempt got carried off the field like Troy Aikman after a LaVar Arrington hit.

Josh says: One of the week's best matchups. Jake Delhomme struggled last week against the Jets, and against Chicago's number one ranked defense he could have even more trouble. I think Chicago and Kyle Orton eke out a win at home.

Detroit (4-5) at Dallas (6-3) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: I hate Dallas, but they're going to win this one against an awful Lions team.

Abe says: Yes, Lions' WR Roy Williams is on my fantasy football team. Yes, I made the mistake of not starting him last weekend, when he caught three touchdown passes. And yes, I am bitter.

Josh says: Roy Williams played a sick nasty game last week, catching three touchdown passes. He also returned an interception for a touchdown. Dallas' secondary that features Roy Williams is one of the league's best. Roy Williams...Roy Williams...Roy Williams...

Jacksonville (6-3) at Tennessee (2-7) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: Coming off of a 27 point drubbing of the woeful Ravens, the Jaguars will look to get another blowout win against the young Tennessee Titans.

Abe says: Who? Matt Jones... Who? Matt Jones... Who? Matt Jones...

Josh says: Jacksonville crushed Baltimore last week, 30-3. They should produce a similar result this week against the lowly Titans.

Miami (3-6) at Cleveland (3-6) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: Both teams played close games against very god teams last week, with Miami fending off the Patriots until the fourth quarter and Cleveland playing close with a hobbled, yet still dangerous Pittsburgh team. With Miami's running game as good as it is though, and with Cleveland's inability to effectively move the ball on offense, the Dolphins should be able to pull out a win at the dog pound.

Abe says: Since I couldn't bring myself to analyze this disgustingly ugly game between a pair of 3-6 teams, I just picked based on the teams' jerseys, and I can't stand the Dolphins shiny green pants.

Josh says: If Cleveland wants to start a winning streak, today is the day, but I just don't see it happening. The Dolphins' rushing attack has been dominant lately with the return of Ricky Williams, and the Browns' defense is simply atrocious.

New Orleans (2-7) at New England (5-4) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: Even though according to their pattern their supposed to lose this week, I think they'll buck the trend and beat up n a hapless New Orleans team. After all that's gone on with New Orleans this season, not to mention losing their best offensive weapon in Deuce McAllister, it'll be tough for them to compete against a pretty good Patriots team.

Abe says: R. I. P. New Orleans. This is the Saints' funeral game; their season is dead.

Josh says: At Gillette Stadium, where the Patriots own their competition, New Orleans doesn't stand much of a chance. I'll take Tom Brady and the Pats' offense over Aaron Brooks and the Saints any day of the week.

Oakland (3-6) at Washington (5-4) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: Coming off of two straight road losses, this is pretty much a must win for the 'Skins. If they don't win today, they might as well kiss their playoff hopes goodbye. With Sean Taylor back in the lineup to shore up the atrocious pass defense displayed down in Tampa, Washington should be able to contain Randy Moss, Jerry Porter and LaMont Jordan. Long enough, that is, for Mark Brunell and the offense to win the game.

Abe says: Who doesn't love Norv Turner? Oh, Randy Moss. The Redskins return to form against their former coach and his team of selfish brats. CP hits the hole hard and Washington's O-line shuts up Warren Sapp. Another Redskins victory means free pizza toppings from Papa John's, so go 'Skins!

Josh says: Have I ever not picked Washington? Check the record and the answer is no.

Philadelphia (4-5) at New York Giants (6-3) - 4:05 p.m.

Pratik says: Philly lost a heartbreaker at home to the Cowboys on a last second interception return for a touchdown. You don't bounce back from that type of loss too quickly, especially not against a Giants team that also lost a close one to Minnesota last week. Besides, McMahon is not the same as McNabb.

Abe says: The Eagles will start Mike McMahon at quarterback, in for the ailing Donovan McNabb. There isn't much more to say, except that Andy Reid had better let Brian Westbrook touch the ball if Philly wants any chance; he's the only playmaker they have left.

Josh says: Jim McMahon...Vince McMahon...Mike McMahon? Who do you not know out of these three? The Eagles starting quarterback this weekend.

Pittsburgh (7-2) at Baltimore (2-7) - 4:05 p.m.

Pratik says: Did you see the Jacksonville vs. Baltimore game last week? Enough said.

Abe says: Baltimore's chances in this game are equal to the chances of me getting an 'A' in math class: zero.

Josh says: Charlie Batch is out and I don't even know who's running the Baltimore offense these days. Also, I like any team that doesn't wear purple.

Tampa Bay (6-3) at Atlanta (6-3) - 1:00 p.m.

Pratik says: If Simms plays as he did last week, then I'll be wrong. But there's no way lighting can strike the same person twice in the span of a week, right?

Abe says: As gutsy as Jon Gruden is, Chris Simms won't be able to handle a road game against one of the NFL's best defenses. And by the way, I believe Atlanta still has a guy by the name of Michael Vick.

Josh says: Chris Simms had a miracle performance last weekend and I'm just not convinced it was for real. Atlanta's defense knocks Simms around and wins.

Seattle (7-2) at San Francisco (2-7) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik says: Shaun Alexander "the Great" is a beast. He's conquering the NFL at the ripe old age of 28 and he's primed to get a huge deal next year. The 49ers are just looking towards next year and maybe getting a chance to draft Reggie Bush.

Abe says: Seattle should pick up enough total yards on offense to span six lengths of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Josh says: Shaun Alexander is a touchdown machine. As last week I made a nickname for Steve Smith ("Slay 'Em"), I now dub Alexander. From this day forth he shall be known as Shaun Alexander "the Great."

Buffalo (4-5) at San Diego (5-4) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik says: L.T.'s back. Back again. Don't mess with L.T. or you'll be in pain.

Abe says: Tricky, tricky, the Bills beat the Chiefs last week with J.P. Losman back in at quarterback, and I like the Bills in my upset special of the week. With a strong D and a top-flight running back in "Whatchu talkin' bout" Willis McGahee.

Josh says: J.P. Losman is starting again for the Bills and once again, I'm just not convinced he can lead an NFL offense yet.

Indianapolis (9-0) at Cincinnati (7-2) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik says: This is gonna be the best game of the week. Frankly, how can you bet against perfection? Indianapolis is 9-0, they haven't lost yet, and with a little bit of luck, they won't this week either.

Abe says: Indy goes down! Indy goes down! The Bengals finally snap the Colts' unbeaten streak with an equally elite passing game and a little home-cooking.

Josh says: By far the best game of the week. I gotta be serious on this pick. I'll take Indy because I think this is the game that their defense really steps up and proves they can play. Right now they're the fourth best defense in the league, but now it's time for them to show what they're made of. The Colts' three-headed monster murders Cincinnati's three-headed monster in a close game.

New York Jets (2-7) at Denver (7-2) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik says: Denver is perfect at home because Mile High gives the best home field advantage of any stadium in the NFL. The Jets are 2-7 for a reason, too. They're just plain bad.

Abe says: If the Jets could reverse that Moss-for-Coles deal, give Chad Pennington a robotic arm, buy a defense and pick up someone who could actually find the end zone every once in a while they might win this game. But since they can't, they'll lose.

Josh says: At Mile High, Denver runs the ball down the Jets' throats. Mike Anderson and Tatum Bell are by far the best rushing duo in the NFL.

Kansas City (5-4) at Houston (1-8) - 4:15 p.m.

Pratik says: Kansas City is definitely going to win against the owners of the worst record in football.

Abe says: Upset Alert!! No explanation here, I just have a feeling the Texans will win. I know the Chiefs have LJ, but don't underestimate the loss of Priest Holmes. Plus, I heard Paul Wall is performing at halftime.

Josh says: Who can pick Houston (besides Abe)? Besides beating the second worst team in the NFL what have they done? Zip-zero.

Monday, November 21, 2005
Minnesota (4-5) at Green Bay (2-7) - 9:00 p.m.

Pratik says: Remember how Green Bay beat Atlanta. Well, in Samkon Gado I trust, and I really don't think the Minnesota offense, which mustered all of three points against the Giants last week, is going to terrorize any opposing defenses any time soon.

Abe says: I am riding the Brad Johnson bandwagon. So what if he didn't throw a touchdown last week? The guy is a great holder, and he held that ball laces out for Paul Edinger in the waning seconds last week in Minnesota's win over the Giants. Go Brad!

Josh says: At Lambeau the Packers ride their new-found running game to a win. If Minnesota wins three games in a row this year, they are officially the most annoying team to pick against in the NFL.