NFL WEEK 11 PREVIEW
PACKERS (8-2) AT VIKINGS (4-5)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Packers by 21⁄2 Packers’ keys: QB Aaron Rodgers is back, so they should have little trouble scoring and moving the chains against an inconsistent defense indoors. Vikings’ keys: Minnesota upset the Packers at Lambeau Field last year. The Vikings need RB Dalvin Cook to break off for at least a few big runs.
COLTS (5-5) AT BILLS (6-3)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook wire: Bills by 71⁄2 Colts’ keys: Indy has to force the run game with Jonathan Taylor. When Buffalo’s defense has struggled, it has come against a power rusher. Bills’ keys: Offensively, the spark was WR Stefon Diggs with his 163 yards and TD. The Bills should ride that hot hand again against a below-average Indy secondary.
SAINTS (5-4) AT EAGLES (4-6)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Eagles by 21⁄2 Saints’ keys: They’ll need to get back to a decent mix of run-pass on offense while playing smothering defense. Eagles’ keys: Philly has had at least 175 yards rushing each of the past three weeks. RB Miles Sanders should return from injured reserve, providing an explosive playmaker.
WASHINGTON (3-6) AT PANTHERS (5-5)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Panthers by 31⁄2 Washington’s keys: WFT will need a little more out of RB Antonio Gibson, whom the team tried to get going with 24 rushes (64 yards, two TDs) in the upset of the Bucs. Panthers’ keys: RB Christian McCaffrey has to keep Carolina’ rolling. He’s totaled 267 yards from scrimmage on 41 touches in the last two games
DOLPHINS (3-7) AT JETS (2-7)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Dolphins by 31⁄2 Dolphins’ keys: The Dolphins are in the middle of the pack stopping the run. The Jets haven’t consistently run the ball despite some one-off performances, particularly from rookie Michael Carter. Jets’ keys: Joe Flacco will get the start at quarterback and will need to focus on shorter passes and picking his spots.
LIONS (0-8-1) AT BROWNS (5-5)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: Browns by 101⁄2 Lions’ keys: Detroit wants to run the ball, finally having a breakout game from D’Andre Swift in Week 10 (33 carries for 130 yards).
Browns’ keys: A strong rushing attack (1,541 yards) makes life easier, while DE Myles Garrett must make plays in the backfield regularly. Garrett leads the NFL with 13 sacks.
TEXANS (1-8) AT TITANS (8-2)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Titans by 91⁄2 Texans’ keys: Houston must keep the Titans’ Big Three in the pass rush (DLs Denico Autry and Jeffery Simmons and OLB Harold Landry) in check, something no team has been able to do lately. Titans’ keys: With Houston having one of the worst run defenses, establish the run early with D’Onta Foreman.
49ERS (4-5) AT JAGUARS (2-7)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox
Tipico Sportsbook line: 49ers by 61⁄2 49ers’ keys: Aside from limiting RB James Robinson, San Francisco needs to pay attention to the speed of the Jags’ interior pass catchers, specifically TE Dan Arnold and WR Jamal Agnew. Jaguars’ keys: QB Trevor Lawrence and Co. have struggled but are at their best when their run-pass ratio is balanced.
RAVENS (6-3) AT BEARS (3-6)
TV: 1 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS
Tipico Sportsbook line: Ravens by 41⁄2 Ravens’ keys: QB Lamar Jackson remains a threat with his legs, but the Ravens need to get the passing game going and take advantage of a weak secondary.
Bears’ keys: Justin Fields is coming off his best game. Chicago needs to establish the run to open things up.
BENGALS (5-4) AT RAIDERS (5-4)
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday, CBS Tipico Sportsbook line: Raiders by 1⁄2 Bengals’ keys: How well can they protect Joe Burrow? When he has time to throw, he is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks. Raiders’ keys: They are at their best when they stay balanced on offense and run the ball. But QB Derek Carr has been very good at making plays downfield.
CARDINALS (8-2) AT SEAHAWKS (3-6)
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox Tipico Sportsbook line: Cardinals by 21⁄2 Cardinals’ keys: If QB Kyler Murray (ankle) returns, ride his hot hand and test Seattle’s cornerbacks. Seahawks’ keys: The defense has improved by leaps and bounds. Credit to defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. as well as playmakers at all three levels, but FS Quandre Diggs deserves the most.
COWBOYS (7-2) AT CHIEFS (6-4)
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday, Fox Tipico Sportsbook line: Chiefs by 21⁄2 Cowboys’ keys: Keep the turnovers flowing. The biggest problem for the Chiefs’ offense this season has been Patrick Mahomes’ uncharacteristic interceptions. Chiefs’ keys: They need to get the ball out quickly to guys like WRs Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardman and TE Travis Kelce.
STEELERS (5-3-1) AT CHARGERS (5-4) TV: 8:20 p.m. ET Sunday, NBC Tipico Sportsbook line: Chargers by 51⁄2 Steelers’ keys: On defense, attack; Chargers QB Justin Herbert has not done well against pressure. Chargers’ keys: It all starts with protecting Herbert. The Steelers get after quarterbacks at a high rate. From there, offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi must utilize run-pass option looks.
GIANTS (3-6) AT BUCCANEERS (6-3) TV: 8:15 p.m. ET Monday, ESPN Tipico Sportsbook line: Bucs by 101⁄2 Giants’ keys: New York has one of the most dominant defensive fronts, and the key to stopping QB Tom Brady has always been consistent pressure.
Buccaneers’ keys: The return of WR Antonio Brown, TE Rob Gronkowski and CB Sean Murphy-Bunting would be a boost.