NFL WEEK 11 WEEKEND GAME PREVIEWS
Bengals (2-6-1) at Washington (2-7) CBS
Sunday, 1 ET, BetMGM.com line: Washington by 1 1⁄
2
Bengals’ keys: Slow down Washington’s D-line and give QB Joe Burrow time in the pocket. He’s been sacked 32 times.
Washington’s keys: Force Burrow into mistakes, allowing players like CB Kendall Fuller to play clean up.
Who wins? Washington 24-21
– Zachary Neel, Washington Wire
Titans (6-3) at Ravens (6-3)
Sunday, 1 ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Ravens by 6
Titans’ keys: Bully Baltimore. Tennessee should go heavy on offense to move the line of scrimmage with RB Derrick Henry while being aggressive defensively and hitting QB Lamar Jackson to the echo of the whistle.
Ravens’ keys: Do not get too cute offensively. Jackson can’t turn the ball over while trying to do too much. The defensive line has to limit Henry.
Who wins? Baltimore Ravens 24-21
– Matthew Stevens, Ravens Wire
Falcons (3-6) at Saints (7-2)
Sunday, 1 ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Saints by 5
Falcons’ keys: Deep completions against a stingy Saints defense, which may mean big days for WRs Calvin Ridley and Julio Jones.
Saints’ keys: With Drew Brees out, Jameis Winston’s arm or Taysom Hill’s legs become crucial at quarterback. RB Alvin Kamara figures to play a huge role.
Who wins? Saints 32-30
– John Sigler, Saints Wire
Lions (4-5) at Panthers (3-7)
Sunday, 1 ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Off the board Lions’ keys: Any potential upset will require playing a clean, mistake-free game. On defense, the Lions could use more help up front.
Panthers’ keys: Joe Brady’s offense has been most effective when the ball is spread around evenly with QB Teddy Bridgewater, although he is day-to-day (knee). Another blow: RB Christian McCaffrey ruled out again.
Who wins? Panthers 31-23
– Tim Weaver, Panthers Wire
Patriots (4-5) at Texans (2-7)
Sunday, 1 ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Patriots by 1 1⁄
2
Patriots’ keys: Involve the running backs more, whether getting Damien Harris, Rex Burkead and James White carries or targets in space.
Texans’ keys: The defense must cultivate turnovers and give the offense extra possessions.
Who wins? Patriots 19-15
– Mark Lane, Texans Wire
Eagles (3-5-1) at Browns (6-3)
Sunday, 1 ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Browns by 3 1⁄
2 Eagles’ keys: Getting the O-line into rhythm and attacking the Browns’ run defense should help QB Carson Wentz take efficient shots down the field. Browns’ keys: DE Myles Garrett leads the NFL in forced fumbles and Wentz has shown a propensity to give the ball away.
Who wins? Browns 26-24
– Jeff Risdon, Browns Wire
Steelers (9-0) at Jaguars (1-8)
Sunday, 1 ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Steelers by 9
Steelers’ keys: They need to put the pressure on in the first quarter because it will move Jacksonville away from its biggest strength: the run game.
Jaguars’ keys: Get rookie RB James Robinson going with 20 carries or more because when they don’t, they allow the opposition to win time of possession against their struggling defense.
Who wins? Steelers 27-21
– James Johnson, Jaguars Wire
Dolphins (6-3) at Broncos (3-6)
Sunday, 4:05 ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Dolphins by 4
Broncos’ keys: RBs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay need productive gains on first and second down.
Dolphins’ keys: They will need someone to step up, perhaps RB Matt Breida, to take pressure off e QB Tua Tagovailoa.
Who wins? Dolphins 31-28
– Jon Heath, Broncos Wire
Jets (0-9) at Chargers (2-7)
Sunday, 4:05 ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Chargers by 8 1⁄
2
Jets’ keys: If the O-line can take away LA edge rushers Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram, it will allow for more opportunities on offense.
Chargers’ keys: The Jets’ pass defense is among the worst, making it a favorable matchup for QB Justin Herbert.
Who wins? Chargers 27-16
– Gavino Borquez, Chargers Wire
Cowboys (2-7) at Vikings (4-5)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Vikings by 7
Cowboys’ keys: QB Andy Dalton is the presumptive starter as he works his way back from a concussion, and Minnesota has been vulnerable to long pass plays.
Vikings’ keys: They have to control the ball with RB Dalvin Cook.
Who wins? Vikings 24-14
– Jack White, Vikings Wire
Packers (7-2) at Colts (6-3)
Sunday, 4:25 ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Colts by 2
Colts’ keys: When QB Philip Rivers has protection, he can still produce. The Packers are suspect against the run so this could be the chance to get rookie RB Jonathan Taylor going. The Colts also need rookie WR Michael Pittman Jr. to continue his ascension. Interior defenders DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart must contain Packers RB Aaron Jones while forcing QB Aaron Rodgers to look to other receivers.
Packers’ keys: Rodgers has to stay efficient against a smothering defense. Feeding WR Davante Adams in the passing game will provide a spark, while TE Robert Tonyan needs to make his presence known in the middle of the field. DT Kenny Clark must plug the Colts’ run game. CB Jaire Alexander will be tasked in limiting Pittman.
Who wins? Packers 28-24
– Kevin Hickey, Colts Wire
Chiefs (8-1) at Raiders (6-3)
Sunday, 8:20 ET, NBC BetMGM.com line: Chiefs by 8
Chiefs’ keys: Look for Kansas City to use more max protections to allow QB Patrick Mahomes more time to find receivers. On defense, the Chiefs have to find a way to slow down the Raiders’ rushing attack.
Raiders’ keys: Take shots down the field to keep up with KC. In their first meeting, QB Derek Carr was highly efficient and aggressive. On defense, Las Vegas has to find a way to get pressure with its front four and force Mahomes to throw into tight windows.
Who wins? Chiefs 34-24
– Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire
Rams (6-3) at Buccaneers (7-3)
Monday, 8:15 ET, ESPN BetMGM.com line: Buccaneers by 4
Buccaneers’ keys: Everything starts and stops with protecting QB Tom Brady, something Tampa Bay has struggled to do in its losses. Tampa Bay has one of the lbest defensive coordinators in Todd Bowles, who dials up pressure.
Rams keys: Their strength is in their scheme and personnel on offense, led by WRs Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. LA DT Aaron Donald is certain to draw customary double teams and other playmakers need to step up.
Who wins? Rams 34-27
– Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire
Byes: Bills, Bears, Giants, 49ers