NFL WEEK 11 PRIMER
BYE WEEK: Buffalo, Chicago, N.Y. Giants, San Francisco
Bengals (2-6-1) at Washington (2-7)
Sunday, 1 ET, CBS
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. Washington’s keys: Force Burrow into mistakes, allowing players like CB Kendall Fuller to play clean up. Washington is among the NFL sacks leaders and has an ability to take advantage of subpar offensive lines.
– Zachary Neel, Washington Wire
Titans (6-3) at Ravens (6-3)
Sunday, 1 ET, CBS
Betmgm.com line: Ravens by 6 Titans’ keys: 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: Jackson can't turn the ball over while trying to do too much. The defense has to limit Henry.
– 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.
– 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.
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.
– 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. DE J.J. Watt has to get to the QB and neutralize the passing game.
– 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.
– 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.
– 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, and lead the backfield to take some pressure off rookie QB Tua Tagovailoa.
– 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 against a struggling Dallas defense.
– 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 RB Jonathan Taylor going. Packers’ keys: Feeding WR Davante Adams will provide a spark, while TE Robert Tonyan needs to make his presence known in the middle.
– 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. Raiders’ keys: 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.
– 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 Tom Brady, something Tampa Bay has struggled to do in losses. Rams keys: Their strength is in their scheme, led by WRS Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. LA DT Aaron Donald is certain to draw customary double teams and others need to step up.
– Luke Easterling, Bucs Wire