NFL Week Eleven Predictions

Chicago Bears @ Miami Dolphins

Miami finally looked like its passing game wasn't holding back its offense last week, and I wouldn't underestimate third-stringer Tyler Thigpen.  He's a good quarterback, and he's got a couple of weapons on offense.  Consistently underrated, though, is the Bears' defense, which is number two in the league against the run and among the top in takeaways.  Miami is 25th in the league in interceptions, tied for 24th in fumbles, and could struggle against Julius Peppers and company with their starting left tackle out.  Miami has also done poorly at home, and with a tough schedule coming up I expect the Bears to take advantage of a winnable game.
Prediction: Bears

Baltimore Ravens @ Carolina Panthers

The Ravens are in the playoff hunt, the Panthers are spiraling rapidly.
Prediction: Ravens

Buffalo Bills @ Cincinnati Bengals

The Bills lost eight games before picking up their first win last week, the Bengals have lost six straight, they should call this the basement bowl.  I actually don't know where to go on this one, the teams are pretty evenly matched in the passing game, but the Bills have a distinct edge in rushing.  Quarterbacks could be the difference, and although Palmer has struggled, the Bengals defense has an edge on turnovers, so I'm going with the Bengals.
Prediction: Bengals

Detroit Lions @ Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are getting things going, and the Lions are slumping.  The Cowboys have their running and passing games going, and the Detroit defense is giving up.  At home in Dallas, I'll take the Boys to win two straight.
Prediction: Cowboys

Cleveland Browns @ Jacksonville Jaguars

Both teams are evenly matched on the ground, the difference will be through the air.  Cleveland is missing Josh Cribbs, and David Garrard has more experience than Colt McCoy.  Add that to homefield advantage, and the Jaguars look poised to stay in the race for the AFC South.
Prediction: Jaguars

Arizona Cardinals @ Kansas City Chiefs

The running game for these two teams is like night and day.  KC might be slumping a bit, but they should be able to run over an Arizona team that's equally good at shooting themselves in their feet.
Prediction: Chiefs

Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have a huge edge in the running game, having a much better game on offense with AP and sitting 11 places higher than the Pack in rankings.  The Packers could rack up the sacks, but with the trouble they're having against the run AP could be the difference in this game.  At home, I'll take the Vikings to beat the Pack.  This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Vikings

Houston Texans @ New York Jets

The Jets haven't exactly been a well-oiled machine, but the Texans are having huge defensive problems.  As long as they can maintain balance, the Jets should win.
Prediction: Jets

Oakland Raiders @ Pittsburgh Steelers

The Raiders have rocketed ahead of the Steelers in rushing in recent weeks, but the Steelers still have them beat in rush defense.  The Steelers are slumping against the pass and the Raiders' pass D is turning it up, but I still trust Big Ben more than Jason Campbell.
Prediction: Steelers

Washington Redskins @ Tennessee Titans

The Redskins are going to have a heap of trouble against Chris Johnson.
Prediction: Titans

Seattle Seahawks @ New Orleans Saints

Neither team is doing very well on either side of the ball rushing.  Both teams have also had ups and downs passing on offense, but the Saints are first against the pass while the Seahawks are 28th.  The Saints should show improvement at this point in the season
Prediction: Saints

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ San Francisco 49ers

Both teams depend on the run game to set up the pass and the Bucs are really getting fired up rushing and passing, but the Niners have them totally outmatched on defense.  In addition, Troy Smith is heating up at the right time, and the Niners have homefield advantage.  This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: 49ers

Atlanta Falcons @ St. Louis Rams

The Rams have been surprising some people this season, but the Falcons are red hot.  They're not going to let up in St. Louis.
Prediction: Falcons

Indianapolis Colts @ New England Patriots

Neither team stands out in the run game on either side of the ball, this game will come down to passing.  These teams are very evenly matched there, and I have to go with New England due to injuries at receiver, that and I get burned every time I pick against them.
Prediction: Patriots

New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles

We'll finally see if Michael Vick is unstoppable.  The Giants' defense might stop Vick, but I think the difference will be injuries.  The Giants are banged up at key positions on offense, and they're slumping without those players.  This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Eagles

Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers

The top two passing teams ion the league go up against each other.  The Chargers have the edge in defense in yards, but are less successful at scoring defense.  The Broncos are far worse, though, and Phillip Rivers should be able to outscore Kyle Orton.
Prediction: Chargers