After a fantastic slate of games last week, Week 11 is highlighted by a couple of marquee matchups, mixed in with some potentially one-sided affairs. We also have an off-kilter slate with nine early games and just three late-afternoon matchups.
Here are our EARLY Week 11 picks, predictions, and NFL odds for Sunday’s games. NOTE: These are only EARLY OPINION PLAYS and not the actual plays given to Members on Gameday. For the latest updates text “Update” to 561-962-5350.
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5)
It is somewhat surprising that the Eagles are favorites for this game. The Saints put up a fantastic fight against the AFC-leading Tennessee Titans this week. The Eagles may have beaten up on the Denver Broncos, but Denver has been a hit-or-miss team this year. Even with Trevor Siemian having a few games under his belt and experience, think that the Eagles can ride some momentum here vs Saints team off emotional loss on road, playing back to back on road.
Saints vs. Eagles EARLY Prediction: Eagles 20 Saints 16
Miami Dolphins (-3) at New York Jets
What a performance the Dolphins put together last week. Their performance was incredible against the Ravens. But now, they have to back it up. This season is not mathematically over for Miami, but they have to demonstrate they can easily dismiss the Jets. New York really struggled against the Bills, but they get the Dolphins at home in back to back home games vs Dolphins off primetime game. That will be a letdown for Miami.
Dolphins vs. Jets EARLY Prediction: Jets 24 Miami 21
Washington Football Team at Carolina Panthers (-3)
These two teams had two of the most impressive performances of Week 10. The Panthers will be buoyed by the presence of Cam Newton back in front of his home crowd, but Washington will have belief on both sides of the ball after beating Tampa Bay.
Let’s give the edge to Newton and the Panthers at home, but serious consideration needs to be given to staying well away from this game.
Washington vs. Panthers EARLY Prediction: Panthers 27, Washington 20
Indianapolis Colts at Buffalo Bills (-6.5)
This game will reveal a lot about these two teams. No team has benefited more than the Bills from a weak schedule, but the Colts are lacking victories against any teams of substance. The winner of this game will be in a strong position to make a second-half run, but the loser will be left with some pressing questions to answer.
Buffalo’s defense should be the difference here. They have been strong against both the run and pass. However, the only team they have faced as balanced as the Colts is the Titans, which is one of their three losses. The lean is to the Bills straight up, but the Colts have a great chance to cover and potentially spring the upset.
Colts vs. Bills EARLY Prediction: Bills 26, Colts 17
Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns (-10)
The Lions threw everything at the Steelers in Week 10, and while a tie will feel like a failure, it is a sign of progress. Without knowing who will be under center for the Browns this week, it is hard to foresee them winning by more than 10 points. Cleveland should come out on top, but by a 3-7 point margin most likely.
Lions vs. Browns EARLY Prediction: Browns 24, Lions 20
San Francisco 49ers (-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars
This line moved once we saw the Monday Night Football result, but the Jaguars look like an intriguing bet to cover the spread for now. The 49ers are traveling across the country on a short week for an early kickoff.
While there is limited evidence that West Coast teams really struggle with the early kickoff, there are many factors against them when facing a Jaguars team showing a lot of fight right now. San Francisco should be too talented, but it’s hard to ignore the potential upset. I would pass for now on this one.
49ers vs. Jaguars EARLY Prediction: Jaguars 28, 49ers 21
Green Bay Packers (-2.5) at Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota’s offense will be the key to this game. Green Bay has been incredible defensively the last two weeks, but their offense is struggling. If the Vikings can crack open the Packers’ defense, they have a great chance to raise some questions about the direction of the NFC North. The Packers have been susceptible to the run game, and Dalvin Cook has had success against them before.
Packers vs. Vikings Prediction: Vikings 24, Packers 21
