There are two huge games and both will be televised nationally in "prime time" as the Denver Broncos (8-1) host the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) on NBC-TV's Sunday Night Football while the red-hot Carolina Panthers (6-3), winners of five straight games and fresh off their road victory against the mighty San Francisco 49ers last week, take on the visiting New England Patriots (7-2) on Monday Night Football on ESPN.These games will go a long way in helping to determine the playoff pictures in both conferences.
The Broncos are leading the NFL is scoring while Kansas City boasts the league's top defense in the scoring category. Meanwhile, the Patriots have been surging on offense after getting tight end Rob Gronkowski back a few weeks ago and posted their highest output of the season two weeks ago in a 55-31 blowout win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Panthers limited the 49ers to under 200 yards of total offense last week and sacked agile quarterback Colin Kaepernick six times in the 10-9 win, which was not only their fifth in a row, but first against a true "powerhouse" type team. In addition, Carolina is second (to Kansas City) in the NFL in scoring defense through the first nine games.
There are other games with big impact on the league's playoff picture entering Week Eleven, including the Chicago Bears (5-4) hosting the Baltimore Ravens (4-5) and the San Diego Chargers (4-5) playing at the Miami Dolphins (also 4-5) while the Philadelphia Eagles (5-5) host the Washington Redskins (3-6) in a big NFC East battle.
Another team from the NFC East, the New York Giants (3-6) face the visiting Green Bay Packers (5-4) who have lost two in a row following the injury to All-Pro QB Aaron Rodgers. The Giants have been hot, winning three straight and getting right back into the thick of the NFC East race.
And of course, let's not forget Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, who put up a ridiculous 600 plus yards against Dallas in a 49-17 thrashing last week, facing the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Dome in the late afternoon featured NFC game. Unlike The Dallas Cowboys, the 'Niners play solid defense and this one should live up to the billing.
The following capsule previews breaks down the action this week and as always, the Heftyinfo picks for the week's games are on tap.
(Dallas and St. Louis have the Bye Week)
Indianapolis (6-3) at Tennessee (4-5) - The Titans blew a huge opportunity last week losing to Jacksonville. Meanwhile, the Colts were crushed (at home) by St. Louis. Go figure!
NY Jets (5-4) at Buffalo (3-7) - The Jets are riding high while the Bills are already playing out the string. But, watch out because that makes the Bills dangerous.
Baltimore (4-5) at Chicago (5-4) - This game could very well go down to the wire.
Cleveland (4-5) at Cincinnati (6-4) - If the Browns want to be considered serious playoff contenders ... this is their game to prove it.
Atlanta (2-7) at Tampa Bay (1-8) - Can the Buccaneers win two in a row? It's possible because the Falcons stink this season.
Arizona (5-4) at Jacksonville (1-8) - Can the Jaguars win two in a row? Nope!
Oakland (3-6) at Houston (2-7) - The Texans are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak and the Raiders should be just the tonic.
San Diego (4-5) at Miami (4-5) - Philip Rivers and company are due for a big game win. This very well could be the week.
Washington (3-6) at Philadelphia (5-5) - The league's most over-hyped QB (RG3) against the league's hottest QB (Nick Foles) in the past two games. Something has to give.
Detroit (6-3) at Pittsburgh (3-6) - Upset Alert! The Steelers are still in wild card playoff contention and the Lions are looking like the team to beat in the rugged NFC North ... Take the Steelers!
Green Bay (5-4) at NY Giants (3-6) - The Packers are hurting without Aaron Rodgers and the Giants are starting to get their mojo back.
Minnesota (2-7) at Seattle (9-1) - The Seahawks have the chance to become the league's first double-digit win team in 2013.
San Francisco (6-3) at New Orleans (7-2) - The Saints do not lose in the Dome. The 49ers are tough and should keep it close.
Kansas City (9-0) at Denver (8-1) - Peyton Manning and the Broncos will not allow the Chiefs to have their way in the Mile High City.
New England (7-2) at Carolina (6-3) - After last week's MNF stinker game, two solid teams go at it in "prime time" on ESPN. Should be a great game.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Eleven . . . . . (Home teams are listed in BOLD; Lock of the Week pick is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Indianapolis over Tennessee
Buffalo over NY Jets
Chicago over Baltimore
Cincinnati over Cleveland
Tampa Bay over Atlanta
Arizona over Jacksonville
Houston over Oakland
San Diego over Miami
Philadelphia over Washington
Pittsburgh over Detroit
NY Giants over Green Bay
Seattle over Minnesota
New Orleans over San Francisco
DENVER over Kansas City
Carolina over New England
Last Week's Record: 9-5
SEASON RECORD: 90-57
Lock of the Week Record: 8-2
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