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- Week 11 Predictions: Bye's Gone

Chris Pokorny November 20, 2004
Chris Pokorny
PFC Owner & Writer

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Week 11 of the NFL is here, and this week features a lot of low-marquee match-up games, as the bye weeks are no more. None of the games seem to stand out like Minnesota vs. Green Bay this week. That means a lot of the games could be very close this week, making picks especially tough. Here we go...

Game of the Week
Indianapolis vs. Chicago
Honestly, I think I forgot what an Indianapolis game is like when Peyton Manning struggles. I'm so used to seeing him toss for about four touchdowns a game. The Bears defense is good, but I don't really think it matters what you throw at Manning. The Bears have still not been doing anything offensively, but find themselves one game out of the division lead. Both teams are on a roll, but I'll take Manning to get closer to Marino's record.

Non-Upset of the Week
Pittsburgh vs. Cincinnati
Last year, Chad Johnson said the Bengals would end the Chiefs big winning streak, and they did. Now Johnson has opened up his mouth about the Steelers, but I don't see the Bengals pulling off any upset here. The Chiefs didn't have a defense last year. The Steelers have a defense and offense, both of which have been outstanding. I don't see Carson Palmer picking apart the blitzes.

Must-Win Games
Arizona vs. Carolina
This is a must win for the Cardinals if they want to make the playoffs this year. Carolina is obviously depleted from their injuries, so Arizona can easily take advantage of that. The Panthers had an offensive explosion last week, but do you really think that will happen again?

Atlanta vs. New York Giants
The Giants really need this game, or they will fall behind in the wildcard race. Eli Manning is there only hope to stay alive this season, so if he lays an egg, the Giants will be looking towards next year. The Falcons shouldn't be a 7-2 team, but they play in a weak division at the moment. I'll take the Giants to win a close one.

In The Bag Games
Miami vs. Seattle
The Dolphins are still the same team as they were before the bye week. The only thing they have is that they can play a rare sleeper, like they did when they beat the Rams. I don't see that happening again. If Hasselbeck can't go, Dilfer should get a good day to start. The Dolphins defense is good though, but Feely probably won't have a lot of success.

Dallas vs. Baltimore
If Dallas couldn't get it done against the Bengals defense or the Eagles, they have almost no chance against the Ravens. Kyle Boller may be able to have his best day as a pro if the Cowboys play like they have the past two weeks.

Washington vs. Philadelphia
Although the Eagles seem to have home field advantage locked up, they need to win them all in case the Falcons hang tight. The Eagles should have no problem at home against the Redskins, and Terrell Owens should have another big day.

The Struggle Game
New York Jets vs. Cleveland
Although Quincy Carter played ok last week, he is known for his up and down games. The Browns have lost three in a row, but will finally face a team that is going downhill right now. This game could go either way, but I'll say a Quincy Carter mistake costs the Jets a chance at winning.

The Rest of the Week...
St. Louis vs. Buffalo
The Bills chances at the playoffs were pretty much shot last week with the loss to New England, but they can easily stay in this game against the Rams. St. Louis is coming off of a strong win against the Seahawks, and are running the football well again.

Tennessee vs. Jacksonville
Steve McNair's status is unsure right now, but I am making this pick assuming that he will play finally. The Jaguars had a great win against the Lions last week, while the Titans had a disappointing game. I see the Titans coming out with a lot of energy and forcing Garrard to make some bad plays.

Denver vs. New Orleans
I don't know how the Saints defense did enough to beat the Chiefs last week, but they did. The Bronco's defense is much better, and their offense has been clicking the past few weeks. Despite being on the road, the Bronco's should dominate this game and get the win.

San Francisco vs. Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers played tough against the Falcons, and can't have a letdown this week. Tampa Bay should be able to have no problem against the 49'ers on both sides of the ball.

San Diego vs. Oakland
The Chargers just came off a bye week, but they should be able to blow this game open unless they have some major rust. Oakland is not a good team this year, and the Chargers need to solidify themselves as a playoff contender.

Green Bay vs. Houston
The Packers have won four in a row to take the division lead, and they don't want to look back. After starting the season well, the Texans have been exposed to their weaknesses the past few weeks. Favre and the Packers should be able to win big.

Detroit vs. Minnesota
The Vikings have gone on a slide, but should and need to beat the Lions. If they can't win here, they will find themselves in third or fourth place in their division, though still in it if Randy Moss ever returns.

New England vs. Kansas City
If Kansas City had beaten the Saints last week, I may pick them for the upset here. But by them losing, it brought me to reality again of how the Chiefs play incomplete games this year. New England's gameplan is so good every game, and won't be upset on Monday Night.

Last Week's Record: 6-8
Season Record: 79-65
Current Survivor Winning Streak: 3 games.
Survivor History:10 games(Tennessee over Miami in week one, New England over Arizona in week two, Seattle over San Francisco in week three, New England over Buffalo in week four, Indianapolis over Oakland in week five, Philadelphia over Carolina in week six, Denver over Cincinnati in week seven(lost), Seattle over Carolina in week eight, Seattle over San Francisco in week nine, New England over Buffalo in week ten.)

I usually pick better when the bye weeks are gone, but there were some tough games this week. For my survivor pick, I'm taking the Philadelphia Eagles to beat the Washington Redskins.

That's it for this weeks picks. Here's hoping to a fun NFL week...

-Chris Pokorny


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