NFL Week 11 Picks: Bills Shock Undefeated Chiefs, Ravens Edge Steelers, Eagles Top Commanders
Week 11 of the NFL season promises excitement as playoff races tighten and marquee matchups headline the schedule. With the Kansas City Chiefs riding an undefeated streak, the Buffalo Bills look to play spoiler, while divisional battles like Ravens vs. Steelers and Eagles vs. Commanders carry significant implications. Here’s an in-depth look at the games, expert picks, and score predictions.
Buffalo Bills (6-4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (10-0)
Prediction: Bills 31, Chiefs 28
The Chiefs enter Week 11 as the NFL’s only undefeated team, led by MVP frontrunner Patrick Mahomes and a defense that has consistently delivered clutch performances. However, the Bills are desperate to stay in the playoff hunt, and this matchup presents a golden opportunity for Buffalo to make a statement.
Keys to the Game:
- Bills: Josh Allen needs to play mistake-free football while taking advantage of the Chiefs’ aggressive secondary with deep shots to Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. The defense, led by Von Miller and Tre’Davious White, must contain Mahomes and disrupt his rhythm.
- Chiefs: Kansas City must protect Mahomes against a formidable pass rush while exploiting mismatches with Travis Kelce and their speedy wideouts.
Buffalo’s defense will step up late in the game, forcing a critical turnover that allows Allen to orchestrate a game-winning drive. In what could be the most thrilling game of the week, the Bills hand Kansas City its first loss of the season.
Baltimore Ravens (8-2) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4)
Prediction: Ravens 20, Steelers 17
One of the NFL’s fiercest rivalries returns as the Ravens visit the Steelers in a game with AFC North implications. Baltimore has been rolling behind Lamar Jackson’s stellar play and a dominant rushing attack, while the Steelers have leaned on a stout defense and timely offensive contributions to stay in contention.
Keys to the Game:
- Ravens: Control time of possession with their ground game and force Kenny Pickett into uncomfortable situations.
- Steelers: Pressure Jackson into mistakes and capitalize on turnovers with short fields.
In a defensive slugfest, Justin Tucker’s leg proves to be the difference as the Ravens grind out a narrow victory, solidifying their spot atop the division.
Philadelphia Eagles (9-1) vs. Washington Commanders (5-5)
Prediction: Eagles 27, Commanders 21
The Eagles rebounded from their first loss with a convincing win last week, and now they face a Commanders team still in the thick of the NFC playoff race. Philadelphia’s offense, powered by Jalen Hurts and a dynamic rushing attack, has been a nightmare for defenses. Meanwhile, Washington will look to rookie Jayden Daniels to lead the charge against one of the league’s top teams.
Keys to the Game:
- Eagles: Control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball and force Daniels to win through the air.
- Commanders: Limit Hurts’ effectiveness as a runner and hit on big plays to Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.
The Commanders keep it close early, but the Eagles’ superior talent and experience pull through in the second half as they secure their 10th win of the season.
San Francisco 49ers (7-3) vs. Seattle Seahawks (5-5)
Prediction: 49ers 28, Seahawks 24
The 49ers have emerged as one of the NFC’s top contenders, thanks to their balanced attack and suffocating defense. Brock Purdy continues to impress as the team’s quarterback, while Christian McCaffrey is a game-changer. The Seahawks, however, are fighting to stay alive in the playoff race and will lean on Geno Smith to deliver in a critical divisional showdown.
Keys to the Game:
- 49ers: Dominate the trenches and limit big plays from DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.
- Seahawks: Protect Smith and establish Kenneth Walker III on the ground to keep the 49ers’ defense honest.
Seattle puts up a valiant effort at home, but San Francisco’s depth and playmaking on both sides of the ball ultimately prevail.
Miami Dolphins (7-3) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (4-6)
Prediction: Dolphins 35, Raiders 17
The Dolphins, led by Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, boast one of the league’s most explosive offenses and are eager to rebound from a disappointing Week 10 loss. Meanwhile, the Raiders have shown flashes of potential but remain inconsistent on both sides of the ball.
Keys to the Game:
- Dolphins: Attack the Raiders’ secondary early and often while applying pressure on rookie quarterback Aidan O’Connell.
- Raiders: Slow down Miami’s offense by controlling the clock with Josh Jacobs and forcing turnovers.
Miami overwhelms Las Vegas with their speed and precision, cruising to a dominant win that keeps them firmly in the playoff picture.
Dallas Cowboys (6-4) vs. New York Giants (3-7)
Prediction: Cowboys 30, Giants 14
The Cowboys are looking to bounce back after a frustrating loss, and a matchup against the struggling Giants is just what they need. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have been in sync all season, while the defense, anchored by Micah Parsons, remains one of the league’s best.
Keys to the Game:
- Cowboys: Establish the run to open up play-action opportunities and stifle the Giants’ offense.
- Giants: Protect Daniel Jones and exploit Dallas’s secondary with creative play designs.
Dallas dominates from start to finish, using a balanced attack to secure a convincing victory and maintain their playoff aspirations.
New York Jets (5-5) vs. New England Patriots (4-6)
Prediction: Jets 16, Patriots 13
This AFC East clash is a battle of two teams clinging to faint playoff hopes. The Jets’ defense has been their calling card, while the Patriots continue to search for consistency on offense.
Keys to the Game:
- Jets: Pressure Mac Jones into mistakes and rely on Breece Hall to carry the load offensively.
- Patriots: Limit turnovers and capitalize on red zone opportunities.
In a low-scoring affair, the Jets’ defense forces a late turnover to set up the game-winning field goal, keeping their slim postseason hopes alive.
Other Notable Predictions:
- Detroit Lions 27, Chicago Bears 21: Jared Goff and the Lions survive a scrappy effort from Justin Fields and the Bears.
- Tennessee Titans 24, Houston Texans 20: Derrick Henry powers the Titans to a much-needed divisional win.
- Cincinnati Bengals 31, Cleveland Browns 24: Joe Burrow leads the Bengals to a critical victory in the AFC North race.
Week 11: Shaping the Playoff Picture
Week 11 is a pivotal moment in the NFL season, with playoff implications in nearly every game. The Bills’ upset of the undefeated Chiefs could shake up the AFC race, while divisional battles like Ravens vs. Steelers and Eagles vs. Commanders will shape the postseason landscape.
As the season enters its final stretch, expect high stakes, dramatic finishes, and unforgettable moments in what promises to be a thrilling week of football.