Ryan’s NFL Picks (2020): Week Eleven

So a quick disclaimer, my counting was off a week ago, and I said I went 9-4, when I actually went 10-4. I drove myself crazy trying to figure out how there were only 13 games in week nine.

Overall Record: 92-56
Record: 9-5

Ryan’s NFL Picks (2020): Week Eleven

Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks: Arizona Cardinals

This one hurts my heart because I went to bat for Seattle and Russell Wilson all year long. But sadly, injuries on both sides of the ball and the perennial incompetency of Ken Norton Jr. have hindered their hopes. I still think Seattle will be dangerous in January, but four Buffalo Bills in the endzone couldn’t stop Arizona right now, so I’m not optimistic about Seattle’s chances.

Cincinnati Bengals @ Washington Football Team: Washington Football Team

The Bengals can’t protect their quarterback, but they’re still going to make him drop back sixty times against Washington’s defensive front. Alex Smith played some pretty decent football a week ago, and I hope he can keep it going in week 11.

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints: New Orleans Saints

Even without Drew Brees, the Saints offense is dangerous, and for the life of me, I’ll never be able to figure out why it is that nobody ever “Matt Cassel’s” the Saints production when Brees is out. Oh well.

The Saints win without missing a step, keeping Tampa Bay socially distanced.

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Jacksonville Jaguars: Pittsburgh Steelers

At this point, it would be detrimental for the Jaguars to win this game, even if there was something of a rivalry brewing between these two just three short seasons ago.

New England Patriots @ Houston Texans: New England Patriots

Could this be Josh McDaniels visiting his next coaching opportunity? For Deshaun Watson’s sake, I hope not. But the Patriots are starting to find their footing, and a wildcard spot isn’t out of the picture. Meanwhile the Texans are just a trainwreck without a conductor at this point. At what point should Watson consider shutting himself down so he can be healthy when this team has a prayer of winning?

Philadelphia Eagles @ Cleveland Browns: Cleveland Browns

Carson Wentz, in the middle of the worst year of his career so far, in Cleveland’s terrible weather, against Myles Garrett? Just sit back and watch the Browns run wild (literally).

Detroit Lions @ Carolina Panthers: Carolina Panthers

I don’t trust or understand either of these teams, but I guess I’m going to side with the Panthers because they’re a little more consistent on both sides of the ball. The Lions barely staved off the Washington Football Team a week ago, as dysfunctional as that team is.

Tennessee Titans @ Baltimore Ravens: Tennessee Titans

Phew. This is a tough one. It could really go either way, and if there were more fans at M&T Bank, I think I’d go the other way. But the Ravens are coming off a slightly shorter week and a loss while the Titans at least got to rest after the Colts beat them down.

New York Jets @ Los Angeles Chargers: Los Angeles Chargers

The Jets could actually win that one, and that says everything about how I perceive the Los Angeles Chargers. Barring a hilarious meltdown, the Chargers should run away with this one.

Miami Dolphins @ Denver Broncos: Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins are red hot right now, and the Broncos were just thoroughly beaten down by their division rivals, the Las Vegas Raiders. Tua and company run wild.

Dallas Cowboys @ Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota Vikings

I don’t care if it’s Andy Dalton, Andy Reid, or Andy from The Office, the Vikings are gonna run all over Dallas, figuratively and literally.

Green Bay Packers @ Indianapolis Colts: Green Bay Packers

This could be a trap game for the Packers. They seem like such an obvious favorite that they could underestimate the talented Indy defense. I’m still picking Green Bay, but I wouldn’t be surprised.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders: Kansas City Chiefs

I wanted to pick my Raiders so bad. I love them and I think they’re going to make the playoffs, and they’re at home, AND THEY’VE ALREADY BEATEN KANSAS CITY…

But part of me doesn’t wonder if the Chiefs overlooked the Raiders before. If they didn’t come in thinking it was a gimme win, and if Reid didn’t take it easy on his buddy, Jon Gruden.

Now, it’s coming off a bye, the Chiefs are red hot, I don’t know, I can’t be professional and pick the Raiders pretending it’s what I think is going to happen.

Los Angeles Rams @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Los Angeles Rams

I don’t know about you, but I haven’t seen the Buccaneers really show up versus good teams. There’s a three-way race for number one in the NFC West, and I’m just not sold on Tampa Bay being able to upset a Rams team that’s playing hungry.