Identifying the strongest candidates to catch our attention is quite difficult, as only one other game on Sunday – the Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers – pits two winning teams against one another. But after last week yielded thrilling finishes from the Chiefs, Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers, among others, there are sure to be more twists that leave people with plenty to talk about on Monday.
Here are bold predictions for Week 11 from USA TODAY Sports’ NFL writers and editors:
Jared Goff won’t throw an interception – but will connect on a TD pass to Amon-Ra St. Brown
After throwing a career-high five interceptions (and surviving) at Houston on Sunday night, expect a big comeback game from the Detroit Lions quarterback for at least a couple of reasons. Hey, the Jacksonville Jaguars are coming to the Motor City, and they will bring the NFL’s worst-ranked defense while being positioned in the bottom quartile in the league for interceptions with, well, five picks. Then consider that Goff’s goofs against the Texans were so out of character. It wasn’t too long ago (Week 4) when he set an NFL record by going 18-for-18 against Seattle. And in 2023, he was in range of the NFL record with a streak of 383 passes without a pick. Until the disaster started striking in the Lone Star State, Goff had gone, well, five games and 114 consecutive passes without an INT. At one point during his meltdown, Goff took a seat on the bench and buried his face in a ballcap.
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But at least he left the place as a winner – and became the first Lions QB in 60 years to win a game after throwing five interceptions (Frank Sinkwich, 6). It was a testament to Detroit’s balanced supporting cast and prowess while currently positioned as the No. 1 seed in the NFC. So, back on his turf inside the friendly confines of Ford Field, Goff will enjoy his comfort zone and get right back on track. And this will include finding another pay dirt strike to sensational receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, who has notched a TD catch in seven straight games and until last weekend had hauled in 30 consecutive receptions on throws from Goff.
— Jarrett Bell
Two premier AFC matchups decided by combined two points
Give the script writers some serious props if this one actually comes true. Both afternoon slots offer intriguing AFC matchups: Baltimore at Pittsburgh early, and Kansas City at Buffalo late. Both games will deliver in terms of being fun watches and close finishes – and both will be decided by a single point. With both games airing on CBS, parent company paramount must be salivating.
Last week, the Bengals-Ravens duel was decided by a point and the Steelers defeated the Commanders by a score. Anytime the Bills and Chiefs play the game seems to come down to whether Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes has the ball last (somehow, it always feels like it’s Mahomes). That these games are close is not a bold prediction. The margin is the audacity, and it’s symbolic of how crowded the top of the AFC is in 2024.
— Chris Bumbaca
SoFi Stadium will host a de facto playoff game Sunday night
As we creep toward Thanksgiving, the weekly evolution of the NFL’s playoff picture has begun to prominently resurface. This weekend’s game between the Cincinnati Bengals (4-6) and Los Angeles Chargers (6-3) was appealing enough to be flexed into the ‘Sunday Night Football’ slot and will carry weighty postseason ramifications – so much so, I’d wager (a small amount) that the winner will wind up with a wild-card berth. Both squads are playing fairly well, however each is something of a long shot at this point for a division title. The Bolts currently hold the conference’s sixth seed and have a decent margin for error yet are about to enter a much more difficult segment of their schedule – which will include hosting another prime-time game against the Ravens in Week 12. Cincinnati had won four of six before losing Thursday’s heartbreaker at Baltimore. Still, this team can score with the best of ’em and might even hit another gear when LT Orlando Brown Jr. and WR Tee Higgins get back on the field. A win Sunday followed by a much-needed bye week should set QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals up for one of their patented closing kicks.
— Nate Davis
Bengals break Chargers’ 20 points or less streak, but LA survives in prime time
The Chargers are the fourth team since 1990 to allow 20 points or less in each of their first nine games of a season. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has the No. 1 scoring defense in the NFL. However, except for Patrick Mahomes and Kyler Murray, the Chargers defense has faced average or below average quarterbacks. The Chargers’ streak of allowing 20 points or less will end Sunday night at the hands of Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and the Bengals. Burrow leads the NFL in passing yards, while Chase tops the league in receiving yards. Burrow will throw for over 250 yards and Chase will have a receiving touchdown. But the Chargers will still hold on to win, 23-22, thanks to a game-winning drive by Justin Herbert. The victory will give Herbert a 2-0 career record vs. his 2020 QB draft classmate.
— Tyler Dragon
Patriots put Rams’ playoff hopes on life support
This hardly qualifies as a marquee matchup, but I’m the only one who picked New England to beat Los Angeles, so an explanation is warranted. The Patriots surely haven’t found a cure for all their ills just by handling the struggling New York Jets and Chicago Bears. But between an improving defense and Drake Maye finding enough of a spark to invigorate a previously lifeless offense, Jerod Mayo and Co. might have enough in the tank to claim their third win in four weeks. The Rams, meanwhile, can’t seem to put piece together the puzzle that is their offensive line and protection plan for Matthew Stafford. If they can’t solve it Sunday, their season might be beyond saving, as there’s little chance that a 4-6 group could leapfrog the likes of the Green Bay Packers, Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers in the race for an NFC wild-card spot.
— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz
