Week 11 NFL Picks: Will Bills Hand Chiefs First Loss? Ravens or Steelers in Fight for AFC North Supremacy?
As the NFL season nears its halfway point, Week 11 offers several intriguing matchups that could have major implications for the playoff race. Two of the league’s most dominant teams, the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs, face off in a highly anticipated showdown, while the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers battle for supremacy in the AFC North.
Buffalo Bills (8-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (8-2)
The Bills travel to Kansas City for a pivotal matchup that could determine the top seed in the AFC. Buffalo has been unstoppable offensively, averaging a league-leading 33.2 points per game. Quarterback Josh Allen is playing at an MVP level, throwing for 2,732 yards and 25 touchdowns with just three interceptions. The Bills’ high-powered offense is complemented by a stout defense that ranks fifth in the NFL in points allowed (19.0 per game).
The Chiefs, meanwhile, have struggled to find their rhythm offensively in recent weeks. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes has thrown for 2,726 yards and 25 touchdowns but has also been intercepted 10 times. The Chiefs’ defense has also been inconsistent, allowing over 25 points in three of their last five games. However, Kansas City has a proven track record of success at home, where they have won 27 of their last 30 regular season games.
Prediction: Bills 30, Chiefs 27
Baltimore Ravens (6-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-5)
The Ravens and Steelers meet in a crucial AFC North showdown with both teams looking to stay in the playoff hunt. Baltimore has won four of its last five games and is tied with Cincinnati for the division lead. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been a dynamic force, rushing for 648 yards and nine touchdowns while also passing for 1,770 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Ravens’ defense has also been opportunistic, forcing 10 turnovers in their last four games.
The Steelers have struggled to find consistency this season but remain a dangerous team. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is nearing the end of his Hall of Fame career and has shown signs of decline. However, he still has the ability to make big plays, as evidenced by his performance in a Week 8 victory over the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers’ defense has been solid this season, allowing just 21.2 points per game, but they will have their hands full trying to contain Jackson and the Ravens’ offense.
Prediction: Ravens 24, Steelers 17
Other Notable Matchups
In addition to the Bills-Chiefs and Ravens-Steelers matchups, Week 11 features several other intriguing games:
- Green Bay Packers (8-2) at Minnesota Vikings (4-5): The Packers look to stay atop the NFC North when they travel to Minnesota to face the Vikings. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is seeking his 10th career victory over the Vikings, who have lost four of their last five games.
- Los Angeles Rams (7-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3): The Rams and Buccaneers meet in a battle of two of the league’s most talented offenses. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp have been unstoppable for the Rams, while quarterback Tom Brady and wide receiver Mike Evans have been equally impressive for the Buccaneers.
- New England Patriots (6-4) at Atlanta Falcons (4-5): The Patriots look to extend their winning streak to four games when they travel to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Quarterback Mac Jones has been efficient for the Patriots, while quarterback Matt Ryan has struggled for the Falcons.
- Las Vegas Raiders (5-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-4): The Raiders and Bengals meet in a crucial AFC West matchup. Quarterback Derek Carr has been solid for the Raiders, while quarterback Joe Burrow has been inconsistent for the Bengals.
Week 11 of the NFL season promises to be full of excitement and drama. With several key matchups on the schedule, the playoff race is sure to heat up even further.