Another interesting week in the NFL as some teams that looked down and out got right and others continued to swoon.
The relative unpredictability (meaning, good teams that fell on their faces) meant that it was a hard week to pick and my picks stunk. I batted .500 this week, which is not especially great straight up. I banked on teams like Chicago and Minnesota winning (oops), as well as Philadelphia and the Jets. So there was plenty of disappointment to go around.
Still, I'm thankful for football, even when it infuriates me. And Red Zone.
And the internet.
Here are the Rankings for Week 11:
1.) New England (10-0) [no change]
Not exactly the most aesthetically pleasing game, but a win nonetheless. I think we'll be hearing the word "attrition" a lot in the next few weeks regarding the Patriots. The injuries are mounting to such a degree that they'll probably get knocked off by someone...I just have no idea who will do it. Then again, the more likely scenario is that they circle the wagons and Brady leads them to the playoffs unscathed.
Next opponent: at Denver (11/29)
2.) Carolina (10-0) [no change]
Previously, the Panthers had one statement win. They went into Seattle and took a game right out of the Seahawks' hands with a Newton TD pass to Greg Olsen. They had another statement win on Sunday, where Newton threw for five TD's. Not only did the team record improve, but Newton's MVP candidacy took a great leap forward. No matter what, if a team finishes undefeated, their QB is getting the MVP. That seems self-evident. The Panthers now head to Dallas for Thanksgiving.
Next opponent: at Dallas (11/26)
3.) Arizona (8-2) [+2]
It's possible to argue that referee intervention was the main reason for the Cardinals winning Sunday night. Then again, they play in an indoor stadium (despite having the roof open) and their kicker would probably have made the field goal no matter where the ball was snapped. Palmer is likely an MVP candidate; he showed as much on the last drive to get into field goal range. If he doesn't go bombs away (and succeed), they don't win.
Next opponent: at San Francisco (11/29)
4.) Denver (8-2) [+2]
It's easy to write off a team going with their back-up QB due to injury. I made that mistake and watched as Brock Osweiler led the Broncos to victory. Might it have something to do with a missed 2-point conversion late for Chicago? Sure, but the fact the Broncos were even in that position late is something of a miracle. Osweiler had been unimpressive in the playing time he had gotten previously, such that I had virtually no confidence in his ability to win games. Suffice it to say that he'll be in for a tougher test this week.
Next opponent: vs. New England (11/29)
5.) Cincinnati (8-2) [-2]
Two losses in a row and the Bengals are looking vulnerable. That's what happens when prime-time games are on the schedule, though they did look better than expected in Arizona. Still, with only one team to be concerned about, the path to the playoffs is relatively secure.
Next opponent: vs. St. Louis (11/29)
6.) Green Bay (7-3) [+2]
A convincing end to the swoon. After three straight losses, two relatively expected and one completely baffling, Rodgers got right against an overrated Minnesota team and the Packers look like they're back in the driver's seat. They are one of the teams playing on Thanksgiving.
Next opponent: vs. Chicago (11/26)
7.) Pittsburgh (6-4) [no change]
Good time for a bye with Roethlisberger on the mend. Probably not a factor in the division at this point, but with Cincy losing a couple of games and looking vulnerable, you never really know. Am I giving them more of a shot than Minnesota in the other conference's North division? Yes, obviously! Roethlisberger is much better than Bridgewater.
Next opponent: at Seattle (11/29)
8.) Minnesota (7-3) [-2]
I had my doubts about the Vikings; even with a five-game winning streak, I still remembered what had happened in Week 1. They went to SF and played like garbage, losing badly. They lost similarly against Green Bay, this time at home. Are they a contender? As of this week, I would say no. They would have to beat Green Bay in Lambeau to have a solid shot at winning the division, and I don't see that happening.
Next opponent: at Atlanta (11/29)
9.) Atlanta (6-4) [no change]
The swoon continues. Matt Ryan threw three INT's and the Falcons lost to Indy without starting QB Andrew Luck. Say what? I may be stretching the definition of "good" by including Atlanta in with the rest of this group, but they still have a winning record as of now. They're sinking fast, without a doubt. But right now, they are good, as opposed to most of the league.
Next opponent: vs. Minnesota (11/29)
10.) Seattle (5-5) [-]
There are nine teams with winning records. So that leaves a spot open for one of the many mediocre (or worse) teams in the league. The best of those teams would appear to be Seattle this week. We'll see how it goes. Does Seattle have a chance to do anything in the playoffs? They'll most likely have to be a Wild Card, but that's no problem for good teams.
Next opponent: vs. Pittsburgh (11/29)
That's all for this week. See you next week.
