NBC Sports Philadelphia's Derrick Gunn gives predictions for his top-five Week 11 games of the NFL season.
Packers at Seahawks (Thursday, 8:20 p.m., FOX/NFL) Many expected the Packers and Seahawks to be battling for their division leads, not struggling to stay afloat. The loser of this one will be in a real hole they may not be able to climb out of. They've had some memorable battles in the past. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson have both won a Super Bowl. The Packers found their run game against the Dolphins, and are in a four-way tie for the QB sack lead with 31. The Hawks' D gives up over four yards per carry, but they also lead the league in rushing with 152.2 yards per carry. Should be another interesting showdown. A-Rod's fourth-quarter magic will be the difference.
Texans at Redskins (1 p.m., CBS)
The 'Skins' offense, plagued with injuries, struggled but survived against the Bucs. Now they return home to face a hot Texans squad that's won six in a row and coming off a bye. The 'Skins will find the sledding tough running against a Houston defense that gives up 92.9 yards per outing. Washington's defense gave up 501 yards of offense to Tampa, but they are an opportunistic bunch. The 'Skins had four takeaways, and overall Washington is plus-11 in turnover differential. The Texans lost WR Will Fuller for the season, but added former Bronco Demaryius Thomas. Beating Tampa Bay is one thing, but the 'Skins will stumble against Texans.
Bengals at Ravens (1 p.m., CBS)
These two teams have several things in common. Both are in the AFC North. Both are struggling, and both are watching the Steelers run away with the division. The Bengals hope to overcome the 51-14 whipping they took from the Saints. It was so bad that on Monday Cincy fired its defensive coordinator, Teryl Austin. Head coach Marvin Lewis takes over the defensive calls. The Ravens are well rested off a bye, but will the time away help turn their season around. Joe Flacco is dealing with a hip injury. If he can't go, it's Lamar Jackson time. AJ Green is still dealing with a toe issue. This one is a toss up, but for me the coin lands on the Ravens winning.
Vikings at Bears (8:20 p.m., NBC)
The Bears, not the Vikings or Packers, have been the talk of the NFC North. Head coach Matt Nagy has done wonders with QB Mitchell Trubisky (65.5 completion percentage, 19 touchdowns, 101.6 QB rating). The Bears have won three in a row, but the wins have come against the Jets, Bills, and Lions, so how good are they? The Bears have the fourth-ranked defense. The Vikings' D is ranked fifth. Kirk Cousins has done a great job of taking care of the ball (only five interceptions). The Vikings' offense better protect the ball, because the Bears' D leads the league in interceptions (16), and ranks second in forcing turnovers (24). The division-leading Bears are stepping way up in competition against a Vikings team coming off a bye. Chi-town has to show me before I believe in them. The Vikings get the edge.
Chiefs at Rams (Monday, 8:15 p.m., ESPN)
Thank you football gods for this Monday night matchup that was supposed to be played in Mexico City. Because the field was in such terrible condition, the game was moved to Los Angeles. The points could come fast and furious. The Chiefs are the second-highest scoring team in the league (35.3 points per game), and the Rams are third (33.5). You want speed? Both teams have it. Tyreek Hill and Brandin Cooks. You want power running? Both have it. Todd Gurley and Kareem Hunt. You want pass rushers? Aaron Donald and Dee Ford. And both are 9-1. Can't wait to see this one unfold. Anything could happen. Expect the unexpected. Too tough to call, but if I'm forced to, I have Rams by the slimmest of margins.
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