On Sundays in November...some guys never go out of style...

Week 11 NFL Preview

In honor of the Patriots' visit to the sacred turf of Lambeau Field, it is with great hope that the Ghost of a certain Vincent T. Lombardi will manifest himself, prowling the Packers' sideline, exhorting his players to excellence and screaming at the referees.


At Kansas City -9.5 Oakland 36

Maybe Trent Green starts on Sunday, maybe not. What the Chiefs need is a first rate performance from the offense after last week’s sorry play in Miami. Meanwhile the woeful Black N’ Silver gave Denver a run for their money last time out. Maybe 9 ½ ‘s a bit strong, but after last week, somebody’s gotta take a chance.

Projected Final Score: Kansas City 23, Oakland 14.


Indianapolis -1 At Dallas 48.5

Is this the week when Indy’s bubble bursts? Dallas will run the ball down Indy’s throat, just like Denver did a couple of weeks ago. Doomsday D isn’t quite what it used to be, but they’re pretty healthy as opposed to Indy. Goin’ for the upset here:

Projected Final Score: Dallas 33, Indianapolis 30

At New Orleans -3.5 Cincinnati 51

Both teams lost last week, but the Bengals’ defensive collapse was staggering. Both teams can score, for certain, but after last week, it’s entirely reasonable to suggest that the Bengals are just playing for pride (if there’s any left)…this is a game that the Saints need to win.

Projected Final Score: New Orleans 31, Cincinnati 27.

Pittsburgh -3.5 At Cleveland 37.5

Gotta give the Steelers some credit, if they’re on the way down, it ain’t gonna be without a fight. In the latest go ‘round of Rust Belt rivals, Cleveland has to feel optimistic after winning in Atlanta. The Steelers’ running game will enjoy some success as will Cleveland’s passing attack.
In an upset, look for Cleveland to squeak by on a field goal.

Projected Final Score: Cleveland 27, Pittsburgh 24

At Philadelphia -13 Tennessee 42.5

Despite their blowout last week, are the Eagles really worth -13? It depends on whether the Titans’ offense plays as well as they did last week. McNabb had a big day last week and really ought to torch the Tuxedos’ secondary…still…13 is too much.

Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 31, Tennessee 20.

At Baltimore -4 Atlanta 40

Both defenses come in pretty banged up, so it appears as though some points will be scored. The Ravens need this one to stay in the hunt. McNair will be feasting on the Birds’ secondary…

Projected Final Score: Ravens 27, Atlanta 20.

At Carolina -7 St. Louis 43

Last week, Carolina capitalized in a multitude of Tampa Bay mistakes while the Rams lost a close one on the road in Seattle. Two successive road games 3,000 miles apart has to take a toll, but St. Louis has played tough.

Projected Final Score: Carolina 27, St. Louis 21.

At Houston -2.5 Buffalo 36.5

Buffalo gave Indy everything they could muster last week, almost winning, If the offense was healthy, Indy would’ve lost. This week, they travel to Texas to face the surprising Texans. It seems as though David Carr is finally beginning to blossom as a pro QB. This week, they face another tough defensive opponent. The Bills roll over for no one, but without McGahee and Reed, there’s just no spunk on the offense.

Projected Final Score: Houston 20, Buffalo 16.

New England -6 At Green Bay 44.5

The Patriots were smacked about pretty well on the lines last week. Anytime a defense has two linebackers with 15-16 tackles in the same game, it an indication that the D-Line isn’t up to snuff. Meanwhile, the carefree Packers are having just a grand time of it with nothin’ to lose. This is a game the Patriots need to win to start building playoff momentum. The Jets are breathing hard at their necks so they need to play a sound, consistent game.

Projected Final Score: New England 31, Green Bay 17.

At Tampa Bay -2.5 Washington 35.5

Here we have two clubs playing out the string…Washington travels south minus Portis and with a new quarterback. If the Bucs did not commit 67 turnovers last week, perhaps they could’ve won last week. Maybe this week they’ll hold onto the ball and win.

Projected Final Score: Tampa Bay 17, Washington 14.

Chicago -7 At NY Jets 38.5

The Monsters return to the Swamp for a showdown with Coach Mangini’s resurgent Green and White. Perhaps they simply stayed put for a week. The Jets will come in pumped and primed for the upset. Are seven points too much? Maybe.

Projected Final Score: Chicago 24, NY Jets 16.

At Miami -3.5 Minnesota 34

The Vikings have not been the same team since getting humbled by the Patriots a few weeks back. If Miami wins, it will be by no more than three.

Projected Final Score: Miami 20, Minnesota 17.

At Arizona -2 Detroit 46

When a team is at the bottom of the totem pole, wins are damned tough to come by. The fact that Detroit is on the road means nothing. Kitna should have a productive afternoon in the desert.

Projected Final Score: Detroit 27, Arizona 21.

Seattle -3.5 At San Francisco 43.5

Even though Seattle’s been playing like a wounded fighter since the rash of injuries on offense, it looks as if there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. One by one, the injured players are coming back and the ‘Hawks are getting ready to roll into the playoffs.

Projected Final Score: Seattle 24, San Francisco 20.

At Denver -2.5 San Diego 42

Another clash of AFL West rivals: Can Tomlinson have success against the Denver defense? The Chargers are poised to take over the AFC West, they can score anytime, anyplace, anywhere, even if it’s a mile above the sunny Pacific.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 24, Denver 20.