NFL 2020 Week 11 Recap

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action has come by yet again. The week that was featured some entertaining finishes including two overtime games, a shutout, and the Cowboys winning their 3rd game this season. All this and more with this week's recap. Let's get to work!

Week 11 Recap

Arizona 21, Seattle 28: TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
The game had just as much drama to it than the 1st game. Kyler Murray threw for 269 yards with two touchdowns in the game, along with 15 yards rushing. Kenyan Drake wouldn't get a lot of rushing yards in the game as he rushed for 29 yards but did score a rushing touchdown. Russell Wilson threw for 197 yards with two touchdowns. Carlos Hyde made his way back from injury and contributed 79 yards rushing with a touchdown run. Seattle's defense would cause a safety that was the result of an offensive holding. I feel these two teams will meet again possibly in January. 

Next week:
Arizona: @ New England; Seattle: @ Philadelphia

TW: 0-1; CV: 0-1

New England 20, Houston 27: TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
DeShaun Watson dragged two New England defenders with him to the endzone. Cam Newton had a great game with 365 yards passing with a touchdown. Damien Harris rushed for 43 yards with a touchdown run. DeShaun Watson had a remarkable game as well, finishing with 344 yards passing with two touchdowns. Watson also had 36 yards rushing with a touchdown. JJ Watt was the football swatter, knocking down many Cam Newton passes. With a 4-6 record, the hopes of a playoff return for New England, is starting to slip away.

Next week:
New England: vs Arizona; Houston: @ Detroit

TW: 0-2; CV: 0-2

Detroit 0, Carolina 20: TW: Panthers; CV: Lions
PJ Walker made the most of his opportunity. Matthew Stafford threw for 178 yards but didn't throw for a touchdown pass in the game. Dandre Swift was injured for Detroit so Adrian Peterson would get the start at running back. Peterson could only put up 18 yards. Detroit wouldn't get much in terms of pass protection as Stafford was sacked five times. PJ Walker got the start for Carolina. The former XFL star threw for 258 yards with a touchdown but also threw two interceptions. Mike Davis rushed for 64 yards and rushed for a touchdown. 

Next week:
Detroit: vs Houston; Carolina: @ Minnesota

TW: 1-2; CV: 0-3

Philadelphia 17, Cleveland 22: TW: Browns; CV: Browns
The weather and the Browns made it inhospitable for Carson Wentz. Wentz threw for 235 yards with two touchdown passes but also threw two interceptions. One of the interceptions ended up being a pick-six. Miles Sanders had 66 yards in the game but also fumbled the ball. Baker Mayfield was more of a field manager as he threw for 204 yards with zero touchdowns. Nick Chubb racked up yards in this one as he rushed for 114 yards, his longest was for 54 yards. Kareem Hunt would score the only offensive touchdown for Cleveland, while getting 11 yards. Cleveland's hopes for a winning season are high, we shall have to see if they can play January football. 

Next week:
Philadelphia: vs Seattle; Cleveland: @ Jacksonville

TW: 2-2; CV: 1-3

Pittsburgh 27, Jacksonville 3: TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
Pittsburgh looked perfect, nothing more, nothing less. Ben Roethlisberger threw for 267 yards with two touchdowns but also threw an interception in the game. Jacksonville couldn't capitalize on it though. James Conner rushed for 89 yards and Benny Snell rushed for 15 yards and scored a touchdown. Jake Luton wouldn't have a repeat performance in this one as he threw for 151 yards but also threw for four interceptions. James Robinson would carry the ball 17 times for 73 yards in the game. Do I think that Pittsburgh can stay undefeated? I doubt it. 

Next week:
Pittsburgh: vs Baltimore; Jacksonville: vs Cleveland

TW: 3-2; CV: 2-3

Tennessee 30, Baltimore 24 (F/OT): TW: Ravens; CV: Titans
Definitely no love lost in this one. Ryan Tannehill threw for 259 yards with two touchdowns but also threw an interception. Derrick Henry was slowed down but not contained in the game. He rushed for 133 yards in the game, his longest was the game-winning touchdown in overtime. Lamar Jackson threw for 186 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Jackson also ran for 51 yards. JK Dobbins rushed for 70 yards with a touchdown. 

Next week:
Tennessee: @ Indianapolis; Baltimore: @ Pittsburgh

TW: 3-3; CV: 3-3

Cincinnati 9, Washington 20: TW: Football Team; CV: Football Team
Heartbreak for Joe Burrow who'll likely be out for the rest of the season. Joe Burrow started for the Bengals and had 203 yards passing with a touchdown. He would leave the game during the 3rd quarter with what looked to be an apparent leg injury that bent backwards, tearing his ACL. Ryan Finley replaced him and would contribute only 30 yards passing with an interception. The Bungles running game wouldn't get much as both Samaje Perine and Ryan Finley rushed for 19 yards each. Giovanni Bernard rushed for 18 yards. Alex Smith threw for 166 yards with a touchdown but also threw an interception. Antonio Gibson rushed for 94 yards with a rushing touchdown in the game. 

Next week:
Cincinnati: vs NY Giants; Washington: @ Dallas

TW: 4-3; CV: 4-3

Atlanta 9, New Orleans 24: TW: Saints; CV: Falcons
Atlanta had no answer for Taysom Hill. Matt Ryan threw for 232 yards and threw two interceptions in the game. Todd Gurley wouldn't get much from the ground with 26 yards rushing. There was some controversy prior to this week in starting Taysom Hill for New Orleans but he seemed to pay it off. Hill threw for 233 yards. He didn't throw for a touchdown pass but didn't throw an interception in the game either. His biggest contribution in the game was his 51 yards rushing with two touchdown runs. Alvin Kamara gave some rushing yards of his own with 45 yards and also rushed for a touchdown. Latavius Murray rushed for 49 yards. Thankfully Sean Payton's decision to start Taysom Hill over Jameis Winston made enough sense to the rest of the team. 

Next week:
Atlanta: vs Las Vegas; New Orleans: @ Denver

TW: 5-3; CV: 4-4

NY Jets 28, LA Chargers 34: TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
Might as well just give Offensive Rookie of the Year to Justin Herbert. Joe Flacco threw for 205 yards with two touchdowns but also threw an interception that led to a pick-six. Frank Gore and Lamical Perine both scored rushing touchdowns with 61 and 33 yards rushing respectively. Justin Herbert was magical in the game with 366 yards with three touchdown passes. Kalen Ballage rushed for a modest 44 yards in the game. You almost won Jets, just didn't quite have enough to stop Herbert.

Next week:
NY Jets: vs Miami; LA Chargers: @ Buffalo

TW: 6-3; CV: 5-4

Miami 13, Denver 20: TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins
Celebrations for a possible Dolphins playoff appearance will have to be put on hold. Tua Tagovailoa started for the Dolphins and threw for 83 yards with a touchdown before getting sacked six times and knocked out in the 4th quarter. Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for 117 yards with an interception. Salvon Ahmed rushed for 43 yards in the game. Drew Lock had a better game this go around with 270 yards but only threw just one interception. Melvin Gordon rushed for 84 yards with two touchdowns. 

Next week:
Miami: @ NY Jets; Denver: vs New Orleans

TW: 6-4; CV: 5-5

Dallas 31, Minnesota 28: TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The well-rested Cowboys got a much needed win. Andy Dalton made his return at quarterback and threw for 203 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Ezekiel Elliot broke his 8-game streak of not rushing for 100+ yards in a game with 103 yards in the game. Tony Pollard rushed for 60 yards with a touchdown run. CeeDee Lamb caught four for 34 yards with a touchdown, including a crazy over the shoulder catch that resulted in the touchdown for him. Kirk Cousins threw for 314 yards with three touchdown passes and did not throw an interception in the game. Dalvin Cook would get the edge over Ezekiel Elliot in terms of rushing yards as Cook finished with 115 and scored a touchdown run. Adam Thielen had a monster game with eight catches for 123 yards and two touchdowns. At this point, I just want some team from the NFC East a winner with not a losing record. 

Next week:
Dallas: vs Washington; Minnesota: vs Carolina

TW: 6-5; CV: 5-6

Green Bay 31, Indianapolis 34 (F/OT): TW: Packers; CV: Colts
Green Bay's offense did not do a lot in the 2nd half and the defense did the same as well. Aaron Rodgers threw for 311 yards with three touchdown passes and had an interception in the game. Aaron Jones ran for 41 yards with a touchdown run. Phillip Rivers threw for 288 yards with three touchdowns as well as an interception. The big difference is that the weak Packers rush defense reared its ugly head as Jonathan Taylor rushed for 90 yards in the game. Somewhat of a factor was penalty yards and turn overs. Green Bay committed three fumbles while Indianapolis had 116 penalty yards in the game. Ugly game for both but one would end up winning. 

Next week:
Green Bay: vs Chicago; Indianapolis: vs Tennessee

TW: 6-6; CV: 6-6

Kansas City 35, Las Vegas 31: TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The game was nothing short but a must-watch. Patrick Mahomes threw for 348 yards with two touchdowns and had an interception in the game. Clyde Edwards-Helaire rushed for 69 yards and two touchdowns. Le'Veon Bell made his Chiefs debut in this one and had 25 rushing yards with a touchdown. Derek Carr threw for 275 yards with three touchdowns and had an interception in the game. Josh Jacobs rushed for 55 yards and had a touchdown run. Derek Carr's touchdown to Jason Witten gave the Chiefs 1:43 left to play to score the go-ahead touchdown. Patrick Mahomes would only need 1:15 of game time to score that touchdown. Could be a possible playoff rematch in January. 

Next week:
Kansas City: @ Tampa Bay; Las Vegas: @ Atlanta

TW: 7-6; CV: 7-6

LA Rams 27, Tampa Bay 24: TW: Buccaneers; CV: Rams
The game really shouldn't have been closer than the score suggests. Jared Goff threw for 376 yards with three touchdowns and threw two interceptions in the game. Malcolm Brown wouldn't get too much going in the game as he racked up only 20 yards. Tom Brady threw for 216 yards with two touchdowns and threw two interceptions. One of the interceptions came during the Bucs final drive in the game. Ronald Jones was contained pretty well by the Rams defense as he rushed for only 24 yards. Leonard Fournette would score a rushing touchdown in this one but he could get only 17 yards of his own. 

Next week:
LA Rams: vs San Francisco; Tampa Bay: vs Kansas City

TW: 7-7; CV: 8-6

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Week 11: 7-7
Total: 105-55-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Week 11: 8-6
Total: 99-61-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys on Wednesday for the Week 12 Picks post

-Tom

NFL 2020 Week 11 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming soon! Week 11 has some interesting games to keep an eye on. Such games like: the Cardinals-Seahawks rematch in the Emerald City, Tom Brady facing against the Rams for the first time since Super Bowl LIII, and the 2nd Chiefs-Raiders matchup. We'll get to those games and the rest of the week's slate coming up. Let's get to work!

Week 11 Picks

The Eleventh week of the National Football League's regular season starts at Seattle, Washington and ends in Tampa, Florida. The week features a 14-game slate. It includes a Thursday night game, seven early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the double-header while CBS will show a single, regional game. Buffalo, Chicago, NY Giants, and San Francisco are on a bye. Let's get to the picks.

Arizona (6-3) @ Seattle (6-3) (FOX/NFL Network): TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
The Cardinals beat the Bills and the Seahawks lost to the Rams last week. If this game was anything like the first game a few weeks ago, this one will be a classic. Arizona has good vibes their way and who can blame them. They beat Buffalo on a hail mary pass with a few seconds left in the game. The play could be a bit sloppy since both teams will be on short rest. I feel good going with Arizona in this one.

New England (4-5) @ Houston (2-7) (CBS): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Patriots beat the Ravens and the Texans lost to the Browns last week. New England seemed to find a way to win with a little help from mother nature last week against Baltimore. Safe to say I don't think the elements will help the Pats in this one. Cam Newton will need to play better and not turn the ball over if the Patriots hope to win in this game. Houston's receiving corp will need to step up and help Wil Fuller out in passing offense. I'll take the Patriots.

Detroit (4-5) @ Carolina (3-7) (FOX): TW: Panthers; CV: Lions
The Lions beat the Football Team and the Panthers lost to the Buccaneers. Both teams aren't particularly great on either side of the ball. Detroit did well for me picking them last week but I'm not so sure about this week. The Lions typically do better on the road than being at home. Mike Davis is a stable option at running back for Carolina but I just don't know if he can produce the same numbers that Christian McCaffrey produces on a normal basis when he's not injured. It came down to an eeny-miney-moe and Carolina was there so I guess I'll go Panthers in this one.

Philadelphia (3-5-1) @ Cleveland (6-3) (FOX): TW: Browns; CV: Browns
The Eagles lost to the Giants and the Browns beat the Texans last week. Cleveland played well enough to get the dub last week by scoring more points than the opposition. Baker Mayfield did alright in not turning the ball over but he could've done more I feel last week in terms of passing yards. Philadelphia's rush defense is pretty suspect and the Browns have used their running backs well. Should be an entertaining game nonetheless. 

Pittsburgh (9-0) @ Jacksonville (1-8) (CBS): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The Steelers beat the Bengals and the Jaguars lost to the Packers last week. Jacksonville raised some heads last week in almost beating Green Bay on Sunday. Unfortunately they're facing off arguably the best team in the NFL right now in the Steelers. At some point Pittsburgh is going to lose but I don't see how they can possibly lose to a one-win Jaguars team. 

Tennessee (6-3) @ Baltimore (6-3) (CBS): TW: Ravens; CV: Titans
Both teams lost last week as the Titans lost to the Colts and the Ravens lost to the Patriots. One would hope that the Titans figure out their punting issues before this game happens. Baltimore got exposed and made Lamar Jackson look like a mortal and a running back. New England's pass rush made it inhospitable to him. Still I like the Ravens in the matchup as they do have an upgraded defense. They'll need all the help they can get in containing Derrick Henry. 

Cincinnati (2-6-1) @ Washington (2-7) (CBS): TW: Football Team; CV: Football Team
Both teams lost last week as the Bengals lost to the Steelers and the Football Team lost to the Lions. The rookie vs the veteran in terms of quarterbacks. Both teams aren't really that great in terms of record and overall talent. I do like the promise of Joe Burrow despite many obstacles along the way. I do like the Football Team in the matchup as they do have a formidable running attack and some decent wide outs for Alex Smith to throw to. Joe Mixon for the Bengals could still be out for this one and I can't trust him to make the start at running back for Cincy. Tough luck Bungles.

Atlanta (3-6) @ New Orleans (7-2) (FOX): TW: Saints; CV: Falcons
The Falcons were on a bye and the Saints beat the 49ers last week. New Orleans beat the 49ers handily last week but it came at a cost. Drew Brees will be out for this game and who knows will be in for the Saints. One would assume it would be Jameis Winston since he saw some action in place of Brees last week. Or it could be Taysom Hill who could get the nod. Nonethless, I feel the game will be close but Alvin Kamara will have to be the one to step up on offense. 

NY Jets (0-9) @ LA Chargers (2-7) (CBS): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
The Jets were on a bye and the Chargers lost to the Dolphins. New York will return after a copious amount of rest. Sam Darnold seems to be an incomplete in terms of grade as he just hasn't been given the kind of help that the team would give him. Fortunately for Justin Herbert, he does have some options at running back and Keenan Allen. New York might have a shot to make it a close one but I feel their loss total will hit double digits by game's end. 

Miami (6-3) @ Denver (3-6) (CBS): TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins
The Dolphins beat the Chargers and the Broncos lost to the Raiders last week. I had my doubts that Tua Tagovailoa would get starts in 2020 but so far he has been playing well in his young career. It helps when the Dolphins play like a team and help each other out when needed. They're not a sexy team by any stretch but they play for each other. Drew Lock of the Broncos could possibly not play in this game which means that Brett Rypien could get more first team reps. Denver's running game will be badly needed in this one. Should be an intriguing game to watch. 

Dallas (2-7) @ Minnesota (4-5) (FOX): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Cowboys were on a bye and the Vikings beat the Bears last week. Dallas without Dak Prescott is pathetic to watch. Their record speaks the truth of that. At one point Minnesota was hoping to be in the Trevor Lawrence sweepstakes but if they keep winning like they do, I don't see him falling into their laps. I'll watch the Ezekiel Elliot vs Dalvin Cook matchup in this one. I'll take Cook and the Vikings. Dallas's defense is trash.

Green Bay (7-2) @ Indianapolis (6-3) (FOX): TW: Packers; CV: Colts
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Jaguars and the Colts beat the Titans. Green Bay's defense maybe suspect at times but when it comes to crunch time they do find a way to get it done. They'll need to play better because Philip Rivers can still do Philip Rivers things and Jonathan Taylor can still put up numbers. The Packers offense will have their hands full taking on the Colts defense which is 3rd in rush defense and 1st in pass defense and 1st in overall defense. I think Aaron Rodgers will find a way to get it done. 

Kansas City (8-1) @ Las Vegas (6-3) (NBC): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
The Chiefs were on a bye and the Raiders beat the Broncos last week. Classic AFC matchup on NBC. The Raiders had the last laugh in beating the Chiefs earlier in the season. Rivalry games are hard to pick as both teams will play their hardest to best the other. No love lost between these two rivals. I'll take the Chiefs in that they want to beat their rival at their place. 

LA Rams (6-3) @ Tampa Bay (7-3) (ESPN): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Rams
Both teams won last week as the Rams beat the Seahawks and the Buccaneers beat the Panthers. Week 11 wraps up with a tantalizing matchup. Last time Tom Brady faced off against the Rams was in Super Bowl LIII. I think it'll be a close game but I think Brady will win the game with Ronald Jones and their defense behind him. 

Local TV Schedule (courtesy of 506sports.com):

CBS Single
Tennessee @ Baltimore
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

FOX Early
Philadelphia @ Cleveland
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth

FOX Late
Dallas @ Minnesota
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL Maps: Week 11

2020 Week by Week Record: 

TW's record:

Week 1: 8-8
Week 2: 15-1
Week 3: 9-6-1
Week 4: 11-4
Week 5: 9-5
Week 6: 7-7
Week 7: 12-2
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 10-4
Week 10: 10-4
Total: 98-48-1

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 10-6
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 8-7-1
Week 4: 7-8
Week 5: 8-6
Week 6: 9-5
Week 7: 11-3
Week 8: 7-7
Week 9: 9-5
Week 10: 11-3
Total: 91-55-1

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

I'll see you guys after the Monday night game for the Week 11 recap.

-Tom