Week 11 NFL picks and predictions: Vikings bouncing back?

Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws the ball against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford (8) throws the ball against the Washington Redskins in the fourth quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 26-20. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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It’s week 11 of the 2016 NFL season. Here are the picks and predictions for the games as teams try to position themselves for the playoff and division races.

This NFL season has been an exciting one thus far. With the season progressing, we can only expect the season to bring more excitement. With some games having major playoff implications, let’s jump right in with my Week 11 NFL picks and predictions.

One Week 11 game is under our belt. The Carolina Panthers downed the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night by a score of 23-20. The late surge by the Saints was not enough to overcome a 20 point deficit.

But let’s take a look ahead to the rest of the games on the slate for week 11. Who will be victorious and what are some things to note about the upcoming games? Here is a peek at the games this weekend (and Monday night) with a prediction for the finals score:

Pittsburgh @ Cleveland

The Browns haven’t found many bright spots to their season thus far. Don’t expect them to find any success against Big Ben and the powerful offense of the Steelers. Pittsburgh 35 Cleveland 14

Baltimore @ Dallas

Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) scores the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won the game, 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) scores the game-winning touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Cowboys won the game, 35-30. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cowboys sit at 8-1, the best record in the NFL, due to great play by their dynamic rookie backfield. Baltimore sits at the top of the AFC North by just one game, which makes this a very inconvenient time to play the red-hot Cowboys. Dallas 24 Baltimore 14

Jacksonville @ Detroit

Matthew Stafford has been arguably the biggest surprise of the NFL season. He won’t need another 4th quarter comeback to top the struggling Jags. Detroit 28 Jacksonville 13

Tennessee @ Indianapolis

The Titans are in the midst of a 10-game losing steak to Indianapolis. With a very strong run game and help from a talented defense, that streak will come to an end.

Final Score: Tennessee 20 Indianapolis 17

Buffalo @ Cincinnati

Oct 23, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Reggie Bush (22) carries the ball during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 23, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Reggie Bush (22) carries the ball during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 28-25. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

On the heels of signing a new contract, Tyrod Taylor continues to impress. Possibly one of the most balanced teams in recent history will make for a road win for Rex Ryan’s crew.

Final Score: Buffalo 24 Cincinnati 21

Tampa Bay @ Kansas City

It was a miracle that the Chiefs beat the Panthers last week. It won’t take a miracle to slow down the turnover-happy Buccaneers offense.

Final Score: Kansas City 20 Tampa Bay 10

Chicago @ New York Giants

Odell Beckham Jr. is proving why he is still one of the best receivers in the NFL. With some help from Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard, Eli manning will throw all over the field against the weak Bears secondary.

Final Score: New York 30 Chicago 17

Arizona @ Minnesota

Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith (22) against the Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Texans 31-13. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

The Vikings should fear the ability of David Johnson, but with him being almost the only offensive weapon for Arizona, expect Minnesota to focus on shutting him down. Expect one big turnover by Arizona to decide the outcome of this game and help The Vikes get back on track.

Final Score: Minnesota 21 Arizona 17

Miami @ Los Angeles

The Dolphins have been very good over the last 5 games behind the brilliant running of Jay Ajayi. The Rams’ defense is good, but not good enough to stop the momentum of the Miami Dolphins.

Final Score: Miami 17 Los Angeles 9

New England @ San Francisco

Even in his loss to Seattle, Tom Brady is looking like another MVP award is in his sights. The 49ers defense doesn’t look like they could slow down a sloth so don’t expect them to be able to slow down Tom Brady.

Final Score: New England 42 San Francisco 17

Philadelphia @ Seattle

More from The Viking Age

Seattle is coming off a huge win at Gillette Stadium and they are playing at home. They normally get red-hot in the second half of the season and it seems like that’s happening again.

Final Score: Seattle 28 Philadelphia 10

Green Bay @ Washington

Green Bay’s defense is struggling vitally. They gave up 47 points to Tennessee last week. Heading to the nation’s capital to play the strong offense of the Redskins doesn’t sound great for the Pack.

Final Score: Washington 31 Green Bay 24

Houston vs Oakland (in Mexico City)

Derek Carr is growing up right in front of our eyes. Oakland’s defense is getting over-looked as they are playing very well also. Mexico City will get to see one of the NFL’s young stars shine bright.

Final Score: Oakland 34 Houston 14

Next: Vikings 5 keys to victory vs Arizona

We have some great games on our plate this week. With the playoffs getting near, teams are trying to battle for a chance to extend their season. Vikings fans, this is a huge week for us. A win over the Arizona Cardinals could get our momentum back and help us get back into the playoff race.

#SKOL