NFL Predictions - Week Eleven

WEEK ELEVEN PREDICTIONS

XENA AND TANNER CHEW ON THE WEEK’S BIG GAME

We are getting to a point in the season where injuries are having a big impact on teams.  Chicago and San Francisco may each start a backup QB in their Monday night skirmish.  Baltimore heads to Pittsburgh knowing they will face Byron Leftwich rather than  Big Ben.  

Colts @ Patriots -- Brady vs Manning make way for Brady vs Luck.  Very curious how the Colts will handle this game.  They have played with good poise during winning streak.  I don't think they are quite ready to match points with the Patriots.  

Chargers @ Broncos - Chargers win and they are just a game back in AFC West.  Broncos win and the division crown is all but assured (knock on wood that Peyton never gets hurt).  I don't see the Chargers doing enough on offense or defense to stop a red-hot Denver team that is getting better week by week.  

Ravens @Steelers - Hot and cold Joe Flacco generally plays well against the Steelers.  Raven D not the dominating force we are used to seeing.  Slow and deliberate Leftwich gives them easy target though.  Steelers could win a 13-10 kind of game, but I think the Ravens have enough offense to stumble past a punchless Steeler offense that was lucky to escape against Kansas City on Monday night.

Bears@ Niners - Niners have been in a bit of a funk lately. They have reverted back to a ball control cautious offense which means they allow the other team to stay in the game.  Bears need their D to set the tone and provide field position for the offense that looks very ordinary much of the time.  Regardless of who plays at QB, I like the Niners in one of those 19-13 games you watch but really don't enjoy.