NFL Week 11 Betting Tips
Week 11 Warmup: Packers face must-win; Cowboys on upset watch
by Dan Wilkins
The Rundown
Prescott's biggest challenge
Dak Prescott has been sensational. As difficult as the decision may have been, the Cowboys really had no choice but to relegate Tony Romo to a backup role. That said, the rookie signal-caller still has a long way to go before he's on Romo's level as a passer. Sunday's game could present him with his most difficult matchup yet, as Baltimore boasts one of few defensive fronts that stands a chance at limiting Dallas' league-best rushing attack. Precsott leading the way to another win with a strong passing performance could silence any remaining doubters.
Packers facing early must-win
Green Bay's running out of time to put it all together. Sitting at 4-5 after dropping three consecutive games, falling Sunday to the Redskins just isn't an option. Having one of the NFL's all-time great quarterbacks will always give the Packers a chance to break out of their struggles, and there's certainly potential for a big day against a Washington defense allowing 23.2 points per game. But if last week's disaster against the Titans is any indication, it's the defense that has the most work to do.
NFL returns to Mexico
This week's Monday nighter sees the Raiders and Texans go head-to-head in Mexico, the NFL's first trip south of the border since 2005. Houston will hope that taking on a still-leaky Raiders secondary can finally allow Brock Osweiler to get on track, but this one should be decided on the other side of the ball. Oakland won't be deviating from the run-oriented strategy that earned them a convincing win over the Broncos prior to last week's bye. The Texans' 26th-ranked run defense will need to come through with its best showing of the year.
Must-See Matchups
Seahawks O-Line vs. Eagles D-Line
A Sunday night road win over the Patriots appropriately has many pinning the Seahawks as a Super Bowl favorite. One of few concerns remaining on an otherwise stacked roster is the offensive line. The underwhelming unit in front of Russell Wilson could be exposed by a talented Eagles defensive front, potentially setting Seattle up for a letdown just one week removed from a statement victory.
Carson Palmer vs. Vikings defense
The Cardinals offense has recently been flashing signs of the explosive unit the football world was expecting heading into the season. With the recent performances coming against subpar opponents, though, facing Minnesota's third-ranked defense should tell us everything we need to know about the legitimacy of that trend. Palmer will have to take care of the ball for Arizona to avoid another costly loss.
Mike Evans vs. Marcus Peters
Evans is the only real threat for the Buccaneers passing attack, so its only fitting he leads the league with 108 targets through nine games. Now's the ideal time for Kansas City to alter its typical strategy and have Peters travel around the field in coverage. These two young playmakers going head-to-head on every snap would provide football fans with one of the season's most entertaining individual matchups.
Upset Watch
Ravens over Cowboys (-7)
The Cowboys have established themselves as legitimate playoff contender, but the Ravens match up too well not to give them a run this week. Look for the Baltimore defense to do everything it can to limit Ezekiel Elliott's impact and force the ball into Prescott's hands. That'll be a relatively new experience for the rookie, so it'd be no surprise to see him struggle.
Stat of the Week
Unexpected Star
Percy Harvin, Bills
The Bills didn't bring Harvin out of retirement for nothing. Now that he's had a few weeks to get himself back into playing shape, there's no reason not to design a few plays that can utilize his athleticism. What better game for a breakout performance than taking on a Bengals defense that can't seem to stop anyone?