Calling all contenders: with Week 11 of the NFL season upon us, we’re going to start hearing a lot about “must-win” games as we prepare for the stretch run.
There’s still plenty of football to be played, but it’s worth checking in on the current playoff picture. If the regular season ended today, the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles would have the top seeds in the AFC and NFC, respectively, and the playoff picture overall would be… well, it’d be pretty interesting.
There are currently six teams sitting in post-season position that didn’t make the cut last year: Three in the AFC (Dolphins, Jets, Ravens) and three in the NFC (Vikings, Seahawks, Giants). Neither half of last year’s Super Bowl matchup (Bengals, Rams) are in a playoff spot right now, though the Bengals are at least in sniffing distance.
As we look ahead to another weekend of football, here’s a storyline we’re watching in each Week 11 matchup to come.
Bears (3-7) @ Falcons (4-6)
In the last month, Justin Fields’ game has really turned a corner. While the passing attack still leaves a lot to be desired, the QB’s really taken off on foot. His 749 rushing yards this year — 325 of which have come in the past two games — rank him seventh on the league’s list of rushing leaders and first among QBs. After three straight losses that feel like victories, is this the week Fields can put it all together for a W?
Eagles (8-1) @ Colts (4-5-1)
For the first time all season, the Eagles are looking to bounce back from a loss. Meanwhile, Jeff Saturday’s Colts are coming off a win no one saw coming. The Commanders took advantage of Philly’s flawed run defence, which puts Jonathan Taylor in the spotlight if the Colts are to do the same.
Jets (6-3) @ Patriots (5-4)
Zach Wilson put up some of the best (355 passing yards and two touchdowns) and worst (three interceptions) numbers of his young career last time the Jets took on New England on Oct. 30 — a Patriots victory that marked the 13th straight time Bill Belichick bested the Jets.
With the Dolphins on bye this week, New York has an opportunity to jump into first place in the division with a win if they break free from New England’s long-time stranglehold on the rivalry.
Commanders (5-5) @ Texans (1-7-1)
The Commanders, who started the season 2-4 with Carson Wentz under centre, have won three of their last four games with Taylor Heinicke as the starter since Wentz went down with an injury. Coming off Monday’s rousing divisional win that handed the Eagles their first loss of the season, Heinicke fever has never been higher.
As Wentz nears his return from a broken finger, head coach Ron Rivera announced Heinicke will start again Sunday. While he didn’t commit to the backup moving forward, it’s hard to see Rivera handing the reins back to Wentz anytime soon.
Rams (3-6) @ Saints (3-7)
The Rams’ playoff hopes are on life support, and while seeing Matthew Stafford come off the injured list is a huge boost it’s hard to be optimistic considering Cooper Kupp’s now on IR after suffering an ankle injury. If ever there was a time for Allen Robinson to step up…
Browns (3-6) @ Bills (6-3)
A massive snowfall prompted the league to relocate this would-be Bills home game to Detroit. Huge props to the Lions’ stadium staff — and the team’s clever social media folks — for stepping up.
Panthers (3-7) @ Ravens (6-3)
With third-string-turned-starter PJ Walker injured, Baker Mayfield gets another shot at the top spot against an old divisional foe. Illness held Lamar Jackson out of practice Friday, but he’s expected to start — and there’s hope his favourite target, Mark Andrews, will be back in time for the clash.
Lions (3-6) @ Giants (7-2)
The Lions, who stunned the Packers at home two weeks ago, are coming off their first road win under head coach Dan Campbell after edging the Bears last Sunday. It’s just two wins, but it’s the start of learning how to win close games — something the Giants are excelling at this season.
Raiders (2-7) @ Broncos (3-6)
Josh McDaniels returns to the scene of his first head coaching job, a forgettable stint with the Denver Broncos in 2009 and 2010. Feels like a case of history repeating, no?
Cowboys (6-3) @ Vikings (8-1)
The Cowboys have allowed at least 200 rushing yards in back-to-back games — a bad sign of things to come, considering who they’re up against. Dalvin Cook’s coming off his best game of the season (119 yards in a wild one against Buffalo). It doesn’t get much easier after that, either – after Minnesota, Dallas has dates with Saquon Barkley’s Giants and Jonathan Taylor’s Colts.
After last week’s Eagles loss to Washington, Minnesota now holds the longest win streak with seven straight victories.
Bengals (5-4) @ Steelers (3-6)
Their first meeting, a Week 1 overtime thriller, saw the Steelers sack Joe Burrow seven times and force five turnovers. Will Burrow’s offensive line hold up better this time?
Chiefs (7-2) @ Chargers (5-4)
The Chiefs will be without two receiving weapons in Mecole Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster, setting up a potential breakout for newcomer Kadarius Toney. The Chargers head into their second straight Sunday nighter with a long list of injuries themselves – but with a little flicker of hope, too, that Justin Herbert might have some weapons back.
49ers (5-4) @ Cardinals (4-6)
Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury said this week that Kyler Murray has “come a long way” in his hamstring recovery, but he’s still considered a game-time decision. The timing couldn’t be worse for the injury. Just one win separates these division rivals in the standings, but their playoff hopes feel miles apart.
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