Multiple divisional matchups plus a Super Bowl rematch for the ages highlight an incredible week eleven in store for the NFL. With less than half the season remaining, playoff spots are on the line more than ever. With each game comes a shifting playoff picture that remains a mystery of what it will look like at the finish line.
Here are five games in week eleven that will play key to deciding the future of that playoff picture:
- Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens
There is no division tighter than the AFC North right now, as every game could shift its standings immensely. The last place Bengals lost to the first place Ravens in their initial meeting this season. They will enter Baltimore with a chance to mix up the division standings in their favor.
The Bengals are 5-4, while the Ravens are 7-3. A win for Cincinnati would hand their opponents the same amount of losses it has while only being one win behind them. That being said, a victory could also see coach Zac Taylor’s side move up to second in the division.
Cincinnati has struggled to build momentum all season long, and with two division games in front of them finally have a big shot of doing so. A win over the Ravens could see it propel to the top of the division by the end of the season. It also does not currently own a playoff spot, and after two deep playoff runs will want to make a return.
The Raven sit directly under the Chiefs in the conference standings, and a win could see them snag the first place position. They will not want to lose that opportunity in front of a home crowd. They are also coming off a frustrating loss to fellow division opponents the Cleveland Browns and will want to regain momentum.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cleveland Browns
The other two teams in the AFC North will also play each other this weekend, as both sides share the same record. If either team wins, it could give them the chance of hopping over the Ravens into first place in the division. These two cities are also located just around 200 kilometers away from each other, and have proved to be tough rivals in the past.
These two sides have already played once this season where a home victory was claimed by the Steelers. They have won the last four of five matchups, as the Browns have struggled the past few seasons. With their best record since 2020 Cleveland will look for a big step towards its first chance to claim the title of division leaders this season.
The Browns are also on the brink of losing their playoff spot, meaning every game from here on out must be a worthy battle. They are currently coming off a huge victory against the division leading Ravens and will look to win three straight for the first time this season. A win for the Steelers could also put them ahead of the Ravens and give them yet another victory over the Browns.
Pittsburgh has won its only two divisional games this season and would like to keep that streak going. It would also like to continue proving fans wrong this season, as many did not think to see this team in a playoff spot come week eleven. These two sides hate each other regardless, and will give fans an entertaining battle for divisional status. The Brown’s chances may be hurt as their quarterback Deshaun Watson is forced to undergo a season-ending shoulder surgery.
3. New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
After beginning the season in their usual shape of the past, the Bills have lost two games in a row and currently do not hold a playoff spot. They have lost five games this season and sit at an even record. They have not had a losing record during week eleven of a season since 2018 and will want to play with everything they have against the Jets.
Both teams are just one win out of a playoff spot, and a victory for New York could send them over Buffalo in the division standings. The Jets have failed to make the playoffs since 2010, and it would mean everything for their fans to get back there. Unfortunately, they face a rather tough schedule ahead of them and that begins with Buffalo.
The Jets have already beaten the Bills once this year in the form of an exciting overtime victory during week one. Things have changed plenty since then, as the Jets have gone on multiple losing streaks and quarterback Zac Wilson has struggled to find his groove. A win over the Bills would bring the Jets to an even record, and see them sweep the Bills for the first time since 2016.
A win for Buffalo could see them straighten things out and maybe even earn back a playoff spot, but a loss would be detrimental to its future. New York will want to avoid losing three straight for the second time this season and look to perhaps start a climb towards the playoffs. That may become easier in just a few weeks, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers may be on the cusp of making a comeback for his Jets team.
4. Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams
Another divisional matchup occurring this weekend could see the Rams playing spoil to the playoff chances of the Seahawks. The past few years have seen many important games between these sides with playoff spots and division titles on the line. This season, the Seahawks will be looking for victory all the more after losing their first game to the Rams back in week one.
The Rams will be looking to sweep the Seahawks after claiming a victory in their first meeting this season. They will also be the hosts this time around, and have the crowd on their side. If they can defeat the Seahawks, their chances of entering the playoff picture are pretty unlikely, but it would ruin Seattle’s day greatly.
Coach Pete Carroll’s side is just two losses away from losing their playoff spot, and will not want one of those to be against a 3-6 side like Los Angeles. Seattle has gone on a few win streaks this season, but never anything serious enough to keep them away from elimination. They will need a victory on Sunday, as a tough schedule still lies ahead of them.
The Seahawks lead the all time series between these sides 27-25, as they have gone back and forth throughout the years. There is no telling who will win, as although the Rams are worse on paper, they will come out Sunday giving Seattle everything they have to see them lose their playoff opportunity.
5. Philadelphia Eagles vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Super Bowl rematch fans have been waiting for could not have come at a better time than now this season. Each team currently leads its conference and are widely considered the two best teams in the league. Talks of a Super Bowl repeat have even been considered, but the world will only have to wait until this weekend to see these teams duke it out once again.
The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a bye week, after defeating the Miami Dolphins in Germany the week before. They better hope their week off helped them recover from jet lag, as the Philadelphia team which stands before them will show no mercy. The Eagles have lost to the Chiefs four times straight in all competitions.
As they have yet to defeat Kansas City since 2009, Philadelphia will be looking to extend its record to 9-1 for the first time since 2004. Its coach at the time was Andy Reid, who has now stood behind the Chief’s bench for 11 years. The Chiefs lead the AFC and will look to remain doing so with a victory.
A loss for the Chiefs could see them losing their conference lead. If the Eagles lose, they could suffer the same fate. With both teams coming off a bye they will be hungry to score, as each will be looking to keep their conference lead and become the best team in the league.
