NFL 2019 Week Eleven – The Emergence of Lamar Jackson Continues
The week started in Cleveland and ended in Mexico City a path that sort of reflects the gulf that is forming in both the AFC & NFC this season. In the opener, the Browns got a desperately needed win which thanks to other results going their way just about keeps their wild card hopes alive. It also ended Pittsburgh’s mini-revival and emphasised the Steelers offensive frailties. Their defense has managed to carry them through games of late thanks in no small part to the arrival of Minkah Fitzpatrick, however, stand in QB Mason Rudolph is proving to be a bit of a liability and when forced to chase the game he promptly doubled his interception total for the year, throwing four picks.
AFC
Sunday night in the AFC saw Lamar Jackson continue his metamorphosis from a running QB into a potential MVP as the Ravens manhandled the AFC South leaders. It was never a contest and Jackson looked comfortable all night ably supported of course by a ferocious defence, which could carry them all the way to the Super Bowl. This was their sixth consecutive win and although they have a tough three-game stretch coming up they already look like getting a first-round Bye.
Their main challengers in the AFC New England ground out a result in Philly, one which will be sweet for both Belichick & Brady as the two sides last meeting ended in a rare Super Bowl loss for the Patriots. It was not a vintage performance however they are 9-1 and remain one of the teams to beat in the NFL this year.
Of the other AFC playoff hopefuls, the Bills Colts & Raiders managed to win, however, the pack are close behind so at least the Wild card race could be exciting this year.
NFC
Over in the NFC Dallas took full advantage of Philadelphia’s slip up to move a game clear at the top of the NFC East. Dak Prescott had one of his better nights throwing for 444 yards & 3 TDs. However, you have to feel for the Lions who were without their starting QB Matthew Stafford for a second week. This was their sixth loss of the year, all by one score or less.
In the nights big game, San Fransisco consolidated their place at the top of the NFC with a nice come from behind win against the Arizona Cardinals although it was far less clear cut than the score would indicate with 6 points coming after time had expired thanks to a bizarre fumble. They face Green Bay next week in a game which could ultimately decide who gets home-field advantage in the playoffs; something that could be crucial given the strength of the contenders this year.
In the NFC South The Saints marched on with a comfortable win against Tampa. They are now three games clear of Carolina whose stand-in QB Kyle Allen had the worst game of his career throwing four interceptions and finishing with a QBR of 4.5! Maybe Cam Newton’s career in Carolina is not over after all.
In the NFC North Minnesota ground out a narrow win to join the Packers at the top of the division and in doing so consolidated their place in the playoff rankings. they are two games clear of the No 7 seed the Rams, ho stayed just about in the hunt with a crucial win over the Bears. Both were Division winners in 2018 and the Rams made the Super Bowl. This time round both are struggling and Chicago at 4-6 are on the verge of elimination.
Bengals Woes Continue.
Cincinnati took another huge step towards an imperfect season with their 10th loss. The game shouldn’t have ended up as close as it did, and right now the Cinncinati back office must be wondering if they made the right decision dumping Andy Dalton for Ryan Findley. Finley has managed one TD and a total of 282 yards passing so far in his two starts. The phrase “the only way is up” comes to mind here.
Monday Night Live From Mexico City.
The Weekends highest-profile game from an international standpoint turned out to be a good one with the Chargers finding a wat to lose a game they should have won – again. This time they had Philip Rivers to thank as he threw four picks including a red zone one when they had the chance to tie the game with 18 seconds left. The 76,252 in attendance will wonder how one team could pretty much dominate so much and still lose, but as the adage goes “any given Sunday” or Monday in this case!
Tit-Bits
The Vikings became the first team since 2014 to come back from 20 points or more down to win.
Kyle Allen may have had a game to forget throwing the ball but he still had the fourth-most passing yards of the week, just behind Philip Rivers who threw 4 interceptions too. Not sure whether this says more about the quality of defenses or offenses this year? we will give the defenses the benefit of the doubt as the top seeds in each conference -New England, Baltimore, Green Bay & San Fransisco all have really good ones.
So how did we do predictions wise?
Better than last week 10-4 straight up & 9-5 against the spread.
