N.F.L. Week 11 Predictions: Our Picks Against the Spread
The New York Times
Mac Jones will try to push the Patriots to top of the A.F.C. East, Cam Newton and the Panthers can muck up the N.F.C. South, and Patrick Mahomes will try to prove Kansas City’s troubles are over.
Through the season’s first half, the N.F.C. was top-heavy with contenders, as up to five teams jostled for home-field advantage in the playoffs. But with injuries mounting and weaknesses now revealed, divisional races could get weird.
The Panthers, who added quarterback Cam Newton and returned running back Christian McCaffery from injury, could pounce on the N.F.C. South while the Buccaneers and Saints play games without key starters. The 49ers, after a statement win Monday night, have a soft stretch in their schedule. With a win likely over the Jaguars this week, San Francisco could make up some ground on securing a wild-card spot out of the N.F.C. West while the Rams are on a bye.
As the intrigue in the N.F.C. heightens, the A.F.C.’s tightest races could get new leaders. The Patriots have a shot at closing the half-game gap with the Bills in the East, and the Steelers (5-3-1) have inched to within a fraction of the Ravens (6-3) in the North — a space it will try to close in a matchup against the Chargers.
