NFL Week 11 preview

There are a number of intraconference games this weekend that could have a bearing on the playoff picture. I will highlight these by conference.

GAME OF THE WEEK:
Washington (5-4) at Dallas (8-1): The Redskins can help their cause with a victory, but it won't be easy against a Cowboys team that has the second-rated offense and the seventh-rated defense in the NFL. Washington must get its ground game (8th in the NFL) going to control the clock and keep Dallas' high-powered offense off the field. Both teams are stout vs. the run (Dallas allows 86.8 yards per game, while Washington gives up 99.9 ypg). Both teams are much more susceptible to the pass, which gives the Cowboys a distinct advantage. Not having CB Carlos Rodgers and S Sean Taylor will hurt Washington.

GAMES WORTH A PEEK:
NFC
New York (6-3) at Detroit (6-3): A collision of second-place teams coming off losses, both of which would be wild-card teams if the playoffs started today. The Giants must protect the ball - the Lions lead the league in takeaways despite having the 26th-ranked defense. The Giants lead the league in sacks and are in the top ten in pass and run defense. That's not good news for a Lions offense that is third worst in rushing the ball and has allowed the most sacks in the league.

Chicago (4-5) at Seattle (5-4): This is a game the Bears need if they want a shot at returning to the playoffs. The West-leading Seahawks likely will come out throwing, which plays to the Bears' strength on defense. These are not your mother's Monsters of the Midway, however. The Bears' defense is not even in the top 20 this season.

Carolina (4-5) at Green Bay (8-1): Carolina, which is one game out of first in the South despite its record, has not generated much of a passing game due to injuries at quarterback, but Green Bay has been solid vs. the run (allowing fewer than 93 yards per game). Can the Panthers' slow Brett Favre and his fleet of young receivers enough to keep it close?

AFC
Cleveland (5-4) at Baltimore (4-5): If the current Browns win, it's a season sweep for them over the former Browns. After watching the way Pittsburgh threw the ball all over the Ravens two weeks ago, one has to like Cleveland's chances. Running the ball generally has not been a wise choice vs. the Ravens this season (73.7 ypg). The Ravens' offense is in the hands of Kyle Boller, and they must improve their scoring efficiency (they've got the fourth-fewest points in the league). They'll get opportunities vs. the leaky Browns defense.

San Diego (5-4) at Jacksonville (6-3): A wise person told me this about the Chargers - they had six picks off Peyton Manning, had two return touchdowns and benefited from two missed FGs by a likely Hall of Famer ... and still were lucky to beat the Colts last week. This could be a good game for Bolts QB Philip Rivers to get on track because Jacksonville struggles at times on pass defense. The Jags get QB David Garrard back but are missing DT Marcus Stroud, who is suspended. Jacksonville has the league's No. 3 rushing offense (142 ypg).

Kansas City (4-5) at Indianapolis (7-2): The Chiefs turn over the QB reins to Brodie Croyle, but he'll have to make due without RB Larry Johnson. The Colts return home with a two-game losing streak and without Pro Bowl DE Dwight Freeney, who is out for the season because of a foot injury. If the Colts get TE Dallas Clark and WR Marvin Harrison back from injury, they'll exploit the Chiefs secondary.

GAME OF THE WEAK
St. Louis (1-8) at San Francisco (2-7): Remember back when this was one of the NFL's best rivalries? Both teams have been decimated by injuries, but the Rams are getting healthier at the skill positions.

UPSET SPECIAL
Tennessee (6-3) at Denver (4-5): The Broncos are at home and are favored, but it's tough to see them running on the Titans or containing Vince Young, who showed signs of life last week.

Season record in upset picks: 7-3