The New Orleans Saints host their most hated rivals, the Atlanta Falcons in the Superdome this week. Drew Brees is out, Jameis Winston (and to a lesser extent, Taysom Hill) is in. The Saints have dealt with the loss of Brees before, going 5-0 without him a year ago, and are well equipped to do it again. It all starts here, against the team the Saints, and the fans, would love to beat more than any other, the Falcons.
After the glory of the Saints win on Sunday Night two weeks ago, the Saints have been dealt some figurative and literal tough breaks in the aftermath. This is a tough and tested team. They have dealt with tough breaks before, and will be better from dealing with them. Once healed and healthy, the Saints will still be right where they were destined to go, on top.
Now lets take a look at this and all of the NFL action in Week 11.
Last week I went 9-5
I told you so: Rams over Seahawks!
What do I know: Eagles over Giants?
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WEEK 11
Thursday, November 19th - Thursday Night Football
Cardinals(6-3) at Seahawks(6-3) - Game of the Week
Just last month, these two teams had a Game of the Year contender in Arizona, now the rematch takes place in Seattle with even more on the line in the NFC West. Just like that game, this one will come down to the quarterbacks, and once again, they will have monster games under the lights of primetime. It will be Kyler Murray that outduels Russell Wilson one more time this year. Arizona wins 37-31.
Pick: Cardinals
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Sunday, November 22nd - Early Games
Bengals(2-6-1) at Washington FT(2-7)
Joe Burrow will stretch the Washington defense too far, in a big game for the star rookie quarterback. Cincinnati wins 33-29.
Pick: Bengals
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Steelers(9-0) at Jaguars(1-8)
Although Pittsburgh has shown a little fatigue against weak opponents, they will keep their undefeated streak going here. Pittsburgh wins 20-13.
Pick: Steelers
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Patriots(4-5) at Texans(2-7)
In a game featuring stark contrasts in styles, it will be the New England defense that pulls out the win for the Pats in a nail-biter. New England wins 28-27.
Pick: Patriots
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Eagles(3-5-1) at Browns(6-3)
Nick Chubb and the Cleveland rushing attack will dominate Philly in this game. Cleveland wins 28-10.
Pick: Browns
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Lions(4-5) at Panthers(3-7)
Teddy Bridgewater will come up with the big drive at the end to give Carolina the win. Carolina wins 23-22.
Pick: Panthers
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Titans(6-3) at Ravens(6-3)
This will be a slugfest, and ultimately it will be a late field goal that propels Tennessee to victory in Baltimore once again. Tennessee wins 17-14.
Pick: Titans
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Falcons(3-6) at Saints(7-2)
All eyes will be on Saints quarterback Jameis Winston in this one. No hyperbole, this may be the most pressure Winston has gone into a game with in his entire career. He has to start in place of a future Hall-of-Famer, against the franchise’s arch-rival, looking not to lose the team’s firm grip on first place in the NFC South. Atlanta may be the worst team in the division, but they will play this game like it’s their Super Bowl.
Last season, Teddy Bridgewater set the expectations unrealistically high for any starter playing in place of an injured Drew Brees, going undefeated in five starts. Now, the expectation for Winston is set in stone, win, no excuses. Winston arguably has more weapons than Bridgewater did a year ago. If Teddy could do it, than so must Jameis.
To be fair, Teddy had something crucial that Jameis must get as well, a dominant defense supporting him. For everything expected of Winston, those same high expectations must be set on this Saints defense to rise to the occasion. They showed who they could be in Tampa, and after a slow start last week, showed they could still be that defense. They should have all the motivation they need, realizing they will have to step up like they did without Brees a year ago. The added motivation of playing the hated Falcons, who embarrassed the Saints in the Superdome a year ago, should be another huge factor. Jameis may struggle early but will find his groove. It won't be as easy as we would all hope, but the Saints will come up with the win all the same. Saints win 27-20.
Pick: Saints
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Sunday, November 22nd - Late Games
Jets(0-9) at Chargers(2-7)
The Bolts get up early in this one and never look back. Los Angeles wins 23-7.
Pick: Chargers
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Dolphins(6-3) at Broncos(3-6)
Tua keeps Miami rolling in this one. Miami wins 34-24.
Pick: Dolphins
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Cowboys(2-7) at Vikings(3-5)
This game comes down to the ground games, but Minnesota has the huge advantage of running against this Dallas defense. Minnesota wins 28-17.
Pick: Vikings
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Packers(7-2) at Colts(6-3)
Aaron Rodgers outduels Philip Rivers in this one. Green Bay wins 32-25.
Pick: Packers
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Sunday Night Football
Chiefs(8-1) at Raiders(6-3)
This time Patrick Mahomes outduels Derek Carr in this highly-anticipated rematch of their stunning Week 5 upset. Kansas City wins 32-28.
Pick: Chiefs
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Monday, November 23rd - Monday Night Football
Rams(6-3) at Buccaneers(7-3)
Tampa’s offense caught fire last week in Carolina, and they will continue to blaze against another high-powered offense in the form of the Rams. Los Angeles will keep up for the majority of the game before they lose steam in the end. Tampa wins 45-38.
Pick: Buccaneers
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There we go, Week 11 is shaping up to be pretty interesting. The Saints will definitely look to roast some Falcon this week, and we will certainly enjoy it should it happen. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!