We are already in week 11 of this NFL season and it seems as if the playoffs are right around the corner. There are so many tight division races right now, and this week’s slate of games could be huge factors in determining what the playoff seedings will look like.

KC@LAR:

We have to start with the game of the week and possibly of the year. Two elite 9-1 teams battle on Monday night in LA. Both teams are clearly super bowl contenders and fighting for not only first round byes, but also No. 1 seeds. This game will be very high scoring as each offense knows a thing or two about putting up points. Currently, the Rams are first in the league in yards on offense and third in points per game. While the Chiefs are second in both categories. The Chiefs are led by an offense filled with a ton of talent, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, running back Kareem Hunt, receiver Tyreek Hill, and tight end Travis Kelce. The Rams have an outstanding offense of their own, starring Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Robert Woods, and Brandin Cooks. This game may turn into a shootout with not much defense being played. Ball control and capitalizing in the red zone could both be key. Kicking field goals won’t be the best way to win this game, so it’s crucial for each team to find the end zone. The Rams will come out on top in this one. The Chiefs’ defense will be no match for Todd Gurley and the Rams’ offense. LA will improve to 10-1 as they look to pass the Saints as the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

Score:

LAR 41- KC 35

MIN@CHI:

The other prime time game is on Sunday Night Football where the two top teams in the NFC North fight for the divisional lead. Chicago currently sits at 6-3 and has won their last three. Minnesota is 5-3-1 and is not far behind Chicago. Chicago has been a surprise to many so far and look great on both sides of the ball. However, Minnesota is a better team all around. They don’t have many weaknesses on either side of the ball. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs are one of the best wide receiver duos in the league, and their defense has many big names including Danielle Hunter who is second in the league in sacks with 11.5. This game is much needed for both but Minnesota will come out on top and make the big stops when they need to. The win for the Vikings will help regain their NFC North divisional lead.

Score:

MIN 24- CHI 20

DAL@ATL:

Two 4-5 teams that are looking at their season differently. For Dallas, they now sit at 4-5 and trail the Redskins by two games in the NFC East. Beating the Eagles last week was definitely a must win, but they don’t have an easy road ahead at all. After Atlanta this week they are home to Washington, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. Calling that a tough stretch of games would be an understatement. But for now they’ll have to worry about this Sunday’s game against a very good Atlanta offense. Matt Ryan is having an MVP type season. Their defense is obviously a concern, and that’s where Dallas will have to expose them. If they can keep feeding Ezekiel Elliott throughout the game and keep Matt Ryan off the field, that’s a recipe for success. The big thing here though is that Atlanta is home and coming off a loss. Their playoff hopes aren’t completely in the trash yet, but they’re almost at that point. So this is a must win for them as well. Dallas needs to keep up with Washington in the NFC East, and Atlanta needs some wins to get back into the wild card picture. I see Dallas coming out victorious here. Expect big days from Elliott and Prescott against a poor Falcons defense. Also, there are coaches in Dallas fighting for their jobs. If Jason Garrett wants to remain the Cowboys’ head coach, he needs to get some more wins cooking. Locking up a win here on the road against a good team would be huge. Dallas will win here and pull closer to the top of the NFC East.

Score:

DAL 31- ATL 27

At this point, these look like they will be the biggest and closest games this weekend.

For the other games, I have Baltimore beating Cincinnati, Carolina destroying Detroit, Tennessee winning their third in a row after topping Indianapolis, the Giants taking down Tampa Bay, Houston beating Washington, Pittsburgh handling Jacksonville, the Chargers sneaking by Denver, Arizona beating Oakland in the toilet bowl, and New Orleans beating Philadelphia in a game that will be closer than many expect.

There are many crucial games coming up in week 11 of this season, and it will be exciting to see how all the games turn out.