Week 11 NFL Picks: Colts vs. Patriots an Expected Highlight

I won 9 games for the second week in a row, improving my prediction record to 83-62-1 on the season (from here on out, I will exclude the tie from my picks record). With the Browns back in action this week following their bye, let's check out what other games are on tap for Week 11 in the NFL. For this week's theme, I will cite one player who will be a difference maker in the outcome of the game.

Week 11 Games			Explanation	Pick
	vs.		Spiller to Get More Touches: As good as Fred Jackson is, the best thing that could have happened for Buffalo is being forced into a situation in which C.J. Spiller has to get more carries. Spiller will electrify Buffalo over the struggling Dolphins. Bills 28, Dolphins 13
	vs.		Stark's Spark? The Packers have named James Starks their starting running back. What took so long? The guy has come through in the past, but had been behind Cedric Benson and Alex Green on the depth chart up until now. Detroit's defense couldn't stop the Vikings, and they're not going to stop the Packers. Packers 31, Lions 24
	vs.		Time to Give up on Turner?: One big change I think we'll continue to see form the Falcons is more of Jacquizz Rodgers in the backfield over Michael Turner. Atlanta has to establish a goal line threat again on the ground, and right now, Turner isn't getting it done down there. The Cardinals still seem pretty hopeless offensively. Falcons 24, Cardinals 10
	vs.		Cam to the Rescue: The Buccaneers are really starting to click on all cylinders, and Cameron Newton struggled in Week 1 against the Bucs. Newton torched the Buccaneers' secondary twice last season, though, and I think he'll be able to dig down deep and lead his team to an upset win this week. Panthers 23, Buccaneers 17
	vs.		Griffin Facing Another Rookie QB: Who missed the rookie sensation Robert Griffin III last week? As I Browns fan on the bye, I certainly wanted to see him in action. This could have been a matchup of Griffin vs. Vick, but Vick's concussion means we'll have another rookie vs. rookie battle of the quarterbacks. Nick Foles isn't going to get the best of Griffin. Redskins 26, Eagles 17
	vs.		Frustration With Rex Ryan: Rex Ryan really frustrates me; I'll never understand why he feels obligated to stick with Mark Sanchez for so long. How many terrible games does a "veteran" quarterback have to have before you pull him? Even if Ryan doesn't believe in Tim Tebow (which he should), he still has a guy named Greg McElroy as the third stringer; put the kid in. Rams 23, Jets 14
	vs.		Charles Can't Do it All: Are we on the verge of seeing a resurgence from Jamaal Charles? After not being featured very much for several weeks, Charles reached the 100-yard mark against Pittsburgh to go along with a touchdown. While some of that success should carry over against the Bengals, the Chiefs need an upgrade at quarterback and the Bengals' offense is streaking again. Bengals 28, Chiefs 21
	vs.		Blowout of the Week: Trap game? Ha! Not a chance. The last time these two teams met in Week 2, it was a 27-7 mauling by the Texans. Not much has changed since then; the Texans are still going strong behind Arian Foster, and the Jaguars are still showing nothing promising from Blaine Gabbert. If Tebow had gone to Jacksonville, I wonder just how much he would've been featured? Texans 35, Jaguars 13
	vs.		Shootout of the Week: The Raiders have had a knack for keeping things close this year, but Jimmy Graham returning healthy for the Saints the past couple of weeks has made a big difference. If the Saints continue riding Graham the rest of the season, mark my words -- they are going to be a wildcard team in the NFC. Saints 45, Raiders 31
	vs.		Back Where it All Started: Who could forget the epic encounter between these two teams a month or so ago? It really marked the turning point in Denver's season; since then, the offense and defense have clicked early in games. Once they have a lead, it's tough to rally on them. Philip Rivers has not come through in the clutch, and he'll fail to do so again this week. Broncos 28, Chargers 21
	vs.		No Manning, No Problem: CBS never thought they'd have an incentive to flex this game to their afternoon slot, but Indianapolis is having a storybook season when you consider Andrew Luck's success, the situation with Chuck Pagano, etc. I'd be fascinated if they pulled off a road win here, but unfortunately, I think we're going to see New England put in a clinic for a stunning blowout. Patriots 35, Colts 17
	vs.		Left With Leftwich: Baltimore is well on their way to winning the division. They looked to be in trouble when Ray Lewis and Lardarius Webb went down, but they've continued to win, and now they are fortunate to face Byron Leftwich as their division rival's starting quarterback. The Ravens' defense should eat Leftwich alive. Ravens 21, Steelers 10
	vs.		Banged Up QB's, Great Defenses: Poor Chicago. Amidst a brutal stretch in which they face Houston, San Francisco, and Minnesota, they lose their starting quarterback to injury. The Bears' defense will still make this a game up until the final seconds, but the lack of a true starting quarterback will be the difference maker. Alex Smith will probably play despite his concussion, so I'll take the 49ers. 49ers 17, Bears 13
	vs.		Making a Statement? Brandon Weeden still hasn't earned much respect around the NFL, but he can change that considering the amount of people that will be watching this game. Tony Romo has a 20-3 career record in the month of November, though; can Cleveland's defense find a way to rattle him when he's at his best? My full game preview and prediction will be posted on Saturday, and our scouting report of the Cowboys will be up on Friday.	TBA
Teams on the Bye Week

Survivor Pick: I am 6-4 in survivor, riding a three-game winning streak after the Steelers beat the Chiefs last week. The teams I've used are GB, HOU, and PIT. This week, I'll go with the Saints over the Raiders.