Manit’s Blitz: Week 11
November 24, 2020
Seahawks 21 Cardinals 28
The NFC West might send three teams to the playoffs. However, as long as the Seahawks defense continues playing this way, it looks like they may last longer than an early round exit, should they make the playoffs. Look for the Cardinals to bounce back next week against the Patriots.
Titans 30 Ravens 24
Titans running back Derrick Henry continues to look practically unstoppable. The Ravens offense and the team in general has been a disappointment all year. Titans vs. Colts next week will not only be a game for the divisional lead, but for a top-five spot in the NFL in my opinion. The Ravens need to win to keep themselves in the playoff picture in a very competitive AFC.
Lions 0 Panthers 20
Detroit had a chance to sneak into the playoff picture with a win, but instead put up zero points while giving up 20 to an XFL quarterback. Lions coach Matt Patricia should be gone by the end of this season. The Panthers and Lions are both irrelevant to the NFC’s playoff picture.
Eagles 17 Browns 22
The Browns are the worst seven-win team in football. The Eagles should consider giving backup quarterback Jalen Hurts a shot. The Eagles’ three turnovers and a safety against a defense without its best player (defensive end Myles Garrett) should signify some sort of change going into next week.
Patriots 20 Texans 27
This was another last-chance game, but this time for the Patriots. However they came up short yet again this year. Both teams are fairly irrelevant to the playoff picture, however look for Houston to try and win as many games as possible to make its first-round pick that the Dolphins own a non-top-five pick.
Packers 31 Colts 34 (OT)
The fact that Packers fans sent death threats to wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling was disgusting, but the Colts are legit and the Packers defense needs to step up. Giving up 34 points to quarterback Philip Rivers and that offense, which has been borderline stagnant the entire season, is not a good look.
Steelers 27 Jaguars 3
The Jaguars are pretty much a lock to take a new quarterback in the 2021 draft, be it Trevor Lawrence of Clemson or Justin Fields of Ohio State. The Steelers have continued their dominance and will look to keep doing so against the division rival Ravens on Thanksgiving.
Saints 24 Falcons 9
The Saints are the No. 1 team in the NFC, but the quarterback competition between Taysom Hill and Jameis Winston is compelling for next season should Brees retire this offseason. The Saints defense is elite, and the team itself didn’t seem to miss a beat. The Falcons need to rebuild.
Bengals 9 Football Team 20
The biggest news from this game was Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow’s season-ending injury, with an ACL and MCL tear along with structural damage to his knee. The Washington Football Team is now tied for second in the NFC East, and I see them winning the division as they’re the most balanced team in that division.
Cowboys 31 Vikings 28
Somehow the Cowboys managed to pull out a win, while ending the Vikings’ winning streak and playoff hopes. Dallas, with a win on Thanksgiving, would move into first place in the NFC East.
Jets 28 Chargers 34
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert finally got another win and looks like the Rookie of the Year front runner. The Jets continue their alleged pursuit of Trevor Lawrence with another loss.
Dolphins 13 Broncos 20
The Dolphins benched quarterback Tua Tagovailoa late in the game, but he remains the starter. Their chances at the division lessen, however the Dolphins remain a true playoff threat. Broncos quarterback Drew Lock remains a question mark for the Broncos’ future as general manager John Elway continues his search for a franchise quarterback.
Chiefs 35 Raiders 31
While this loss pushes the Raiders’ chances of winning the division lower, they are also a very good team that was able to limit the Chiefs offense as much as a team generally can. The Chiefs remain the best team in football.
Rams 27 Buccaneers 24
The score doesn’t show the overall sloppiness of this game. Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady’s three interceptions were a huge factor. The Rams are legitimate and have a shot to win the NFC West, while the Bucs’ loss furthers them from the Saints.
Manit Patel is a general assignment reporter for WDBM Sports. Follow him on Twitter at @manit__patel.