Jimmy Garoppolo, 49ers
Nov 26, 2017; Santa Clara, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) watches the game against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Home » Blog » NFL Week 11 schedule: 5 best bets on favorites

NFL Week 11 schedule: 5 best bets on favorites

Matt Verderame NFL

Looking at the NFL Week 11 schedule, we pick the top five favorites to consider when making bets this weekend.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-11) vs. New York Giants

The Buccaneers haven’t won in almost a month, with two consecutive losses split by the bye week. For Tom Brady and Co., this is a must-win if Tampa Bay is going to get into the race for the top seed in the NFC playoffs. While the Bucs are beat up offensively, the Giants have been missing critical personnel on both sides of the ball all season. Look for Brady to have a big game with his team desperately needing one, and doing so on primetime.

4. Carolina Panthers (-3.5) vs. Washington Football Team

The Panthers are getting a huge proverbial shot in the arm with Cam Newton coming back to help save the season. At 5-5, Carolina is the No. 7 seed in the NFC playoff picture while Washington, despite coming off an impressive win over the Buccaneers, are limping in at 3-6. Furthermore, the Football Team has been lousy defensively all year and is now without star edge rusher Chase Young, who will miss the remainder of the campaign with a torn ACL.

3. Cleveland Browns (-12) vs. Detroit Lions

The Browns are 5-5 and coming off a humiliating 45-7 loss to the New England Patriots last weekend. If Cleveland is going to get back into the playoff race, it has to beat the Lions, who are 0-8-1 after tying the Pittsburgh Steelers last weekend. Additionally, Detroit could be without quarterback Jared Goff, who is listed as doubtful with an oblique injury.  If he can’t go, it’s the Tim Boyle show for the Lions.

2. San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Another team desperate to win. The 49ers saved their season on Monday night by trouncing the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, 31-7. The defense was terrific, intercepting Matthew Stafford twice including a pick-six. Now, the Niners travel across the country to take on the two-win Jaguars, who have been a rudderless mess under first-year head coach Urban Meyer. Expect San Francisco to win going away.

1. Los Angeles Chargers (-6) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

If the Chargers lose this game, the wheels have officially come off. Pittsburgh will be without a litany of star defenders on Sunday night including edge rusher T.J. Watt, corner Joe Haden and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick. Los Angeles is 5-4 and trying to stay close to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC West. Should the Chargers lose at home in primetime to a hobbled, limited Pittsburgh team, making the playoffs becomes an uphill battle.

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