Pro Picks: Bears top Vikes, Eagles sneak by Lions
Chicago Bears safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson (35) and safety Jaquan Brisker (9) tackle New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson (84) during the first half Sunday in Chicago. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Week 11 is filled with marquee matchups.
The Seattle Seahawks (7-2) and Los Angeles Rams (7-2) face off for first place in the NFC West.
The Broncos (8-2) take on the nine-time defending division champion Kansas City Chiefs (5-4) looking to prove the AFC West goes through Denver.
The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (7-2) and Detroit Lions (6-3) meet in prime time in a potential preview of the NFC title game.
Pro Picks breaks them down.
PACKERS (5-3-1) at GIANTS (2-8)
Line: Packers minus 7
The Packers have lost two in a row. Jordan Love and the offense have struggled, scoring just 20 points combined in both games. Interim coach Mike Kafka coaches his first game for the Giants, who fired Brian Daboll. Jameis Winston will start because Jaxson Dart is in the concussion protocol. Micah Parsons could have a big day chasing him around.
BEST BET: PACKERS: 32-16
CHICAGO (6-3) at MINNESOTA (4-5)
Line: Vikings minus 3
Caleb Williams has led the Bears to three comeback wins in the last four games and they’ve won six of seven since an 0-2 start under Ben Johnson. Williams is 1-7 in eight starts vs. NFC North teams, including a loss to Minnesota in Week 1. J.J. McCarthy led the Vikings to a comeback win at Chicago in Week 1. He struggled against Baltimore last week in his fourth career start after an impressive performance against Detroit.
UPSET SPECIAL: BEARS: 23-22
NEW YORK JETS (2-7) at NEW ENGLAND (8-2)
Line: Patriots minus 13
The Jets have won two in a row, but they’re overmatched against the streaking Patriots, who’ve won seven straight games.
PATRIOTS: 26-14
WASHINGTON (3-7) at MIAMI (3-7) in Spain
Line: Dolphins minus 2 1/2
It’s a lost season for the Commanders after reaching the NFC title game last year. Marcus Mariota fills in for Jayden Daniels again.
DOLPHINS: 24-20
HOUSTON (4-5) at TENNESSEE (1-8)
Line: Texans minus 6 1/2
Davis Mills saved Houston’s season by leading an improbable comeback when down 19 in the fourth quarter. He could start again if C.J. Stroud can’t return from a concussion.
TEXANS: 20-14
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (7-3) at JACKSONVILLE (5-4)
Line: Chargers minus 3
The Chargers have won three straight, their defense was dominant last week and Justin Herbert withstood five sacks behind a depleted offensive line in a 15-point win against Pittsburgh.
CHARGERS: 23-17
CINCINNATI (3-6) at PITTSBURGH (5-4)
Line: Steelers minus 5 1/2
The Bengals have lost two in a row despite scoring 38 points in one and 42 in the other.
STEELERS: 27-20
CAROLINA (5-5) at ATLANTA (3-6)
Line: Falcons minus 3 1/2
The Panthers beat the Packers at Lambeau Field but lost to the Saints.
FALCONS: 24-16
TAMPA BAY (6-3) at BUFFALO (6-3)
Line: Bills minus 5 1/2
The Buccaneers are missing several injured playmakers on offense. Josh Allen and the Bills are coming off a stunning lopsided loss to Miami one week after beating Kansas City.
BILLS: 27-23
SAN FRANCISCO (6-4) at ARIZONA (3-6)
Line: 49ers minus 2 1/2
With Mac Jones or Brock Purdy at quarterback, the 49ers have to rely on their offense featuring Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle because their defense has been depleted by injuries.
49ERS: 27-20
SEATTLE (7-2) at LOS ANGELES RAMS (7-2)
Line: Rams minus 3
Matthew Stafford is having a spectacular season for the Rams, whose only two losses came on the final play.
RAMS: 24-20
BALTIMORE (4-5) at CLEVELAND (2-7)
Line: Ravens minus 8
Lamar Jackson is back, the Ravens have won three in a row and they’re aiming to take over the AFC North from Pittsburgh.
RAVENS: 30-13
KANSAS CITY (5-4) at DENVER (8-2)
Line: Chiefs minus 4
Despite being the AFC’s current 8th seed, the Chiefs are favorites to win the Super Bowl.
CHIEFS: 24-18
DETROIT (6-3) at PHILADELPHIA (7-2)
Line: Eagles minus 2 1/2
Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties for the Lions and the offense was dynamic again. Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Philadelphia’s talented defense is going to be an excellent matchup. The Eagles will need their offense to step up against Detroit. Jalen Hurts has made plays when challenged. A.J. Brown has to be more involved in the passing game. Saquon Barkley needs more open lanes.
EAGLES: 27-23
DALLAS (3-5-1) at LAS VEGAS (2-7)
Line: Cowboys minus 3 1/2
It’ll be an emotional night for the Cowboys in their first game since defensive tackle Marshawn Kneeland died.
COWBOYS: 27-20
Last week: Straight up: 10-4. Against spread: 8-6.
Overall: Straight up: 106-42-1. Against spread: 77-71-1.





