Week 11 saw a few upsets, another game ending on a blocked kick, and left us with no more undefeated teams. This week, the early Sunday games are chalked full of mismatches, while the afternoon and night games have major playoff implications. Let’s take a look at the matchups featuring AFC teams and predict who the winners will be.
Kansas City Chiefs at Carolina Panthers
The 9-1 Chiefs finally dropped their first game of the season, losing to the Bills 30-21. They should get a boost as running back Isiah Pacheco is expected to return after missing a little more than 2 months with a broken leg. The 3-7 Panthers have won two straight and are coming off their bye. They are led by RB Chuba Hubbard, who is coming off a 153-yard rushing performance. I expect the Chiefs to win this one rather easily as QB Pat Mahomes and solid defense take care of business.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 34 – Panthers 17
New England Patriots at Miami Dolphins
The 3-8 Patriots are a feisty team and have kept most games close since QB Drake Maye has become the starter. His improvement is going to be their focus. It’s too bad he doesn’t have more explosive weapons to throw to. The Dolphins have averaged 28 points per game since QB Tua Tagovailoa has come back from injury. The offense goes through RB De’Von Achane as he does it all for them. WR Tyreek Hill is coming off a solid performance, and I think he will continue to produce the rest of the season. Achane and Hill are just too much.
Score Prediction: Dolphins 27 – Patriots 17
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
The 2-8 Titans have lost 4 of their last 5 games. They struggle to find consistency on offense because the offensive line has breakdowns in pass protection, and they have inconsistent QB play from Will Levis. These issues limit production from their best receiver, Calvin Ridley. RB Tony Pollard is having a solid season, but it’s tough for the Titans to run against solid fronts. The 7-4 Texans broke a two-game losing streak by beating the Cowboys 34-10 on Monday Night. The game was a bit closer than the final score as they were only winning by 10 entering the 4th quarter. RB Joe Mixon has been the star for the offense especially when the passing game has struggled. I look for this to be a passing game for the Texans, as I expect QB CJ Stroud to find WR Nico Collins early and often.
Score Prediction: Texans 27 – Titans 13
Detroit Lions at Indianapolis Colts
The 9-1 Lions are rolling right now. They have so many weapons on offense that they can’t be contained. QB Jared Goff threw for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns against the Jaguars on Sunday. Plus, they get key contributions from both running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Colts snapped a three-game losing streak with a comeback-from-behind victory against the New York Jets. QB Anthony Richardson was reinserted as the quarterback and threw for over 270 yards and a touchdown, plus he scored 2 touchdowns himself. This could be a flat spot for the Lions, and Richardson’s ability to move could keep this close. In the end, the Lions are just too much.
Score Prediction: Lions 27 – Colts 23
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders
The Broncos are a blocked field goal away from being 7-4. They are a team nobody wants to play right now. Rookie QB Bo Nix has been better than expected as he spreads the ball around and finds the right receivers. The defense ranks third, as they can stop both the pass and run. They can shut down the other team’s best receiver as CB Patrick Surtain is dominant and they get after the quarterback as they lead the league in sacks with 39. The 2-8 Raiders were able to keep the game close for most of the game in Miami. They were led by Brock Bowers, who had 13 catches for 126 yards and a touchdown. They will need a duplicate performance to stay in this one. The Raiders inconsistency to run the football and have any ability to stretch the Broncos should be their downfall.
Score Prediction: Broncos 27 – Raiders 13
Baltimore Ravens at Los Angeles Chargers
The 7-4 Ravens are coming off a disappointing loss in Pittsburgh, as they turned the ball over 3 times to lose a close game. I think they need to get back to giving the ball to RB Derrick Henry and giving QB Lamar Jackson more run-pass options to keep a tough Charger defense off-balance. The 7-3 Chargers are much like the Broncos, as nobody wants to face them right now. QB Justin Herbert looks awesome, and receivers Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston have been much better than anticipated. Plus, TE Will Dissly has come out of nowhere to have his best season. I think most will pick the Ravens to win this one, but I think the Chargers can exploit the Ravens horrible pass defense and get the win.
Score Prediction: Chargers 24 – Ravens 23
