There are some compelling matchups as we move into Week 11 of the NFL season, with teams looking to get a win keep pushing forward.
Let’s take a look at a couple of things to watch this weekend.
1. How Will Pittsburgh Respond In The Absence Of Ben Roethlisberger?
The injury is pretty serious for the Pittsburgh quarterback, and the Steelers want to make sure it is fully healed before he comes back. this could result in Roethlisberger being out for several weeks. Byron Leftwich is getting the starting, and let’s face it, he is nowhere near the playmaker that Roethlisberger is. And of course, the Steelers get archrival Baltimore on Sunday night in primetime, with the division lead on the line.
2. The Green Bay/Detroit Game Has Big Division Implications
If the Packers are able to win against Detroit on Sunday, they would essentially control their own destiny in the conference, despite being one game behind. Green Bay already beat Chicago once this season, with the second game still to be played. But as of now, the Packers own the tiebreaker. Of course, the Lions are still in the thick of the playoff race in the NFC as well.
3. How Will Atlanta Respond After First Loss?
The Falcons return home to the Georgia Dome in Week 11, where they will face the Arizona Cardinals. Atlanta lost its first game of the season, on the road 31-27 to the New Orleans Saints. No question opportunities were missed, but responding in a positive way is the mark of a playoff team. Not turning one loss, into multiple losses.
4. Luck vs Brady
The Indianapolis Colts visit the New England Patriots on Sunday afternoon, with Andrew Luck taking on Tom Brady. This matches an up and coming NFL star with a present one. It’s a tall-task to ask your rookie quarterback to go into New England and come out with a win. This should be a fun one to watch though.