NFL 2008 Week 11 picks

There's nothing quite as disheartening as a team that just can't find any success on the football field while being led by an inept quarterback. You can have very lethal receivers and bone-crushing running backs, but it takes an operative quarterback to get them the ball.

When your field general is out-of-rhythm, careless, and color blind, it breeds humiliation and skepticism in the hearts and minds of the fan. When you see them under center or going back for a pass, you'd rather take a burning candle and write your name with hot wax on your stomach.

But it's all worth it the moment your realize that those days are over. When that new face emerges from the dusty horizon, hope spring eternal. You don't care how he looks, what number he's wearing, or who he worships. The aura of the team is transformed at least for that moment when he makes that walk from the sideline to the huddle for the very first time. He may be someone that was already tagged with high expectations or an inexperienced veteran that simply has been waiting his turn.

And then, words can't describe what happens when this heir-apparent immediately shows signs of becoming the antithesis of the former regime. Watching him exude confidence, poise, and leadership triggers a swell of relief and trust throughout the land.

The 2008 season has witnessed some franchises relishing in some unexpected success so far this year. Most of this fortune can be attributed to the eye-opening performance of their new leader behind center.

In Baltimore, rookie Joe Flacco was thrown into the starting role before the season began mostly due to injuries and some indecision. While his stats don't reveal it, Flacco has displayed the leadership and poise that the Ravens (6-3) has been seeking. First-round pick Matt Ryan is tearing it up in his rookie season in Atlanta, and his stats this season are eerily similar to those of Eli Manning. His accuracy and aptitude are as strong as a veteran QB as the Falcons are basking in a 6-3 record as well.

The Cleveland Browns got a huge boost of confidence last week vs. Denver when 2nd-year QB Brady Quinn started his first NFL game in front of his hometown fans in relief of the inconsistent Derek Anderson. While the Browns lost the game, you couldn't help but notice that Cleveland entered a new era with Quinn at the helm. He was 23 of 35 for 239 yards and two TD's. He did not turn the ball over and came very close to winning that game.

But, there is a man who is a rookie to the city of New York this year that has caused mass hysteria that would rival what is going on in Cleveland, Baltimore, and Atlanta. The grizzled legend, Brett Favre, has brought Jets fans to their knees with their eyes fixed to the heavens in gratitude. While his maverick-style of play does produce critical turnovers at times, you don't get the feeling that Jets fans want Chad Pennington or Brooks Bollinger back in the Meadowlands. His leadership, savvy, and enthusiasm has encompassed this team and they are now looking at a 6-3 record and tied for first in their division with the Patriots.

This battle kicks off a week of NFL games that are quite critical for some franchises if they want to have any hopes of playing in January.

• NY Jets (6-3) at New England Patriots (6-3): NFLN, 8:15pm EST, Thursday Night - There's nothing like a battle on national TV between division opponents who simply can't stand each other. If only Brady were healthy...

• Denver Broncos (5-4) at Atlanta Falcons (6-3): CBS, 1pm EST - How bad is Denver's defense? Only Detroit, KC, and St. Louis are worse. Atlanta's 6th ranked offense (2nd rushing) should have a field day at home where they are 4-0 this season.

• Houston Texans (3-6) at Indianapolis Colts (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - It's very difficult seeing an upset at Lucas Oil Stadium this week. Indy is coming off a huge win in Pittsburgh, has Bob Sanders back on defense, and they flat out own the Texans winning 12 of 13 games.

• Oakland Raiders (2-7) at Miami Dolphins (5-4): CBS, 1pm EST - The Dolphins are starting to get the hang of this reality called winning while the Raiders view winning as simply a phenomenon.

• Baltimore Ravens (6-3) at NY Giants (8-1): CBS, 1pm EST - If you like hard-hitting football, you've come to the right place. NY has the top rated running attack while the Ravens are #1 in stopping the run. The Giants have never beaten Baltimore, and they know that.

• Philadelphia Eagles (5-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Teams who can't get to the quarterback typically don't do well. Through nine games, the Bengals have sacked the QB nine times. Philly has 28.

• Chicago Bears (5-4) at Green Bay Packers (4-5): FOX, 1pm EST - These two teams have met more times than any two teams in NFL history. This classic rivalry has always been a joy to watch. It's going to be cold and possible snow. Now, this is football!

• New Orleans Saints (4-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-8): FOX, 1pm EST - Despite the records, I expect a high-scoring and close contest in Arrowhead Stadium. The Saints defense on the road has been horrible, but Drew Brees has had huge games vs. the Chiefs.

• Minnesota Vikings (5-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Two excellent defenses square off in south Florida as Tampa will have their hands full with RB Adrian Peterson and Minnesota will need to put intense pressure on Jeff Garcia. The Vikings have not been good on the road while Tampa is undefeated at home.

• Detroit Lions (0-9) at Carolina Panthers (7-2): FOX, 1pm EST - Has everyone tried Facebook?

• St. Louis Rams (2-7) at San Francisco 49ers (2-7): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Mike Singletary will be an NFL head coach somewhere next year.

• Arizona Cardinals (6-3) at Seattle Seahawks (2-7): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Matt Hasselbeck returns to lead the Seahawks offense, but he can't play defense.

• San Diego Chargers (4-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (6-3): CBS, 4:15pm EST - San Diego has never won in Pittsburgh, almost lost to KC last week despite changing defensive coordinators, and the Steelers are not happy having lost two straight home games.

• Tennessee Titans (9-0) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-5): CBS, 4:15pm EST - I believe that the elements are here in J-town for an upset, and I don't believe that the Titans will go undefeated. I just don't see it happening this week.

• Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Washington Redskins (6-3): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - The Cowboys will have a new look in the nation's capitol with many players returning from a long hiatus due to injuries including QB Tony Romo and CB Terence Newman. Dallas must pressure Jason Campbell relentlessly much like Pittsburgh did last week. RB Clinton Portis is doubtful to play.

• Cleveland Browns (3-6) at Buffalo Bills (5-4): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - I know it's early, but you might as well start your Christmas shopping.
  

STANDINGS

Chris Mortensen: 9-5, 96-48

Eddie Chinn: 12-2, 91-53

Mark Schlereth: 10-4, 90-54

Ron Jaworksi: 10-3, 85-49

Mike Golic: 8-6, 83-60