As the NFL season progresses, predicting wins for teams like the New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles gets easier and easier. The opponent or location doesn’t seem to matter much. Those two elite teams just keep rolling.
Bing Predicts had a solid week 10, correctly calling 11 of 14 NFL games.
The ones it missed were tough, mostly involving bottom feeders. Chicago was Bing’s favorite, and yet the Green Bay Packers, with Brett Hundley substituting at quarterback for the injured Aaron Rodgers, pulled off the win at Soldier Field. The New York Jets got respect from Bing, but Tampa Bay eked out a 15-10 victory.
The toughest game to pick might have been the one between the New York Giants, who had managed just one win, and San Francisco, a team that was winless. It was basically a toss-up, and Bing came out on the wrong side, choosing the Giants. The 49ers picked up their first win, 31-21.
In the upcoming Week 11, several interesting matchups seem difficult to predict.
The Patriots should be a lock to beat the Oakland Raiders even though the game will be played in Mexico City. International games don’t always follow conventional wisdom, but Tom Brady and his bunch seem adaptable, and they are favored by a wide margin.
The four teams leading their respective divisions in the National Football Conference — the Vikings, the Saints, the Rams, and the Eagles — all failed to make the playoffs last year. All but the Vikings had a losing record.
A battle between two of those teams, both with 7-2 records is also tricky to call. The Minnesota Vikings are at home against the Los Angeles Rams. The Vikings are on a roll, winning five straight, while the Rams have won four in a row. Bing gives a slight edge to the Vikings.
Before the season started, the Eagles playing at Dallas Cowboys looked like a mighty fine matchup. Now? Not so much. The Eagles have earned the respect of the league, while the Cowboys have been a big disappointment.
Bing’s NFL predictions use team and player statistics and web activity to build a statistical model that takes into account historical data and real-time information (like injuries, suspensions, and lineup changes). Finally, social sentiment adds a unique wisdom-of-the-crowd factor to the model. Learn more about Bing Predicts.
Click here to see Bing’s predictions for the NFL week 11.
Click here to see all Bing weekly NFL predictions
Source: Andy Lyons / Getty Images
Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers
> Bing Predicts winner: Pittsburgh (69%)
> Kickoff time: 8:25 PM EDT (Thursday)
> Game spread: Pittsburgh -7
> Matchup history: Steelers lead 45-32-0
While both teams are red-hot with four straight wins, the edge here goes to the Steelers because they have the NFL’s top receiver-running back duo in Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell; the second best defense (allowing just 284.4 yards per game); and they’re at home where they are 2-1. The Steelers (7-2) are coming off a 20-17 win over the Colts, who had a 17-3 lead in the third quarter.
The Titans (6-3) are off to their best start since 2008 after a 24-20 comeback win over the Bengals on Sunday. Running back DeMarco Murray ran for two touchdowns and caught a 7-yard touchdown pass from Marcus Mariota with 36 seconds left to win the game. Should be a nail-biter between two resilient teams.
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Source: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images
Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears
> Bing Predicts winner: Detroit (64%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Detroit -3
> Matchup history: Bears lead 97-72-5
In the NFC North, the Bears (3-6) are done like dinner, while the Lions (5-4) are still in the postseason conversation. Detroit has won two straight and is favored on the road in an important game for the division race. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has shined in the last two games this season with five touchdowns, one interception, and 610 passing yards.
The Bears, coming off a 23-16 loss to the Packers, are in disarray during a rebuilding year. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky often plays like a rookie, which should be expected. The good news is running back Jordan Howard is fifth in the NFL with 716 rushing yards, although the Packers held him to 54 yards. Could be a good, old-fashioned NFC North battle at a blustery Soldier Field, or the Lions could jump out and prove they can be a threat in the division. Look for the latter. The Lions have won seven of their last eight meetings with the Bears.
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Source: Sam Greenwood / Getty Images
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns
> Bing Predicts winner: Jacksonville (77%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Jacksonville -7
> Matchup history: Jaguars lead 11-5-0
The Browns (0-9) have enough talent to perhaps win one game this season, but it likely won’t be against the Jaguars (6-3). Jacksonville’s defense is a huge reason why they have won three straight, including pulling out an overtime win over the Chargers on Sunday. The defense is first in the league in fewest points allowed (134). Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles didn’t have the best day, with one touchdown and two picks, but it was good enough.
Browns quarterback DeShone Kizer had a solid game Sunday in a 38-24 loss at Detroit, but he’ll have a tough time against the NFL’s top passing defense, which allows just 165.1 passing yards per game.
Source: Andy Lyons / Getty Images
Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers
> Bing Predicts winner: Baltimore (63%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Baltimore -2.5
> Matchup history: Packers lead 4-1-0
While both Baltimore and Green Bay have lost three of their last four games, the Ravens (4-5) get the edge here because they still have a healthy quarterback in Joe Flacco, and several key offensive weapons should return from injury following a bye week. Running back Terrance West, wide receiver Michael Campanaro, and tight end Nick Boyle have been missed and are expected back. It has not been a great season for Flacco, who has thrown more interceptions (10) than touchdowns (8), but it’s not been all on him.
The Packers (5-4) are a lost ship in bumpy seas without quarterback Aaron Rodgers who was injured on Oct. 15. Linebacker Nick Perry impressed in the win over the Bears on Sunday with three sacks. Quarterback Brett Hundley tweaked a hamstring but is expected to play on Sunday.
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Source: Streeter Lecka / Getty Images
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Miami Dolphins
> Bing Predicts winner: Miami (51%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Miami -3
> Matchup history: Series tied 5-5-0
Originally scheduled as the opener for both teams, this game was pushed back because of Hurricane Irma. The teams have not played each other since 2013. The Dolphins (4-5) embarrassed themselves in a 45-21 loss to the Panthers on Monday night but hold the slightest edge over the Bucs. Miami’s defense had absolutely no answer for the Panthers’ run game, with running back Jonathan Stewart piling up 110 rushing yards, while quarterback Cam Newton ran for 95 yards and threw four touchdown passes. Dolphins quarterback Jay Cutler was average at best (213 yards, two touchdowns, one interception), which is not good enough for the Dolphins who have lost three straight.
For the Bucs (3-6), quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will fill in for Jameis Winston, who has an injured shoulder, for the second straight game. Fitzpatrick is a steady veteran who led the Bucs Sunday to a 15-10 win over the Jets, his former team. That victory snapped a five-game losing streak that had torpedoed the season and had fans calling for the return of Jon Gruden as coach. Gruden led the Buccaneers to their Super Bowl victory in 2003. They’re not booing, they’re saying “Gruden.”
Source: Patrick Smith / Getty Images
Los Angeles Rams at Minnesota Vikings
> Bing Predicts winner: Minnesota (53%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Minnesota -2
> Matchup history: Vikings lead 26-16-2
The Fearsome Foursome and the Purple People Eaters are long gone. However, the latest editions of the Rams and Vikings may make new gridiron memories in this matchup. The Vikings have won the last four games against the Rams. Teddy Bridgewater is itching to get back into action, but quarterback Case Keenum has led the Vikings (7-2) to five straight wins. It’s a tough decision for coach Mike Zimmer, but Keenum would be the safe bet for Minnesota, which is the favorite. The Vikings are facing a tough stretch, with three of their next four games on the road — all against teams with winning records. Minnesota is coming off a big road win at Washington.
It’s not like it will be easy against the Rams (7-2) who have won four straight, including Sunday’s 33-7 smackdown of the Texans. Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes and a career-high 355 yards with no interceptions. Wide receiver Robert Woods had 171 receiving yards (including two touchdowns), while running back Todd Gurley ran for 68 yards. Buckle up, this could be fun. Los Angeles is the highest scoring team in the NFL, averaging 32.9 points a a game.
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Source: Tom Szczerbowski / Getty Images
Washington Redskins at New Orleans Saints
> Bing Predicts winner: New Orleans (78%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: New Orleans -7.5
> Matchup history: Redskins lead 17-8-0
This one is easy. The Saints, perhaps the hottest team in the NFL with seven straight wins, naturally have the edge in this home game. New Orleans (7-2) has changed its modus operandi this season, and it is paying off. The offense no longer rests totally on the shoulders of quarterback Drew Brees, although he’s playing well. Now they have an effective run game with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara, combining for 237 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns in the 47-10 shellacking of the Bills on Sunday. The Saints set a franchise record in that game with six rushing touchdowns. And they never punted. The Saints defense is also maturing as the season wears on.
The Redskins (4-5) lost to the Vikings 38-30 on Sunday. Quarterback Kirk Cousins threw for 327 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. He did his part, kind of. A big issue was that running back Samaje Perine was the leading rusher with just 35 rushing yards.
Source: Ron Jenkins / Getty Images
Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants
> Bing Predicts winner: Kansas City (74%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Kansas City -13
> Matchup history: Giants lead 10-3-0
The Chiefs (6-3) came back to Earth after a 5-0 start but still could make noise in the postseason. They should have no trouble dismissing the Giants (1-8), especially with more time to prepare coming off a bye week. The teams last played each other four years ago, with the Chiefs routing the Giants 31-7. The Chiefs are trying to forget the 28-17 loss to the Cowboys, whose defense held rookie running back Kareem Hunt to 37 rushing yards.
It’s the Giants (1-8) who are in big trouble. The owners released a statement on Monday giving coach Ben McAdoo a vote of confidence — at least until the end of the season. At the same time they said the team’s performance the last two weeks was “inexcusable and frustrating.” Perhaps knowing he’s safe for the season, McAdoo can call out his players. Some of them, including cornerback Janoris Jenkins, seem to have quit on the season already.
Source: Christian Petersen / Getty Images
Arizona Cardinals at Houston Texans
> Bing Predicts winner: Arizona (61%)
> Kickoff time: 1:00 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Arizona -1.5
> Matchup history: Cardinals lead 2-1-0
Another week, another injured quarterback. Veteran Drew Stanton, who was filling in for injured quarterback Carson Palmer, was hobbled late in Sunday’s game with a knee issue. He could be out for a game or two and will be replaced by Blaine Gabbert. Still, the Cardinals get the nod in this matchup. Arizona (4-5) is coming off a 22-16 loss to the Seahawks. Stanton threw for 273 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, although he missed several wide-open receivers. The Cardinals run game, though, was nearly non-existent, with 34 yards total.
The Texans (3-6), who have lost three straight, also appear to be cursed by the injury bug this season. Oh, how they miss defensive end J.J. Watt and quarterback Deshaun Watson. Life was good with a healthy Watson. Tom Savage returns at quarterback this week after he threw two interceptions in the 33-7 loss to the Rams on Sunday. After a promising start, it’s all but over for Houston.
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Source: Sam Greenwood / Getty Images
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers
> Bing Predicts winner: Los Angeles (55%)
> Kickoff time: 4:05 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Los Angeles -4
> Matchup history: Chargers lead 23-12-2
What is the opposite of red hot? Both the Bills and the Chargers are coming off two straight losses to play in this late Sunday afternoon snoozer. It will be a reunion game for Chargers Coach Anthony Lynn, who was the Bills offensive coordinator last season. Los Angeles (3-6) gets the nod even though the Bills have a better record and still have a shot at a wild card playoff spot. The Chargers have had a tougher schedule and are at home where they are a pathetic 1-3. They’re coming off an overtime loss at Jacksonville.
The Bills (5-4) defense was the story in their 47-10 loss to the Saints on Sunday. They couldn’t stop the run, and the Saints made them pay with 298 rushing yards. Yikes. The Chargers don’t have much of a run game but need to exploit the Bills’ biggest weakness.
Source: Matthew Stockman / Getty Images
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
> Bing Predicts winner: Denver (53%)
> Kickoff time: 4:25 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Denver -3
> Matchup history: Broncos lead 21-9-0
The Broncos (3-6) need to pick themselves up after a humiliating 41-16 loss to the Patriots on Sunday night. Even coming off that rout, they’re the favorites, which tells you everything you need to know about the Bengals (3-6). Since an early bye week, the Broncos have lost five straight. They’ve been outscored 92-39 in the last two games. Ouch. Special teams were a disaster on Sunday, with a blocked punt, a botched punt, and allowing a 103-yard kickoff return for a score. Afterward, Denver defensive end Derek Wolfe said, “I think we stink.” (Via the Denver Post.) That pretty much sums it up.
Surprisingly, Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will not be suspended after making contact with an official in the 24-20 loss to the Titans. Burfict, a repeat offender, caught a break. It was the Bengals third loss in four games. Cincinnati’s offense is the worst in the NFL, averaging just 274.0 yards per game. It’s amazing they have won three games.
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Source: Dustin Bradford / Getty Images
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders in Mexico City
> Bing Predicts winner: New England (77%)
> Kickoff time: 4:25 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: New England -5.5
> Matchup history: Patriots lead 18-15-1
This one is not tough to figure. The Patriots (7-2) have won five straight, including on the road at Denver on Sunday night, embarrassing the Broncos 41-16. It was Tom Brady’s 86th career road win, which broke a tie with Peyton Manning for all-time most career road wins. He’ll likely to boost that number to 87 at Mexico City. We’ve seen strange things happening during international NFL games in London, but at this point it doesn’t seem to matter much where the Patriots play. They stayed in Colorado this week for practice before leaving for Mexico.
The Raiders (4-5) are coming off a bye week after a win over the Dolphins in Week 9. In that game, Derek Carr threw for 300 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Still, this is a team that has lost five of its last seven. The Raiders have also lost five of their last six games to New England, including the infamous “tuck rule” game for the AFC Championship in 2002 that sent the Patriots to their first Super Bowl. Onward to Mexico City.
Source: Joe Robbins / Getty Images
Philadelphia Eagles at Dallas Cowboys
> Bing Predicts winner: Philadelphia (61%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EDT (Sunday)
> Game spread: Philadelphia -3
> Matchup history: Cowboys lead 65-51-10
It could be a big NFC East battle, but the Eagles (8-1) are flying with seven straight wins. If anyone can stop them it’s not likely to be the Cowboys (5-4), who lost to the Falcons 27-7. To make matters worse for Dallas, the Eagles are rested coming off a bye week. Quarterback Carson Wentz, who leads the NFL with 23 touchdown passes, threw four touchdown aerials in the last game, a 51-23 win over the Broncos in Week 9.
Dallas, playing without running back Ezekiel Elliott, who is finally serving his suspension, is just another ho-hum NFL team in Texas. Quarterback Dak Prescott was sacked eight times in the 27-7 loss to the Falcons. Owner Jerry Jones draws more headlines than his Cowboys, which typically doesn’t bode well for wins in the NFL.
Source: Christian Petersen / Getty Images
Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks
> Bing Predicts winner: Seattle (61%)
> Kickoff time: 8:30 PM EDT (Monday)
> Game spread: Seattle -3
> Matchup history: Seahawks lead 10-7-0
Maybe the Seahawks (6-3) are for real. Maybe not. They’ve had impressive wins but haven’t been able to string together enough of them. They eked out a 22-16 victory over the Cardinals but lost cornerback Richard Sherman for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles tendon. Russell Wilson was at his best (22 of 32 for 238 yards, two touchdowns) even though he was sacked five times. He appeared to have suffered a concussion late in the game, but there is some confusion whether he went through the appropriate protocol.
Wilson is fully expected to play on Monday night, which is bad news for the Falcons (5-4), who beat the Cowboys 27-7 on Sunday. Quarterback Matt Ryan has just thrown 13 touchdowns and already has more interceptions (eight) than he did all of last season (seven). It’s not the best Monday night matchup ever, but it could be a close game.
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