Success in the regular season is not promised for franchises in the NFL. A 17-game season presents challenges to each team, adding more sentimental value to a playoff berth. For most teams, preparing for Week 11 required more focus and determination. A loss during this stage of the season could diminish the odds of prolonging their season.
A slate of interesting match-ups is in store for fans. Here are a few games to keep an eye on this week.
NFL Week 11: New York Jets (6-3) @ New England Patriots (5-4)
Score Prediction: 27 NYJ – 17 NE
X-Factor: Zach Wilson
Competition in the AFC East is on the rise for the first time in several seasons. Robert Saleh and the Jets are looking to solidify their playoff berth this week. Their divisional matchup against Bill Belichick’s squad will require a strong performance on both sides of the ball. Defending the endzone shouldn’t be an issue for Frank Bush’s squad. New York is ranked tenth in points allowed per game (19.6) and fifth in yards allowed (2,808). Efforts from Lamarcus Joyner and Sauce Gardner make the defense elite. Joyner is tied for eighth in interceptions (3) and will look to add to his total.
Consistent defensive performances have helped New England stay alive in a wild regular season. Matthew Judon continues to hunt down opposing quarterbacks – ranking first in sacks (11.5) this season. Pressure in the backfield correlates to interceptions for a hungry secondary. Devin McCourty, Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, and Jack Jones combine for eight interceptions. Creating turnovers keeps offenses out of the endzone. This season, New England ranks sixth in points allowed per game (18.4) – a challenge for Zach Wilson and the offense this week.
X-Factor: QB Zach Wilson
Defense will be the theme for Sunday’s divisional showdown – forcing offenses to perform at a high level. Mike Lafleur has a slight advantage over Joe Judge’s offense this week and should look to rely on his sophomore quarterback to make the right play. Wilson’s slow start in the new campaign caused concerns for fans expecting their former first-round pick to light up the scoreboard. Wilson is ranked twenty-eighth in passing yards (1,202) and thirty-fourth in touchdown passes (4). If the Jets want to capture a divisional win, Zac Wilson must produce.