Welcome to the Week 11 grades!
It is showdown Sunday within the NFL. The primary huge sport began at 1 p.m. ET with the Ravens touring to Pittsburgh for an enormous matchup with the Steelers and the sport truly lived as much as the hype. The Steelers escaped with an 18-16 victory on a day the place Justin Tucker missed two area objectives. The win wasn’t sealed till the Ravens got here up brief on a two-point conversion with simply 1:06 left to play.
The Steelers acquired all of their factors from Chris Boswell, who kicked six area objectives. Which means NFL groups at the moment are 4-18 on the season when scoring zero touchdowns in a sport:
- The Steelers are 2-0
- The 31 different groups are 2-18
So what sort of grade do you get for scoring zero touchdowns? Let’s get to the Week 11 grades, beginning with the Steelers’ huge win.
Pittsburgh 18-16 over Baltimore
| B- |
Ravens |
| The Ravens all the time appear to wrestle in opposition to the Steelers and people struggles continued on Sunday. Derrick Henry began off the sport with a fumble on the second play from scrimmage and issues did not get a lot better from there for the Ravens offense. The Ravens greatest drawback proper now be Justin Tucker. Essentially the most correct kicker in NFL historical past appears to have misplaced his mojo: He missed area objectives in opposition to the Steelers and that was the distinction within the sport. For the previous 12 years, the Ravens have had a kicker they’ll belief in clutch conditions, however going ahead, followers will probably be holding their breath when Tucker makes an attempt any huge kicks. | |
| B |
Steelers |
| The Steelers protection has been top-of-the-line within the NFL via the primary 10 weeks and confirmed why once more on Sunday. The protection compelled two turnovers, together with a wild interception by Payton Wilson within the fourth quarter. These two turnovers led to 2 area objectives from Chris Boswell, who scored ALL of Pittsburgh’s factors with six whole area objectives. Offensively, the Steelers weren’t flashy, however they acquired the job accomplished. The Russell Wilson-to-George Pickens connection continues to return up huge with Pickens catching eight passes for 89 yards. This win completely encompassed why the Steelers ought to be seen as a Tremendous bowl contender: They’ve an amazing protection, an amazing kicker and an offense that has the power to make huge performs when the group wants it. | |
Buffalo 30-21 over Kansas Metropolis
| B- |
Chiefs |
| The undefeated season needed to finish in some unspecified time in the future, and it lastly occurred right here in a sport the place the Chiefs had been merely outplayed. Patrick Mahomes threw an interception on his first move of the sport and that was an indication of issues to return on a day the place he threw for simply 196 yards. The Chiefs’ usually stout protection struggled to decelerate Josh Allen, who totaled 317 yards and two touchdowns. Nobody one desires to lose, however this might find yourself being for one of the best for the reason that Chiefs now will not should cope with the stress that comes from attempting to remain undefeated. They’re nonetheless within the driver’s seat to get the No. 1 seed within the AFC and that is the final word objective on the subject of the common season. | |
| A- |
Payments |
| The Payments had been coping with a variety of accidents heading into Week 11, however that did not matter as a result of they nonetheless had Josh Allen, who willed them to a win. Allen made loads of huge performs, however none of them was greater than his 26-yard TD run on fourth down that iced the sport within the fourth quarter. Allen did job of spreading the ball round with Khalil Shakir, Curtis Samuel, Dawson Knox and James Prepare dinner all catching at the very least 4 passes. Defensively, the Payments made positive there was no Patrick Mahomes magic within the second half, holding the Chiefs QB to simply 98 yards and one TD over the ultimate two quarters. It was an enormous win for a Payments group that is now firmly within the hunt to land the highest seed within the AFC. | |
L.A. Chargers 34-27 over Bengals
| B- |
Bengals |
| Each loss this season appears to be the identical for the Bengals — they’re in it till the top after which they discover a new option to lose. The offense acquired off to a gradual begin, however Joe Burrow ultimately recovered throwing for 356 yards and three touchdowns with 245 of that and all three scores coming within the second half. The return of Tee Higgins (9 catches for 148 yards and one TD) helped spark the Bengals offense. The protection acquired run off the sector within the first two quarters, however performed properly sufficient within the second half to permit Burrow to get the group again within the sport. The largest drawback for the Bengals was Evan McPherson, who missed two go-ahead area objectives within the closing eight minutes of the fourth quarter. The Bengals now lead the NFL with six one-score losses and it is wanting like 2024 will go down as a large “What if” season for this franchise. | |
| B |
Chargers |
| If it wasn’t clear earlier than, it ought to be now: Jim Harbaugh has utterly modified the tradition for this group. The Chargers had been as soon as recognized for Chargering and after watching a 27-6 lead soften away within the second half, it seemed prefer it may occur once more, however this group confirmed it is resilience. Justin Herbert bounced again from a tough second half to guide a game-winning TD drive within the closing minute that was capped by J.Ok. Dobbins. Though he acquired bottled up for a lot of the evening, Dobbins was capable of escape for a game-winning 29-yard TD. Defensively, the Chargers stored fixed stress on Joe Burrow that led to 3 sacks and several other erratic throws from the Bengals QB. This was the kind of win that proves Harbaugh is ushering in a brand new period of Chargers soccer. | |
Inexperienced Bay 20-19 over Chicago
| B- |
Packers |
| For the second time prior to now three weeks, the Packers protection gave up at the very least 390 yards and that may very well be a problem going ahead if they do not make things better, particularly since these performances got here in opposition to two unhealthy offenses (Chicago and Jacksonville). The Packers offense seemed sharp for a lot of the sport, particularly on its closing possession, when Jordan Love drove them 70 yards for the go-ahead TD. Karl Brooks made the play of the day when he blocked Chicago’s game-winning area objective try on the ultimate play. The protection nearly gave this sport away, however the particular groups saved the day, and typically, that is how you need to win within the NFL. | |
| B- |
Bears |
| The Bears’ resolution to fireplace offensive coordinator Shane Waldron seemed like an excellent one. Of their first sport with out Waldron, the Bears exploded for 391 yards. Caleb Williams performed sensible soccer: Not solely did he throw for 231 yards, however he additionally tacked on a career-high 70 yards on the bottom. Williams additionally did job of spreading the ball round with 4 receivers catching at the very least three passes. The rookie QB even got here up clutch on the ultimate drive by throwing for 49 yards to arrange Cairo Santos’ game-winning area objective try, but it surely went for nothing, as a result of the kick was blocked. Matt Eberflus may have tried to go for a more in-depth kick, however he determined to attempt the sector objective on second down. The issue for the Bears is that though they performed properly, they nonetheless misplaced, and this one’s going to sting, particularly because it got here in opposition to a Packers group that has now overwhelmed them 11 straight occasions. | |
Detroit 52-6 over Jacksonville
| F |
Jaguars |
| If Jaguars proprietor Shad Khan was questioning whether or not Doug Pederson has misplaced the group, this sport just about solutions that query. | |
| A+ |
Lions |
| After an in depth name in Week 10, the Lions made positive this one did not go right down to the wire: This one was over by halftime. The Lions performed practically excellent soccer on each offense and protection. Jared Goff had his manner with the Jaguars secondary, throwing for 412 yards and 4 touchdowns. Jameson Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown each went over 100 receiving yards and David Montgomery led the best way on the bottom with two touchdowns. The protection beat up on a Jaguars offense that did not rating a landing. This win exhibits why the Lions are an amazing group: This might have simply been a lure sport for Detroit, however as an alternative, the Lions beat up on a foul group. | |
Minnesota 23-13 Tennessee
| B |
Vikings |
| Sam Darnold misplaced a fumble on the Vikings’ third offensive play of the sport, however that was about the one mistake he made on the day. After a tough outing in Week 10 that noticed him throw three interceptions, Darnold bounced again with 246 yards and two touchdowns together with a dashing TD in opposition to a strong Titans protection. Pretty much as good as Darnold was, the protection was higher. Andrew Van Ginkel and Pat Jones each recorded two sacks in a sport the place the Vikings principally arrange camp in Tennessee’s offensive backfield. It is easy to miss a foul group, however the Vikings positively did not try this right here as they improved to 2-0 on their present three-game highway journey. | |
| C- |
Titans |
| Some offenses within the NFL get higher each week, however the Titans appear to do the alternative. Will Levis did give you one huge play when he threw a 98-yard TD move within the third quarter, however that was about all Tennessee’s offense was capable of do. The Titans had no dashing assault, the offensive line gave up 5 sacks and Levis barely accomplished 50% of his passes (50.5%). With the Titans offense taking part in like that, Tennessee is not going to win too many extra video games this season. | |
Miami 34-19 over Las Vegas
| C- |
Raiders |
| The Raiders might need been capable of keep on this sport and even win it if they’d been higher within the purple zone. Through the first half alone, the Raiders acquired within Miami’s 10-yard line on two totally different drives, however they weren’t capable of punch it in for a landing both time. As for the protection, it merely could not give you any huge stops: The Dolphins went 8-for-12 on third down and 2-for-2 on fourth down. There are many explanation why the Raiders misplaced, however purple zone offense and third-down protection had been the massive ones. At 2-8, the Raiders’ season is all however over. | |
| B+ |
Dolphins |
| Tua Tagovailoa had his finest sport since getting back from his concussion. The Dolphins QB was practically excellent, throwing for 288 yards and three touchdowns. The largest shock on this sport was the efficiency of Jonnu Smith, who had a season-high 101 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. The Dolphins protection did wrestle at occasions, particularly on third down, however the unit additionally got here up with some huge performs together with three sacks and a fourth-quarter interception by Jalen Ramsey that iced the sport. With the Dolphins offense immediately getting sizzling, there is not any cause this group cannot compete for a wild-card spot within the AFC. | |
L.A. Rams 28-22 over New England
| B |
Rams |
| When Matthew Stafford is on hearth, the Rams are robust to beat and Stafford was on hearth in opposition to New England. The veteran QB threw for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns with most of that manufacturing going to his two favourite targets: Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Nacua dominated the primary half with 117 of his 123 yards coming within the first two quarters. Kupp then took over within the second half with 96 of his 106 yards coming within the closing two quarters, together with a 69-yard TD that helped break the sport open within the third quarter. The Rams protection disappeared for a lot of the second half, however Kamren Kinchens did find yourself saving the day by choosing off Drake Maye on New England’s closing possession. This was a sport the Rams could not afford to lose and Stafford made positive that did not occur. | |
| B- |
Patriots |
| At this level, it is a misplaced season for New England, however in case you’re a fan of the Patriots, there’s loads to be enthusiastic about, because of Drake Maye. No, the Patriots did not win, however Maye continues to get higher each week and that features this sport. Maye confirmed a formidable command of the offense as he totaled 309 yards (282 passing, 27 dashing) and two touchdowns. He did have an unpleasant interception on the finish of the sport, however general, this was an encouraging sport for the rookie quarterback. | |
New Orleans 35-14 over Cleveland
| D |
Browns |
| This was a day the place all the things that would go fallacious, did go fallacious for the Browns. It began with two missed chip-shot area objectives by Dustin Hopkins within the second quarter, however regardless of that, this sport was truly tied early within the second half, however then Cleveland’s protection appeared to expire of fuel throughout a fourth quarter the place the Saints put up 148 yards and 21 factors. The offense additionally disappeared within the fourth quarter, and at this level, it nearly feels just like the Browns pulled a disappearing act on their total 2024 season. | |
| A |
Saints |
| With the Saints’ season on life help, Taysom Hill did his finest to revive it. The human Swiss Military knife took over on this sport with 138 yards and three touchdowns on the bottom whereas additionally including 5 catches for 50 yards. Oh, and he additionally accomplished a move for 18 yards. The Browns is likely to be a foul group, however nobody had scored 35 on them earlier than Sunday. Darren Rizzi is now 2-0 because the interim coach in New Orleans and with the offense lastly exhibiting indicators of life, the Saints may be capable of claw their manner again into the NFC South race, though it might positively be an extended shot. | |
Indianapolis 28-27 over N.Y. Jets
| B |
Colts |
| The Colts’ resolution to provide the beginning QB job again to Anthony Richardson positively paid off. In his first sport again, Richardson had arguably one of the best sport of his profession: Not solely did he throw for 272 yards, however he led a game-winning TD drive that ended with him scoring the go-ahead TD on a 4-yard run with simply 46 seconds left. That was one in all two dashing touchdowns within the sport for Richardson. It was a formidable efficiency and if Richardson continues to play like this, the Colts may be capable of sneak their manner into an AFC wild-card spot. | |
| C |
Jets |
| Aaron Rodgers mentioned he desires to return in 2025, however which may not be what’s finest for the Jets. Rodgers had one other sluggish efficiency, throwing for simply 184 yards in a sport the place New York did not file a single first down till there was beneath two minutes left to play within the first half. The offense did present some indicators of life within the second half, however that was canceled out by the the truth that the protection had a meltdown within the fourth quarter. After holding Anthony Richardson to simply 143 yards via the primary three quarters, the Colts QB lit up the Jets protection for 129 passing yards within the fourth quarter. The Jets are inching nearer to taking place as probably the most overhyped group in NFL historical past. | |
Denver 38-6 over Atlanta
| F |
Falcons |
| This beating was so unhealthy that the Falcons began benching gamers with 9 minutes left within the fourth quarter. The Falcons dashing assault acquired shut down, Kirk Cousins was beneath stress all sport and the protection could not cease something Denver did, and that is the way you get blown out. The Falcons now have two straight losses and if they do not make things better quickly, they may very well be on the verge of a second-half collapse. The one excellent news for this group is that they’ve a bye arising in Week 12 to get issues discovered. | |
| A+ |
Broncos |
| Bo Nix has by no means actually been talked about within the Rookie of the Yr dialog, however he is wanting like a severe candidate now after a profession day in opposition to the Falcons. Nix carried the Broncos offense by going 28 of 33 for 307 yards and 4 touchdowns, making Nix simply the second rookie for the reason that 1970 AFL-NFL merger to finish at the very least 75% of his passes whereas throwing for at the very least 300 yards and 4 touchdowns. It was an excellent efficiency by a QB who has been making enormous strides each week. Nix was so good that he overshadowed a dominant efficiency by a Denver protection that is been dominant for a lot of the season. With the Broncos passing assault now coming alive, it is a group that may very well be scary down the stretch. | |
Seattle 20-17 over San Francisco
| B- |
49ers |
| The 49ers offense was speculated to get an enormous increase with the return of Christian McCaffrey, however in simply his second sport, they’re nonetheless looking for their footing. The 49ers had been solely capable of muster 17 factors, which tied a season low for them. Regardless of the offensive struggles, the 49ers may have nonetheless gained this sport, however then the protection fell aside after Nick Bosa left with an damage within the second half. The protection gave up two touchdowns and each got here after Bosa left the sport. This was a brutal loss for a 49ers group that immediately would not appear like one of the best group within the NFC West. | |
| B+ |
Seahawks |
| Going into Week 11, the Seahawks had given up practically 30 factors per sport of their previous six video games, however their protection lastly confirmed and it dropped hammer on the 49ers. Ernest Jones, who had a team-high 13 tackles, led a tenacious protection that held the 49ers to simply 17 factors. That spirited exhibiting set the stage for offense to steal the sport and that is precisely what Geno Smith did. The Seahawks QB threw for 54 yards and rushed for 29 on Seattle’s game-winning drive that ended on when he ran it in for a 13-yard TD. Smith confirmed that he can come up within the clutch when Seattle wants him whereas the protection proved that it will probably shut down a high-powered offense when it has to. This group is correct again within the NFC West race they usually’re positively ok to win it. | |
Philadelphia 26-18 over Washington (Thursday)
| C |
Commanders |
| In some unspecified time in the future, Jayden Daniels was certain to have a foul sport and it lastly occurred. Daniels could not get something going with via the air (191 yards) and he had no room to run (18 yards), which is an enormous cause why Washington’s offense sputtered for a lot of the closing three quarters. The issue for Washington is that the protection wasn’t a lot better, particularly throughout a second half the place the Commanders acquired steamrolled for 141 yards on the bottom (The Eagles totaled 228 dashing yards within the sport). Stopping the run has been a weak point all season for the Commanders and it would not appear like they’ve fastened something. Dan Quinn additionally made a weird resolution within the fourth quarter when he handed up a shot at kicking a area objective that may have given his group a 13-12 lead. This loss hurts positively hurts the Commanders’ probabilities of profitable the division title, however they’re positively not out of it. | |
| B |
Eagles |
| The Eagles protection did what no different NFL group has actually been in a position to do that season: Shut down Jayden Daniels. The unit did that by making use of fixed stress, which led to 3 sacks and a fourth-quarter interception by Reed Blankenship. On the offensive facet of the ball, the Eagles struggled early, however then Saquon Barkley took over within the second half. Barkley rushed for 76 yards and two touchdowns within the fourth quarter alone on an evening the place he totaled 198 yards (146 on the bottom and 58 via the air). The Eagles did should cope with a number of missed kicks by Jake Elliott, however he is been so constant all through his profession that they most likely will not want to fret about him so long as he is in a position to sort things by Week 12. The Eagles did not play an ideal sport, however they gained comfortably, which can most likely give them loads of confidence going ahead | |
