GAME OF THE WEEK: Jets at Patriots (Thursday night)
As long as the NFL Network guys restrain the media's unhealthy, painfully annoying man love of Brett Favre for one night, I am really looking forward to the rare Thursday night game that actually features two good football teams.
There is, of course, the underlying storyline of the tense relationship between Eric Mangini and Bill Belichick, which only adds to the intrigue in this battle for first in the wide open AFC East. Will the coaches play nice afterwards, in what will be their most meaningful regular-season meeting to date?
I really feel as if Mangini's conservative gameplan cost the Jets a shot at the victory in the meeting at the Meadowlands in Week Two. He needs to let Favre attack what has turned out to be one of the Patriots' strengths in 2008, their pass defense.
On the other sideline, Matt Cassel continues to improve, and Belichick is slowly loosening the reigns on his one-time backup quarterback. Hopefully, you have NFL Network as part of your cable package so you can watch what should be a dandy tomorrow night. I'm excited.
My pick: Patriots 20 Jets 17.
Other top games
Broncos at Falcons
Buckle your seatbelts for what should turn out to be a high-scoring, low-defense type of affair. Denver and Atlanta are in the top six in terms of total offense and bottom ten in total defense.
The Broncos seemed to regain some momentum with last Thursday's win in the Dawg Pound, but can they turn around after the long week and make another successful long road trip? It will be difficult, considering the fact that the Falcons' and Matt Ryan's confidence grows with each passing win.
I'll tell you what: I wish I was able to watch this game on Sunday, but I am stuck with another good one in Baltimore-New York.
Vikings at Buccaneers
Minnesota is on a roll right now, with their only loss since September being that 48-41 barnburner against the Bears at Soldier Field. They will face a rested Buccaneers squad that has thus far exceeded my expectations in 2008. But I guess you can never count out a Jon Gruden team.
The defenses will decide this game, as both units are among the best in professional football. Neither gives up a lot of yards on the ground, and both offenses like to move the ball in that fashion. This very well could turn out to be the lowest scoring game of Week 11, as two former NFC Central foes looking to improve their position in the NFC race duke it out.
Ravens at Giants
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