NFL ENTERS WEEK 11 WITH 17 WINNING TEAMS &
SIX NEW DIVISION LEADERS
As the NFL season enters Week 11, there are 17 teams with a winning record – two behind the record (19 in 2008) at this point in NFL history. And what a difference a year makes. Six of the eight divisions feature a new team in first place from last season’s final standings. The six new division leaders are a combined 42-14 (.750) through Week 10, 12 wins better than their records from a year ago at this time (30-24, .556).
CINCINNATI BENGALS (6-3) at BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-3)
(Sunday, CBS, 1:00 PM ET)
The Bengals and Ravens enter Week 11 tied for second place in the AFC North, one game behind the division-leading Pittsburgh Steelers. At 6-3, both Cincinnati and Baltimore are in prime position for an AFC playoff berth.
"I’ve said all along that we’re contenders and we’re going to be contenders," says Bengals tackle ANDREW WHITWORTH on the team’s attitude.
Cincinnati is one of seven teams – San Francisco (8), Houston (7), Cincinnati (6), Detroit (6), Buffalo (5), Denver (4), Carolina (2) – that has already matched or surpassed last year’s win total. Two more teams – Dallas (5-4) and Tennessee (5-4) can add to that total this week.
Last week, Bengals quarterback ANDY DALTON threw two touchdown passes – his third consecutive game with at least two passing TDs – and has 14 this season, the most by a rookie through the first nine game since at least 1970.
The Ravens are a perfect 4-0 at home this season and, dating back to 2009, have won 14 of their past 15 home games, outscoring opponents 415-224 during that stretch.
"It’s the National Football League," says Baltimore linebacker RAY LEWIS, "and the bottom line is we have the division on the line next week. That’s exciting."
"Bottom line?" Really Ray?