NFL picks Week 11: Browns-Bengals has big implications for the AFC North race

Indianapolis Colts (-3) at Tennessee Titans

The Colts were embarrassed by the Rams in surprising fashion last week. They'll rebound and get back on the right track against a Titans team without Jake Locker for the remainder of the season. Prediction: Colts 27, Titans 23

Atlanta Falcons (-1.5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Falcons welcome back linebacker Sean Weatherspoon to a defense that's struggled without him. In addition, Atlanta gets to go against a Bucs team coming off its first win down to their third and fourth string running backs. Atlanta should be able to win this one. Prediction: Falcons 24, Buccaneers 17

New York Jets at Buffalo Bills (-1)

The Jets are trying to chase the Patriots in the AFC East race, though New England has a two-game advantage at this time. A win over the Bills would be a good start. Given Buffalo's injuries, the Jets have a good shot at pulling out a road win. Prediction: Jets 21, Bills 17

Detroit Lions (-2.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers

The Lions will hope to have Calvin Johnson available this Sunday to keep the Steelers from keying on Reggie Bush. With Johnson, the Lions will be too much to handle. Without him, Pittsburgh might have a shot. This prediction assumes Megatron plays. Prediction: Lions 31, Steelers 20

Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-3.5)

The Eagles are red hot with Nick Foles at quarterback. The Redskins haven't stopped anyone from throwing the ball. Look for the Eagles' offense to shine once again. Prediction: Eagles 34, Redskins 24

San Diego Chargers (-1.5) at Miami Dolphins

The Chargers are fortunate to have a 4:05 p.m. kickoff time on the East Coast. That should help the routine stay the same and give them an edge over a messed-up Dolphins franchise. Prediction: Chargers 24, Dolphins 17

Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-6)

This is a game with plenty of AFC North implications. The Ravens need the Bengals to lose to pull closer. At the same time, a Browns loss doesn't hurt. With it at Cincinnati, the Bengals pull a close win out but don't cover. Prediction: Bengals 21, Browns 17

Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans (-7)

Terrelle Pryor's status for this game is uncertain, which works into Houston's favor. Even if Pryor is able to go, the sprained MCL makes him a much more one-dimensional quarterback.  Prediction: Texans 27, Raiders 14

Arizona Cardinals (-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars

The Cardinals' defense should be able to keep the Jaguars from moving the ball, especially through the air. This game could be low scoring though as Carson Palmer has become a turnover machine. Prediction: Cardinals 17, Jaguars 13

Minnesota Vikings at Seattle Seahawks (-12.5)

Percy Harvin is looking to make his return against his former team, which could wind up being embarrassing for Minnesota. The Seahawks' offense is beginning to become more explosive and adding Harvin to the mix will only improve that. Prediction: Seahawks 38, Vikings 17

San Francisco 49ers at New Orleans Saints (-3)

The Niners' offense has been up and down all year, with Colin Kaepernick coming off of one of his worst showings this year. The Saints' secondary has been a strength, though they have been vulnerable against the run. This could be one of the week's better games, given the fairly even matchup. Prediction: Saints 24, 49ers 23

Green Bay Packers at New York Giants (-5)

The Packers will start Scott Tolzien this week, which is great if you're a Giants fan. Expect a lot of running from Green Bay with Eli Manning testing the Packers' weak secondary. Could the Giants make a late-season run at the NFC East, given how horrible the division is? Prediction: Giants 28, Packers 24

Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos (-8)

This is clearly the game of the week, with the 9-0 Chiefs playing the 8-1 Broncos. Peyton Manning has a bum ankle but that shouldn't slow him down much. Then again, the Chiefs have boasted the best defense in the league thus far. But it's Manning on a grand stage. The game is closer than the line indicates, but Denver wins. Prediction: Broncos 27, Chiefs 23

New England Patriots at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)

The Panthers have been playing among the NFL's better teams, coming off a win against San Francisco. But the Patriots are beginning to look like the team of old, with the offense having a week off after destroying Pittsburgh. It's hard to go against New England with everything pointing in the right direction. Prediction: Patriots 30, Panthers 20