NFL Week 11 Preview: Schedule, storylines, matchups to watch and betting spreads
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- A firecracker matchup in Los Angeles: The 7-2 Rams and 7-2 Seahawks go head-to-head in one of the matchups of the season.
- How long does Bryce Young have left?: Every start could matter for the 2023 No. 1 pick.
- Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool.
Estimated Reading Time: 23 minutes

We’re diving into every matchup in Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch, and injury news. The New York Jets and New England Patriots kick things off on Thursday Night Football.
Click below to jump to a game:
NYJ@NE | WAS@MIA | CAR@ATL | TB@BUF | LAC@JAX | CHI@MIN | GB@NYG | CIN@PIT | HOU@TEN | SF@ARZ | SEA@LAR | BAL@CLE | KC@DEN | DET@PHI | DAL@LV
New York Jets vs. New England Patriots (-11.5)
Storyline of the game: An excellent chance for the Patriots to extend their lead
The Patriots are surprisingly rolling in 2025, leading the AFC East with an 8-2 record and heading for their first playoff berth since 2021 — and their first divisional crown since 2019. Quarterback Drake Maye (83.6 grade; 7th) has been a top-three MVP candidate for most of the season, and the defense (66.9 grade; 13th) is doing more than enough to hold up its end of the bargain. Coming into Thursday Night Football, the Patriots have an excellent chance to build their lead at the top of the division against the 2-7 New York Jets and keep the pressure on the Bills in second place.
Matchup to watch: Jets RB Breece Hall vs. Patriots’ run defense
With Jets receiver Garrett Wilson (72.5 grade; 35th) likely inactive and the passing game ceasing to exist, the bulk of the offensive workload will fall onto Breece Hall (74.2; 16th), even with a potentially negative game script. Hall has carried the ball 39 times for 216 yards in his last two games, and his 21 carries of 10 yards or more are fourth in the NFL.
However, the Patriots’ defense is one of the best units against the run in the NFL. New England is fourth in EPA per rush allowed and allows the fewest rushing yards per game (79.2) in the league. Hall has been excellent at creating big yardage plays, but the Patriots have surrendered just 14 explosive runs in 2025, the fifth-fewest in the NFL.
Additional News
- Wilson (knee) is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks for the Jets.
Storyline of the game: Can the Dolphins build a minor case for hope?
The Dolphins caused one of the shocks of Week 10, defeating the Bills 30-13 to move to 3-7 on the season. Their playoff odds currently sit at just 1%, but with the second-easiest remaining schedule in the league. That starts with a trip to Madrid to take on the 3-7 Washington Commanders, and there is a small window to build some momentum.
The reality is the Dolphins aren’t sniffing the playoffs, but in the last month, they’re 20th in EPA per play on offense, and 14th on defense. The all-around effort against the Bills suggests the team is still working for Mike McDaniel. If the Dolphins beat the Commanders on Sunday, they’ll be 4-7 before playing the Jets and Saints post-bye week. The margin for error is microscopic, but… There’s a chance.
Matchup to watch: Commanders’ run defense vs. Dolphins RB De’Von Achane
The Commanders’ offense, even without Jayden Daniels (76.7 grade; 12th) in spots, has gotten by. But, a big reason for their struggles in 2025 is the lacklustre defense — particularly the run defense. That poses a problem for a team facing De’Von Achane (78.4 grade; 9th). The Dolphins running back is fourth in rushing yards (780), second in yards per carry (5.5), second in runs of 10 yards or more (23) and fifth in missed tackles forced (35).
Meanwhile, the Commanders’ defense is 26th in EPA per rush allowed, has the fourth-most missed tackles against the run and has allowed the seventh-most explosive rushes (30). This is a matchup for the Dolphins to take advantage of.
Additional News
- Dolphins EDGE Chop Robinson (concussion) is expected to be cleared for action.
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (elbow), WR Terry McLaurin (quad) and CB Trey Amos (fibula) are all out.
Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
Storyline of the game: Is this sun setting on Bryce Young?
The Carolina Panthers are having their best start to a season since 2018 at 5-5, and they’re a fun team with an improved defense (63.7 grade; 17th). However, quarterback Bryce Young’s (59.5 grade; 31st) play in recent weeks — in particular, against the Saints in a 17-7 Week 10 loss — is concerning. That potentially poses a bigger question: Can he succeed as an NFL starter? Young is smart and exceptionally creative at times, but the lack of physical attributes has repeatedly cast doubt over his viability.
The Falcons’ inconsistencies this season mean that they’re there for the taking. Since it feels like Young could be playing for his long-term future for the rest of the season, a good performance is needed.
Matchup to watch: Panthers’ run blocking vs. Falcons’ run defense
A big part of the Panthers’ success in 2025 can be attributed to the run game. Rico Dowdle (69.7 grade; 26th) has been great, but the unsung heroes on the offensive line have a significant role to play. The Panthers are sixth in PFF run-blocking grade (74.7 grade), with every offensive lineman who has played at least 200 snaps earning a 64.0 grade or higher. The Panthers have varied in how they run the ball, too (16th in outside zone %, 12th in inside zone %, 10th in man/duo %), meaning this offensive line and running game can beat you in different ways.
On the other hand, the Falcons’ defense is 31st in rushing success rate, and teams that can efficiently run the ball have eaten against them in 2025.
Additional News
- Falcons CB Mike Hughes (neck) is questionable after missing Week 10.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Buffalo Bills (-5.5)
Storyline of the game: Which team will bounce back from a big loss?
Both the Buccaneers and the Bills suffered losses in Week 10 to muddy the waters just a little. Though they’re likely playoff-bound, neither team will want back-to-back defeats at this point in the season.
The Buccaneers’ offense has regressed over the last month (29th in EPA since Week 7), and the Bills are coming off their worst performance of the season against the Dolphins. The Bills can’t afford to lose any more ground on the Patriots, while a Buccaneers loss could potentially open the door for the Panthers to close the gap. A lot is riding here.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka vs. Bills CB Christian Benford
Buccaneers rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka (72.7 grade; 32nd) had cooled off in recent weeks after a hot start to the season. Yet, he reignited against the Patriots, catching six passes for 115 yards and a touchdown on a 70.9 overall PFF grade. Without their two veteran receivers, the Buccaneers are leaning on Egbuka to be the fulcrum of the passing attack, but he’ll have a tough task against Bills corner Christian Benford (51.9 grade; 94th) on Sunday.
Benford has quietly been one of the best corners in the NFL over the last two seasons, but has so far allowed four touchdowns in coverage in 2025. Benford has been targeted just 33 times, permitting 21 catches for 250 yards.
Additional News
- The Bills placed EDGE Landon Jackson on IR on Tuesday, but designated DI T.J. Sanders to return.
- The Buccaneers could be without WR Chris Godwin and RB Bucky Irving again.

Los Angeles Chargers (-3.0) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Storyline of the game: Can Justin Herbert continue to excel behind a bad offensive line?
The Chargers are 7-3 for the second straight year, but for as good as they’ve been at times, it feels like they’re teetering. Quarterback Justin Herbert (87.4 grade; 4th) is playing some of the best football of his career, but is doing so in less-than-satisfactory circumstances. The Chargers’ offensive line has contributed to Herbert being sacked 33 times this season, and 11 times in his last two games. Los Angeles’ 40.6% pressure rate allowed is the second-highest in the NFL, and Herbert has been hit 42 times, 11 more times than the next-closest quarterback.
Without tackles Joe Alt (79.0 grade; 14th) and Rashawn Slater, there’s little reason to suggest things will get better. Now, the Chargers face a Jaguars pass rush that has hit opposing quarterbacks 37 times this season (eighth-most). Buckle up, Herbert.
Matchup to watch: Chargers WR Ladd McConkey vs. Jaguars’ slot coverage
Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey (72.2 grade; 32nd) has kicked into gear over the last five weeks, catching 30 passes (2nd) for 418 yards (5th) and three touchdowns, once again becoming the central target for Herbert in the Chargers’ passing game. McConkey is a smooth operator out of the slot, where he runs 65.2% of his routes.
If Jaguars corner Jourdan Lewis (66.2 grade; 34th) returns from injury, we’ll get an exciting contest between two excellent players. Lewis has compiled a 70.4 PFF coverage grade in 2025, yielding just 21 catches for 191 yards when targeted in the slot, and also has two interceptions on the season. By contrast, McConkey has the third-most catches (32) out of the slot in 2025. If Lewis is still inactive, the assignment could fall to Jarrian Jones (67.7 grade; 29th).
Additional News
- Jaguars WR/CB Travis Hunter underwent season-ending knee surgery on Tuesday.
- Jaguars TE Brenton Strange has been designated to return from IR.
- Chargers TE Oronde Gadsden II (quad) is considered day-to-day.
Storyline of the game: Can J.J. McCarthy start to find his feet?
Week 11 will be J.J. McCarthy’s (56.1 grade; 33rd) fifth start in the NFL, and as a result, the bar should be lowered a little — but can McCarthy start to show a little bit of growth against the Bears? McCarthy has completed just 53.7% of his passes in four starts, and converted just 47.6% of his attempts against the Ravens in Week 10. Yet, he did show off some arm talent, recording four big-time throws. With excellent receivers like Justin Jefferson (77.7 grade; 18th) and Jordan Addison (66.3 grade; 57th) to target, McCarthy has the weapons, but his streakiness — as well as an offensive line that has allowed the 10th-highest pressure rate in the NFL (34.9%) — has contributed to a lull in offensive efficiency.
The Bears’ defense is 21st in EPA per play allowed, and does have the personnel to cause problems. At the same time, this is a good opportunity for McCarthy to take a step forward.
Matchup to watch: Bears QB Caleb Williams vs. Vikings’ pass blitz
Brian Flores’ defense has made a name for itself as the most blitz-happy defense in the NFL in recent seasons. In 2025, the group comfortably leads all units by blitzing on 58.1% of passing plays faced. Whether it’s sending a linebacker from a double-mugged look or a slot corner on a fire-zone blitz, Flores continuously looks for ways to add extra rushers to the equation.
How will that game plan fare against Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (77.0 grade; 10th), who has performed well against the blitz this season? Williams has thrown eight touchdowns and zero interceptions when blitzed, generating a 69.8 overall PFF grade. His 1.7% turnover-worthy play rate when blitzed is also one of the lowest in the league.
Additional News
- Vikings EDGE Jonathan Greenard (shoulder) is believed to have avoided a serious injury after exiting Sunday’s game vs. the Ravens.
Green Bay Packers (-7.5) vs. New York Giants
Storyline of the game: Can the Packers’ offense get it together?
It’s a small sample size, but in the last two weeks, the Packers’ offense sits 25th in the NFL in EPA per play, scoring just 20 combined points against the Panthers and Eagles. At 5-3-1, the Packers are third in the NFC North race and have a 71% chance of making the playoffs, but the offense has to get its act together to feature as a viable contender. It’s more than possible.
The Packers have looked excellent on offense in multiple games this year, but their tendency to play down against competition could strike again — even against a Giants team that just fired its head coach and could be without Jaxson Dart (71.5 grade; 20th). However, a get-right opportunity against a defense that ranks 29th in EPA per play allowed could come to fruition.
Matchup to watch: Packers’ pass protection vs. Giants’ pass rush
The Packers placed center Elgton Jenkins (62.0 grade; 24th) on IR on Tuesday, and the team’s offensive line has already faced struggles in 2025 — placing 25th in PFF run-blocking grade (56.3 grade). Without Jenkins, and against one of the more talented defensive lines in the league, the Packers could struggle to protect Jordan Love (79.4 grade; 9th) and elevate the run game.
The three Giants’ edge defenders — Brian Burns (78.3 grade; 23rd), Abdul Carter (68.4 grade; 47th) and Kayvon Thibodeaux (66.0 grade; 58th) — have combined for 97 pressures, while Burns leads the NFL in sacks. All this is without mentioning interior defender Dexter Lawrence (74.1 grade; 16th), who has 18 pressures on the season.
Additional News
- The Giants announced that quarterback Jameis Winston will start the game if Dart is inactive (concussion).
Storyline of the game: The Steelers’ desperate quest to stay ahead in the AFC North
The Steelers have now lost three of their last four games, and at 5-4, are just a game ahead of the Ravens and two ahead of the Bengals. The Bengals may have quarterback Joe Burrow back in Week 13, while the Ravens have won their last two contests with Lamar Jackson (71.7 grade; 19th) back in the lineup.
The Steelers now have two divisional rivals breathing down their neck, and if the Bengals score the upset on Sunday, it’ll make things even more desperate. Luckily for the Steelers, Cincinnati has lost its last two games and is 32nd in EPA per play allowed.
Matchup to watch: Bengals’ run defense vs. Steelers RB Jaylen Warren
Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (73.9 grade; 18th) has been one of the more productive running backs in the NFL over the last month, carrying the ball 59 times for 290 yards (8th) with seven rushes over 10 yards (8th) while averaging 4.9 yards per carry (17th). The Steelers’ run game hasn’t always been the most effective, but it’s better with Warren in the lineup.
Pittsburgh will have an opportunity to gain some momentum against the Bengals’ defense once again. Last time the two teams faced off, Warren carried the ball 16 times for 127 yards, registering an 87.6 overall PFF grade.
Additional News
- Burrow had his practice window opened and is hopeful to play in Week 13 vs. the Ravens.

Storyline of the game: Can the Texans sneak into the AFC wild-card picture?
The Texans have struggled to excite in 2025. The defense has been one of the elite units in the NFL, but the offense — hampered by a porous offensive line — has stagnated. However, a shock comeback victory against the Jaguars in Week 10 moved the Texans to 4-5 and pushed their playoff odds to 36%. A win against the 1-8 Titans in Week 11 will boost those chances even further.
Quarterback C.J. Stroud (68.3 grade; 24th) may return from a concussion to help lead the offense, but if not, backup Davis Mills has shown he’s willing to do what it takes to get the team over the line in the short term.
Matchup to watch: Texans WR Nico Collins vs. Titans CB Darrell Baker Jr.
Texans receiver Nico Collins (77.6 grade; 19th) had his most productive game of the season in Week 10, catching seven of 14 targets for 136 yards — including three of five contested targets — on a 77.1 PFF receiving grade. Collins will hope to pick up from where he left off, taking on a challenged Titans secondary.
That means presumably facing off against Titans corner Darrell Baker Jr. (60.6 grade; 47th) for large stretches. Baker has allowed 11 catches on 14 targets for 184 yards and a touchdown in six games. Additionally, Baker’s 16.7 yards per reception given up is the sixth-highest in the NFL. That bodes well for Collins, who is averaging 13.8 yards per reception in 2025.
Additional News
- Stroud remains in concussion protocol, but was in the Texans’ building on Monday.
Storyline of the game: Can the 49ers bounce back from a humbling?
The 49ers’ record counts for a lot. At 6-4, they’re still in the thick of the playoff race, despite being one of the most banged-up teams in the NFL. Yet, San Francisco endured its first real humbling of the season in Week 10, losing 42-26 to the Rams.
The 49ers will have a good slot to bounce back against a struggling Cardinals team in the thick of some restructuring on offense. The Cardinals’ defense has impressed in stretches and is 14th in EPA per play allowed. But the 49ers’ offense, led by quarterback Mac Jones (76.8 grade; 11th) in lieu of Brock Purdy, is in the top half of the league in EPA per play.
Matchup to watch: 49ers TE George Kittle vs. Cardinals S Budda Baker
49ers tight end George Kittle (82.8 grade; 2nd) is back. After missing a large chunk of the season due to injury, and then coming along a little slower than hoped in his return, Kittle exploded against the Rams, catching nine passes for 84 yards and a touchdown on an 81.5 overall PFF grade. Kittle should be the main focus of the 49ers’ passing game, even against Cardinals safety Budda Baker (53.5 grade; 77th), one of the hardest-hitting safeties around.
Things aren’t going well for Baker in coverage; he’s surrendered 24 of 27 catches for 247 yards (16th-most) and two touchdowns, and is allowing a passer rating of 129.5 when targeted. Baker can still turn it on, though, so this will be a fun matchup.
Additional News
- Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. (appendicitis) will miss Sunday’s game after undergoing surgery.
- 49ers QB Purdy (toe) and WR Ricky Pearsall (knee) have a chance to play vs. the Cardinals.
Storyline of the game: Are these the two best teams in the NFC?
The Seahawks and Rams are both 7-2 and battling it out for the top spot in the NFC West. They’ve got the two highest-graded quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford (92.5 grade; 2nd) and Sam Darnold (93.1 grade; 1st), and the two highest-graded receivers, Puka Nacua (93.4 grade; 1st) and Jaxon Smith-Njigba (93.3 grade, 2nd) in football. On top of that, the teams are first and second in overall team grades (Rams; 93.6 grade, Seahawks; 92.9 grade).
Both offenses can score points in bunches, and each defense can slow great offenses down. Not only are these teams two of the best in the NFC, they might just be the top two in the NFL.
Matchup to watch: Seahawks’ pass rush vs Rams’ pass protection
The Rams have done an excellent job of protecting Stafford, who has been pressured on just 33.9% of his dropbacks in 2025, the ninth-lowest rate in the NFL. But, the Seahawks’ pass rush might just be the best unit they’ll face all season. The Seahawks have 43 sacks (second-most) on the season, and are pressuring opposing quarterbacks at the fifth-highest rate (41.2%). They’re also blitzing at the lowest rate in the NFL, meaning they’re winning with four rushers at an exceptionally high clip.
Stafford has been excellent when pressured in 2025, notching a 66.4 grade (fifth-highest among quarterbacks). Yet, if there’s any way to get to the veteran, it’s trying to move him off his spot.
Additional News
- Seahawks C Jalen Sundell (knee) has been ruled out for multiple weeks.
Baltimore Ravens (-8.5) vs. Cleveland Browns
Storyline of the game: The Ravens’ quest for the AFC North continues
The Ravens have won three games in a row, and their last two matchups with Lamar Jackson (71.7 grade; 19th) back in the lineup. Their odds to win the AFC North now sit at 69%, and with two showdowns against the Steelers left, fate sits well within Baltimore’s own hands.
The Ravens will have to avoid a potential trap game against a Browns team that still owns one of the best defenses in the NFL (86.1 grade; 1st). Baltimore’s offense is seventh in EPA per play since Jackson has returned, and all of the signs are pointing towards the playoff.
Matchup to watch: Ravens T Ronnie Stanley vs. Browns EDGE Myles Garrett
Once again, Browns star Myles Garrett (91.8 grade; 1st) is on a tear in 2025. Garrett is tied for the league lead in sacks (12) and has 36 pressures on the season. If not for the Browns’ 2-7 record, Garrett would be the overwhelming favorite for Defensive Player of the Year, and could still win the award even when the Browns finish the season with a losing record.
Garrett’s job will be to get after Jackson on Sunday, and to do that, he’ll have to go through Ravens tackle Ronnie Stanley (71.6 grade; 24th). Stanley has played well in 2025 — but when the two went face-to-face in Week 2, Stanley gave up five pressures and two sacks against Garrett, with the Browns’ star recording an 89.6 overall PFF grade. Garrett will be looking for more of the same in Week 11.
Additional News
- Ravens CB Marlon Humphrey (thumb) could miss 1-to-2 weeks if he requires surgery.
- Ravens WR Rashod Bateman (ankle) is questionable.

Storyline of the game: Can the Broncos’ defense continue to carry the load?
The Broncos are 8-2 and leading the AFC West, but it hasn’t felt all that convincing. Sure, the defense is elite (second in EPA per play allowed) and serving as an anchor but the offense has struggled. Quarterback Bo Nix (70.6 grade; 21st) has faced his critics, and the Broncos’ offense is scoring just 23.5 points per game while placing 18th in EPA per play. At some point, the bubble could burst.
Denver’s defense will take on a Chiefs offense that feels close to being as good as it has been in a long time. Meanwhile, the Chiefs’ defense has the power to completely nullify the offense. Can Nix step up?
Matchup to watch: Chiefs’ WR Rashee Rice vs. Broncos’ CB Ja’Quan McMillian
Chiefs wide receiver Rashee Rice (83.1 grade) has played outside more than anticipated since his return in Week 7, but he’s still dominant out of the slot. That’s where the Chiefs could look to utilize him against the Broncos — even without Pat Surtain II (68.6 grade; 28th) roaming the boundary.
Rice has caught 20 passes for 215 yards and three touchdowns in three weeks, and could see a lot of Broncos corner Ja’Quan McMillian (69.0 grade; 26th) in the slot. Rice has the clear size advantage, but McMillan has yielded just 27 receptions for 260 yards in 10 games. He’s as tough as they come.
Additional News
- Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins (foot) could land on IR.
Detroit Lions vs. Philadelphia Eagles (-1.5)
Storyline of the game: A heavyweight fight in primetime
The Lions and Eagles have been two of the best teams in the NFL over the last three seasons, but the two teams haven’t met since 2022, when the Eagles won a thrilling 38-35 matchup. Just like last season, both teams are vying for the No. 1 seed in the NFC and are excellent on both sides of the ball. There’s a wealth of talent on show, especially in the trenches, and the winner of this team could well be the top seed in the NFC come the end of the regular season.
Matchup to watch: Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown vs. Eagles CB Cooper DeJean
One of the best receivers in the NFL vs. one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL; they don’t come much better than this. Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown (86.2 grade; 6th) has been fantastic in 2025, catching 64 passes (3rd) for 693 yards (5th) and eight touchdowns (2nd). The Lions’ passing game relies on St. Brown, who has 37 catches for first downs in 2025.
Yet, St. Brown will face stiff opposition from Eagles corner Cooper DeJean (74.6 grade; 8th) in the slot. DeJean is first in the NFL in slot snaps per reception (12.1) and has five pass breakups on the season.
Additional News
- New Eagles CB Jaire Alexander is stepping away from the team and reportedly contemplating retirement, per multiple reports.
Dallas Cowboys (-3.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Storyline of the game: Can the Cowboys cut the turnovers?
After four weeks without turning the ball over, the Cowboys have given the rock away five times in their last two games, while falling to 3-5-1 in the process. The Dallas defense (47.6 grade; 32nd) isn’t picking up the slack, so if the Cowboys — who have just a 4% chance of making the playoffs — want to embark on a second-half of the season run, they’ll need to cut down on the giveaways.
Since Week 8, 25% of the Cowboys’ offensive drives ended with a turnover, the most in the NFL. At the same time, Dallas has been one of the highest scoring offenses in the NFL all season.
Matchup to watch: Cowboys LB Logan Wilson vs. Raiders TE Brock Bowers
New Cowboys linebacker Logan Wilson (54.8 grade; 59th) will be sent straight into the fire against the Raiders in Week 11, matching up against tight end Brock Bowers (85.3 grade; 1st). Bowers has been tremendous since returning from injury, and will likely draw the most targets in the Raiders’ passing game. He’s caught 32 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns in six games. Wilson was brought in by the Cowboys to solidify the second level on every down, though he’s earned a 48.8 PFF coverage grade in 2025.
Additional News
- The Cowboys activated CB Shavon Revel Jr. (knee) from IR and DeMarvion Overshown (knee) from the reserve/PUP list.
- The Raiders placed C Jackson Powers-Johnson (ankle) on IR.



