Quarterback clashes and spiraling squads: Five things to look out for in Week 11 of the NFL season

As we approach Week 11 of the NFL season, some fanbases are feeling the pressure more than others. Teams like the Cowboys, Jets, Bears, and Browns had high hopes for 2023, but things haven’t gone as planned. Here are five key storylines to watch for as Week 11 unfolds.

1. Mahomes vs. Allen, Chapter 8

One of the most anticipated quarterback showdowns of the season is set for Sunday, as Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen meet for the eighth time. The Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) will visit the Buffalo Bills, with Allen holding a 3-0 regular season record over Mahomes. However, the Chiefs have had a few close calls this season, including narrow wins against the Ravens, Bengals, Falcons, and Broncos—most recently escaping Denver thanks to a blocked field goal attempt.

Despite their struggles, Kansas City remains undefeated, and the big question is whether their luck will finally run out in Buffalo. Is this a team of destiny, or will the Bills take control of this rivalry?

2. Can Chicago’s Offensive Shakeup Help?

The Chicago Bears have had a rough go of it recently, losing three straight games and scoring only three, nine, and 15 points in those contests. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams has struggled, and to shake things up, the team fired offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Passing game coordinator Thomas Brown, who previously called plays for the Carolina Panthers, will now lead the Bears’ offense.

This week, the Bears will host the Green Bay Packers in a matchup they have historically struggled in. Chicago is 3-25 against Green Bay over the last 28 meetings, and their offensive struggles continue. As of now, Bears punter Tory Taylor has more total yards (2,153) than Williams has accumulated all season (2,021). Can the change in play calling spark the offense, or is it already too late for the Bears to salvage this season?

3. Jets’ Playoff Hopes on the Line

It’s been a tough season for the New York Jets, who sit at 3-7 after a blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 10. If they want any chance of making the playoffs, the Jets need to win out or at least finish 6-1 over their remaining games. Their next test comes against the Indianapolis Colts, who have gone back to rookie Anthony Richardson at quarterback after initially benching him for veteran Joe Flacco.

The Jets’ offense has been a major issue, failing to score a touchdown last week and managing only 207 total yards of offense. With a struggling offense and a slim chance for a playoff berth, Sunday’s game is essentially a must-win. Meanwhile, Jets fans can look ahead to some hope for the future, as Aaron Rodgers has reportedly set his sights on a comeback next season.

4. Chargers’ Quiet Success

While the Los Angeles Chargers haven’t received much media attention, they’ve quietly put together a strong season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh, who has guided them to a 6-3 record. The Chargers’ defense has been exceptional, holding opponents to under 20 points in every game this season—a dramatic improvement from 2023, when they allowed more than 20 points in nine contests.

Quarterback Justin Herbert has been playing mistake-free football, with seven consecutive games without an interception—the longest streak in Chargers history. This week, Herbert will face fellow 2020 first-round draft pick Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday Night Football. The Bengals are reeling from a heartbreaking 35-34 loss to the Ravens, and with a 2-3 record when scoring over 30 points this season, Cincinnati’s offense has been inconsistent. Can the Chargers continue their dominant play, or will the Bengals find a way to bounce back?

5. MVP Race: Lamar Jackson’s to Lose

After another stellar performance, Lamar Jackson is the clear front-runner for NFL MVP honors. The Ravens’ star quarterback has been nothing short of sensational, earning AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors three weeks in a row. Through 10 games, Jackson has passed for 2,669 yards, 24 touchdowns, and only two interceptions, while also rushing for 539 yards.

Despite his impressive numbers, Jackson has struggled against one team: the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is just 1-3 all-time as a starter against Pittsburgh, while he has posted a 17-5 record against the rest of the AFC North. Jackson himself has admitted that the Steelers have been a tough matchup for him, citing last season’s near-win as a sign that “the football gods weren’t on our side.” With a new season and MVP hopes on the line, Jackson will look to finally conquer his division rivals when the Ravens take on the Steelers this week.

Conclusion

Week 11 of the NFL season promises to bring high-stakes drama, from superstar quarterback duels like Mahomes vs. Allen to teams like the Jets and Bears fighting for survival. Can Chicago’s offensive shakeup turn things around? Will the Jets keep their slim playoff hopes alive? And as Lamar Jackson continues his MVP campaign, will the Steelers be the team to derail his momentum? Keep an eye on these key matchups—Week 11 is shaping up to be a pivotal one.