UTTQ Predictions: Week 11

Another week, another slew of upsets that ruined my picks. This week, hopefully things will return to form. But with my luck, there will be a few big upsets in the following late games:

CINCINNATI 24, BALTIMORE 27
Baltimore has been the definition of inconsistency this year, following up huge wins with depressing losses. The loss to Seattle last week was particularly disappointing, since they seemed to have no rhythm early in the game. Cincinnati beat the Seahawks earlier this season, so the transitive property should result in a Bengals win in Baltimore. This one could be a toss-up, but I'll go with the Ravens.

ARIZONA 17, SAN FRANCISCO 30
The 49ers are the real deal this year, by sticking to the fundamentals and playing to player strengths. Arizona has had their highs and lows this season, but they are no match for a tough Niners team in the bay. Kevin Kolb's health is in doubt once again, so John Skelton will try (and fail) to win his 3rd straight start.

SEATTLE 27, ST. LOUIS 13
Seattle got an upset win last week, but Baltimore has been one of the most inconsistent teams all around. Yet, the Seahawks have managed to have their own inconsistency as well, including big wins over the Giants and Ravens, and disappointing losses to the Falcons and Browns. The Rams have not played well all season (except against New Orleans), and with even more injury concerns on an already decimated roster, look for them to be overmatched by their Northwest rivals.

TENNESSEE 23, ATLANTA 34
Tennessee surprised some people with the blowout of the Panthers, but they were playing a sloppy Carolina D and a surprisingly overwhelmed Cam Newton. This week, they face a tough Atlanta team who took New Orleans to the final bell. A questionable call last week will hopefully not deter Mike Smith and company from opening the playbook. In any case, Atlanta will look to put last week behind them.

SAN DIEGO 23, CHICAGO 31
San Diego is determined not to lose their division, but a tough road trip against Chicago may put them out of the race for the playoffs even more. The Chargers have been uncharacteristically disappointing at this point in the season. It's hard to imagine them making a late playoff push against the Raiders and the Tebow-led Broncos...then again, anything can happen in a tight AFC West.

PHILADELPHIA 21, NEW YORK GIANTS 37
The Giants are coming off a tough loss against the 49ers. The Eagles are coming off a tougher loss against the Cardinals, that has surely eliminated them from playoff contention. If they are to have any chance at the postseason, they must beat Eli and company this week. Unfortunately (or perhaps fortunately), they may have to do that without Michael Vick, who is nursing a rib injury.

KANSAS CITY 24, NEW ENGLAND 31
Kansas City faces a massive disadvantage going forth in a tight AFC West race. With Matt Cassel out for an extended period of time, Tyler Palko will try to drive the KC offense. Unfortunately, with a tough test coming against New England, we'll get to see if the Chiefs can get by without Cassel or not. We'll also get to see whether the Patriots can keep their foot on the pedal.