The NFL Roundup 2017 - Week 11 - The Most Fascinating Games to Watch on Sunday & Monday

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It didn’t take long for football fans everywhere to get an idea of just how much the playoff push means to teams that are in the hunt, because the Steelers made it inherently clear by trouncing the Titans in epic fashion and I have the sneaking suspicion that was merely a taste of things to come. Because there are plenty more teams that want a shot at the tournament and that’s precisely what we are going to focus on today, games that feature teams that are one hundred percent ready to seize their destiny. 

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Los Angeles Rams (7-2) at Minnesota Vikings (7-2)
U.S. Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
1:00 p.m. EST – FOX

Really, if there is a ‘must watch’ game to see this weekend, this is the one. Because this matchup features a pair of powerhouse teams on both offense and defense and both of them have something to prove. The Rams want everyone to know that they are for real this year and the Vikings are looking to wash away the memories of last season and when these two teams take the field, expect one hell of a game. This one could be a shootout if these two offenses get going, or it could end up being quite the defensive struggle, but one way or another, this game is going to be incredibly entertaining to watch as these two teams battle it out in the hopes of securing the #2 seed. 

Washington Redskins (4-5) at New Orleans Saints (7-2)
Mercedes-Benz Superdome – New Orleans, LA
1:00 p.m. EST – FOX

On paper, this game looks fairly lopsided since the Saints have been riding a seven-game win streak in dominant fashion. But while the Redskins aren’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard week in and week out, they are quite the scrappy little squad when their backs are against the wall and if properly motivated, they will find a way to defeat a better team and while I don’t expect Washington to upset New Orleans, because how does any team stop a red-hot Drew Brees? (Spoiler alert: they don’t.) But don’t be surprised to see the Redskins hold their own and make a game out of it as they try their best to change their playoff fortunes and play the spoiler once again. 

Philadelphia Eagles (8-1) at Dallas Cowboys (5-4)
AT&T Stadium – Arlington, TX
Sunday Night Football – 8:30 p.m. EST – NBC

Anytime one gets to enjoy an NFC East matchup, you already know you’re in for quite the knockdown, drag it out brawl, but this time around, there’s plenty more on the line for the two teams featured in this game than just bragging rights. After all, the Eagles are the best team in the NFC, and they would like to keep it that away, and a decisive victory over the Cowboys would help propel them forward in that quest. But Dallas knows that they are a team that is far better than their record reflects and they would love nothing more than to topple the best team in their Conference, without their star running back. Which means that this game is going to feature an intensity unlike any other and while I do believe the Cowboys will put up a good fight, I expect Philadelphia to keep their streak alive when all is said and done.

Atlanta Falcons (5-4) at Seattle Seahawks (6-3)
CenturyLink Field – Seattle, WA
Monday Night Football – 8:30 p.m. EST – ESPN

​This matchup is fascinating simply because it features a pair of teams that have only flirted with greatness this season. While the Seattle Seahawks are enjoying a solid 6-3 record, they’ve yet to truly dominate any of their opponents this year and their vaunted Legion of Boom is down two members and they host an Atlanta team that is desperate to find their identity and return to their own dominant ways and with the playoffs on the line for both of these teams, they will need to dig deep and give it their all to secure the win. As to which squad accomplishes that, well whichever team keeps a level head, limits their turnovers and wears down their opponent is the one that will walk away the victor and it should be interesting to see which team is mentally stronger when this game kicks off on Monday Night.