Yardbarker's NFL Week 11 game-by-game analysis, grades

CHIEFS (7-4): The Chiefs' defense yielded 438 yards and 6.0 yards per play to the Chargers, but it came through when it mattered most. Kansas City forced four turnovers, a season-best. The Chiefs held the Chargers to 5 of 15 on third down. In the red zone, Los Angeles scored just one touchdown over four trips, most notably coming up short on a game-tying bid with under a minute to play. All of those accomplishments were positive steps for a Chiefs defense that entered the game ranked 23rd in scoring defense per drive. GAME GRADE: B  | NEXT: BYE | vs. Raiders (Sun., Dec. 1)

CHARGERS (4-7): Los Angeles continues to come up short in close situations, losing its seventh one-score game of the season. That total ties the Chargers for the second-most one-score losses through 11 games in league history. Philip Rivers' fourth-quarter struggles have been a primary reason the team has consistently failed to win close games. He tossed two fourth-quarter picks against the Chiefs, giving him six fourth-quarter interceptions on the season, tied with Cleveland's Baker Mayfield for the second-most (behind only the Bucs' Jameis Winston). In total, Rivers tied his career-worst with four interceptions, one week after throwing three in Oakland. This marks the first time in Rivers' career that he has recorded three interceptions or more in back-to-back games. L.A. just keeps finding new ways to come up just short. GAME GRADE: D  | NEXT: BYE | at Broncos (Sun., Dec. 1)

-- Michael Nania

PATRIOTS (9-1): After the Ravens gashed the Patriots for 210 rushing yards in Week 9, the more conventional Eagles offense gained 81. Seventeen of those came on Carson Wentz scrambles. New England entered Week 11 ranked 14th in run-defense DVOA. Philadelphia’s rejuvenated ground attack, which gained 364 yards in its previous two games, was down running back Jordan Howard. But the Patriots limited improving rookie Miles Sanders to 38 yards (3.5 per carry). The Eagles produced next to nothing after a 95-yard second-quarter touchdown drive, although right tackle Lane Johnson’s first-half exit made a noticeable impact. Philadelphia punted eight times, helping Tom Brady outduel Wentz despite neither passer being especially effective. Other than the Cowboys’ front, no offensive line on the Patriots’ schedule brings nearly this much talent. Getting back on track against this group doubles as a sneaky statement by New England.  GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Cowboys (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

EAGLES (5-5): Poor offensive production against New England's superb defense led to the loss, but Philadelphia has to be happy with the way its defense has played of late. The Eagles held Tom Brady to 4.6 yards per pass attempt, his worst mark since 2014. They limited New England's run game to 3.4 yards per attempt and a long run of only 12 yards. Kamu Grugier-Hill was an unlikely hero, racking up three tackles for loss after entering the game with one on the season to date. Over their last three games, the Eagles have allowed a measly average of 14.7 points. Things are trending up for that unit after it began the season allowing 25.6 points per game over the first seven weeks. Now, if only the offense could have a similar turnaround. 

GAME GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Seahawks (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

BEARS (4-6): With receivers Brandon Cooks and Robert Woods out of the lineup and QB Jared Goff struggling lately, you would think the Bears would key strongly on the run. But Chicago’s defense was caught off guard early against the Rams, whose offensive line is plagued with injuries. RB Todd Gurley flourished early, as Goff threw the ball just six times in the first half. The Bears adjusted by using a six-man front and matching power with power. This allowed LB Roquan Smith to often run unabated to the ball-carrier. Still, the Rams stuck with the run even though it was tough sledding (just 3.2 yards per rush). But they held QB Mitch Trubisky and the woeful Bears offense in check. Chicago ran 74 plays to just 52 by Los Angeles, committed just two penalties and won the turnover battle. The Bears did a lot right Sunday night…and still lost by 10 points. How disheartening for Chicago. GAME GRADE: C-minus | NEXT: vs. Giants (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

RAMS (6-4): Los Angeles was desperate after injuries ravaged its offensive line, but it may have found some answers in the form of two rookies. Bobby Evans started at right tackle and held Khalil Mack to one tackle and no sacks, and David Edwards was strong at right guard. The two blocked beautifully on a RB Malcolm Brown touchdown run that gave the Rams a 17-7 lead. QB Jared Goff wasn’t very good, but it wasn’t for lack of time to throw; the Rams managed to get 97 yards rushing from Todd Gurley, thanks to much better interior blocking. Los Angeles finished with 110 yards rushing as a team, the Rams' fourth time clearing 100 yards on the ground this season, and they did it against a Bears team that came in giving up just 3.7 yards per carry. How important is the century mark to the Rams? They’re 3-1 when they top 100 yards. GAME GRADE: B | NEXT: vs. Ravens (Mon.)

-- Chris Mueller

1. TEXANS (6-4): Houston’s Achilles heel reared its ugly head again. In going 4-1 in their previous five games, the Texans allowed seven sacks. Against Baltimore, Deshaun Watson was dropped six times. The Ravens hemmed him in, not allowing Watson to escape the pocket, and dropped back deep into coverage. Instead of taking underneath routes, Watson (18-for-29, 169 yards) tried to hang onto the ball and make big plays, but he ended up going down as a result. The Ravens aren’t their usual ferocious pass-rushing selves, either. Baltimore entered the game with just 16 sacks, fourth-worst in the league. WR DeAndre Hopkins (7 catches for 80 yards) is an elite talent, but as Watson goes, so go the Texans. GAME GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Colts (Thur.)

-- Chris Mueller

RAVENS (8-2): QB Lamar Jackson was outstanding again (four TD passes), but the defense carried this day. The defensive front was dominant, but it was greatly aided by a shutdown performance in the secondary. Houston averaged a measly 4.1 yards per play, as the Ravens stacked the line of scrimmage with defenders and confused Houston QB Deshaun Watson by changing up fronts. The Ravens love playing man coverage, often leaving their cornerbacks on islands, but they also disguise and vary their coverages as well as any defense in the league. Baltimore's trade for CB Marcus Peters has paid off handsomely, but the return of Jimmy Smith from injury has had a similar impact. Baltimore now has more high-end cornerbacks than any team in the NFL. Watson (sacked six times and avoided many others) took a beating and rarely had time. The secondary could propel the Ravens to a title. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: at Rams (Mon.)

-- Matt Williamson

BRONCOS (3-7): Since the start of the 2015 season, NFL teams were collectively 0-99 when trailing by at least 20 at the half. They are now 1-99. The Broncos, who led 20-0 at halftime, played well considering the 10.5-point spread but have squandered fourth-quarter leads in four games this season. While a plausible alternate reality exists where Denver is 7-3, the Broncos have now gone six games without a fourth-quarter touchdown. First-year head coach Vic Fangio accelerated that effort Sunday. Bizarre clock management impeded QB Brandon Allen’s well-executed final drive, with the Broncos wasting valuable seconds twice between last-minute plays in Vikings territory. Fangio’s ill-fated pass-interference challenge with 2:01 remaining burned a timeout that could have been used to prevent the subsequent indecision. This deprived Allen of a chance at a final goal-to-go play. GAME GRADE: C + | NEXT: at Bills (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

VIKINGS (8-3): In the first half, Minnesota was putrid: 33 passing yards, 14 rushing yards, two lost fumbles and 10 minutes, 59 seconds of possession. The Vikings trailed 20-0. But QB Kirk Cousins finished with 319 yards passing, three TDs and no picks. And that's without standout wide receiver Adam Thielen, out with a hamstring injury. Cousins, who has a major history of streaky play, was red-hot in the second half, connecting with eight different receivers. Minnesota's offense flourished despite a rare poor game by RB Dalvin Cook (26 yards on 11 carries). The Cousins-led comeback shows the Vikings can win in many ways, an encouraging sign. GAME GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: BYE | at Seahawks (Mon., Dec. 2)

-- Matt Williamson

BENGALS (0-10): The Bengals are a poor team, but this was not a poor effort. Defensively, this was one of their best games of the season; the pass rush stood out. Oakland QB Derek Carr, behind one of the league’s best and most physical offensive lines, went down three times. DT Geno Atkins played like a borderline Defensive MVP candidate, a level he has played at most of his career. Another proven veteran, DE Carlos Dunlap, won his one-on-one battles consistently. DE Carl Lawson looked as good as he did as a rookie in 2017, and DE Sam Hubbard caused all sorts of problems with his length and tenacity. Now about that offense ... GAME GRADE: C  | NEXT: vs. Steelers (Sun.)

--  Matt Williamson

RAIDERS (6-4): While the Bengals present arguably the easiest matchup for opposing defensive linemen, it’s impossible to deny the Raiders have something in DE Maxx Crosby. The fourth-round pick out of Eastern Michigan has flashed throughout the season; Sunday was his official breakout. Crosby sacked Ryan Finley four times – tied for the second most in a game by a Raider. Only Khalil Mack (once in 2015) and Howie Long (once in 1983) have bettered that. Crosby beat left tackle John Jerry, a converted guard, with a first-quarter speed rush to force a fumble. He posted his final three sacks in the fourth quarter, the most impressive of which featured the rookie bull-rushing the 340-pound Jerry into Ryan Finley. Among rookies, Crosby’s 6.5 sacks trail only Josh Allen (eight) and Nick Bosa (seven). Big news for a Raiders team that finished 2018 with 13 sacks after trading an All-Pro edge rusher. GAME GRADE: B + | NEXT: at Jets (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

CARDINALS (3-7-1): There is reason for long-term optimism in Arizona, almost entirely due to Kyler Murray. But this is one game the Cardinals let slip away. Murray didn’t throw for a gaudy total against San Francisco (150 yards), but his play-making ability was on full display, particularly on a go-ahead, 22-yard touchdown run. Kliff Kingsbury needs to fully embrace Murray’s play-making potential and put him in position to win games by using offense as the best defense. That Murray didn’t have the ball in his hands with a chance to ice the game when Arizona held a 26-23 lead is fully on Kingsbury. RB Kenyan Drake was effective in bursts, but three consecutive runs in the four-minute offense is predictable play-calling that does a disservice to the effort put forth by Arizona’s entire team. This was a valiant effort, particularly by the Cardinals’ offense, and the team deserved better. GAME GRADE: C + | NEXT: BYE | vs. Rams (Dec. 1)

-- Chris Mueller

49ERS (9-1): If you’re a San Francisco fan, this game has to leave you conflicted. On one hand, the Niners overcame plenty of adversity, some of it self-inflicted, to win a game that keeps them the NFC’s top seed. On the other hand, they trailed 16-0 against the Cardinals, who entered the game with fewer wins than all but six teams in the NFL. QB Jimmy Garoppolo performed much better than he did against Seattle in Week 10, but Arizona came into the game with the league’s second-worst pass defense in both yards and touchdowns allowed. San Francisco’s running game was non-existent, owing to Arizona selling out to stop it and injuries on the Niners’ offensive line, Nevertheless, Kyle Shanahan needs to find a way to get balance back to his offense -- and fast. If Aaron Rodgers and the Packers get them on the ropes in Week 12, they could get knocked out in the heavyweight duel. GAME GRADE: B-minus | NEXT: vs. Packers (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

BILLS (7-3): Josh Allen thriving in a spot designed for success represents progress. The second-year QB accounted for four touchdowns, throwing three TD passes for the second time in his career, and showed the arm talent that made teams swoon before the 2018 draft. Allen’s laser to John Brown beat the Dolphins’ Cover 2 for a 40-yard touchdown. The Dolphins possess the NFL’s least talented roster, but just about every team has limited Allen to some degree this season. Some Bills wins have come despite their quarterback. Buffalo traded up twice to draft Allen, seeking a higher-ceiling option than Tyrod Taylor. Days such as this raise the floor of a Bills team poised to secure a playoff berth for just the second time in 20 seasons. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Broncos (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

DOLPHINS (2-8): Miami is projected to have $107 million in 2020 cap space; major offensive line investments will be needed. Considering the trench mismatch the Bills’ defensive line created, and the Dolphins’ 23 rushing yards, it is astounding Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 32 of 45 passes for 323 yards. The Bills sacked Fitzpatrick seven times – the most the ex-Bill has been dropped in a game since November of 2008 when he was subbing for Carson Palmer in Cincinnati. One Buffalo blitz caught Miami right tackle Jesse Davis blocking no one; a third-quarter scene featured just about every Dolphin losing his matchup for essentially a group sack. Four Buffalo defensive tackles recorded a sack. Football Outsiders slots Miami’s line as 2019’s third-worst run- and pass-blocking unit. Third-round rookie Michael Deiter grades as Pro Football Focus’ third-worst guard. A potential stumbling block for this rebuild: needing between three and five new O-line starters. GAME GRADE: D | NEXT: at Browns (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

JETS (3-7): Obscured by a decades-long quarterback need, this franchise featured an anemic pass rush for years. Perhaps fittingly, Sam Darnold’s four touchdown passes overshadowed the Jets’ explosive sack effort. The Jets registered six sacks for the second straight game, flustering rookie QB Dwayne Haskins and elevating the Jamal Adams blitz package to a high perch in franchise annals. A week after his two-sack effort swung the Giants game, Adams dropped the Redskins quarterback three times. Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams sent Adams at Redskins left tackle Donald Penn this week, after blitzing Adams at the right side of the Giants’ line last week, and Trent Williams’ replacement was no match. Adams became just the second defensive back in 10 years to record a three-sack game. Jets linemen Henry Anderson and Nathan Shepherd added sacks on non-blitz designs. The Jets will still have a need for a traditional pass rusher in 2020, but their unorthodox pressure strategy has keyed a two-game winning streak. GAME GRADE: A | NEXT: vs. Raiders (Sun.)

-- Sam Robinson

REDSKINS (1-9): Dwayne Haskins was shaky in his home starting debut, but the Redskins must give him more help. Pass-catchers dropped at least three easy throws. Haskins was knocked down 10 times (six of those sacks) across his 41 dropbacks. The run game failed to give the rookie manageable third downs, as RBs Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice combined for 49 yards on 16 carries (3.1 per attempt). If Washington does not get itself in position to take stellar Ohio State pass-rusher Chase Young in the 2020 draft, it should invest in an offensive lineman or two ... or three. GAME GRADE: F | NEXT: vs. Lions (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

COWBOYS (6-4): Dallas' passing game got everybody involved, overcoming a floundering run game (75 yards on 24 carries) that was unable to muster a run longer than nine yards. Dak Prescott threw for 444 yards -- the third time he has topped 400 yards this season -- as seven Cowboys gained at least 28 yards through the air. Amari Cooper was shut down (three grabs on eight targets for 38 yards), so wide receivers Michael Gallup and Randall Cobb stepped up. Gallup caught nine passes for 148 yards. Cobb hauled in four for 115 yards, registering back-to-back 100-yard performances for the first time since Weeks 7-8 of 2014 when he was with Green Bay. The diversity of Dallas' passing attack makes its offense one of the league's most dangerous. GAME GRADE: B+ | NEXT: at Patriots (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

LIONS (3-6-1): On a positive note, Detroit may have found a feature running back until Kerryon Johnson returns from injury. Rookie Bo Scarbrough, who rushed for 55 yards on 14 carries, has a big frame (6-foot-1 and 235 pounds) built to take a pounding and dish one out. As Dallas took control of the game in the second half, the Lions' running game faded. QB Matthew Stafford is sidelined with a back injury, so Detroit and its big, physical offensive line could use a solid early down back such as Scarbrough, an Alabama product who was drafted and cut by the Cowboys. Backup QB Jeff Driskel (15-for-26, 209 yards) will not take this team far. GAME GRADE: C  | NEXT: at Redskins (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

JAGUARS (4-6): The continuation of a bad trend was the story of the game for the Jaguars. Jacksonville got gashed on the ground by Indianapolis, giving up 264 yards on 36 carries. Jonathan Williams and Marlon Mack alone combined for 225 yards on 27 carries. The Jaguars came into the game allowing 4.9 yards per attempt on the ground, fourth-worst in the NFL. Their 120.2 yards per game allowed ranked 22^nd in the league. Jacksonville is now 0-6 when allowing at least 100 yards rushing in a game. The schedule offers little relief, as two of Jacksonville’s next four opponents – the Titans and Raiders – rank in the top half of the league in yards per carry, and another, the Chargers, has seen its run game come to life the last two weeks. If the Jaguars can’t find a way to stop the run, it won’t matter who plays quarterback. GAME GRADE: D-minus | NEXT: at Titans (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

COLTS (6-4): Indianapolis made Jacoby Brissett’s return from injury easy by leaning on two familiar friends – solid defense and a relentless running game (264 yards). The QB has had his moments this season, particularly in a Week 7 win over the Texans, but winning football for the Colts requires them to control the clock and play from ahead. Indy came into the game sixth in the NFL in average time per drive (2 minutes 55 seconds). It improved on that against the Jaguars, as their 11 drives totaled 33:52. Next week brings the Texans, a game that will go a long way toward determining the AFC South champion. Houston’s run defense was shredded by Baltimore in Week 11, and if RBs Marlon Mack  (109 yards) and Jonathan Williams (116 yards) can control that game like they did this one, Indy will be the South’s team to beat. GAME GRADE: A-minus  | NEXT: at Texans (Thur.)

-- Chris Mueller

SAINTS (8-2): Despite picking up just two sacks, the Saints' pass rush was a major difference-maker in Tampa Bay. New Orleans collected 12 quarterback hits, creating plenty of pressure as it forced Jameis Winston into four interceptions. Defensive end Cameron Jordan, who entered the game tied for 12th in the league with 14 quarterback hits, led the team with a season-high four. The Saints came into the week ranked fourth in pressure rate (27.7%) and are poised to climb higher. The Saints could be a major mismatch for the struggling Panthers' offensive line in Week 12. GAME GRADE: B +  | NEXT: vs. Panthers (Sun.) 

 -- Michael Nania

BUCS (3-7): He just cannot figure it out. Jameis Winston continues to be a turnover machine. Entering the week with a league-high 14 interceptions, Winston launched four more picks against the ball-hawking Saints secondary. With six games to go, Winston has already tied his career-high with 18 interceptions. Winston's interception rate has ballooned to 4.4%. That would be the worst mark posted by a non-rookie quarterback (minimum 300 attempts) since washed-up Peyton Manning in 2015 (5.1%). Head coach Bruce Arians has constantly exuded confidence in his franchise quarterback, but Winston's story will likely never change. GAME GRADE: C-minus |  NEXT: at Falcons (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

FALCONS (3-7): Thanks to a suddenly fierce pass rush, Atlanta's defense has been one of the league's best the past two weeks. After sacking New Orleans' Drew Brees six times in a Week 10 win, Atlanta went on the road and sacked Kyle Allen five times for 55 yards. Defensive end Adrian Clayborn has unexpectedly become a pass-rushing contributor, picking up his first three sacks of the season over these past two games. It is just the second time in franchise history that the Falcons have picked up at least five sacks in back-to-back road games. With back-to-back blowout road victories against divisional opponents with winning records, Dan Quinn has made an emphatic claim to keep his job. GAME GRADE: A+ | NEXT: vs. Bucs (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

PANTHERS (5-5): The Panthers undoubtedly miss Cam Newton, as QB Kyle Allen is struggling mightily. After tossing five interceptions and averaging just 6.2 yards per attempt over his past three games, Allen threw four interceptions and averaged 6.5 yards per attempt against Atlanta's 31st-ranked DVOA pass defense. Allen has gone seven consecutive games with a yards-per-attempt rate below the league average of 7.3. If the Panthers can't turn things around and steal a wild-card spot, Allen may be the primary reason why. GAME GRADE: F | NEXT: at Saints (Sun.)

-- Michael Nania

PACKERS (8-2): During the bye, Green Bay must figure the pecking order at wide receiver. Davante Adams (39 catches for 537 yards) returned from injury and, as expected, assumed his role as top dog. But after that it is a little murky. Marquez Valdez Scantling’s snap counts and production (22 catches for 420 yards) have fallen off. He has the most ability of the remaining wide receivers, and maybe over the bye he can gain back the trust of the coaching staff. The last time he caught a pass was in Week 8. Geronimo Allison (23 catches for 211 yards) seems entrenched as the Packers' big slot receiver, but he hasn’t been productive. Jake Kumerow and Allen Lazard are OK, but neither is an every-down player. NEXT: at 49ers (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

GIANTS (2-8): Against the Jets, Saquon Barkley ran for one yard on 13 carries, the fewest in Giants history by a player with at least 13 carries in a game. Over his four games since returning to the lineup, Barkley has averaged 41.3 yards per game on 2.6 yards per attempt and scored one touchdown. After missing three games with a high ankle sprain, Barkley is now dealing with a shoulder sprain and is questionable to play against the Bears in Week 12. New York's run blocking is not good, but Barkley (101 carries for 402 yards) is struggling. The ineffectiveness of the run game is making life tough on rookie Daniel Jones, who has taken 22 sacks over the past four games. The Giants need to either figure out how to get Barkley going or just shut him down to keep him fresh for 2020. NEXT: at Bears (Sun.) 

-- Michael Nania

SEAHAWKS (8-2): Seattle’s win over San Francisco in Week 10 was another reason why quarterback play is considerably more important than anything else in the NFL. Russell Wilson outplayed Jimmy Garoppolo, despite going up against a ferocious 49ers defense. Wilson, who threw for only 232 yards, made numerous plays rushing (6 carries for 53 yards.) The most telling sign of Wilson’s greatness has nothing to do with statistics, but rather expectations. No matter how sloppy the Monday night game was, there was always the expectation that if Wilson got one opening, he would take advantage, and when San Francisco left too much time at the end of overtime, he pounced. Seattle is far from the most complete team in the NFC – its defense ranked 23^rd in the league in points allowed heading into Week 11 – but the Seahawks have the best player at the most important position, and they’re seeing just how much that can mean. NEXT: at Eagles (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

TITANS (5-5): Tennessee is still very much in the playoff picture, as Cleveland’s Week 11 win over Pittsburgh helped the Titans and the rest of the AFC's wild-card contenders. Head coach Mike Vrabel probably spent more than a minute of his bye week wondering if he waited too long to make a switch at quarterback. Tennessee is 3-1 with Ryan Tannehill under center, compared to 2-4 with Marcus Mariota. It’s more than wins and losses, though. The Titans held all but one of their first six opponents under 20 points, and three of them under 300 yards, yet had little to show for it. Their last four games have seen each opponent score at least 20 points, and all of them crack 350 yards offense, yet Tennessee has gone on a roll. More buttoned-up efforts from the defense might mean a playoff berth, but if the Titans fall short, Vrabel’s slow hook will be a chief cause. NEXT: vs Jaguars (Sun.)

-- Chris Mueller

BROWNS (4-6): Baker Mayfield was sharp for once, but more notably, the Browns' talented defensive front came to life against a good Pittsburgh offensive line. LB Joe Schobert, who had 10 tackles (two for a loss) and a sack, was all over the field. Led by Myles Garrett (3 QB hits), who once again showed that he is the NFL’s best edge defender, Cleveland’s defensive line owned the line of scrimmage and got after Mason Rudolph, even without D-end Olivier Vernon (knee). Collectively, the defensive tackles played well in both phases, but more than anything, Cleveland’s front just destroyed the left side of the Steelers' offensive line down after down. Now the line must prove it can do it without Garrett, who's suspended indefinitely for his ridiculous helmet-bashing of Rudolph with seconds left. GAME GRADE: B | vs. Dolphins (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson

STEELERS (5-5): For nearly the entire game, Pittsburgh was again without even one NFL-caliber running back. James Conner left early with a shoulder injury. Just as problematic as the inability to gain yards running, the Steelers also didn’t have anyone at the position who had any acumen whatsoever in pass protection. Of course, the Browns quickly picked up on this, destroying Pittsburgh’s running backs physically and mentally with blitzes. The Steelers were especially inept on third- and fourth-down situations (2 of 14 combined), and the running backs carry much blame there too, especially in short-yardage opportunities. To those analytics people who don't think RBs matter, my response is, "puh-leeze." GAME GRADE: D+ | at Bengals (Sun.)

-- Matt Williamson