At the beginning of the season this likely would have been a double-digit line and we'd have a unanimous selection for NFL picks in Week 11. The Pittsburgh Steelers are always good -- great, even -- and the Oakland Raiders are, well, the Raiders. Fast forward two months and this is a matchup of two first-place teams. The Steelers are atop the AFC North standings with the Baltimore Ravens while the Raiders stand tied with the Chiefs at the top of the AFC West.
NFL Picks Week 11: Oakland Raiders Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Despite the Raiders resurgence this year, the Steelers should be able to take care of business in this one. As always, the Steelers defense is top-notch. They're ranked fifth in the league including the No. 1 rush defense. That's a good place to be against the Raiders, whose main strength is rushing the ball. The Raiders are the NFL's second ranked rush offense. Jason Campbell is playing better in Oakland so the Steelers can't automatically stuff the box every time. This will be an interesting matchup but the Steelers hold the advantage.
Offensively, the Steelers still want to rush the ball and that won’t necessarily be easy against the Raiders run defense, which is better than its ranking. The Raiders are also second against the pass so they’re doing some things right defensively.
Ultimately I’m taking the Steelers but the Raiders are a team that you need to take seriously this year. The Steelers are 7.5 point favorites but, while I do think they’ll win, it’ll be in a closer game than that.
Check out Silver and Black Pride and Behind the Steel Curtain for more on the game.
See More:
