32 Things We Learned in NFL Week 11: A Wild Week Focused on Rivalries
The NFL is all about the rivalries. Week 11 of the 2024 NFL season showcased some fierce matchups that kept fans glued to their screens. From jaw-dropping upsets to nail-biting finishes, the stakes were higher than ever as top teams clashed, revealing more about themselves in the process. Rivalries not only bring out raw emotion in players, but also provide insights into which franchises have staying power — especially as we approach the crucial later stages of the season.
This week, we saw Super Bowl champions struggle, teams continue to underperform with questionable coaching, and emerging powerhouses making bold statements. Let’s dive into the 32 most important takeaways from an action-packed Week 11.
Rivalry Matchups Provide Drama
- **Steelers vs. Browns:** Whenever Pittsburgh and Cleveland meet, it seems guaranteed to feature grit and a little extra drama. This time, it was the Browns who took control in front of their home crowd, beating the Steelers 13-10. The AFC North was already shaping up to be one of the toughest divisions in the league, but Cleveland’s defense truly shined in this one.
- **Packers vs. Vikings:** Minnesota has surged without Kirk Cousins, showing their depth and readiness to claim top spot in the NFC North. A heart-stopping 24-22 victory over the Packers was enough proof that they’ve still got the firepower.
- **Chiefs vs. Raiders:** The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs felt the heat from their AFC rivals. And while it wasn’t the Chiefs’ most polished performance, head coach Andy Reid’s squad gritted their way to a 30-20 win.
- **Bills vs. Jets:** The AFC East rivalry lived up to the hype as the Bills finally snapped out of their slump, defeating the Jets 32-6 in what might’ve been a saving grace for Buffalo’s season after recent underwhelming performances. Josh Allen showed up big time!
Dissections of the Top Teams
It’s hard to talk about Week 11 without mentioning the big power players. Let’s take a closer look at some of the teams that have been making waves:
Kansas City Chiefs Try to Regain Dominance
Okay, so the Chiefs got another win in their books, but it wasn’t exactly easy. The Las Vegas Raiders kept things tight, but Kansas City pulled off a 30-20 victory. Patrick Mahomes wasn’t as sharp as we’re used to seeing, but with victories like this, sometimes it’s more about surviving the fight, right? If Mahomes and company want to go deep into the playoffs (again), they need to figure out how to get back to their ultra-efficient ways.
Buffalo Bills Bounce Back
Let’s face it, the Bills haven’t been themselves this season. They needed this win, badly. They not only beat the Jets, 32-6, but they also looked like the Buffalo team we expected. Josh Allen accounted for three touchdowns, and their defense completely suffocated the Jets. If the Bills plan to make a deep postseason run, this will have to be the new normal. The AFC East doesn’t have any room for slouching!
Teams on the Struggle Bus
Whether it’s struggling offenses, injuries, or questionable coaching decisions, several teams have yet to find their footing in 2024. Week 11 didn’t provide any relief:
- **New England Patriots:** Bill Belichick’s guys just can’t catch a break. Their 3-7 record continues to create doubt about how long Belichick’s tenure will last. The 10-6 loss to Indianapolis is one for the archives, and not for good reasons.
- **New York Giants:** With injuries to star players and overall poor performances, the Giants are ranked near the bottom of the league. Sunday’s 31-7 loss to Dallas only emphasized their struggles.
- **Green Bay Packers:** The Packers are still trying to figure out life without Aaron Rodgers. While Jordan Love has potential, Green Bay’s offense continues to be inconsistent. Their latest 24-22 loss to the Vikings didn’t do much to inspire confidence.
Defenses that Stole the Spotlight
Let’s not forget the defenses that turned heads this week. With the NFL typically being offensively minded, it’s easy to overlook the true game-changers on the defensive side of the ball.
Cleveland Browns Lock it Down
Anybody wanting proof that “defense wins games” should look no further than the Cleveland Browns’ 13-10 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Myles Garrett and company made every yard count against Pittsburgh, showing why they’re a force to be reckoned with — especially when they lock into full gear.
49ers Continue Their Defensive Rampage
The San Francisco 49ers remain a serious threat on defense. They crushed the Jacksonville Jaguars in a dominant 34-3 win, holding their opponents to just 51 rushing yards. Their ability to limit other teams’ offenses isn’t talked about enough. Nick Bosa, Fred Warner, and the rest of the unit are gearing up for a postseason run.
Dallas Cowboys Make a Statement
The Cowboys defense dismantled the New York Giants, winning 31-7. This wasn’t just an ordinary performance; it was a total shutdown. Dallas leads the league in turnovers forced, and no team does it quite as well. They’re going to be scary for opposing offenses this season.
MVP Showdown? Who’s Leading the Race?
It’s MVP chatter season and with this year’s performances, the discussion feels as intense as ever:
- **Patrick Mahomes:** Even when he’s not at his best, he’s still a favorite. Mahomes put up 200 yards and two touchdowns in their win against Las Vegas, making his case that much stronger.
- **Jalen Hurts:** The Philadelphia Eagles’ dual-threat quarterback has been a revelation. Hurts powered the Eagles to a decisive win over Dallas, and his MVP stock continues to rise. Could this be his year?
- **Josh Allen:** The Bills’ QB needed a game like this. After weeks of odd slumps, Allen racked up five total TDs (3 throwing, 2 running), making a loud statement that he’s still in the conversation.
Week 11 Injuries: Bad News for Several Teams
The injury bug bit hard this week, and several teams are suddenly facing depth issues:
- **Joe Burrow (Bengals):** It’s official, the Cincinnati Bengals QB is out for the season with a wrist injury. This setback drastically alters the Bengals’ playoff hopes, especially given their stacked AFC division.
- **Justin Jefferson (Vikings):** Minnesota’s star receiver left the field again, and his ongoing hamstring issue keeps the Vikings on edge.
- **Saquon Barkley (Giants):** Saquon’s ankle is once more keeping him sidelined for Big Blue. Without him, the Giants’ offense seems to be just tumbling into deeper chaos.
Final Thoughts on Week 11
Rivalries never disappoint, and Week 11 only cemented their importance in the NFL. As teams jockey for playoff positions and try to weather late-season injuries, it’s becoming clear which franchises have what it takes to rise to the occasion. Whether it’s top-tier teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys showing off their dominance or underdogs like the Cleveland Browns getting gritty wins, the next few weeks promise even more action. You might want to grab your popcorn because the race to the playoffs is about to intensify.
On to Week 12!
Week 12 is already on the horizon, and fans can expect more surprises and clashes at the top. Can the Bills capitalize on their recent surge? Will the Chiefs find their championship rhythm again? Who will step up as the next breakout star, and which coaches are feeling the heat?
All we know for sure is that the NFL never fails to deliver, and Week 12 is shaping up to be just as action-packed as ever!
Originally Written by: Nate Davis
