Week 11 Picks By: Mark Bunster

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Trent Green at CIN
What's the strangest thing about Chad Johnson's guaranteed victory against the 9-0 Chiefs? The fact that he predicted it against the class of the NFL? The fact that he's a brash youngster with only a building reputation as a superstar, and essentially faced off against the league's oldest coach, who's seen it all? Or was it the failure of Dick Vermeil to collapse in fitful sobs over the brave way his players would rise to the challenge? No, I think the strangest thing is that Johnson wasn't immediately placed under psychiatric care--and that this seemed to be OK with everyone. This is like the Clippers going on record now that they'll sweep the Lakers in the West Finals this year. But as I said, people actually took Johnson seriously, and I've even seen people express belief in the Bengals' power to actually do it. I'm one of them. Either way, it doesn't look to be decided by the defensive squads. Both are lameish and prone to being torched by effective pass offenses. Both teams have one. This would be a good time to mention Trent Green's 1200+ passing yards and 8 TDs vs INT.

Brad Johnson vs GB
No peeking--who has the most TDs and passing yards in the NFL? Well, OK, it's Peyton Manning. But Johnson has as many TDs (18), and is 3rd in yards, only about 15ypg behind Manning. Last year Gruden finally concocted an offense that revived Redskin and Viking days for Johnson, and while the defense copes with no longer being feared, the Tampa offense is cruising along even faster. Johnson's within sight of 30 TDs, something he's never even come close to in 10 years. The Packers were rather exposed on Monday Night as a forgiving pass defense, and the Buccaneers are ready to forget that they had to deal with Carolina twice. If you bought Johnson this year, you have yourself a huge bargain.

Chad Pennington at IND
I think most people consider Dallas a good to very good defense, particularly against the pass. But Indianapolis has allowed the same number of TDs and sacks, and has 1 more interception. So it's not a given that a still-warming-up Pennington will cruise all over the Colts D on the road. But Indy has not been earning their average lately, most recently being walked on by the Jaguars (although it was Taylor who dealt the death blows). And the Jets, particularly the combination of Pennington and Moss, are quickly taking the "most exciting player" title from Dante Hall this season. Herm Edwards knows the Colts well, and he has exploited them in the past.

Tim Rattay vs PIT
Pittsburgh is sort of the flip side of the Colts. They bring the reputation for solid, hard hitting defense into their contest with the 49ers. Or at least they would, if the secondary hadn't been burned fairly often on big plays that have been the defense's undoing. Rattay has looked very calm in the pocket, and has gotten good time with which to make smart throws. Both Terrell Owens and Tai Streets should be able to use their size and dominate the Steeler corners. As a bonus, the Steelers do still hold their rep as aggressive run defenders, and Rattay will have to throw to win the game.

Recaps - Coming Soon

:: Quarterbacks

:: Running Backs

:: Wide Receivers