Week 11 preview: Seahawks vs. Rams, Lions vs. Eagles

Written by: Miles Jordan,William Petersen •

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Seahawks vs. Rams

The Sunday slate of Week 11 NFL games kicked off early with the Washington Commanders traveling to Madrid, Spain, to take on the Miami Dolphins; however, back in the states, the NFC has two divisional matchups that could have massive playoff implications as we get closer to the postseason. The Los Angeles Rams host the Seattle Seahawks at 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox, while the Philadelphia Eagles host the Detroit Lions in the latest edition of Sunday Night Football on NBC.

Here is The Predictors' guide to the top two divisional matchups of the weekend:

Rams vs. Seahawks

Los Angeles (7-2) and Seattle (7-2) renew their NFC West rivalry with another hard-fought matchup, and recent history continues to lean slightly in the Rams’ favor. Los Angeles has taken three of the last five meetings. Both franchises have potent offenses led by top-tier quarterbacks and emerging stars, and both Seattle and Los Angeles are searching for their eighth win of the season.

Los Angeles

Quarterback Matthew Stafford is playing at an MVP-level pace this season, continuing his dominance with 2,427 passing yards (4th in NFL) and a league-leading 25 touchdowns, while tossing only two interceptions. His efficiency has been outstanding: 67.1% completion rate, 269.7 yards per game, and 7.8 yards per attempt. On the ground, running back Kyren Williams has been the engine of the run game.

Williams has posted 659 rushing yards and five touchdowns, averaging 73.2 yards per game and 4.5 per carry. He’s also been a versatile weapon in the passing game with 22 receptions for 177 yards and three scores.

Wide receiver Puka Nacua remains an elite weapon, recording 775 receiving yards (3rd in NFL) and four touchdowns on 66 receptions (3rd in NFL). His 96.9 yards per game and 8.3 catches highlight his consistency as Stafford’s top target, while his counterpart, Davante Adams, has been a red-zone nightmare for defenses, racking up 568 yards and an NFL-leading nine receiving touchdowns, adding 42 receptions and averaging 63.1 yards per game.

On defense, Nathan Landman anchors the unit with 83 tackles (10th in the NFL), along with four TFL and 1.5 sacks, while Byron Young boasts 45 tackles, nine TFL, and nine sacks, making him one of L.A.’s top pass-rush threats.

Quentin Lake has contributed a balanced defensive resume of 58 tackles, two TFL, one sack, 10 passes defended, and one interception, while Kamren Curl has added 68 tackles, two TFL, one sack, and two interceptions.

Seattle

Quarterback Sam Darnold continues a strong season with 2,262 passing yards (7th in the NFL), 17 touchdowns, and six interceptions, while completing an impressive 71.1% of his throws. His favorite target has been one of the league’s breakout stars. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba leads the NFL with 1,041 receiving yards on 63 catches (5th NFL) and has added five touchdowns. He’s averaging seven receptions per game.

On the ground, running back Kenneth Walker III remains Seattle’s top rusher with 539 yards and three touchdowns, averaging 59.9 yards per game and 4.5 yards per attempt, and Zach Charbonnet has been a reliable complementary back. Charbonnet has 313 yards through eight games, scoring six rushing touchdowns and averaging 39.1 yards per contest.

On defense, Ernest Jones continues to fill the stat sheet with 65 tackles, three TFL, 0.5 sacks, and three interceptions, showing strong instincts in coverage. Drake Thomas has added 40 tackles, eight TFL and three sacks. Tyrice Knight has produced 47 tackles, six TFL and two sacks and Leonard Williams has logged 37 tackles, five TFL, five sacks and a pass breakup in nine games.

Stats to know:

Seahawks:

- 9th in total offense / 6th in passing offense (246.1 ypg) / 16th in rushing offense (114.3 ypg)

- 9th in total defense / 20th in passing defense (216.7) / 3rd in rushing defense (90.7 ypg)

- 30.6 points per game / 19.1 points allowed per game

- 367.3 total yards per game / 333.7 total yards allowed per game

- Seahawks are 7-2 ATS / 2-1 ATS in division games

- 4-0 ATS on the road

- Seahawks have won 4-straight

- Seahawks are 28-25 all-time vs the Rams in the regular season

- Jaxon Smith-Njigba has scored a TD in last 5/7 games

- Has gone over 100 receiving yards in last 4/7 games

Rams:

- 5th in total offense / 2nd in passing offense (259.9 ypg) / 17th in rushing offense (113.4 ypg)

- 11th in total defense / 19th in passing defense (216 ypg) / 9th in rushing defense (96.9 ypg)

- 27.9 points per game / 17 points allowed per game

- 383.1 ypg / 332.9 yards allowed per game

-Rams are 7-2 ATS / 1-1 ATS in division games

- 3-1 ATS at home

- Rams have won 4-straight

- Puka Nacua hasn’t scored in 3-straight games

- Matt Stafford is second in the MVP voting (+250 odds to win MVP per DraftKings Sportsbook)

Odds per DraftKings Sportsbook: Rams -3 / Total O/U 48.5 / Seahawks ML +150

Best bets:

  1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba anytime touchdown (+130)

- This Ohio State alum has been arguably the best wide receiver in the NFL this season after going on a tear to start the season, with only one game this season with under 90 receiving yards. Smith-Njigba has already eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards this season (and it's only Week 11) to go along with his five receiving touchdowns. Sam Darnold and Smith-Njigba have quickly developed a lethal chemistry in Darnold’s first season in Seattle, and with the magnitude of this game, with the winner taking first in the division, JSN will be the focal point to the Seahawks offense as he’s been all season. If the Seahawks are going to win in Sofi Stadium on Sunday afternoon, JSN will definitely be finding the endzone, maybe even twice.

  1. Davante Adams anytime touchdown (-125)

- Although Puka Nacua is the WR1 for Los Angeles, veteran Davante Adams is no question the best WR2 in the NFL as he is leading the league in touchdown catches with 9. Adams has a nose for the endzone, and much like JSN on Seattle, Adams will need to find paydirt on Sunday if the Rams want to take control of the NFC West. Adams has scored in three straight games and has seemed to find another gear after exploding for three touchdown catches against the Jaguars in Week 7. Most of the attention will be on Nacua as it has been for the majority of the season, which creates more opportunities for Adams to find the endzone against a Seahawks secondary that has given up 13 receiving touchdowns this season.

Injuries

Seahawks

The Seahawks' injury list looked long all week, but by Friday, the majority of players were participating fully in practice and will likely play this week. It was concerning that 5 receivers and a TE made an appearance, but by Friday, backup WR Troy Walton was the only one with an injury designation and is listed as out. Another point of concern is the O-line, as starting C Jalen Sundell has been ruled out after the knee injury suffered against the Cardinals. With Sundell at center, the Seahawks have allowed Darnold to be sacked only 10 times. Sundell’s backup, Olu Olawutimi, may not have the athleticism in pass protection that Sundell brings, but his run blocking may be an upgrade. Hopefully, Oluwatimi’s presence lets the Seahawks RBs repeat the production they showed in the second half against Arizona.

Rams

The Rams are coming into this divisional matchup with a very short injury report. Starting WR Davante Adams is listed as questionable with an oblique injury. Even if he plays this week, oblique pain can limit strength with twisting and turning, which could affect his ability to fight off defenders or execute aggressive changes of direction. With WR Tutu Atwell on IR, even a slightly limited Adams may see some great opportunities, and at the least take some heat off Puka Nacua. Defensive end Kobie Turner is also listed as questionable with a back injury. Turner is strong in both the pass rush and run defense, so look for the Seahawks to take advantage if he’s out of the lineup. Notably, head coach Sean McVay stated that he expects both Adams and Turner to see the field this week.

Lions vs. Eagles

Philadelphia (7-2) and Detroit (6-3) have met three times in recent seasons, with the Eagles taking two of those contests. Over that stretch, the Eagles have outscored the Lions 106–68, showing an edge in both efficiency and explosiveness. This matchup once again highlighted two dynamic offenses backed by emerging defensive playmakers.

Detroit

Quarterback Jared Goff is having one of the best seasons of his career, with 2,235 passing yards (9th NFL), 20 touchdowns (2nd NFL), and only three interceptions. His accuracy has been elite (a 74.0% completion rate), and he’s averaging 248.3 yards per game and 8.2 yards per attempt.

Detroit's pair of running backs, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, have already combined for 1,000+ rushing yards through Week 10. Gibbs is one of the league’s most explosive backs. Gibbs has racked up 693 rushing yards (9th NFL) and eight touchdowns, averaging 77.0 yards per game and an impressive 5.4 yards per attempt (4th NFL). He’s also added 32 catches for 227 yards and two receiving scores.

Montgomery remains a physical complement to Gibbs, with 466 rushing yards, five touchdowns, and 51.8 yards per game, along with 14 receptions for 106 yards.

Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown continues to play like one of the NFL’s elite receivers, totaling 693 yards (5th NFL), eight touchdowns (2nd NFL), and 64 receptions (4th NFL) on 82 targets.

On defense, Jack Campbell leads Detroit with 76 tackles, adding 6.0 TFL, four sacks, and a pass breakup. The Lions' top pass rusher, Aiden Hutchinson, has 7.0 sacks (10th NFL), 7.0 TFL, and 18 tackles, consistently disrupting opposing offenses. Brian Branch has delivered versatility with 46 tackles, 5.0 TFL, and 2.5 sacks and Derrick Barns has been equally productive, tallying 46 tackles, 5.0 TFL, and 4.0 sacks.

Philadelphia

Quarterback Jalen Hurts remains the catalyst of the Eagles’ offense, throwing for 1,860 yards, 16 touchdowns, and only one interception while completing 68.9% of his passes. He’s averaging 206.7 yards per game and 7.7 yards per attempt. On the ground, he continues to be a dual-threat nightmare with 234 rushing yards and five rushing touchdowns, averaging 26.0 yards per game.

Also on the ground, running back Saquon Barkley has produced 579 rushing yards and four touchdowns, averaging 64.3 yards per game, though his 3.9 yards per carry ranks 33rd in the league. He’s also contributed as a receiver with 27 catches for 200 yards and two scores.

Wide receiver DaVonta Smith has been a steady top target, posting 48 receptions, 657 yards, and three touchdowns, working at a clip of 5.3 catches and 73.0 yards per game.

Tight end Dallas Goedert has been a key red-zone threat with seven touchdown grabs (3rd NFL). Overall, he’s logged 34 catches, 332 yards, and averages 4.3 receptions and 41.5 yards per game.

Linebacker Zack Baun has been a standout at the second level of the Eagles' defense. Baun has delivered 72 tackles, 5.0 TFL, three sacks, and one interception, making him one of the Eagles’ most productive defenders.

Jaelan Phillips has tallied 3.0 sacks, 4.0 TFL, and 31 tackles, providing needed pressure off the edge and Jihaad Campbell has contributed 49 tackles, 1.0 TFL, two passes defended, and an interception, adding solid depth and playmaking.

Stats to know:

Lions:

- 6th in total offense / 10th in passing offense (236.1 ypg) / 6th in rushing offense (136.3 ypg)

- 7th in total defense / 12th in passing defense (199.7 ypg) / 8th in rushing defense (94.3 ypg)

- 31.4 points per game / 22.2 points allowed per game

- 385 yards per game / 315 yards allowed per game

-Lions are 6-3 ATS / 3-2 ATS on the road

- Lions are 16-18-2 all-time vs the Eagles in the regular season

- 3-2 ATS after a win

- Jared Goff is 1-4 against the Eagles in his career

Eagles:

- 23rd in total offense / 25th in passing offense (191.7 ypg) / 21st in rushing offense (111.6 ypg)

- 18th in total defense / 14th in passing defense (209.3 ypg) / 19th in rushing defense (118.6 ypg)

- 24.2 points per game / 21.3 points allowed per game

- 316.2 yards per game / 336.9 yards allowed per game

- Eagles are 6-3 ATS / 2-2 ATS at home

- 5-1 ATS after a win

- Eagles have won three straight games

- Jalen Hurts has only cleared 200+ passing yards three times this season

- 300+ passing yards once this season

Odds per DraftKings Sportsbook: Eagles -2.5 / Total O/U 50.5 / Lions ML +124

Best Bets:

  1. Jahmyr Gibbs anytime touchdown (-125)

- Gibbs has been one of the most productive running backs in the NFL this season, behind Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. Gibbs has eight rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns this season and is the engine of this Lions offense. Gibbs is coming off a 142-yard rushing game on only 15 carries, where he found the endzone twice in a 44-22 win over the Commanders. The fact that the odds for Gibbs to get into the endzone on Sunday night are this close to even is outstanding, given that he performs his best in big-time games. I would not be surprised to see Gibbs go for two touchdowns against an Eagles defense that has been middle of the road when it comes to defending the run. Not to mention, David Montgomery is still the Lions' bruiser back that will wear down the Eagles' front five, only adding to the upside of Gibbs getting in the endzone.

  1. Jalen Hurts under 203,5 passing yards (-112)

- Hurts has had an interesting season, along with the entire Eagles offense, which was one of the best offenses in the league last season on their way to winning their second Super Bowl. The Eagles' offensive line has had trouble staying healthy this season, which has bled into Hurts' ability to throw from a clean pocket. This has then transferred into the Eagles not being able to establish the run as well as they did last season, which has forced Hurts to throw downfield with inconsistent success. The Lions have a top-15 pass defense, which will give Hurts trouble. The Lions also have a top 10 rush defense, which should see them handle Saquon Barkley, thus resulting in the Eagles depending on Hurts' arm to win the game. I like the Lions' defense against a struggling Eagles offense in a game I would not be surprised to see the Lions win outright. Hurts is going to have to go downfield a lot on Sunday night, and I am not confident he will have a great amount of success, which reflects the trend that Hurts has not cleared this line in two straight games.

Injuries

Lions

The Detroit Lions have one of the longest injury reports of the week, with 4 players ruled out and another 10 listed as questionable. Starting with the good news, LB Malcolm Rodriguez looks hopeful to return from the ACL injury sustained last year. Tackle Taylor Decker is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury, but participated in the same practices he did last week before playing the whole game against the Commanders. Star edge rusher Aiden Hutchinson missed a practice this week with an elbow injury, but has no injury designation going into game day. Coach Dan Campbell has indicated that TE Brock Wright is looking good to start in place of injured Sam LaPorta despite being limited in practice with a back injury. The biggest concern for the Lions may be the defensive backfield, with CB Terrion Arnold, S Kerby Joseph ruled out and S Amik Robertson limited with some hamstring tightness. Robertson will likely play, but the entire position group will be put to the test as the Eagles' offense looks to improve their passing game after a surprisingly inconsistent and inefficient season so far.

Eagles

The Eagles’ injury reports throughout the week have looked pretty clean, and only OL Willie Lampkin is currently listed as questionable as he is in the process of returning from IR. That’s not to say that the Eagles are injury-free, as they have a sizable Injured Reserve list, and these players don’t appear on weekly update reports until they’re designated to return. Injury statuses that have the possibility of shaping the game this week include the return of C Cam Jurgens, who has missed time with a knee injury sustained on October 19th. Guards Landon Dickerson and Tyler Steen (quad and oblique injuries, respectively), and tackle Lane Johnson (ankle) are also without injury designations. The Eagles rely heavily on both the individual talent of their offensive lineman and the way they function as a coordinated unit for the success of their run game, red zone success, and to give QB Jalen Hurts the time to get the ball downfield. A healthy O-line is key for the Eagles to try to put together a more consistent and effective offensive game than we’ve been seeing this year.

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