Silver & Black Blog: Week 11 picks

The Bruce Gradkowski era begins today in Oakland.

While I'm sure it'll give offensive players a boost, I think the story today is going to be the Cincinnati offensive scoring big points against the Raiders.

Yeah, the Raiders played well against Kansas City last week. But the Bengals aren't the Chiefs.

For the safety of everyone in the stadium, I hope Oakland firefighters are on hand because Chris Johnson is going to get torched.

Carson Palmer is a superbly accurate quarterback. Chad Ochocinco is great. I can't say I've seen WR Andre Caldwell much, but I know enough that if your third leading receiver is Laveranues Coles, you have a fairly decent wide receiving corps.

So, while Gradkowski will certainly be a storyline, and I think he'll be an improvement over JaMarcus Russell, it's going to come down to the Bengals' passing game shredding the Raiders secondary.

Pick: Cincinnati

Around the rest of the league ...

Indianapolis at Baltimore: Don't expect the Ravens to try converting a fourth down play deep in their territory. But, Colts won't need the help. Pick: Indianapolis

Washington at Dallas: Will Cowboys get caught looking past this game for their big "showdown" with Raiders? (I'm kidding!). Pick: Dallas

Cleveland at Detroit: Is it possible for both teams to lose? Pick: Detroit

49ers at Green Bay: Hard to figure either team out. I have a sneaking suspicion 49ers pull this one out. Pick: San Francisco

Buffalo at Jacksonville: The Jaguars are actually turning their season around. Pick: Jacksonville

Pittsburgh at Kansas City: The Steelers aren't the Raiders. Pick: Pittsburgh

Seattle at Minnesota: Adrian Peterson is just too good. Can't see Seahawks stopping him. Pick: Minnesota.

Atlanta at New York Giants: Falcons have lost last three road games. I sense their sense of urgency will win out. Pick: Atlanta

New Orleans at Tampa Bay: Saints will march through Bucs. Pick: New Orleans

Arizona at St. Louis: Cardinals are starting to pull things together. Pick: Arizona

San Diego at Denver: If Orton is out, so is Denver. Actually, I like Chargers either way. Pick: San Diego

New York Jets at New England: Patriots won't blow this one. Pick: New England

Philadelphia at Chicago: Jay Cutler in prime time? We know what happens here. Pick: Philadelphia

Tennessee at Houston: Vince Young returns to Texas. Nice story, and I think he pulls it off. Pick: Tennessee

Last week: 7-7 Season: 90-51 (.638)