5 NFL teams that must win in Week 11

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 11: Running back C.J. Prosise #22 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts as he's brought down by defensive end Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 11, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

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Week 11 brings several huge matchups that have massive implications on the playoff picture. With that said, which teams need to win the most this week?

Last week’s picks went 3-2, with only the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles failing to earn victories. Those losses all but insured neither team will make the playoffs. However, the other three teams all picked up big victories. The Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams and Chicago Bears all moved a step closer to earning a playoff berth.

This week features several heavyweight bouts that could have a serious impact on the playoff picture. The first of the five teams who must find a way to win this week is none other than the AFC South-leading Houston Texans.

DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 04: Justin Reid #20 of the Houston Texans celebrates with J.J. Watt #99 an interception against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 4, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

5. Houston Texans

After their abysmal 0-3 start to the season, the Texans have strung together six consecutive victories. They lead the AFC South, although that’s not very impressive this season. The Jaguars have regressed, the Titans are carried by their defense every week, and the Colts … well, they just exist.

Houston is not the most talented team in the division — that honor would likely go to the Jaguars — but they’re playing like a team with great cohesion. Bill O’Brien is seemingly always on the hot seat, but he has earned himself a little job security with this recent run.

This week, the Texans face off with a tough Washington Redskins team that leans heavily on its defense. If Deshaun Watson and company can expose some holes in the Washington defense, this may be a fairly one-sided contest. The Redskins are struggling with injuries on the offensive side of the ball, which gives a huge edge to a stout Houston defense.

To keep extending their lead in the AFC South, the Texans must pick up a win in a week where the Jaguars play the Steelers (most likely a loss) and the Titans and Colts face each other. For the Texans, this is a great opportunity to secure even better footing atop the division.