Week 11 of the 2017 NFL schedule will feature many key matchups, including three that will have a direct effect on the NFC playoff race. Yes, for NFL fans, Week 11 is a dream come true as it will bring the first taste of the feeling of playoff football.

Rams, Vikings lead early action of big games

Not many NFL experts saw this coming back in August. The LA Rams taking on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 11 with a possible shot for the winner of that to have home-field advantage in the NFC? Yep, it’s possible. When the 7-2 Rams face the 7-2 Vikings Sunday afternoon the winner will greatly increase their odds of not only making the playoffs but hosting at least one, if not all, of their playoff battles from their home stadium.

Case Keenum and the Vikings are the real deal. So are Jared Goff and the new look Rams. Keenum and Goff became good friends last season when they were teammates in LA and the two have come a long way in a short time. Just one year ago Keenum was the backup for Goff in Los Angeles, now they will meet up with a lot on the line.

Eagles, Cowboys game could decide NFC East title

While the Rams and Vikings will battle for their eighth win in 10 games, the Philadelphia Eagles will look to sew up the NFC East division early this season. The Eagles have the best record in the NFL at 8-1 and a win on Sunday night against the Cowboys would not just put them at 9-1, but it would also open their lead in the division to a full four games with six to go.

The game may be played in Dallas this Sunday, but without star running back Ezekiel Elliott in the backfield, it may be a tough go for the Boys against the Eagles. Last week Dak Prescot looked mortal without his partner running the ball against the Atlanta Falcons in Dallas' 27-7 loss. To add insult to injury, the Cowboys will be without defensive star Sean Lee.

Lee was officially ruled out for Sunday's game against the Eagles on Friday.

The third big NFC game of the week will feature the Seattle Seahawks taking on the Atlanta Falcons Monday night from Seattle. The Seahawks have struggled all season, yet a win over Atlanta on Monday, combined with an LA loss, would put the Seahawks just one game behind in the NFC West.

ATS picks

So who wins this weekend? Several teams are in desperate need of a victory this weekend if they want to keep hope alive in chasing down a playoff berth this January. Here are the top plays against the Vegas number in Week 11.

NY Giants +11, Minnesota -2.5, Packers +3, Denver -2, Eagles -4
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