Week 11 Sunday Night Football: Patriots rooting guide, game picks, open thread

A schedule flex leaves an important matchup to the AFC playoff picture on deck to end the Sunday slate.

Joe Burrow and the 4-6 Cincinnati Bengals are in must-win territory and head to Los Angeles to take on Justin Herbert and the six-win Chargers under Jim Harbaugh.

Check down below to see Pats Pulpit's picks tonight and head to the comment section to further discussion Friday night's action.

Patriots rooting guide Go good game! In an all AFC matchup that both fall on the Patriots schedule, New England will can enjoy a stress free Sunday night game. | 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Patriots picksOliver Thomas: Joe Burrow threw for 428 yards and four touchdowns last week against the Ravens as Ja'Marr Chase accounted for all but 164 yards and one of those scores. The end result was the same as it was when the AFC Northers faced off in October. But I wouldn't put it past the Bengals to steal a game on the road, even versus a defense that has intercepted nine passes and allowed as many passing touchdowns. Jim Harbaugh's Chargers are coming off wins against non-playoff Saints, Browns and Titans rosters. | Bengals 28, Chargers 24

Brian Hines: It did not take long for Jim Harbaugh to put his imprint on the Chargers, who support one of the best defenses in football while Justin Herbert has tallied six touchdowns over his last three games. They'll be a tough challenge for Joe Burrow, but the Bengals could be getting Tee Higgins back and need a win to keep their playoff hope alive. | Bengals 26, Chargers 24