Week 11 NFL picks: Steelers turn to Leftwich

Big Ben Roethlisberger is out because of sprained right shoulder and, more dangerous, a dislocated rib.

The man who makes the Pittsburgh Steelers go is gone, likely for a month, and with the rival Baltimore Ravens coming up twice in three weeks, it couldn't be at a worse time for Coach Mike Tomlin.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Byron Leftwich (4) throws a pass as veteran backup quarterback Charlie Batch (16) watches during practice. Leftwich will start Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens in place of the injured Ben Roethlisberger.

AP PHOTO

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Replacement Byron Leftwich, 32, has a big arm and plenty of experience (49 NFL starts). But he's also basically immobile, and rusty going into the Week 11 clash against the Ravens.

Monday's relief effort against Kansas City was just his second game appearance in three seasons. Leftwich last started a game for Tampa Bay in 2009.

The Steelers are tied with the Patriots atop the NFL in third-down conversions (49.6 percent), thanks to Roethlisberger's uncanny ability to extend plays. But Pittsburgh also is No. 1 in fewest yards allowed defensively (265.7), which should mean Leftwich won't have to win shootouts.

Rotating running backs Jonathan Dwyer, Isaac Redman and Rashard Mendenhall will be leaned on heavily to keep Leftwich out of third-and-long, starting Sunday, when the Ravens come to Heinz Field.

Pittsburgh's offensive line, often bailed out by Roethlisberger, will be challenged to keep Leftwich upright.

Will it work? Chicago has a better option in Jason Campbell, who would've put the Oakland Raiders in the 2011 playoffs if he hadn't been hurt. But, as NFL back-ups go, the Steelers could do far worse than Leftwich.

One random thought: The Redskins (75) and Eagles (74) lead the NFL in penalties, so it will be flag day in D.C.

The Game of the Week, Baltimore (7-2) at Pittsburgh (6-3): Short week plus QB change hurt Steelers. Winner: Ravens Fantasy football note: If Joe Flacco isn't elite, or darn close, why do Ravens get 28.2 ppg?

The Game of the Weak, Philadelphia (3-6) at Washington (3-6): Sunday, we learn it wasn't all Michael Vick's fault. Winner: Redskins. FF note: Redskins QB Robert Griffin III celebrates captaincy with big effort.

Also on Sunday:

N.Y. Jets (3-6) at St. Louis (3-5-1): Jets circus arrives in town just in time for St. Louis, 0-3-1 in past four. Winner: Rams. FF note: Rams big-play rookie WR Chris Givens, back from one-game ban, pairs well with Danny Amendola.

Cleveland (2-7) at Dallas (4-5): Dallas has chance for an actual winning streak. Winner: Cowboys. FF note. Browns want QB Brandon Weeden to cut interceptions. Duh.

Tampa Bay (5-4) at Carolina (2-7): Tampa Bay averages 28.9 points, 3rd in NFL. Winner: Buccaneers. FF note: Buccanners QB Josh Freeman (18 TDs, 5 INTs) back to his 2010 form.

Arizona (4-5) at Atlanta (8-1): Banged-up Cardinals will lose sixth in a row. Winner: Falcons. FF note: Falcons WR Julio Jones (ankle) a game-time decision.

Cincinnati (4-5) at Kansas City (1-8): Tempted to pick K.C. upset, but Bengals play better on the road. Winner: Bengals. FF note: Bengals WR A.J. Green has a TD in eight games in a row.

Green Bay (6-3) at Detroit (4-5): Packers return from bye with division lead in sight. Winner: Packers. FF note: Green Bay's loss of T Bryan Bulaga (dislocated hip) might slow offense.

Jacksonville (1-8) at Houston (8-1): .Easiest choice of week. Winner: Texans. FF note: Houston gets TE Owen Daniels (hip) back, if needed.

New Orleans (4-5) at Oakland (3-6): Saints won't falter with playoff spot within range. Winner: Saints. FF note: Raiders FB-turned-RB Marcus Reese is the pick-up of the week vs. Saints defense.

Indianapolis (6-3) at New England (6-3): Andrew Luck is real good, but Tom Brady won't miss Peyton Manning. Winner: Patriots. FF note: Resurgent Colts WR Reggie Wayne will test Patriots secondary.

San Diego (4-5) at Denver (6-3): Broncos are No. 3 in total offense, No. 6 in total defense, and too much for Chargers. Winner: Broncos. FF note: Chargers RB Ryan Mathews (neck) ailing.

On Monday night:

Chicago (7-2) at San Francisco (6-2-1): Defenses force PK duel between Robbie Gould and David Akers. Winner: 49ers. FF note: 49ers QB Alex Smith cleared after concussion

Bloom picks record: 92-53-1

Contact the writer: ebloom@ocregister.com

Source: http://www.ocregister.com/sports/winner-377959-note-leftwich.html

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