Week 11 of the NFL season brings us a matchup so chaotic it could double as a reality TV show: the Indianapolis Colts (4-6) visiting the New York Jets (3-7) at MetLife Stadium. This game has everything—offensive line issues, injury drama, and the potential for some accidental comedy. Let’s dive into the dumpster fire with a sense of humor, shall we?
Colts Offensive Line: A Game of Musical Chairs
Indianapolis might need to start recruiting offensive linemen from the nearest Waffle House. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann is out, and right tackle Braden Smith is questionable for personal reasons. Add that to the already patchwork interior, where the Colts have backups Tanor Bortolini and Dalton Tucker holding the fort, and it’s Quenton Nelson against the world.
To add insult to injury—or perhaps injury to injury—Indianapolis elevated Atonio Mafi and Josh Sills to the active roster. If you don’t know who they are, you’re not alone. Let’s just hope quarterback Gardner Minshew has packed his running shoes.
Jets Injury Report: Mosley Out, Adams In
Meanwhile, the Jets have their own soap opera going on. Linebacker C.J. Mosley, center Jake Hanson, and tackle Tyron Smith are all out, leaving the Jets’ lineup thinner than a New York bagel.
The good news? Davante Adams is suiting up despite battling wrist issues all week. Yes, Adams on the field means Zach Wilson might have someone to throw to who’s not a ghost. The bad news? Defensive end Solomon Thomas is questionable, which might be code for “just let Aaron Rodgers do the halftime show already.”
Kickoff Chaos
The game kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. You can catch the action on CBS, with Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty, and A.J. Ross bringing you the play-by-play, analysis, and sideline reporting—or just tune in to watch two teams try not to embarrass themselves on live television.
For streamers, Paramount+ has your back, and if you’re old school, you can listen on FM radio in Indianapolis. Pro tip: If it gets ugly, switching to a smooth jazz station might save your Sunday.
Who Has the Edge?
Let’s call it like it is—neither team has an edge. The Colts have wins over Pittsburgh and Tennessee, while the Jets managed to beat Tennessee and Houston. Both teams have lost to Minnesota and Buffalo. If NFL standings were graded on “almosts,” these two would be battling for the top seed.
Prediction? Mayhem.
This game is shaping up to be less about who wins and more about who survives. Will Minshew Mania return? Will Zach Wilson’s mom’s Instagram make headlines before the Jets do? Tune in to find out, and don’t forget to bring snacks. You’ll need something to sustain you through the inevitable rollercoaster.
One thing’s for sure: whatever happens, we’ll be talking about it Monday—and probably laughing too.
