Week 11 NFL players to watch: The 'Madden' curse is alive and well

Week 11 of the 2023 NFL season is underway. Here are the must-see players on Sunday:

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Dak Prescott continues tear in Carolina

Prescott has been playing lights out, throwing for 1,082 yards, 11 touchdowns and just two interceptions since the Cowboys' Week 7 bye. The eighth-year veteran is a big reason why Dallas' offense has been one of the hottest in the NFL as of late and that should remain true this week. The Panthers are allowing the third most points per game (26.9) in the league, which may even lead to seeing Prescott's day cut short sometime in the fourth quarter once again.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | T.J. Watt wreaks havoc against Browns' backups

Watt is still in the thick of the race for this year's NFL Defensive Player of the Year with 10.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and one interception on the season. He should only build on the case for his second such award in Week 11 as Cleveland is planning to play backups at both left and right tackle. Geron Christian and James Hudson III are expected to be the next men up with left tackle Jedrick Wills on injured reserve and right tackle Dawand Jones still dealing with shoulder and knee injuries. 

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Austin Ekeler finds pay dirt for fourth straight week

The Packers have been getting run all over as they've allowed the sixth most rushing yards per game (133) in the NFL. That sets up Ekeler to continue his hot streak of finding the end zone, which he has done for three straight weeks. The seventh-year veteran may just have his second 100+ rushing yard game of the season as well. He had 117 yards on the ground in Week 1 but hasn't topped 67 yards since. Ekeler's big day should keep the Chargers in the race for a wild-card spot in a tight AFC.

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Will Levis to DeAndre Hopkins connection heats up vs. Jaguars

Levis, the No. 33 overall pick in 2023, is showing promise to be the Titans' next franchise quarterback. Since taking over as the starter in Week 8, the rookie has thrown for 699 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. But his chemistry with Hopkins has been even more special, connecting 11 times for 215 yards and three touchdowns. Everything gets better with time and that should prove true this week against the Jaguars, who are allowing the third most passing yards per game (266.8).

SUNDAY'S POST-GAME HEADLINE TODAY | Josh Allen proves "Madden" curse is real

Allen, who is this year's "Madden 24" cover athlete, leads the league in turnovers (11 interceptions, three fumbles), which is certainly a reason why the Bills have dropped back-to-back games. Things won't be any easier for Allen this week either in a rematch against the Jets. In the first meeting between these two teams in Week 1, New York's defense had five sacks, three interceptions and one forced fumble on its way to defeating Buffalo 22-16. The Jets are surely looking to have another dominant day in Buffalo and prove the "Madden curse," which brings bad luck to those on its cover, is real.