| Commanders |
over |
Bears |
The Commanders' defense stops the run well and will work to contain Fields. Howell can ball out and will take shots at a depleted Bears defense while facing little pressure. He'll get help from Robinson Jr. I can see Fields making some plays, but the supporting cast for him will not bring them a win this week. |
| Jaguars |
over |
Bills |
We might see some Josh Allen on Josh Allen action in London this week. This is a tough pick, as both teams are performing well in the first quarter of the season. The Jags seem more comfortable in London since they're literally playing there two weeks in a row. They have more time in place so I'm giving them the win this week, despite Buffalo being favored. |
| Texans |
over |
Falcons |
Stroud is up there as one of the top QBs to have when facing manned coverage. He's able to get the ball out very well and has not taken pressure all season, while Ridder is averaging four sacks per game. The most upright QB gets the win this week. |
| Lions |
over |
Panthers |
Compared to last season's matchup where Carolina put up 320 rushing yards against Detroit, the Lions now have the best rushing defense in the NFL. This is going to force Young to air it out, making them one-dimensional. |
| Titans |
over |
Colts |
Should be a good division matchup. The Titans have won the last five meetings and also look at getting Henry back on track this week. Henry has rushed for 100 yards or more in five of the last six matchups against the Colts, who are a small favorite for the second straight week in a home game. Coin flip for me. |
| Dolphins |
over |
Giants |
New York is coming off a short week at 1-3. The Dolphins are recovering from losing for the first time this season. Miami was overwhelmed at Buffalo but comes back home to face a blitzing defense, which plays right into the quick-passing hands of Tua and his weapons. Jones will have his moments to shine, but he doesn't have the same speed, quickness and explosiveness. |
| Saints |
over |
Patriots |
The Pats are a brutal watch right now, and Jones' job security could be on the line. NOLA has struggled to generate offense with Carr. This could be another low-scoring game for the Saints to barely win. |
| Ravens |
over |
Steelers |
Pickett suffered a knee injury, meaning Trubisky could be up against the Ravens. The Steelers have won three of the last four meetings — all of which have been decided by three points or less and none of which have had a winner score more than 20 points. Toss-up division game right here. |
| Eagles |
over |
Rams |
Stafford is dealing with a hip injury, and that will be a concern for the Rams with the defending NFC champs in town. Philly presents too many problems. Hurts will keep feeding Swift in the running game and Brown in the air. The Eagles keep rolling this week. |
| Bengals |
over |
Cardinals |
Burrow doesn't look right. He's without Higgins and the running game is inconsistent with Mixon. The O-line hasn't played well either. The defense will need to save the day like they did vs. the Rams. Burrow can grind his team to victory against a shaky overall defense. |
| Broncos |
over |
Jets |
Call it a battle of the Wilsons. Call it the Hackett Bowl. It's hard to pick which team has the worse QB controversy, but I'm leaning more towards the Jets for now. I'm just going for the home team at this point. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Vikings |
Mahomes is grinding through well in the passing game with Kelce and also trusting the running game and defense much more. Cousins can make it interesting late at home to build on his league-leading 11 TD passes but there's not quite enough there for the win. The Chiefs have proved to be great closers and I hear Swifties travel well. Hoping for a good matchup. |
| 49ers |
over |
Cowboys |
Game of the week here. The Cowboys' defense is trying to keep potent against the run and has held up without Diggs. But facing CMC is a bad draw for them. The Niners' defense can also take advantage of swarming a compressed offense around Dak. The Cowboys' O-line injuries don't do them any favors, either. |
| Packers |
over |
Raiders |
The Packers' issues on the O-line and stopping the run were exposed against the Lions, but Jones should return to full this week. Adams will score against his old team, but it won't be enough for an offensively-challenged Raiders team. Love picks up his first road victory in a tight one. |