| Steelers |
over |
Patriots |
Gone are the days of Brady vs. Big Ben. Now it's Zappe vs. Trubisky. We have a matchup of two of the leagues’ worst scoring offenses, with the Patriots (12.3 PPG) as the worst and Pittsburgh (16.0 PPG) is not much better. Another ugly baby on TNF. |
| Falcons |
over |
Buccaneers |
Atlanta won the first meeting in October, and a win here would provide cushion in the NFC South. The Bucs have lost their last four road games, and the defense is not creating enough turnovers. The Falcons are 2-0 since turning back to Ridder as the starter against mediocre teams, so they have a good shot for three in a row. |
| Lions |
over |
Bears |
These two are seeing each other after playing themselves two weeks ago, and it could be a different result. The Lions seem more comfortable on the road because of their rushing effectiveness and defensive big-play intensity. Goff shouldn't pass for volume against an improved Bears pass defense, but rather use the backs well on the perimeter as runners and receivers. |
| Colts |
over |
Bengals |
Indy found their offensive identity under Steichen with Minshew's deep passing to complement the running game, now back to featuring Moss over the injured Taylor. The Bengals have been weak against the run and Minshew can exploit them well with deep shots. |
| Browns |
over |
Jaguars |
The Jags will be without Lawrence following a home loss to the Bengals. Beathard going on the road against a defense that plays much better at home isn't the most appealing situation. Flacco plays well enough on the other side as a backup for the Browns to steal a low-scoring win. |
| Saints |
over |
Panthers |
The Saints are looking at starting Winston with Carr out and the offense seeing an injury pileup on top of terrible play. Jameis could spark the passing game with Olave to help Hill and Kamara well on the ground in a plus spot for their rushing. Young will be stuck in more of a one-dimensional attack in a hostile Dome environment. |
| Texans |
over |
Jets |
Houston runs the Niners' defense under Ryans. The Jets operate a similar scheme under Saleh, who was the DC in San Fran before Ryans. The Jets will limit some big plays from Stroud with their loaded CB corps and good pressure, forcing the Texans to run. The Jets will hang around, but they don't have the personnel to pull out a win this week. |
| Raven |
over |
Rams |
The Rams have looked great with Stafford playing good during their three-game streak. But they run into a more challenging defense on the road vs. the Ravens, a team known for crushing NFC visiting foes with Jackson. The Rams don't have enough to keep up as OBJ leads the offensive against his former team. |
| Vikings |
over |
Raiders |
Minnesota is facing a Vegas trap against a scrappy Raiders defense under Pierce, but they also have found their own defense with Flores. They can get after O'Connell well with the defense staying active, led by Hunter. Dobbs rebounds well after a bye with Jefferson back. |
| 49ers |
over |
Seahawks |
Good division game that is always a wild one. San Fran won the first meeting 31-13, and they are at home. There is value in the underdog, but it’s hard to bet against the Niners, who are 2-1 when favored by double digits. Seattle needs to dig deep with Smith to get out of this three-game losing rut. |
| Chiefs |
over |
Bills |
Both teams haven't had the usual explosive offenses this year. The eye test says they're not the dominant passing and rushing forces from recent seasons. Buffalo is working to stretch the field better all-around, while K/C needs to lean more on the run with the passing affected by shaky connections. The Chiefs get a little more creative and can shore up their defense a little easier than the Bills. |
| Broncos |
over |
Chargers |
Upset pick. Denver's defense gave up some big plays in Houston but tightened things up and gave Wilson a chance to win. The Chargers got a free space with bad offense in New England, given their defense won a 6-0 nothing game. Herbert should play better with his healthier weapons to duel Wilson well, but in the end, the Broncos' backfield gives more key support. |
| Cowboys |
over |
Eagles |
GotW and always a great matchup. The Eagles ran into a buzzsaw vs. the Niners as their pass defense got ripped. The Cowboys just fell short of winning in Philly in Week 9. Since then, Dallas won four straight with dominant offense led by Dak. They are perfect at home this season but its coverage scheme can allow the Eagles to stay in it with Hurts digging deep. Dallas has too much firepower and will even out the series. |
| Dolphins |
over |
Titans |
The Phins have been a cover machine with an offense that averages 32 PPG and 428.4 YPG. Miami is 5-0 at home, and the Titans are 0-6 on the road. With Henry potentially out, this is a lot to ask out of Tennessee. |
| Packers |
over |
Giants |
The Pack is red-hot with Love performing at a high level, inspiring the running game and defense to be stronger complements. The Giants can stop much here behind their stout front and DeVito will return after the bye to face a defense playing the pass well. They'll try to hang in there with Barkley, but they will have too many breakdowns on the other side. |
True, but you don't really have an answer for Taysom Hill.