Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos
The Falcons must be reeling a bit after that loss in New Orleans as they outplayed the Saints. Three missed field goals and a late 4th quarter interception sealed their fate. They have been relying heavily on RB Bijan Robinson in both the running and passing game, plus receivers Darnell Mooney and Drake London have been excellent. I have a feeling that they are in a letdown spot, though. The Falcons haven’t played a strong defense in a long time, and they may get shell-shocked if the Denver defense can punch them in the mouth. If Atlanta struggles to run the ball, I can envision Kirk Cousins getting sacked several times because Denver can take his first read away, creating time to get to the quarterback. Denver must also be reeling as they had the undefeated Chiefs beaten but lost on a field goal block to end the game. I do like what I am seeing from QB Bo Nix as he may not be throwing for huge numbers, but he has been efficient and rarely turns the ball over. I think his confidence is growing and Atlanta is a team he can throw against.
Minnesota Vikings at Tennessee Titans
The 7-2 Minnesota Vikings take on the reeling 2-7 Tennessee Titans. Viking’s QB Sam Darnold will look to get back on track after throwing 5 interceptions in his last two games. WR Justin Jefferson, RB Aaron Jones, and TE T.J. Hockenson lead the charge and will be difficult for the Titan defense to contain. The Titans will have to focus on pass protection as the Vikings pressure the QB as well as anyone. Titan QB Will Levis will have to find WR Calvin Ridley early and often, as RB Tony Pollard should find it difficult running against a formidable Viking run defense. I expect a scrum-type of game.
Score Prediction: Vikings 24 – Titans 16
Seatle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Seattle is another team coming off the bye, which was much needed as they get their best WR, D.K. Metcalf, back in full swing. Unfortunately, this is not the best matchup for Seattle. The 49ers have a top-10 run defense that should limit the Seahawk running game, forcing QB Geno Smith into passing situations. I like the Seattle receivers, but I do not like the pass protection as Geno often is running for his life. If he can get time, then I think he can expose the 49ers secondary, but that is a big if. I think the 49ers offense is ready to explode now that they are as healthy as they are going to be. Why not against Seattle? The Seahawks don’t excel at anything on defense, and I think the 49ers can do what they want. Look for big games from both RB Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy.
Score Prediction: 49ers 34 – Seahawks 24
Los Angeles Rams at New England Patriots
Just when you think the Rams are going to get it together and turn their season around, they lay an egg. They couldn’t get much offense going, as they had a difficult time running the football. Their third-down pass protection often breaks down, and QB Matt Stafford has little time to throw the football. They should let RB Kyren Williams lead the way, as the Patriots allow 130 yards per game rushing. Patriots QB Drake Maye is playing much better than I expected, but he faces a problem that many mediocre teams face: a lack of weapons. TE Hunter Henry and RB Rhamondre Stevenson are going to have to lead the way as they are their viable playmakers. I think the Rams will have too much firepower, as either receiver Cooper Kupp or Puka Nacua will make a big play along with Williams.
Score Prediction: Rams 23 – Patriots 20
Jacksonville Jaguars at Detroit Lions
I am not surprised that the Detroit Lions are at the top of the NFC, but I am surprised that the Jaguars are at the bottom of the AFC. I expected their offense to at least make them close to a .500 team, but they have been a mess, and injuries to QB Trevor Lawrence and WR Christian Kirk have made it worse. Plus, the defense has been just as bad, ranking dead last. The Lions, who are heavy favorites, should have their way with the Jaguars on both sides of the ball. They have scored a combined 94 points over their last two home games, and I think they can score 30 points easily. Look for QB Jarred Goff and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown to connect for at least one touchdown and for RB David Montgomery to rush for 100 yards and a touchdown.
Score Prediction: Lions 38 – Jaguars 17
Cleveland Browns at New Orleans Saints
The 2-win Browns face the 3-7 Saints in a game where both teams’ playoff hopes are extremely slim. The Browns offense did get a shot in the arm with QB Jameis Williams replacing injured QB Deshaun Watson and RB Nick Chubb returning from injury. They struggled in their last outing, but that was against a much better defense in the Chargers. The Saints defense isn’t very good, and I would expect the Browns to be able to move the football. The Saints offense beat the Atlanta Falcons last week with some big plays from QB Derek Carr to WR Marques Valdez-Scantling, but that trend doesn’t seem likely to continue. RB Alvin Kamara can only do so much, and the lack of above-average receiving weapons can be handled by an under-rated Brown’s defense.
Score Prediction: Browns 23 – Saints 16
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
The 6-3 Packers are coming off their bye to face the 4-5 Bears, a team they have dominated for 30 years. The Bears offense has been abysmal lately, as they now look to their former Passing Game Coordinator, Thomas Brown, to take over as Offensive Coordinator for Shane Waldron, who was fired earlier this week. Unfortunately, Brown can’t replace an offensive line that just gave up 9 sacks to the New England Patriots. RB D’Andre Swift and the running game must have a big game if the Bears want to stay in this one. They need to take the pressure off a struggling passing game led by QB Caleb Williams. As mentioned, the Packers are coming off a bye, and I expect QB Jordan Love’s groin to be close to 100%. RB Josh Jacobs should have a solid game, and Love should be able to find one of many receivers downfield. The Packer defense should also be 100% with CB Jaire Alexander back. The Packers domination over the Bears continues,
Score Prediction: Packers 24 – Bears 13
Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys
The AFC South-leading Texans invade Dallas, led by QB C.J. Stroud and RB Joe Mixon. They look to get back on track after losing a heartbreaker to the Detroit Lions. It is expected that star WR Nico Collins will play, giving the Texans more firepower that they desperately need if they plan to go far. The struggling 3-6 Dallas Cowboys have lost four games in a row and desperately seeking a win. They will need WR CeeDee Lamb and QB Cooper Rush to have huge games to have a chance in this one.
Score Prediction: Texans 30 – Cowboys 17
