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. Etienne is back from his injury, but he is not enough on his own. 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
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
A great AFC North Showdown with first place on the line. The Ravens have a solid balance on offense, but I think they need to focus on running the football to slow down the Steelers pass rush. RB Derrick Henry should receive 20 carries, and QB Lamar Jackson needs at least 50 yards on the ground if the Ravens want to win. The Steelers offense looks complete, with QB Russell Wilson finding receivers down the field and aiding to the emergence of WR George Pickens. Their strength is to try and beat the Ravens weak secondary deep, as the Ravens have the number 1 run defense.
Score Prediction: Steelers 24 – Ravens 23
Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills
A much-anticipated game as these two teams always seem to meet each other every season in a big game. The Chiefs are undefeated but are led by a top 5 defense and a QB who finds a way to win when it counts. Buffalo’s defense is no slouch, but I think the Chiefs can run on them with RB Kareem Hunt and find TE Travis Kelce when it counts. The Bills are led by a solid defense and QB Josh Allen. Unfortunately, their better weapons are banged up as WR Amari Cooper is dealing with a wrist injury, and TE Dalton Kincaid is dealing with a knee injury. I think both teams will struggle at times to move the ball in a low-scoring game, but I must pick QB Pat Mahomes and the Chiefs. Sure, the Bills could win but you will lose more times than not going against the Chiefs in a big game. I have learned my lesson.
Score Prediction: Chiefs 20 – Bills 17
Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Chargers
The 4-6 Bengals look to shake off some tough losses to take on the vastly improved 6-3 Chargers. Joe Burrow and WR Ja’Marr Chase look to get the desperate Bengals back on track and into the playoff race. The Chargers are led by QB Justin Herbert as they continue to pursue their stranglehold on a Wild Card Spot.
Score Prediction: Bengals 27 – Chargers 20
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.
Score Prediction: Falcons 27 – Broncos 23
Las Vegas Raiders at Miami Dolphins
The Raiders are coming off a bye to face the Dolphins, who are coming off a big Monday night road win against the Rams. QB Gardner Minshew gets the start, but he faces a challenge vs. a solid Dolphin secondary that just limited Ram receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The Raider running game isn’t consistent or explosive enough to scare the Dolphin safeties, so the passes should be underneath. TE Brock Bowers is the go-to player and should see a ton of targets. Predicting the Dolphins is a bit tricky. They have enough explosive players to score 30+ points, but they haven’t been consistent enough to have that breakout game. The offense should go through RB De’Von Achane first, as WR Tyreek Hill is dealing with a wrist injury. Despite the differences in talent, I think the Dolphins will win, but the Raiders will keep it somewhat close.
Score Prediction: Dolphins 27 – Raiders 20
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
Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets
The Colt’s offense is turning back to Anthony Richardson as starting QB. It’s not the best of spots to bring him back in. On the road at New York, even though the Jets defense struggled vs. Arizona last week. His accuracy issues have been well-documented, and the passing game is most likely going to struggle. I don’t think they can rely on RB Jonathan Taylor to carry the load. The Jets offense should be able to move the football both through the air with QB Aaron Rodgers to WR Garrett Wilson and on the ground with RB Breece Hall.
Score Prediction: Jets 17 – Colts 10
Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys: Monday
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
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