Conner’s Picks:
Steelers vs Bengals:
This game will be the third game in NFL history where two players over 40 will face off. However, one of these old quarterbacks is clearly better than the other.
Aaron Rodgers has played better than most anticipated going into the season, throwing 10 touchdowns to just three interceptions so far. He has also averaged a 105.4 passer rating this season, the eighth best in the league.
The Steelers’ defense has also been a lot better after their shaky start. In their last three games, they have only given up an average of 14.67 points per game.
As for the Bengals, Joe Flacco was able to keep it clean last week with two touchdowns and no interceptions. At least he kept them in the game. However, Flacco will not win you a game by himself.
Flacco has the help on the offensive side of the ball to keep the game close, but their defense is atrocious. They are allowing 30.5 points a game and the second mostyards per game, only ahead of the Cowboys. It is fair to say they have the second-worst defense in the league this season.
As a result, I think Rodgers should be able to have his way with them. The Steelers are also 3-1 against the Bengals in their last four meetings.
Prediction: Steelers 30-17
Rams vs Jaguars:
Another week, another international game. This one will be played in London and is actually one of the better international games scheduled so far. The Rams are coming off a 17-3 win over the Ravens and the Jags are coming off a tight 20-12 loss against the Seahawks.
However, the Rams are going to have to play this one without Puka Nacua. He suffered an ankle sprain and will miss some time. However, their offense can still produce without him. They still have Davante Adams, Tutu Atwell, Tyler Higbee and Matthew Stafford.
As for the Jags, they are coming off a slow game offensively. Their defense is great, only giving up 20 points a game and creating 14 total takeaways, but it does not really matter when Trevor Lawrence cannot put up more than 12 points.
Also, the Jags have let up a lot of yards through the air this season, while Stafford is putting up an average of around 280 yards a game.
The Rams also have a solid defense, giving up under 19 points a game on average, while also giving up theeighth fewest yards a game.
The one advantage the Jags have is that they are used to playing international games. However, even then, they are 4-5 in Wembley Stadium, which is where Sunday’s game is. It will be a close one, but as long as Stafford protects the ball, which he has done this season by throwing only two interceptions, the Rams should prevail. I do not trust the Jags’ offense.
Prediction: Rams 20-17
Eagles vs Vikings:
The Eagles are currently on a two-game losing streak after getting embarrassed last Thursday night against the Giants. The vibes are also off with this Eagles team, similar to what NFL fans witnessed two seasons ago with the Eagles.
The Vikings have been solid this season overall, but there is a question mark regarding who will start at quarterback. It will most likely be Carson Wentz, though, as J.J. McCarthy’s ankle is not fully healthy.
Wentz has thrown five touchdowns to two interceptions and has led the Vikings to a 2-1 record when starting. In those games, they have put up 30 points a game – they scored 48 against the Bengals.
As for the Eagles, their offense has been terrible this year. They have the third-worst offense in yards per game, and Jalen Hurts is not even putting up 200 yards a game on average. Saquon Barkley has also gotten off to a slow start, getting just 3.4 yards a carry.
However, the Vikings are allowing 132.2 rushing yards a game, so Saquon could bounce back. Also, the Vikings have just the No. 19-ranked passing and the No. 21-ranked rushing offenses in the league this season. The Eagles’ defense has not been great, but they are allowing under 24 points a game, so they will keep this one close.
Hurts could struggle again because the Vikings have the second-best passing defense this season, allowing 157.6 yards through the air a game. The Vikings have also allowed under 20 points a game this season.
With all of this in mind, however, I still think the Eagles should prevail. I think they will be able to run to set up the pass, which will be effective against the Vikings. Also, the Eagles have found a lot of different ways to win this season, and I trust Hurts more than Wentz.
The game will be a close one, and playing in Minnesota is never easy, but I think the Eagles snap their losing streak with a strong win on Sunday.
Prediction: Eagles 24-21
Patriots vs Titans:
About three or four weeks ago, this game would have been hard to predict. But now, I think this one is clear as day.
The Titans have the worst offense in the NFL. Not only are they averaging the fewest yards per game this season, but they are also averaging 13.8 points on offense.
As for the Patriots, Drake Maye has been heating up, leading the Patriots to three straight wins. In these games, he has thrown five touchdowns and no interceptions.
The Patriots are also allowing 6.8 fewer points per game than the Titans. In this game, momentum should be able to carry the Patriots to another victory.
The only reason the Titans have a chance is that they have a new head coach, Mike McCoy. They fired Brian Callahan after a 1-5 start to the season. It cannot get much worse than that, so it is possible that McCoy could give them a spark. He was the head coach of the Chargers from 2013 to 2016 and led them to a 27-37 record.
However, even if he does give them a small spark, there really is no helping this Titans’ offense or defense. As a result, as long as the Patriots just show up and perform like they have been the past few weeks, they should get their fourth consecutive win.
Prediction: Patriots 24-14
Panthers vs Jets:
These are both teams that are likely not in playoff contention, even though both of them technically are. However, the Panthers have looked good at times this season, while the Jets have not.
The Jets are still winless through six weeks. They had a chance last week to knock off Denver, but fell short. In the game, Justin Fields threw for just 45 yards on 17 pass attempts. Fields has been terrible this season.
The two bright spots for the Jets have been their run game and their pass defense. They are averaging five yards a carry and are putting up 135.7 yards a game on the ground, while only allowing 200.5 passing yards on average.
However, unfortunately for them, they are playing a Panthers team that has won three out of their past four games. They most recently upset the Cowboys. In Bryce Young’s last three games, he has passed for six touchdowns and just three interceptions. Rico Dowdle is averaging 140.3 yards a game in his last three games as well.
Their defense has not been as good, allowing 24.3 yards a game, but they have done enough to win them some games.
Overall, just based on momentum, the Panthers should be able to take this one relatively easily. They also just have the better offense and defense currently, especially considering the Jets are giving up 28.3 points a game.
Prediction: Panthers 20-13
Dolphins vs Browns:
This is the battle of two 1-5 teams. They are both playing terribly this season, but the Dolphins have definitely been the bigger letdown.
The Browns’ offense has been terrible, only averaging 13.7 points per game, but their defense has been strong. They are allowing the third fewest yards a game this season, but are still allowing 24.3 points a game.
As for the Dolphins, their defense has been atrocious, allowing the third most yards and 29 points a game. However, their offense has been okay, purely based on them scoring 22.7 points a game.
Tua has not been good, with 11 touchdowns to seven interceptions, with three of those interceptions being in their most recent game against the Chargers.
For the Browns, Dillon Gabriel has been mediocre. He has three touchdown passes to zero interceptions, but is only completing 57.3% of his passes.
This game is likely going to be close because both teams are bad, but I have the Browns winning. The main reason for this is that I think the vibes are bad in Miami, with players skipping meetings. Mike McDaniel is really only a couple more losses away from being fired at the end of the season.
The game is also being played in Cleveland. It is going to be about 60 degrees and could be rainy. The Dolphins cannot play in the rain or in the cold. I also believe the Browns’ defense will hold Miami’s offense and give Gabriel the ball back enough to lead the Browns to their second win.
Prediction: Browns 17-10
Saints vs Bears:
The Bears are headed into this one coming off a big-time win against the Commanders. They are also currently riding a three-game win streak.
The Saints, on the other hand, are 1-5 with their only win being against the Giants.
Both of these teams have bottom-tier defenses, so the offenses could shine. The Saints are allowing 327.3 yards a game, while the Bears are giving up almost 370. The Bears are also giving up 1.5 more points a game.
However, the Saints’ offense has not been good this season, while the Bears’ has been strong. The Saints are putting up less than 19 points a game. The Bears are scoring 25.2 points a game. The Bears also put up 27 a game in their last three games.
Caleb Williams has also been playing well lately, throwing six touchdowns to one interception in his last three games. He also led the Bears to a comeback win over the Commanders last week against the Commanders.
Spencer Rattler has been solid throwing the ball, but he has not put up points. In his last three games, he has only thrown two touchdowns.
I honestly do not expect this game to be too close. The Bears have all the momentum and are going up against one of the worst teams in the NFL. Neither defense is good, meaning it will come down to who will play better on offense. Personally, I think Williams and the Bears will.
Prediction: Bears 28-20
Raiders vs Chiefs:
The Raiders seem to always play the Chiefs hard at Arrowhead. Last season, the Raiders lost 19-17 in the first-ever Black Friday football game when the Raiders’ center snapped the ball when Aidan O’Connell was not ready. They lost possession and literally fumbled away the game.
The year before that, the Chiefs lost to the Raiders in Arrowhead on Christmas.
This year, I think it will be another close game, but the Chiefs will prevail. Patrick Mahomes is back to playing like the best quarterback in the NFL. In his last three games, he has thrown eight touchdowns to one interception. The Chiefs are also putting up 25.8 points a game.
As for the Raiders, they have had a down year, starting out 2-4. They won last week, but defeated the Titans. Geno Smith has thrown seven touchdowns to 10 interceptions, and their offense is putting up under 18 points on average.
The Raiders’ defense has been okay, but the last time they played a real offense, which was against the Colts, they allowed 40 points. However, they are only allowing 95.3 rushing yards a game, which is great because the Chiefs are not a great running team.
This will force the Chiefs to have to pass the ball, which has worked well for them. The Raiders rank No. 19 in passing yards allowed a game in the league, and Kansas City is getting Rashee Rice back this week.
The Chiefs’ defense has been only okay this season, but they have caused eight turnovers. Against Geno, they should get a few more.
I think this game will be relatively close because it is a divisional game, but I have the Chiefs winning. They are finally getting Rice back, their offense is on fire, and they are going up against Geno Smith.
Prediction: Chiefs 27-17
Abe’s picks:
Colts vs Chargers:
The Chargers have been interesting, starting 3-0 and then losing two straight games and barely beating the Dolphins by two points. Injuries have killed the Charger backfield; injuries to Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris have forced Justin Herbert to carry most of the load. The only good thing as of late is Ladd McConkey getting over his sophomore season slump.
For the Colts, they are the hottest team and one of two teams in the NFL that have an MVP and an offensive player of the year candidate. Daniel Jones has saved his career, while the Colts have been extremely surprised, as they are not a “proven” team. Losing to the Rams and beating the Broncos by one point, a team that almost lost to the Jets. Jonathan Taylor has looked like his 2018 self, something that has improved the play of Jones.
For the Chargers to win this game, they have to limit turnovers and be able to establish the run. Herbert will play like the elite QB he is, but whether their defense, led by Daiyan Henley, can hold the Colts offense down will be the dictator of this game. Dolphins RB Devon Achane proved to be an issue for the Chargers’ defense. Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter will have to have his game plan centered around stopping Taylor if the Chargers want to win.
Prediction: Chargers 24-21
Giants vs Broncos:
The “CTE Bros.” as they’ve been called on social media, Jaxon Dart and Cam Skattebo, have saved head coach Brian Daboll’s job. Coming off a big win against the Eagles, no Jalen Carter for Philly, let Skattebo run wild for nearly 100 yards and multiple touchdowns. Dart was throwing the ball all over the field, looking like he should’ve been the No. 1 pick.
The Broncos are coming off a win that should count as a loss, barely beating the worst team in the NFL, the 0-6 Jets, 13-22. Bo Nix had zero passing yards in the second half for over six minutes of gameplay. The Sean Payton offense relies on three things: running the football, setting up the play action, and getting playmakers in space. The Broncos have done none of those consistently all season.
While the Broncos are the superior team, the Giants have a certain swag to them that makes you blind. Whether it’s the diamond chain around the turtleneck on Dart, the helmet-first approach with Skattebo, or the defensive line that has four potential all-pro level players.
Prediction: Giants 32 – 27
Packers vs Cardinals:
The Packers cannot seem to consistently win, losing to the Browns a month ago. The Packers offense does not have a true wide-out who can win on the outside. Having a wide receiving core of second-tier wideouts is not something you typically see be successful unless it’s Patrick Mahomes at QB, not Jordan Love.
The Cardinals need to rebuild their entire franchise, giving Kyler Murray a five-year $230 million contract to set them back. Head coach Johnathan Gannon has been more successful at screaming and hitting his players than he has at bringing his elite defensive scheme that got him the job.
Prediction: Packers 31-13
Commanders vs Cowboys:
Dak Prescott has played like an MVP candidate; unfortunately for him, owner/general manager Jerry and Stephen Jones forgot they need a defense to be able to compete. The Cowboy defense allows 30.7 points–game, one of the worst in the entire NFL. George Pickens looked like a fleece of trade. Ceedee Lamb getting hurt after week two, the Cowboys needed Pickens to step up, and he has done just that with 525 receiving yards and six touchdowns. With Lamb slated to be back for the first time since week two, the Cowboys’ offense gets a lot more explosive.
The Commanders are coming off a loss to the Bears, a game they lost because of turnovers and not being in sync. Jayden Daniels is still trying to find his groove after being out for a few weeks. When talking about the turnovers Daniels and the offense had, including his late-game fumble, Daniels acknowledged the need to be better.
“I just lost the ball, completely my fault, didn’t give Bill a chance, I get paid to go out there and focus, play in and play out, and I had a lack of focus right there and it cost us the game,” Daniels said.
Prediction: Cowboys 37-32
Falcons vs 49ers:
The depleted 49ers might be the first team to have three all-pro players out for a significant time, two out of the three being out for the season. With the loss of Fred Warner, the Niner defense gets a lot worse. He was the last “Alpha” on the defense. On the flip side, George Kittle returned to practice, and Brock Purdy was a limited participant. Christian McCaffrey has become the entire offense for the 49ers, which is a horrible thing. CMC has been injury-prone, and ramping up the way they are is negative.
For the Falcons, since they were embarrassed by the Panthers in a 30-0 loss, nobody has been hotter. Michael Penix Jr. has picked his play up, and with Drake London and Bijan Robinson having elite games, the Falcons are a serious team. The only question mark is their defense, but head coach Raheem Morris has the defense playing up to the level of their opponents. The defense is coming off a dominant showing versus the Bills, holding the Bills to 14 points and forcing two interceptions from Josh Allen.
Prediction: Falcons 18-13
Buccaneers vs Lions:
Game of the week, two powerhouse teams, unfortunately, one is coming in a lot more injured than the other. The Bucs will be without their first-string running back, second-string, third-string, and fourth-string wide receivers. Baker Mayfield will have to play the game of his career to beat the high-scoring Lions offense. While Mayfield will have some weapons like Rachaad White and Cade Otton, there is no true deep threat. After Egbuka got hurt early last week, Kameron Johnson stepped up with four catches, 64 yards and one touchdown. Mayfield will need more of the same to win this week.
The Lions’ star safety, Brian Branch, will not be available after he slapped Juju Smith-Schuster after the loss to the Chiefs. Jared Goff has been picking up his play as of late, but not quite as well as he did with Ben Johnson for calling plays. Amon Ra St. Brown could be poised for a good game against a pass-friendly defense in the Bucs. The Lions will be featuring a more even backfield split between Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, after Dan Campbell mentioned his dislike of Montgomery’s playing time.
“I would like to balance it out, I would give David some more, find a place to get him a few more,’ Campbell said.
Prediction: Lions 43 – 27
Texans vs Seahawks:
The Seahawks’ defense was much improved from the 38-point showing versus the Bucs. Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love are slated to play, although with their bye week being next week and having to face the Commanders coming out, they may sit on them and give them extra rest. The Seahawks are the second team who have a potential MVP and OPOY candidate. Darnold has looked like the best QB in the NFL, outside of a few interceptions that have had lucky bounces. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been the best receiver in the NFL, beating Puka Nacua by 70+ yards on 12 fewer catches. The Seattle defense is ranked third against the run and top 10 versus the pass. Last week against the Jaguars, they generated 33 pressures and seven sacks.
The Seahawks have one of the worst rushing attacks in the NFL, just averaging 96 yards a game and 219 passing yards a game. It is crazy to think offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has the Seahawks averaging nearly 30 points per game, ranking fifth, while still not being able to fully establish the run game.
The Texans do not have much going right for them; arguably, the worst offensive line in the NFL is going against the best. C.J. Stroud and Nico Collins have not hit the same strides as they did when they terrorized the league. Mix in a washed Nick Chubb and unproven rookie Woody Marks, and the Texans are not looking too bright. Their two wins came against the injury-riddled Ravens with no Lamarar Jackson, and the poverty-stricken Titans. The only way the Texans can win this game is if the Seahawks forget how to play both offense and defense.
Prediction: Seahawks 34 – 17