We are getting close to Thanksgiving in the States, where many believe the real NFL season really begins. Now, teams start making the moves necessary to make the playoffs or collapse under the pressure of the gruelling season. First off, the Thursday night game.
Panthers 25 over Falcons 15
The Falcons will be kicking themselves after losing out on a chance to get closer to the Bucs in the NFC South. The Panthers have gone very run heavy, using improved line play and a work-horse back in D’Onta Foreman to dominate time of possession and steadily move the ball down the field. Mariota made some really bad throws, taking too long in reading the coverage and then chucking it into two or three DBs regularly. What will it take to see Desmond Ridder take the reins in Atlanta?
Seahawks v Buccaneers
The first ever game played in Germany, we see two teams in the NFC going to very different places. Geno Smith is playing MVP calibre football, guiding the offence exactly how Pete Carroll wants to; limit turnovers, hit deep shots and establish the run. The Bucs are the opposite, in that their offence has zero run game, and depends on Brady completing short passes that are overall ineffective. I can see a big game for the Seahawks passing game, as the normally elite Bucs defence has taken a step back. If they can get an early lead, they can grind down the Bucs with the awesome rookie Ken Walker.
Seahawks 24 Over Buccaneers 10
Bears v Lions
Last week was Justin Fields’ coming out party, and the Lions are coming off a huge (rare) win against division rivals the Packers. This week will be a story of which team can make the stop, and the Bears have a slightly better defence than the woeful Detroit unit. Look for a steady diet of Fields’ zone read, and both backs for Chicago. D’Andre Swift is still a bit banged up, but should have some room in the passing game. Utlimately, Fields’ hot hand (or legs) will be the difference here.
Bears 28 Over Lions 20
Dolphins v Browns
The Fins offence are must watch TV right now, but they need to be as their defence has taken a step back. The Browns will be able to run on them, so the Dolphins will need to take advantage of the possessions they do get. I can see a very close game that hinges on a late Tua game-winning drive.
Dolphins 33 Over Browns 27
Broncos v Titans
Russell Wilson has looked a little more comfortable in the Denver offence, but we are still waiting for a breakout game from him. This will not be the week, facing a daunting Titans defence that has talent across the park. That said, the Titans beastly DL will be taking a shot with Jeffery Simmons out with injury. He may be the difference, as the Broncos will look and running inside to counter the great secondary that the Titans have. Denver will fall back on excellent defence, and this game may be decided by a Tannehill turnover.
Broncos 16 Over Titans 13
Vikings v Bills
Josh Allen’s elbow injury will be making the Bills Mafia very nervous, but he is projected to start on Sunday against the Vikings. Minnesota has won a number of very close games, depending on solid defence and a balanced offence. The Bills defence has been great, but I can see the Vikings hitting a deep shot to Jefferson that opens up the game early. Look for a close game that the Vikings ultimately win with a late Dalvin Cook touchdown.
Vikings 23 Over Bills 17
Giants v Texans
The Texans gave the undefeated Eagles all they could handle for three quarters last week, but are facing another NFC East challenge. The Giants will want to put it on the Texans this wekk to make a point that they are not pretenders in the NFC playoff race. Look for a steady diet of Barkley and Jones on the ground, and typically stout Giants defence confusing Mills on the way to a couple of costly turnovers.
Giants 27 Over Texans 13
Chiefs v Jags
Trevor Lawrence led the Jags to a comeback victory over the Raiders last week, and should be heartened in their offence making strides. In particular, Travis Etienne looks like a budding superstar. Unfortunately for Jacksonville, the Chiefs look like they are hitting their stride at the perfect time. Mahomes is playing at MVP level, being able to do almost anything he wants at any time. This could get out of hand quickly, especially if Etienne isn’t able to establish himself early.
Chiefs 38 Over Jaguars 23
Saints v Steelers
Neither team is getting very good play from their offence, and I do not see much in this game either. JJ Watt may be making his return from a long absence, and he may be a difference maker, but he also hasn’t played since the start of the season and may need a few games to get back into condition. The Saints will throw the kitchen sink at Pickett, and if the Steelers can’t figure out their O Line, will get their rookie QB killed.
Saints 17 Over Steelers 7
Raiders v Colts
No one would be happier than the Raiders to see the Colts in their sights. A frustrating loss to the Jags last week will hopefully light a fire under Derek Carr, who has regressed in his play this season with better weapons. This is definitely a get right week for LV, and they will be looking to spoil rookie coach Jeff Saturday’s debut. I think they will, and it will be done by smashing Sam Ehlinger to pieces. Maxx Crosby is going to feast on the poor line play, and the rest of the defence is going to have an easy time focusing on the run game and burying Indy.
Raiders 30 Over Colts 13
Cardinals v Rams
The Cards offence is pretty bad, but at least it’s not Rams bad. I don’t have much to say about this game, except if you like watching clumsy offences do very little, this might be your game. While the Rams defence is usually an excellent group, I can see the Cards being able to run at them, and put up enough yardage and time of possession to get a grindy victory.
Cardinals 20 Over Rams 6
Cowboys v Packers
Two old rivals with very different trajectories at the moment. The Packers and Rodgers are aimless and without answers, while the Cowboys are one of the surprises of the NFL season. I can see a domination on both sides by the Boys, as the two headed monster backfield runs wild on a soft Packers defence, and Parsons and his fellows on D putting a hurting on Green Bay.
Cowboys 44 Over Packers 17
Chargers v 49ers
A lot of people are writing off the Chargers, with the Niners and their new-look backfield putting the rest of the league on notice. I think this will be the game Herbert gets back to his MVP play level and puts on a show in leading a poor group of talent around him to a big West-Coast win. The Chargers will still give up plenty on the ground, but will be able to hold on and get to Jimmy G when he does pass the ball.
Chargers 27 Over 49ers 17
Eagles v Commanders
Taylor Heinicke has been better for Washington, but they are facing a truly scary defence in Philly. This will get out of hand early, with a dominating performance on the ground by the Eagles, and smothering defence shutting down all efforts by the football team.
Eagles 35 Over Commanders 17
Things are heating up heading to the weekend. See you on Tuesday for my recap of this weekends’ action!
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