Thursday Night Football: Steelers vs. Browns 7:15PM (Prime)
The Pittsburgh Steelers continue to prove all the reactionary media wrong after being criticized for their smart decision to start Russell Wilson over Justin Fields. Since then, Wilson has transformed the Steelers into the third-best team in the AFC, ahead of the Ravens and behind only the Chiefs and Bills. With their win over the Ravens, they now sit in firm control of the AFC North and have an opportunity to further distance themselves from Baltimore in the divisional race.
The Browns, meanwhile, are coming off yet another poor showing, this time against the woeful Saints, losing 35-14. To make matters worse, the Browns’ porous offensive line will be tasked with stopping one of the league’s best pass rushers in T.J. Watt. Even with Nick Chubb making his way back from injury, the Browns have been unable to establish any kind of run game, leaving all the responsibility in the very erratic hands of Jameis Winston.
I expect the Steelers to do what they do best: play hard-nosed football, look completely boring while doing it, and ultimately come out on top. The Steelers have written the book on how to win ugly in the NFL, and now that they have a reliable quarterback under center, they can afford to take chances they couldn’t before. However, I don’t anticipate they’ll need to take many risks to beat the Browns.
Prediction: 26-14 Steelers
Sunday Noon Window
Vikings @ Bears (FOX)
For the second consecutive week, a team saw victory within reach, only to have its hopes dashed by a blocked chip-shot field goal at the line of scrimmage. The Chicago Bears, once buoyed by an impressive start against softer competition, have seen their early-season momentum evaporate. Now mired in a four-game losing streak, the Bears’ offense has stalled, averaging just 11.5 points per game over the skid.
Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass in four weeks, though he has also avoided interceptions during that span. However, with the offense sputtering, questions are swirling about whether Williams needs to take more risks to spark his team rather than simply playing it safe.
On the other side, the Minnesota Vikings are surging. Fresh off a 23-13 win over the Tennessee Titans, the Vikings remain firmly in pursuit of the NFC North-leading Detroit Lions. Quarterback Sam Darnold has steadied the offense, while Minnesota’s defense, under the aggressive play-calling of Brian Flores, has been dominant—holding opponents to under 14 points per game in their last three outings. Flores is expected to bring heavy pressure against a Bears offensive line that has struggled to protect Williams, the No. 1 overall pick.
Despite midseason losses to the Rams and Lions, the Vikings have quietly remained in contention. While Detroit appears to be the class of the NFC North, Minnesota is positioned to capitalize on any slip-ups by the Lions. The Bears, meanwhile, have proven to be outmatched in a competitive NFC and will need to find answers quickly to avoid another defeat.
Prediction: 21-12 Vikings
Lions @ Colts (FOX)
With the Kansas City Chiefs’ loss to the Buffalo Bills last week, the Detroit Lions have ascended to the top of many power rankings — and deservedly so. Week after week, the Lions dominate opponents in every facet of the game, solidifying their status as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Their defense has been particularly impressive, holding three of their last four opponents to 14 points or fewer. The lone exception came against the Texans, when offensive turnovers put the defense in difficult situations.
For the Indianapolis Colts, the return of quarterback Anthony Richardson provides hope in their quest to stay in the playoff race. Sitting at 5-6, Indianapolis likely needs to finish 9-8 or 10-7 to secure the AFC’s seventh seed. A win over the Lions would give the Colts critical breathing room, reducing the pressure to be perfect over their final five games.
The challenge for the Colts is executing complementary football. The defense must find a way to contain a Lions offense that has shown few weaknesses, ideally limiting them to 24 points or fewer. On offense, Richardson and star running back Jonathan Taylor will need to crack a Lions defense that has been nearly impenetrable in recent weeks.
The Lions will lose again at some point this season—but all signs suggest it won’t be this week.
Prediction: 30-17 Lions
Patriots @ Dolphins (CBS)
Last week, the Miami Dolphins validated the belief that they are a sub-.500 team capable of turning their season around and making a playoff push. Their dominant 34-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders showcased the team’s potential, but they face little margin for error with upcoming games against the Packers, Texans, and 49ers. This week, they turn their focus to a New England Patriots squad that just allowed Matthew Stafford to throw for four touchdowns.
The Patriots, sitting at .500 over their last four games, will aim to play spoiler. They are coming off a 28-22 loss to the Rams and will need to address key vulnerabilities to stay competitive. Protecting rookie quarterback Drake Maye will be paramount after New England surrendered three sacks last week. Meanwhile, the defense faces the daunting challenge of containing Miami’s lightning-fast receiving duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, both of whom have begun to flourish with Tua Tagovailoa back under center.
While Maye has injected energy into the Patriots’ offense, the key question remains: can New England hold their opponent under 20 points? Against Miami, that seems unlikely. The Dolphins’ speed, improving defense, and offensive firepower should carry them to another win, keeping their playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: 27-17 Dolphins
Buccaneers @ Giants (CBS)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entered their bye week in desperate need of a reset after dropping four straight games. Despite a 4-6 record, the Bucs may be better than their record suggests. Three of their recent losses were by one score, and they remain the only team to defeat the NFC-leading Lions this season. With a favorable remaining schedule that includes matchups against the Raiders, Saints, Cowboys, and two games against the struggling Panthers, Tampa Bay has a real chance to climb back into the playoff conversation.
First up in their path are the New York Giants, who have shaken things up by benching Daniel Jones in favor of backup Tommy DeVito. While DeVito showed flashes of promise in a brief stint last season, his performance ultimately leveled off. Compounding the Giants’ challenges is a pass defense that ranks among the league’s worst, a concerning matchup against a Buccaneers offense that thrives on spreading the ball through the air.
While Tampa Bay’s defense isn’t the dominant unit it once was and the team may not be fully healthy, they remain strong enough to handle a reeling Giants squad. The Bucs enter this week as six-point favorites and could be favored in six of their final seven games. If they capitalize on those opportunities, a 10-7 finish — and a potential playoff berth — remains within reach. However, the first step in that pursuit is taking care of business against New York.
Prediction: 28-17 Buccaneers
Cowboys @ Commanders (FOX)
The Washington Commanders have seen the early buzz around their season fade after consecutive losses to playoff-bound teams, the Steelers and Eagles. Defensive struggles have been the primary culprit, with Washington surrendering 28 and 26 points, respectively, in those games. This week, however, offers a reprieve as they face the reeling Dallas Cowboys, a team far removed from playoff contention.
The Cowboys’ season has spiraled following Dak Prescott’s injury, exposing a lack of depth and preparedness. Cooper Rush, coming off a poor performance last week, will remain the starter, leaving Cowboys fans to question last year’s trade for Trey Lance. The team’s defensive struggles, particularly against the run, have compounded their woes, drawing comparisons to the Jets — but without the urgency to make significant changes.
For the Commanders, this game is an opportunity to right the ship. While catching the Eagles in the NFC East race is unlikely, Washington’s schedule includes three winnable games starting with Dallas. To secure a much-needed victory, Washington must lean on its strengths: dominating time of possession, playing mistake-free football, and utilizing Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat abilities against a Cowboys defense ill-equipped to contain him.
If the Commanders get back to basics, they can not only handle Dallas but also reignite their postseason hopes.
Prediction: 27-14 Commanders
Titans @ Texans (CBS)
The Houston Texans secured a crucial victory over the Dallas Cowboys last week, snapping a two-game losing streak and improving to 7-4. That win kept them atop the AFC South, with a golden opportunity to strengthen their grip on the division. If the Texans defeat the Titans this week and the Jaguars next, coupled with two Colts losses, they could clinch the AFC South. While questions remain about Houston’s ability to compete with top-tier teams, this week’s opponent offers a favorable matchup.
The Tennessee Titans continue to struggle, ranking among the league’s worst offensively. Their defense, once a bright spot, has faltered in recent weeks. Quarterback Will Levis posted nearly 300 passing yards in last week’s loss, but Tennessee managed just 13 points and added another interception to Levis’ growing turnover tally. Against a Texans defense that forced five interceptions from Jared Goff earlier this season, Levis faces a tough challenge.
Houston doesn’t need style points this week; they need a win. With a chance to all but lock up the division over the next two games, the Texans’ focus will be on executing efficiently and avoiding mistakes. While it might not be the most spectacular victory, a win over Tennessee would be another step toward a playoff berth.
Prediction: 23-14 Texans
Chiefs @ Panthers (CBS)
The Kansas City Chiefs’ aura of invincibility took a hit last week as the Buffalo Bills became the first team in over a year to score 30 points against their defense, handing Kansas City their first defeat. The loss felt inevitable, with the Chiefs narrowly escaping trouble in recent weeks. Still, at 9-1, Kansas City remains atop the AFC standings and has a golden opportunity to bounce back against the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers, however, are no coming off a bye and riding a two-game win streak. Carolina has found momentum behind running back Chuba Hubbard, who ranks in the top five in rushing yards and is on track for his first Pro Bowl appearance. This week, Hubbard faces one of the NFL’s top run defenses in Kansas City, which excels at neutralizing opposing backfields. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ defense will aim to replicate Buffalo’s formula for disrupting Patrick Mahomes, who negated his three touchdown passes last week with two costly interceptions.
On paper, this should be a get-right game for the Chiefs, a chance to reestablish their dominance before entering a stretch against playoff-caliber opponents. However, as has been the case with Kansas City this season, nothing seems to come easy. Expect the Chiefs to win, but don’t be surprised if the Panthers keep it uncomfortably close longer than they should.
Prediction: 26-16 Chiefs
Sunday Afternoon Window
Broncos @ Raiders (CBS)
The Denver Broncos have quietly built a solid 6-5 record this season by doing one thing consistently: beating teams they should. While five of their wins have come against sub-.500 opponents, that consistency signals growth and a coaching staff getting the most out of its roster. This week, they’ll look to continue that trend against the Las Vegas Raiders, a franchise stuck in neutral for the better part of a decade.
For the Raiders, the issues start and end with the quarterback position. Neither Gardner Minshew nor Aiden O’Connell has inspired confidence as a long-term solution, leaving Las Vegas staring down another offseason of quarterback uncertainty. Defensively, the Raiders are a case of all bark and no bite, surrendering 27 or more points in each of their last three games. Their offense has leaned heavily on tight end Brock Bowers, who recorded 13 catches for 126 yards last week. However, facing one of the NFL’s top pass defenses, Bowers will likely be a focal point for Denver’s game plan.
Unlike last year’s Broncos team, this group doesn’t seem poised to stumble in a game like this. Even with the Raiders playing at home, Allegiant Stadium is expected to be flooded with Broncos fans, as the venue has become a haven for opposing fanbases. Denver also appears to have finally found stability at quarterback, a critical component for long-term success. Future franchise quarterbacks are expected to win games like this regularly, and the Broncos are poised to take another step forward with a victory over their division rival.
Prediction: 24-13 Broncos
49ers @ Packers (FOX)
This matchup might have been a battle for the NFC’s seventh seed had the San Francisco 49ers not suffered an inexplicable home loss to the Seattle Seahawks last week. The reigning NFC champions are experiencing a brutal Super Bowl hangover, looking uninspired and inconsistent throughout the season. Pundits have been waiting for the 49ers to hit their stride, but with a brutal schedule ahead—including games against the Bills, Lions, and Cardinals—it’s now or never for San Francisco.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are trending in the opposite direction. After a dramatic victory over the Chicago Bears, where they blocked a potential game-winning field goal, the Packers improved to 7-3 and sit comfortably two games ahead of the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers in the playoff race. Christian Watson delivered a standout performance with four catches for 150 yards, and the offensive line continued its stellar protection of Jordan Love, having allowed just 13 sacks all season. However, Green Bay’s run defense remains a concern, particularly with Christian McCaffrey coming to town after the Bears gashed the Packers for 179 rushing yards last week.
For the 49ers, this game is a defining moment. Another loss would push their playoff hopes to the brink and further question their ability to recapture last season’s magic. The Packers, on the other hand, need to maintain their ball security, force the 49ers into long drives, and limit explosive plays to secure a critical win.
On a cold night at Lambeau Field, the stakes are clear: the 49ers are fighting to stay alive, while the Packers are looking to freeze out another rival and solidify their postseason position. A San Francisco loss could spell the end of their playoff dreams.
Prediction: 26-24 Packers
Cardinals @ Seahawks (FOX)
The Seattle Seahawks remain one of the NFL’s biggest enigmas. One week, they resemble a team destined for a top-eight draft pick, and the next, they’re grinding out wins to stay in playoff contention. This week, the stakes are raised as they face the Arizona Cardinals with first place in the NFC West on the line. Seattle will need its defense to step up against an Arizona offense that has hit its stride, scoring 28 or more points in each of its last four games.
For the Cardinals, this matchup presents a prime opportunity to create some breathing room in the division. With both the Rams and 49ers facing uphill battles this week, a win over Seattle would give Arizona a significant edge. The Cardinals have been balanced, pairing a surging offense with a defense that has held opponents to 16 or fewer points in three of their last four games. They’ll be tasked with containing a Seahawks offense that flashes potential but often falls short of its ceiling.
The significance of this game is hard to overstate—it’s still surprising to see these teams battling for NFC West supremacy. On paper and on film, Arizona appears to have the edge, with consistency on both sides of the ball favoring the Cardinals. In a divisional showdown of this magnitude, rolling with the steadier team feels like the safer call, and Arizona seems poised to cement their status as the division’s frontrunner.
Prediction: 24-21 Cardinals
Sunday Night Football: Eagles @ Rams 7:20 PM (NBC)
The Philadelphia Eagles pulled off a dramatic comeback against the Washington Commanders last week, scoring 20 of their 26 points in the final quarter. Saquon Barkley was the engine of the offense, rushing for over 140 yards and two touchdowns, continuing his case as the league’s top running back. However, Barkley faces a stiff test this week against a Los Angeles Rams defense that has been stout against the run, allowing only four yards per carry, ranking seventh in the league. The Eagles’ defensive front will also play a pivotal role, challenging a Rams offensive line that has not allowed a sack in three of its last four games.
Matthew Stafford, now armed with a fully healthy receiving corps, lit up the Patriots last week for nearly 300 yards and four touchdowns. He’ll face an Eagles defense that has excelled against the pass, holding opponents to just 173 yards per game. That said, the Eagles’ secondary showed some vulnerability earlier in the season when Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers torched them for 347 passing yards and 33 points.
Vegas oddsmakers see the Eagles as three-point road favorites, signaling they’d be nearly a touchdown favorite on a neutral field. However, this feels like a trap game for Philadelphia, with a showdown against the Ravens looming next week. The Rams have quietly regained their footing and have the firepower to exploit any lapses in focus from the Eagles.
Prediction: 26-24 Rams
Monday Night Football: Ravens @ Chargers 7:15 PM (ESPN/ABC)
The Baltimore Ravens have become the ultimate glass cannon this season—capable of putting up explosive offensive performances but often undone by their own defense and self-destructive mistakes. Their four losses have all come when Lamar Jackson has been forced to throw the ball 30 or more times. In their most recent loss, Jackson completed under 50% of his passes for just over 200 yards, compounded by missed field goals and costly fumbles that allowed the Steelers to hang around despite a lackluster offensive performance.
The Los Angeles Chargers come into this game riding high after a dramatic win against the Bengals. Despite a dominant 27-6 lead midway through the third quarter, the Chargers allowed 21 unanswered points, almost letting the game slip away. But Justin Herbert led a masterful drive, covering 84 yards in under a minute to secure the victory. However, the Chargers’ defense showed vulnerabilities, and they’ll need to tighten up if they hope to keep pace with the Ravens’ high-powered offense.
For Baltimore, this game has become far more critical than initially anticipated. A loss to the Chargers would drop them to 7-5, leaving them with tough matchups against the Texans, Eagles, Steelers, and Browns—teams that are either playoff contenders or have already bested the Ravens this season. With competition from teams like the Broncos, Colts, and Dolphins gaining momentum, the Ravens could find themselves on the outside looking in if they falter down the stretch.
That being said, history shows that after a humbling defeat, the Ravens tend to respond in a big way. Last season, after a similar setback to the Browns, they exploded for 41 points against one of the NFL’s top defenses in Denver. If Lamar Jackson and the offense can execute, coupled with the defense tightening up, the Ravens will have a chance to bounce back and solidify their playoff standing.
Prediction: 27-21 Ravens
Overall Record: 113-53 (Last Week 11-3)