One of football's oldest and most legendary rivalries had gone dormant in recent PFL seasons due, mostly, to the lack of success by the two franchises. This time, though, the game has serious implications and the bad blood is boiling yet again! Washington has been one of the latest PFL Darlings and has fans in the DC area in a frenzy not seen in a very long time. After upending the San Francisco 49ers, 25-19, last week they are currently tied for first in the NFC East with the hated Cowboys! Dallas found itself in a true Tour-De-Force game of wills with the New York Giants and Coach Gabe last week and ground out a rough and tumble, 21-7, victory. They have now won five straight entering this crucial divisional matchup. The Commanders did not exactly light up the scoreboard last week, but did get a massive pick 6 from veteran SS Vonn Bell (NFC POTW) who returned an errant Brock Purdy pass 20 yards for, what would prove to be, the deciding play. Dallas struggled mightily, yet again, to run the ball at all, but got a huge defensive effort that limited the Giants' running game and then got after QB Jaxson Dart. The Dallas' D would sack Dart 4 times and pick him off twice, while limiting him to just a 40% (10-25) pass completion rate for a mere 104 yards.

   Final Analysis: Both teams playing good ball right now and the winner will stand alone on top of the division.. Washington has been using a trio of backs (Antonio Gibson, Jacory Croskey-Merrott, and Austin Ekeler) effectively this season with QB Jayden Daniels being asked to manage games. A big factor could be in the turnover department. Washington simply does not turn it over (+4 margin), while Dallas remains under water (-3). Washington 26-20.

1:00 PM- KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-7) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-6)

Are These Two Ships Sunk?

1:00 PM-DETROIT LIONS (4-5) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-7)

Stunned Lions and Stunning Dolph Meet!

     The Lions could not get out of their own way last week and suffered a depressing, 37-20, loss to the New Orleans Saints. Miami, on the other hand, gleefully unplugged the LA Chargers, 27-20, intercepting error prone QB Justin Herbert 3 times. Both teams are not in an advantageous spot to make a playoff run, but the Lions could still find a route there assuming they can win games like this one.

   Final Analysis: Detroit get HB Jahmyr Gibbs back this game and that could be huge. The Dolphs are both dangerous and very inconsistent so who knows?  Miami 26-24.

1:00 PM-DENVER BRONCOS (4-5) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (5-5)

Broncos Coming Off Bucking of KC. Browns' D Getting It Done

    The Cleveland Browns found their mojo again last week and crumpled the Cincinnati Bengals and QB Joe Burrow, 27-10. The defense shutout Cinci for three quarters enroute to making Burrows' day a nightmare. They would sack him a season high 8 times, limit him to a paltry 114 yards passing, and stifled Cinci to the tune of just 85 total yards of offense! The running game was able to overshadow another sub-par game from QB Shedeur Sanders as backs Dylan Sampson and Quinshon Judkins combined for 136 yards on 31 carries. Denver remains without a coaching staff but, somehow, still manged to annihilate the Kansas Chiefs, 58-10, as QB Bo Nix put up 6 TD passes and 531 yards through the air!

   Final Analysis: Denver no staff so...NO LINE

1:00 PM- LOS ANGELES RAMS (0-10) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (3-7)

Frustration City Bowl...Rams/G-Men Keep Spiraling

    While there have been a number of positives in the Rams' season (Rookie HB Jeremiyah Love and fellow rook LB Kyle Louis), the wins have not been forthcoming. Top draft pick QB Fernando Mendoza has muddled through a rough rookie learning curve to date with 11 TD passes compared to 10 interceptions. He has shown glimpses of what he can be, but all too often, his errors have hurt the club. New York looked like it might be on the cusp of making headway in the NFC East featuring an explosive running game and an improving defense. However, the running game was shut down by the Dallas Cowboys last week and QB Jaxson Dart could not pick up the slack in a disappointing, 21-7, loss.

   Final Analysis: Both teams would prefer to run the ball. NY has the much better defense and LA has been one of the worst run defending units in the league. Expect Big Blue to have a big day. New York 32-15.

  1:00 PM- MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-8) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-5)

Pack Needs a W in a Big Way

    For much of their game last week, against the Chicago Bears, it looked as if the Packers were gonna pull off the upset. But, the Bears would rally in the rain and take a 28-24 lead with about 9 minutes remaining in the game. At this stage, though, Green Bay would make an ill-advised decision to go for it on 4th down deep inside their own territory, and failing to convert, all but handed the Bears the win. Chicago would score 27 points in the final quarter to walk away with a, 48-24, win that has put the Packers in serious jeopardy for making the playoffs.

   Final Analysis: Green Bay's continuing problems in the run game cost them dearly last week as QB Jordan Love would end up tossing 2 interceptions. They get a depleted Vikings' team this week. NO LINE

1:00 PM- NEW YORK JETS (8-1) AT BUFFALO BILLS (4-5)

Jets Back in Pilots' Seat After Colts' Loss. Bills Trying to Hang In Playoff Picture

    The Indianapolis Colts' loss to conference foe Baltimore put the defending champs right back into the top seed slot again as the Jets now hold the better conference record. They now get a Buffalo team they have owned over the past few seasons. Both teams coming off sim wins.

   Final Analysis: Jets are the superior club, but still need to be wary of Bills' QB Josh Allen and HB James Cook in this one. New York 30-21.

1:00 PM-NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-7) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (5-4)

Saints Without QB Rattler. Falcons Poised to Claim NFC South

   Atlanta gets a Saints' team that lost QB Spencer Rattler for at least 5 weeks. The Falcons are playing solid ball of late having won three straight coming into this one. They are ranked 4th in the NFC in scoring (28.5 PPG), but yielding 26.67 PPG on defense.  New Orleans had won three of its last four games and averaged 33.3 PPG over its prior three outings. However, the loss of Rattler could sink their hopes. Second year backup, Dillon Gabriel will be asked to step in. He has played pretty well so far and completed 13 of 16 (81%) in last week's, 37-20, win over the Detroit Lions. backs Kendre Miller and Javonte Williams have combined for 926 yards and 8 touchdowns on 209 carries. The Falcons will be without the services of top back Bojon Robinson for at least 1 more week. Ty Chandler has been the mainstay reserve filling in.

Final Analysis: Falcs should win unless Gabriel plays well and the Saints can run the football. Atlanta 29-20.

   1:00 PM- ARIZONA CARDINALS (8-1) AT CHICAGO BEARS (6-3)

Card/Bears in Soldier Field Showdown. Is This An NFC Title Game Preview?

   It has been an assumption, since day 1, that the Arizona Cardinals would be in the NFC Championship game. For many, it was also an assumption the Chicago Bears would be the opposing team. But the Bears got off to a slow start and the doubters began to show up. However, following their, 48-24, comeback win over the rival Green Bay Packers last week, the Bears now sit comfortably in control in the NFC North and seem likely to go on to secure the #2 seed in the conference. The running game did suffer without the presence of HB D'Andre Swift (Out with a season ending injury) with the club rushing for just 82 yards, but QB Caleb Williams would find the endzone 4 times despite flipping two interceptions that, for awhile, appeared as if those errors might prove fatal. Arizona escaped a tremendous effort by the Seattle Seahawks, 23-22, as QB Kyler Murray struggled. The defense was, though, outstanding shutting down Seattle tailback Kenneth Walker who finished with just 21 yards on 13 carries. The game features the top two scoring teams in the NFC. Chicago rumbles in averaging a gaudy 37.5 PPG with the Cardinals right behind them chiming in at a 35 PPG clip. On the defensive side of the ball, the Bears are allowing an NFC low 80.44 YPG versus the run, while Arizona is #2 ceding a mere 83.11 YPG. If, though, there are any significant margins in favor of one team or the other it would have to be in pass defense and turnover ratios. The Cards are #1 against the pass giving up just 157.44 YPG compared to the Bears' who are letting teams throw on them for 247.11 YPG. As far as turnovers go, Arizona has a +1 number, whereas Chicago comes in with a PFL worst -14 ledger.

   Final Analysis: It does seem Chicago might have some problems running the ball without Swift. That could mean Williams may have to be awfully good in this one. Both teams love to sack the QB and pressure a ton. Chicago has 54 sacks and Arizona has totalled 50. So, being able to run the ball enough to keep the heat off could be the determining factor and that favors the Cardinals. Arizona 32-24.

4:05 PM-JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-6) AT LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (6-4)

Are Bolts Losing Power?

    Everyone who follows Charger football had seen this movie play out way too many times before. QB Justin Herbert, yet again, would have a turnover fest (3 more picks) and his team would lose to a low swimming Miami Dolphins' team, 27-20. Herbert's miscues ended one drive deep in Miami territory and his other two set up easy Miami scores. The running game was not clicking so Herbert was forced to shoulder a bit more of the load and, as has happened time and again, he failed in his mission.

   Final Analysis: Herbert's woes has the club seriously pondering his future in LA. Jags without ownership. NO LINE

4:05 PM-TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (4-5) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (4-5)

Loser Of This One In Big Trouble?

     Both teams trailing the Falcons in the NFC South and a loss here will make winning the division awfully difficult and the playoffs a distant maybe. Panthers still without a FT staff.

   Final Analysis: Once high flying Bucs in big trouble as QB Baker Mayfield continues to scuffle along. NO LINE

    One of the more significant games on this week's slate pits two teams in need of a big win. The Seahawks lost a heart breaking, 23-22, game to the Cardinals last week perhaps due to an ill-advised 2 point try in the third quarter. They could not get their vaunted running game going with Kenneth Walker (13-21). QB Sam Darnold played solid, but the team lost depite the defense having a good day versus Arizona QB Kyler Murray, who had his worst outing since the club's lone loss 5 weeks against Dallas. San Fran could not get their running game going at all versus Washington and lost their fourth in a row, 25-19. QB Brock Purdy played well, but did give up a huge pick 6 to Washington SS Vonn Bell that proved to be the margin of defeat.

   Final Analysis: Seattle has played solid ball all year long and could have won last week vs powerful Arizona. The criticism over the 2-point try has been proven to be invalid in retrospect. San Fran seems to be going in the wrong direction and appears lop-sided offensively. Seattle 27-23.

4:15 PM-HOUSTON TEXANS (4-5) AT PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-4)

Texans on Edge of Playoff Window. Sagging Eagles Has Philly Fans Reaching For Snowballs!

    The Texans have won two of their last three and are coming off their bye week. They have been very good at stopping the run, but the team is one of just three clubs in the league without a single fumble recovery on the season and their 7 takeaways is the fewest in football. The inability to get turnovers leads to the team, all too often, having to go the full length of the field in order to score touchdowns and that has proven problematic. Eagles' fans are not known to be kind to their teams when things go wrong. The offense ranks 3rd in the NFC in scoring (28.9 PPG) and the team sits at #2 in the conference in turnover margin (+7). Still, QB Jalen Hurts enters this game rated 7th among all NFC regulars with an 85.9 QBR and has thrown an uncharacteristic 11 interceptions compared to just 14 TD passes. His errors are diminishing the impacts of a defensive unti that leads the NFC with 21 takeaways.

   Final Analysis: The Eagles are, statistically, among the top teams in the league. They have convincing wins over the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Seattle Seahawks and have played one of the tougher schedules in the league thus far. They have two games left against Washington and one each versus Dallas and the New York Giants so they are in control of their destiny. Philadelphia 31-20.

   The Bengals were right on the heels of the first place Ravens as they met the Cleveland Browns last week. Baltimore would get things done with a stunning upset of the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts but, unfortunately for Cinci fans, the Bengals were completely dominated by the Browns' defense as the offense mustered a meager 85 yards of total offense in the team's, 27-10, defeat. The loss left them 2 games behind Baltimore making this matchup a virtual must-win if they wish to have any realistic shot at winning the division. Perhaps even more important is a loss here would put their playoff odds in jeopardy as well. The Ravens have won 7 of their last 8 games including wins over the Eagles, Falcons, and Raiders (All tied for or are alone in first place within their divisions) and, as stated, the Colts! They have proven they can play with anyone in football and must be seen as one of the favorites in the AFC.

   Final Analysis: The Bengals are up against it in this matchup. Baltimore has figured out a number of things and is playing top notch football. Cinci seems a team, yet again, that has that Dr. Jeckle and Mr. Hyde personality...Baltimore 31-18.

8:30 PM-PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-6) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (9-1)

Steelers in Desperate Situation. Colts Unbeaten No More

   The Season is, essentially, on the line for the Steelers. A loss here would leave them with 7 losses and no team has made the AFC post-season as a wild card entrant with a record with less than 10 wins in quite some time. The Colts and Jaguars made the playoffs with 9-8 records, but did so as divisional winners. So, a loss here would probably mean Pittsburgh would need to run the table in order to have a viable chance. They are coming off their bye week and, quite frankly, might be playing their best ball of the season. They have won their last two games over the powerful Baltimore Ravens (31-23) and a tough Tennessee Titans' squad (41-31). The improving game of rookie QB Ty Simpson has been a major impetus for the recent success. Simpson has posted back-to-back 300+ yard games with 3 TD passes in each game. For the first time in his young career, he has also finished with consecutive 100+ QBR ratings. The Colts, meanwhile, were rolling along and running at will as they won all 9 of their games to start the season. But they were dismantled by a fired up Baltimore Ravens' team last week and must quickly regroup here. The loss, since it was within the conference, put the Jets back into the top seed position because the Jets' lone loss was versus the NFC Chicago Bears.

   Final Analysis: Indy loves to run the football, but had some issues doing so verus Baltimore. That forced rookie QB John Mateer to do more than just be a situationl game manager and he was not able to get it done. Still, unless the Steelers can shut down the Colt running game, it could be a long day for the Pennsylvania gang. Interesting matchup between the two rook QBs Simpson and Mateer. Indianapolis 36-23.

TEAMS ON A BYE