THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Cincinnati Bengals (4-8) at Dallas Cowboys (6-6)

Will Rested Bengals Dump Driving Dallas?

   The Cincinnati Bengals, in all likelihood, will not be a playoff participant this year nor will be able to complete one of their classic second half of the season runs to glory. But they can be a major determinant in who makes it in or not, and this is one such game.  Dallas has seemingly regrouped, after a miserable start to their season, and is back in the playoff discussion. However, they have zero margin for error and play every game under enormous pressure due to their 2-5 beginning.

   The Bengals have had the better numbers than Dallas through 12 games. They have superior offensive numbers averaging 381.33 YPG (12th), 271.5 YPG passing (12th), and 27.16 PPG (11th). Dallas is averaging 356.83 YPG (17th), 240.17 YPG passing (17th), and 23.02 PPG (20th)! On the defensive side of the ball, Dallas might have a slight edge. The Cowboys have slowly moved up the charts and are now 14th allowing 359.5 YPG and 240 YPG versus the pass (12th), but they are ranked 25th in the PFL as teams have scored 28.24 PPG against them. Cinci is surrendering 376.17 YPG (18th) and 278.75 YPG against the pass (26th), and are giving up 25.97 PPG (16th). 

   The Cowboys have won four of their last five games and have averaged 36.17 PPG over their prior six games. Much of that has been due to the play of rookie QB Drake Maye as well as two other rookies, WR Ainias Smith and HB Will Shipley. Smith, a 4th round pick, is 8th in the PFL with 78 receptions while averaging 12.67 YPC and has 5 touchdowns. Shipley, an even lower 5th round choice, is 10th in the PFL in rushing with 1039 yards and 9 touchdowns. In addition, Shipley's 5.36 YPC number is 4th in the league among all PFL regulars. 

   Cincinnati has some major weapons of their own. QB Joe Burrow is elite and is coming into this game completing 70.03% of his pass attempts. Stud tailback Joe Mixon and top edge rusher DE Trey Hendrickson are both returning to the lineup, after spending some time injured, vastly improving the club's odds here. Hendrickson has not been shutout in any game this season in the sack department recording at least a .5 sack in every game he has played in, as well as three games with multiple quarterback traps. Mixon has rushed for 5 touchdowns and added 18 receptions for 181 yards (10.06 YPR)!.

   Final Analysis: The return of Mixon and Hendrickson gives the Bengals a decided edge here. They have firepower to spare and a playmaker on defense that can disrupt the offense and create drive ending situations. Dallas is playing well, especially on offense, but will need to probably outscore Cinci in order to pull this one out. Big time pressure in Big D. Cincinnati 32-27.

1:00 PM Pittsburgh Steelers (4-8) at Cleveland Browns (6-6) 

Browns in Dogfight After Startling Loss to Washington. Steelers in Spoiler mode

      Every team seems to have a seminal moment or game that defines their season. For the Browns, that moment may have come last week as they lost a hard fought battle with the Washington Commanders, 34-33. on a last play field goal that was set up by some huge DC plays. The loss dropped Cleveland back into a cluster of teams all fighting for three playoff berths. Now, they face their rival, the Pittbsurgh Steelers, in the Dog Pound in a critical contest.

   The Steelers will be in spoiler mode and can play loose and free. They are also playing, perhaps, their best football of the season. Pittsburgh has won two straight in convincing fashion blasting the Carolina Panthers, 38-17, and following that up with a, 37-17, whipping of the Las Vegas Raiders last week. The offense has played well, but it has been a new found defense that has really been the biggest area of improvement. The D had 9 sacks of Panther QB Bryce Young and then crumpled Vegas' rookie Caleb Williams for 9 more traps and 4 interceptions! If the defense can keep this up, they have an excellent chance of upsetting Cleveland this week.

   Cleveland has fallen into a rough patch and come in on a three game losing skid. Last week's loss was very hard to take, but the truth is the disturbing trend, surrounding QB DeShaun Watson, reared its ugly head yet again. As noted a week ago in this column, the Browns had lost every game this season when Watson completed less than 60% of his passes or threw 2 or more interceptions. You can now make that 0-6 as Watson tossed two picks again and, well, the team lost again. He has to protect the football better and complete 60% + for his team to succeeed. 

   Final Analysis: Cleveland won the first meeting between these two rivals, 38-17, but it seems the Steelers may have gotten into a grrove while the Browns might be sliding a bit. Still, Cleveland has a ton at stake here and should get back on track. Cleveland 31-23. 

  1:00 PM Detroit Lions (6-6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (4-8)

Cat Fight in J-Ville: Lions on the Prowl for Playoff Berth?

   The Detroit Lions have been one of the league's more volatile teams this season. Despite playing one of the tougher schedules in the PFL, Detroit has positioned themselves nicely to make a serious run for the playoffs, but they caannot afford to get hunted down by the Jags in Florida.

   The combination of veteran QB Jared Goff, tailback Jahmyr Gibbs, and a host of receiving targets has made the Detroit offense difficult to stop. Their 16.36 PPG is deceiving as they have scored 30+ points in a game some five times this season and, at any time, are capable of breaking out. The problem is more on the defensive side of the ball. DE Aiden Hutchinson can be a real manace, but the team has just 31 sacks (32nd on the league!) and is allowing 29.23 PPG (26th)!

   Jacksonville has lost seven of its last eight games and is all but done for the playoffs. QB Trevor Lawrence has played well, but the team's 87.25 YPG rushing ranks 27th and their 7 rushing touchdowns has them tied for 27th in that category.

   Final Analysis: Detroit has a very tough slate waiting for them after this game with matches against rival Green Bay, the Saints, Bears, and Texans lined up.  They have to have this game.  Detroit 27-23.

1:00 PM Seattle Seahawks (4-8) at Buffalo Bills (3-9)

Will Seattle (And Bo?) Buffalo the Bills and Allen?

    The word blowing out of the Great Northwest is the league may finally see the debut of local favorite rookie QB Bo Nix. Seattle fans adored Nix when he played for the Oregon Ducks and the recent demise of the team has the Lumen Field denizens craving for Nix to get his shot. The Bills saw QB Josh Allen get smacked down for 9 sacks two weeks ago in their, 44-3, wipeout at the hands of the Chicago Bears. Allen has now absorbed 9 or more sacks six time this season and his 94 turf plantings leads the league yet again.

   The Seattle secondary, and defense in general, stymied the San Francico 49ers for much of the game, but the offense, even with the return of star back Kenneth Walker, could never truly get untracked and the team likely saw their playoff hopes dashed in the, 27-15, defeat. The loss was their eighth in the their last nine games and many felt QB Geno Smith's performances were the main problem. Smith had a season low 45.71% completion rate last week and his 5.34 YPA hit his low tide mark in that category. With the season probably lost, the Seahawks might turn to Nix and turn the page on Smith.

   Final Analysis: Both teams are likely looking ahead. Seattle has to see what they have in Nix. Expect the Seahawks to run the ball in an effort to keep Nix out of harm's way, but the Oregon Alum will need to prove he belongs at some point. Seattle's secondary and defense is pretty solid and should be able to get after Allen. Seattle 26-18.

1:00 PM Indianapolis Colts (5-7) at Tennessee Titans (9-3)

Can Upset Specialist Colts Buck Titans' AFC South Run to Crown?

    The Colts have had stunning wins over the Minnesota Vikings, Houston Texans, and now the once undefeated Chicago Bears! They are just one game out of a possible playoff berth and another upset could set them up nicely to make a late season dash to the finish line! The Titans were picked to finish last in the AFC South, but the team has played brilliantly all season long and comes into the game on a seven game winning streak. A 10th win would push them to the brink of claiming the division.

   Indy shocked the Chicago Bears, and the entire PFL, with their, 44-38, victory over the undefeatd Chicago Bears. While the upset was big enough, it was even more incredible when one considers that the Bears had held every team this season to 16 or fewer points except a, 31-24, win over the Titans back in week 4! QB Anthony Richardson often evaded the vaunted Chicago pass rush and threw for a season high 393 yards and 3 touchdowns! He also torched the Bears' D with 6 runs for 57 yards that included a 43 yard jaunt and a rushing score. Beleagured and criticized aged veteran back Zeke Elliott shut up naysayers with an inspired 175 yards rushing on 20 carries!

   The Titans defeated the Colts, 22-10, way back in week 1. Richardson would take 9 sacks, complete just 55.56% of his throws, and finish with only 200 yards passing. The 200 yards was the second fewest yards he has had all season long, but the quarterback facing the Titans in this game simply is not the same guy. Tennessee has rolled to seven consecutive victories and has scored 30+ points in each of its last six games. QB Ryan Tannehill has thrown an amazing 24 touchdown passes over his last six games with just three interceptions! WRs Treylon Burkes and De'Andre Hopkins have hauled in 12 and 11 TD receptions respectively. Burkes' 115 catches is second in the PFL trailing only Miami rookie TE Ben Sinnott's 148 receptions. Sinnott, though, is force fed by the Dolphins and leads the entire PFL with 22 drops.

   Final Analysis: This is a massive game for the Colts. A win will keep them right in the middle of the playoff discussion while a loss may end any hopes. Tennessee can frustrate teams with their RPO driven attack, but the legs and arm of Richardson can cause havoc as well. This could be a wild one. Tennessee 30-24.

 1:00 PM Las Vegas Raiders (3-9) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-9)

Rook QBs Meet for First Time

   It has not been all fun and games for two rookies set to face each other for the first time. Las Vegas' QB Caleb Williams and Tampa Bay signal caller Sheduer Sanders have had a rough time of it, thus far, to say the least. The two came into the league with a great deal of fanfare, but have stuggled much of the season. Williams, from USC, has been sacked 81 times and has just 14 touchdown passes while throwing 11 interceptions for an 84.47 QBR. Sanders is averaging less than 200 YPG passing and has just 10 touchdowns on the year with 8 picks and a 79.92 QBR!

   To be honest, both youngsters could use some help from other aspects of their teams. Vegas has lost 11 fumbles and their -13 turnover margin is dead last in the league. The Bucs are not far behind with a -6 margin which has them sitting at sixth worst.

   Final Analysis: Both clubs can run the ball at times. The Raiders' Josh Jacobs and Zamir White have combined for 1130 yards and 9 touchdowns. Tampa Bay's duo of D'andre Swift and punishing rookie Braelon Allen have tag teamed for 1346 yards and 9 scores. Whichever team can take the pressure off their young quarterback the best should win. Tampa Bay 23-21.

 1:00 PM New England Patriots (12-0) at Miami Dolphins (5-7)

Pats Surging to Top Seed? Can Fish Find Their Way to Post-Season?

   Many have seen the New England Patriots as the top team in football for much of this season. As the lone unbeaten in the PFL, it would be hard to argue with that point of view.  They will need to keep winning, however, to avoid sliding right out of the top spot to, perhaps, as low as the #3 seed and have the "Big One" coming up next week when they host the Kansas City Chiefs! The Miami Dolphins have been, to say the least, as up and down as any team in the league this season. They remain right in the middle of a hotly contested Wild Card battle, but they have lost four of their last six games and need to get the school swimming in the right direction ASAP.

   The Patriots are second in the PFL in passing yards per game (331.83) and have thrown a league best 43 touchdowns. They also lead the PFL with a stunning 40.96 PPG average and have been excellent on third downs converting 47.92% of the time which is 4th best in football! They own a +3 turnover ratio and their 77 sacks ranks 4th in the league!

   The numbers above would have one wondering if the Dolphins should even bother showing up. However, Miami played these Patriots down to the wire in their first meeting before narrowly losing, 38-35. QB Tua Tagovailoa ripped the New England secondary to pieces throwing for 492 yards and 3 touchdowns and matched the Patriots score for score. Still, New England QB Mac Jones won the day with a 5 TD effort as the Miami defense could not get key stops.

   Final Analysis: Miami is coming off, arguably, their worst game of the season. They were soundly whipped by the Jets, 31-3, last week as neither the offense or defense played well at all. The major worry has to be the league's worst pass defense (306.42 YPG) facing the passing juggernaut the Patriots roll out each week. New England is not invincible, having won four games by 5 or fewer points, but this does seem a mismatch unless Tagovailoa can equal his 500 yard effort he had in the two teams' initial encounter. New England 35-20

1:00 PM Los Angeles Rams (11-1) at New York Jets (4-8)

Rams Flexing Muscles Down the Stretch and Eye Chicago Showdown. Jets Coming off Big Win

   The Rams are near invincible at the moment. The return of rookie tailback Blake Corum has given the already hi-octane attack a running weapon making defensing this team awfully hard to do. Not only that, but consider the Rams have also found a defense that has shutout its last two opponents through the entire first half of the game! The Jets played, easily, their best game of the year last week as they dismantled the Miami Dolphins, 31-3!

   LA looks like the best team in the NFC, if not all of football, at the moment. The offense is outstanding averaging an NFC best 430.67 YPG. While the passing game is how many see the Rams, the team's running game has now become elite as well. Corum has rushed for 126, 126, and 106 yards in the three games since his return from injury and the offense has now scored 30+ points in 12 straight games! The defense, as mentioned, has dominated as well. Their 81 sacks is the third most in the league as teams get caught trying to match their firepower and play right into the sack machine.

  The Jets are a dangerous team, but their 290.75 YPG allowed on defense is the fifth most in the league and will make them prohibitive underdogs in this matchup. QB Aaron Rodgers has been on fire recently with 9 touchdown passes over his last three games and his back-to-back 110+ QBR efforts were both season highs for him. He will probably need to have his best game yet if the Jets are to compete in this one.

   Final Analysis: Really see no way the Jets can pull this one out unless Rodgers has an amazing game. The Rams can now fall back on their running game to move the chains or get them into favorable down and distance situations. Los Angeles 35-19.   

 4:05 PM New York Giants (4-8) at Houston Texans (6-6)

Shrunken Giants, Corralled Texans Meet in Space City

   These two teams have not had much to smile about this season. New York is coming off a depressing, 40-24, defeat to the rival Philadelphia Eagles that likely ended their playoff aspirations while Houston suffered a downer of a game against the Baltimore Ravens dropping the contest, 34-27. The Texans, at least, are still right in the playoff hunt, but have probably seen their chance of repeating as AFC South Champs disappear.

   The Giants are the defending NFC East Champions and, at one time last season, were riding high as one of football's top teams. Injuries and a series of very close defeats have doomed their repeat efforts. While much has been written about the play of QB Daniel Jones, the truth is it has been the defense that should carry much of the blame. Last season, the G-Men had a top level defense that led the PFL in quite a few categories. The excellent D, then, allowed Jones, and the running of top back Saquon Barkley, to grind out wins without having to put the team into too many stressful situations. This year, however, the D ranks 26th allowing 396.67 YPG and the pass defense is 29th in the league giving up 295.42 YPG!

   The Texans are one frustrated bunch. Their 5-2 start to their season has evaporated with the club losing four of its last five. However, the reality is the team is playing a #1 seed schedule and has lost games to the Kansas City Chiefs (11-1), New England Patriots (12-0), Baltimore Ravens (12-1), Tennessee Titans (9-3), and the upset specialist Indianapolis Colts (5-7). Those teams have a combined 49-12 (.803) record, so maybe the Texans need to relax just a bit. They have top ten stats across the board on both sides of the football and could be a real problem for any team should they make it into the playoffs.

   Final Analysis: Houston is, of all the teams in the league, much better than their record indicates. They have outstanding talents on both sides of the ball and should be just fine going forward. In fact, they will be favored in each of their remaining five games and should finish 11-6.  Houston 27-20.

4:05 PM Minnesota Vikings (0-12) at Arizona Cardinals (5-7)

Cards in Must-Win Mode, But Have Path to Playoffs Still Open

    The Minnesota Vikings could act as a major spoiler down the home stretch of the season. The Cardinals were handled by an improving Dallas Cowboys' team, 35-16, in a key NFC game, but they still have a very clear route to the playoffs if they can take care of business from here on out.

   The Vikings will get the top, or close to top, pick in the upcoming draft and should be able to get enough talent in their house to be a viable squad come next season. The big question will be how they see QB Kirk Cousins and what they intend to do there. They also need a much better running situation, but that will surely not be answered with the early first round choice.

   Arizona hung around in their game with Dallas last week until the roof fell in late in the third quarter. QB Kyler Murray went another game (His 4th in a row) without an interception, but the defense could not stop the running game and the team eventually fell behind. The ability of Murray to not turn it over has the team third in the PFL with a very good +9 turnover ratio. The team should be able to light up the scoreboard against a Viking defense that is allowing a league most 34.45 PPG!

   Final Analysis: Arizona still has a great shot at the playoffs as long as they do not have a major hiccup. They have Carolina, Seattle, San Francisco, and the Jets left on their schedule. Those teams have a combined 19-30 (.388) record.  Arizona 26-19.

4:15 PM Denver Broncos (7-5) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-7)

Ponies and Bolts in Unforeseen Meaningful Game!

     Few prognosticators would have predicted that this week 14 matchup between the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers would have meant much if anything at all. But Denver has won three of its last four games and Los Angeles has stormed onto the scene by winning five of its last six contests (after starting the season at 0-6) and, now, this meeting has been elevated into the category of significant!

   Denver was drubbed by the Kansas City Chiefs, 55-21, last week ending their winning streak in the process. They are still in control of their playoff fate, but a loss here could see them fall behind or into a tie with several teams in the loss column, plus have them just one game ahead of a host of other hungry teams. The Chargers cannot afford to lose this game, but a win could thrust their the team within one game of Denver (plus would own the tie-breaker) and several other teams setting the stage for an exciting final few games.

   The Broncos could not get HB Javonte Williams involved much last week as they fell too far behind early on. Williams would finish with a season low 8 carries for 24 yards. His successful running coincided with the club's recent winning streak as he had posted three straight 100+ yard games prior to this one. QB Russell Wilson was forced to the air. He would throw the ball 47 times, for the second consecutive week, for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns, but he would also throw two interceptions be sacked 9 times.  The need for a balanced attack has become more evident as the season has unfolded.

   Much of the rise of the Chargers has been applied to the success of QB Justin Herbert. However, Herbert has now posted two bad outings out of his last three games. Last week he completed only 52.38% of his attempts for a 290 yards. He had two touchdowns, but also threw two picks and was sacked 7 times. Those stats are similar to the ones he had three weeks ago in a, 36-19, loss to the Saints. Fortunately for the Chargers, the defense was able to snag some 7 takeaways over the past two games. The D got 4 takeaways against the Bucs last week and another 3 in their win over the Colts the week before that. Those types of numbers cannot be counted on going forward and the Chargers need Herbert to get back on the beam ASAP.

   Final Analysis: Not liking the recent quarterback trend in LA. Denver has a solid formula for success if they can get their running game mixing with the quarterback play of Wilson. Just feel the Bolts are looking a bit more like their early season team than the team that beat the Chiefs this year. Denver 28-20.

4:15 PM Chicago Bears (11-1) at San Francisco 49ers (6-6)

Wounded Bears Hit Left Coast to Combat Feisty Frisco

     Quite a few pundits saw the Chicago Bears as some sort of invincible defensive juggernaut, but, so it seems, the Indianapolis Colts had not been reading all the headlines! Indy would punch the Bears right in the nose with a shocking, 44-38, upset that had the Colts score as many points in the game as Chicago had allowed in their previous six games combined (45)! Meanwhile, the stubbord and determined 49er's continued to show their grit by upending the Seattle Seahawks, 27-15, with an improving defense that has often, in past seasons, come under a great deal of criticism. San Francisco can smell a playoff berth, but might need to pull off another upset or two to make certain they get in.

   The Bears have seen LB David Mayo cool off a bit lately. With little to no film on the club available, it has been hard to determine if this is a result of Chicago using different schemes or a result of something else. Nonetheless, Mayo has found his way to the quarteback just 2.5 times over his last four games after destroying the league for 28.5 sacks in the team's first eight games! Regardless, their 9.82 PPG allowed is absurdly low and the Bears have 17 more sacks (99) than last year's runaway sack artists, the Kansas City Chiefs (82). This poses a major problem for San Fran as they are heavily reliant upon QB Brock Purdy and the aerial game. Purdy has been dropped 69 times on the season which ranks as the seventh most in the league. Chicago was ripped by the Indianapolis' running game last week as aged veteran Zeke Elliott gashed them for 175 yards on 20 carries. While this could signal a new weakness to the Bears' defense, Niners' top back Christian McCaffrey has rushed  20 or more times in a game just twice all year long and backup Elijah Mitchell has a season high of just 13 carries.

   Final Analysis: The Niners are a bit too one-dimensional and their area of strength falls right into the claws of the Chicago defensive pass rush. Doubt SF can get enough consistent offense here without a solid ground game. Chicago 29-16.

GAME OF THE WEEK

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM New Orleans Saints (5-7) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-7)

Something has to Give in Philly. Spiraling Champs Face Red Hot Eagles in Must-Win Duel

   The defending champion Saints are wobbling and in desperate need of a win here. The Eagles were left for dead just a few weeks ago, but have roared back with a three game winning streak that, now, has them right back in the playoff picture! This is one of those late-season games where the winner comes out in great shape while the loser may have run out of rope...

   New Orleans really has no viable route to the playoffs outside of the Wild Card. They have a mathematical chance at winning their division, but were swept in the season series with Atlanta making that path quite difficult. An eighth loss would also make the liklihood of a playoff berth a difficult sight to envision. So, here they are in a near must-win deal. They have lost three straight games to some rugged customers and now must hold off an Eagles' bunch that has, suddenly, caught fire and is in the midst of a three game winning streak! They have had some problems with an offense that, a season ago, purred like a kitten down the stretch and into the post-season. QB Derek Carr has been inconsistent and, in one way or another, the team just has not been able to get that perfect mix between Carr and power back Alvin Kamara. Carr completed a season best 73.33% of his passes in the team's. 35-14, loss to the Rams last week, but he also absorbed a season high 9 sacks. At the same time, Kamara was held to a season low 3.16 YPC average with just 60 yards rushing. The inabilty to get Carr and Kamara going in tandem has been a major problem much of the season.

  While the Saints may be staggerring, the Eagles are swaggering. They scored 40+ points for the third consecutive time as QB Jalen Hurts has, suddenly, reappeared in a big way. Hurts has tossed 11 touchdowns without a single pick in the three game streak and has used his legs to the tune of some 20 carries for 149 yards (7.45 YPC) making him a true dual threat! He was awarded offensive Player-of-the-week for the third time this season in last week's awards! WR AJ Brown has benefitted from the newly found explosiveness. the 6'1" 226 Lbs Brown has hauled in 19 balls for 399 yards  (21 YPC) over the three game winning ride and is coming off a season best 206 yard performance in his team's, 40-24, whipping over the rival New York Giants. The defense has played good enough, but is still vulnerable to the run allowing 126.25 YPG. That could open the door for Kamara to become a clock chewing beast in this one.

   Final Analysis: Just feels as if these two teams are heading in opposite directions. The recent play of Hurts has to be a concern for everyone who has to face the Eagles now. Kamara can be a huge factor in this game, but the lack of connectivity with the play of Carr has plagued the team all year long. Philadelphia 30-21.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Kansas City Chiefs (11-1) at Atlanta Falcons (7-5)

Will KC Get Caught Looking Ahead to Major Clashes with Patriots and Rams?

       It would be a serious mistake in judgement to look past the Atlanta Falcons while focusing on the Colossal matchups with the Rams and Patriots that are coming up over the next two weeks of the Chiefs' schedule. Kansas City cannot afford a single slip-up and still hope to garner the top seed for the playoffs. The significance of owning the top seed in the AFC cannot be overstated. The #2 and #3 seeds will almost certainly be among three teams: The Chiefs, Patriots, or Baltimore Ravens. And, while last season proved to everyone that overlooking any playoff team could prove hazardous, conventional wisdom would suggest that having to go through two of these three teams in order to get to the Super Bowl would be something any team would prefer avoiding. The Falcons, of course, are still the consensus favorite to win the AFC South. But, a recent three game slide has allowed the defending champion New Orleans Saints, and even the Carolina Panthers, to hang around within striking distance should the downward plunge continue. A loss to the Chiefs, combined with a New Orleans' win over the hot Philadelphia Eagles, would nudge the two teams to within one game of each other in the loss column.

   KC poured it on the Denver Broncos last week and never seemed to truly take the foot off the pedal. After rolling up a 42-7 bulge, the Chiefs would tally 13 more points and roll to a, 55-21, blowout. HB Isiah Pacheco took a big step towards defending his PFL rushing title carrying the ball 32 times for 164 yards despite the lopsided score. The offense has rumbled along much of the season, but it has been the marked uptick in the defense that has Chiefs' fans excited. The D pummeled Broncos' QB Russell Wilson for 9 sacks with 2 interceptions and the team now has an AFC best 82 sacks on the year.

   The Falcons can win this game, but it will take a total team effort to do so. The team has moved a bit off its normal MO during the recent three game skid. Top back Bijan Robinson has rushed 12,12, and 16 times over the three games after toting the ball at least 19 times in all eight games beforehand! At the same time, QB Malik Willis threw the ball 32 times in each of his last two games marking season highs in that category! 

   Final Analysis: Atlanta may be doing a bit of "experimenting" lately with the division likely locked up, but they are beginning to live a little dangerously. The offense has done better when it uses Robinson and Willis in tandem. Robinson is a threat out of the backfield catching 27 passes for 256 yards (9.48 YPC) over his prior five games and could help mitigate the KC pass rush, but the team will need some firepower and points to upset the Chiefs. Kansas City 31-21.

Teams on Bye