THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM Houston Texans (4-3-1) at New York Jets (4-4)

Big Intra-Conference Matchup Between Playoff Hopefuls

    This is a big game for both franchises. Houston is coming off one of their better games of the season featuring a very encouraging performance from QB CJ Stroud. He threw for 314 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Texans corralled the Colts, 29-3. WRs Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs each recorded 100+ yard games combining for 13 receptions, 262 yards, and 2 touchdowns. The defense joined in the party with 13.5 sacks paced by Christian Harris' 4.5 traps. The Jets lost their key matchup in the AFC East against the Patriots, 27-21. The defense could not slow down Patriot tailback Rhamondre Stevenson as he ripped through them for 141 yards and 2 scores on 24 carries. QB Aaron Rodgers would be picked off twice spoiling an, otherwise, solid 325 yard, 2 touchdown day.

   Final Analysis: Statistically, these two look pretty evenly matched. NY has a slightly better turnover and third down conversion rate, but the Texans score more points and give up less. All of that being said, how Rodgers and Stroud play should determine the outcome. HB Joe Mixon still leads the PFL in rushing (859 yards) and rushing touchdowns (8) and, if Houston can run the ball here, they should win.  Houston 26-20

1:00 PM Dallas Cowboys (4-3) at Atlanta Falcons (3-5)

Ascending Clubs Clash in Key NFC Game

   Not too long ago, these two clubs looked like they were dead in the water. But, Dallas enters this battle winners of three straight and four of its last five, while Atlanta has come out on top in two of its last three contests. A big reason for the recent upswing in Big D has been the play of QB Dak Prescott. He has thrown just two picks over his last three games and been sacked only 10 times (3.33) during that span. He is coming off his best performance of the season finishing with a 103.5 QBR as the Cowboys pulled out a, 29-21, victory over the rival San Francisco 49ers. The Falcons traded for QB Malik Willis from the Green Bay Packers and started him over Kirk Cousins last week! Willis would throw for 229 yards and 2 touchdowns, finish with an outstanding 155.7 QBR, and lead Atlanta to a huge, 21-17, win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 

   Both teams have been inconsistent running the ball this season. Dallas' Rico Dowdle has not run for more than 54 yards in any of his last four games, although he has had 4 rushing scores during those outings. Atlanta's Bijan Robinson started his season out slow and then kicked it in for three consecutive games, but he was held to 44 yards on 15 carries by the Bucs last week.

   Final Analysis: Neither team has been a high scoring machine thus far this year. Dallas is averaging 16.4 PPG despite the recent success, while the Falcons are sitting at 16.9 PPG.  Atlanta has just 5 takeaways on the year, but still own a +1 TO margin as they have only given it away 4 times all year! The Pokes are 31st in the league in third down conversion rate (30%) and that is a major worry spot for sure. Should be a good one, but the new rules could open the door for some Falcon trickery. Dallas 18-16.

 1:00 PM Miami Dolphins (3-4) at Buffalo Bills (3-5)

Dolphs In Western New York to Face Bills in "Must-Win' Contest?

   The Dolphins need a win if for no other reason than to give the team some confidence. After being wiped out two weeks ago by the Indianapolis Colts, they had to watch K Matt Prater boot a 54 yard pressured kick through the uprights to seal an Arizona Cardinal, 23-20 victory. Coach Mike Kleinknecht was showing his old colors as QB Tua Tagovailoa threw the ball 28 times for 328 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Bills played another spirited game, but came up just a shade short, in their battle with the Seattle Seahawks, 34-31. QB Josh Allen had a solid game throwing for 337 yards and 4 touchdowns and HB James Cook scorched the Seahawks' defense for 116 yards on 22 carries. 

   This one could evolve into an offensive game. Buffalo is an improving offense and can score if they can give Allen time to throw the ball. Buffalo's 26.5 PPG on offense ranks third in the entire league, but their 214 points allowed ranks 31st!  A big problem, so far, for Miami has been on third down where they are converting at a 31st rated 29%.

   Final Analysis: Miami has to hope they can begin to find an offensive rhythm ASAP as they run the risk of getting outscored by the Bills. This one should get down to which team can play some defense. Miami 28-24.

1:00 PM Las Vegas Raiders (3-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-4)

Will Bengals Start Their Traditional Late Season Run?

   The Cincinnati Bengals have a well established history of being late starters. They are two games behind the front running Baltimore Ravens and a game back of the Cleveland Browns in the AFC North. They are 1-1 in the division, which is the same as Baltimore and Cleveland, with the Pittsburgh Steelers having not played a single game yet versus anyone within the division! The Raiders have had a rough time of late dropping three games in a row by a combined 12 points! They are entering this game coming off a a tough loss to the rival Kansas City Chiefs, 34-31, with QB Gardner Minshew throwing for 328 yards and 3 touchdowns and running back Kareem Hunt rushing for 82 yards on 17 carries. The defense, unfortunately, could not stop Patrick Mahomes and the gang from eking out the win.

   Cinci leads the AFC North in scoring averaging 26 PPG, but they also have surrendered the most points in the division at 25.75 PPG! QB Joe Burrow is 4th in the PFL throwing for 311 YPG, but his 10 picks ranks second only to the Chargers' Justin Herbert. Slow footed Zach Moss has not been able to adequately replace the departed Joe Mixon thus far, and the lack of a steady running game has forced Burrow to the air too much and put a great deal of pressure on the offense to score points. Trey Hendrickson, BJ Hill, and Sam Hubbard have played well up front combining for 31.5 sacks and 57 TFLs. However, the club's -5 turnover margin ranks 30th in the league and the inefficiency of the ground game has led to a 34% red zone rate that has the Bengals sitting at 12th in the AFC.

  Final Analysis: This one seems destined to become a high scoring affair. Neither team has been very good at stopping the pass with the Raiders ranked 13th and the Bengals 14th in the conference. Expect a shootout in this one. If there is a factor that looks like it could determine a winner it would have to be in the turnover ratios of the two teams. Cinci's -5 ratio is dwarfed by the Raiders' league leading +9!  Vegas 32-26

1:00 PM Los Angeles Chargers (0-7) at Cleveland Browns (5-3)

Browns Focus on Divison as Bolts Seek a Win

     The Browns upset of the Baltimore Ravens last week has the team and city in a bit of a feeding frenzy these days and it is a good bet the Dog Pound will be howling this week. They get a winless Chargers' team that is being led by QB Justin Herbert and his league most 14 interceptions...

   Cleveland QB Deshaun Watson is averaging just 169.1 YPG passing, but he has not turned the ball over (1) and has a 111.3 QBR as a result. HB Nick Chubb leads the AFC North in rushing averaging 85.9 YPG and the Browns' offense has accepted the role of being game managers. OLB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramora has been excellent with 4 sacks, 2 interceptions, 3 forced fumbles, 5 pass deflections, and 13 TFLs on the season.

   The Chargers just cannot shoot straight. Herbert has been a turnover machine and the defense has not been able to stop folks nor generate much of a pass rush. The team's 18 total sacks ranks dead last in the league and the inability to get pressure has allowed opposing teams to pick them apart which, in turn, exerts a ton of pressure on the offense to keep up. Their -8 turnover margin is also last in the league.

   Final Analysis: The Browns are trending in the right direction and will not likely turn it over in this game. Watson and the offense can bide its time and wait for the D to get after Herbert and Co.. Cleveland 30-13.

1:00 PM New England Patriots (4-4) at Tennessee Titans (4-3)

Can Pats Stay Ahead of AFC East Chasers? Titans Hoping to Remain in Playoff Picture

   Tennessee has been a bit of a surprise so far in the PFL. QB Will Levis is averaging 301 YPG and is sitting with a 104.9 QBR! He has had to play well considering that HB Tony Pollard has not been overly dynamic. Pollard has not run for more than 75 yards in any game this season and had a paltry 6 yards on 4 carries in last week's wild,41-40, win over the Detroit Lions. New England has had to rely upon rookie QB Drake Maye. He has played, at times, brilliantly, but on other occasions he has played like a rookie. The Pats have gone 1-4 in any game where he has thrown an interception further revealing how much his efforts matter to the success or failure of the club.

   This one could get down to which team can run the ball better. Tennessee is allowing 104.9 YPG against the rush and New England can strut out Rhamondre Stevenson to attack the Titans' front seven. Stevenson powered his way for 149 yards and 2 touchdowns last week as the Patriots edged the Jets, 27-21. They have gone 3-0 in any game in which he has rushed for 82 or more yards. 

   The Titans have gone 4-1 in games in which Levis has tossed 1 or fewer picks. His ability to not turn it over will be a huge factor in this matchup. Tennessee has been able to generate just 3 takeaways all season and have a -5 ratio as a result. so any turnover can be fatal to the Titans' cause.

   Final Analysis: New England has the better running game. If they are patient enough, Stevenson should give them favorable down and distance situtions. Meanwhile, Pollard has not been very effective and that could lead to Levis throwing it alot. He has been sacked 25 times over his past two games. New England 25-20.

1:00 PM Indianapolis Colts (2-6) at Minnesota Vikings (3-3-1)

Deflated Ponies Meet Vikes as Minny Eyes 1st Place in NFC North

   The Indianapolis Colts saw their modest two game winning streak come to a crashing halt as they were manhandled by the Houston Texans, 29-3, last week. The running game was non-existent and QB Anthony Richardson would be harrassed all game long getting sacked 14 times. Richardson did not, though, throw an interception for the fifth consecutive game, however he also did not throw a TD pass for the second straight outing. The Vikings have benefitted from the demise of the Green Bay Packers and remain right on the Packers' heels. QB Sam Darnold was benched for the third game in a row in favor of rookie JJ McCarthy. J-Mac had played well in his first two starts as a Viking, but came tumbling down the hill with a dismal 11 sack, 1 pick, 71.8 QBR outing in an, 18-6, loss to the Rams. 

   The Colts are probably done in the AFC, but the Vikings have real aspirations of taking the NFC Divisional crown. HB Aaron Jones has been a bit erratic this season and, to date, has not found the endzone yet! Minnesota is the only team in the PFL without a single rushing touchdown all year long! Obviously, that stat has put way too much heat on the aerial game to perform. 

   Final Analysis: Minny should win this one and could find themselves atop the division if the Packers continue to stumble. But, the lack of scoring from the backfield and an NFC worst run defense could open the door for Colts' RB Jonathan Taylor to have a big game.  Minnesota 24-21.

1:00 PM Washington Commanders (1-7) at New York Giants (4-4)

DC Off the Hook! G-Men Fired Up Over Playoff Possibility

  It is always a great feeling to get that first W out of the way. Washington earned its first last week in a big way dismantling the Chicago Bears, 31-13, while sacking Chicago rookie QB Caleb Williams a staggering 17 times! The Giants slipped past the Pittsburgh Steelers in an exhilerating over-time battle, 22-19! Big Blue would see the Steelers kick a FG in the OT session, but responded with a touchdown to seal the victory.

   Washington is a dangerous team. There are some numbers that suggest they could pull off an upset here. The Giants have an NFC low 6 touchdown passes. The G-Men do have a solid 50% red zone efficiency rating, but have entered the zone just 22 times all year and failed to score any points at all on some 28% of those trips! New York is also the second most penalized team in the NFC with 33 hankies for 300 yards and have a -2 turnover margin compared to Washington's +2...

   Final Analysis: The Giants love to run the football and come in second in the NFC with 798 yards on the ground even though All-timer Saquon Barkely is now with the hated Philadelphia Eagles. Rookie Tyrone Tracy and veteran Devin Singletary continue to split the running chores and have 10 rushing scores and 769 yards between them. The Commanders' Brian Robinson and Austin Ekeler have totalled 5 scores and 378 yards rushing. That being said, rookie sensation QB Jayden Daniels just had his third 300+ yard game of the year and has not tossed an interception over his prior three games! If Daniels can find the endzone enough and the defense can slow down the NY running game, this one could be tight. New York 26-22.

1:00 PM New Orleans Saints (5-3) at Carolina Panthers (4-4)

Surprising Teams Suddenly in Big NFC South Collision!

   Few folks saw this one coming. Carolina began the season going 2-4 and was exasperated over the play of their sophomore quarterback, Bryce Young. They have now spliced together back-to-back wins and are right in the middle of the NFC South Division race! The Saints, of course, won the title two years ago and started their campaign going 2-0. But they then stumbled and bumbled a bit dropping three of their next four games as the offense bogged down. But, the never-say-die Halos have rebounded with two wins over the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers (albeit not some monumental feat, but a win in the PFL is a win) to tie the slumping Tampa Bay Buccaneers atop the division!

   After being benched in week 6 against the Atlanta Falcons, Young was reinserted into the lineup and has responded magnificently! He has posted back-to-back 100+ QBR games throwing for 570 yards, 3 touchdowns, and completing 71% of his throws (39-55) without a pick! Tailback Jonathon Brooks has bulled his way for 330 yards over his last three games while running a bruising 89 times with 6 touchdowns!

   The Saints got back to their bread and butter these past two games: Handing the ball off the Alvin Kamara, passing the ball judiciously with Derek Carr, stopping the run on defense, and taking the ball away via the interception. Kamara racked up back-to-back 100+ rushing totals these past two weeks for the first time this season. He found paydirt 3 times as well, after getting into the endzone just once over the team's first six games. DB Marshawn Lattimore had a pick in each of the last two games and now has 4 on the season.

   Final Analysis: A big game that many did not foresee. The Saints will win if they can keep to their formula for success intact. Young will need to pass the ball well and not find the Saints' secondary and Brooks needs to at least do some damage versus the stingy New Orleans' run D. New Orleans 20-17.

1:00 PM Denver Broncos (2-6) at Baltimore Ravens (6-2)

Ravens Vulnerable After Upset Loss to Browns

   The Baltimore Ravens were cruising along in the AFC North, but a defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Browns last week combined with some solid play from the rest of the division has tightened things up just a bit. The Denver Broncos remain without leadership and it is taking its toll.

   Final Analysis: Without a coaching staff, hard to see how Denver can win this one especially against a fired up Ravens' bunch.  NO LINE

4:05 PM Chicago Bears (2-5) at Arizona Cardinals (4-4)

Is Bears' Rook Caleb Williams Regressing? Cards Flying High After Third W in a Row!

       When you get sacked 17 times in a game and your teams gets whipped too, it is hard to say that QB Caleb Williams is progressing. Still, the rookie signal caller is working his way through a rough first season without a steady offensive coordinator to help him along. Chicago will head to the Desert to face a Cardinals crew that is playing better than one would anticipate considering they also are without leadership. 

   Final Analysis: Near impossible to predict this one so time will tell. NO LINE

4:25 PM Detroit Lions (1-6) at Green Bay Packers (4-4)

Can Cats Keep Pack Reeling?

   The Detroit Lions lost their fourth game in a row, but still had quite a few positives to take with them despite the, 41-40, loss to Tennessee last week. The Green Bay Packers were throttled by Jacksonville, 41-20, in a game that was not that close. The team seemed woefully unprepared, could not run the ball yet again, and was badly outcoached.

   Detroit just could not score enough to outlast the Titans. QB Jared Goff threw for a season high 257 yards and 3 touchdowns to finish off a fine 139.4 QBR game and HB Jahmyr Gibbs powered the ball 34 times for 117 yards. But the defense surrendered 434 yards passing to the Titans' Will Levis and the 11 sacks they did record, was still  not good enough. The Lions are near the bottom of the league in red zone efficiency (29%) and third down converson rate (31%). Green Bay, despite their obvious problems, comes in with an NFC leading +8 turnover margin and have been penalized the third fewest yards (140) in the PFL. However, Detroit is 5th in the NFC in rushing (730 yards) and face a Packers' team that has ceded the second most rushing yards (802) in the league! On the other hand, Green Bay's 130 first downs is second in the conference, while the Lions' 91 is last!

   Final Analysis: Green Bay was humiliated again last week and seems in complete disarray. Their inability to run the ball has led to far too many predictable passing situations. The defense was ripped to pieces by a series of Jaguar motion plays and not prepared, at all, to stop the run even though the Jags' top back, Travis Etienne, was knocked out of the game early on. If they cannot contain Gibbs and the passing of Goff, this one could get away from them, but one gets the feeling the Pack may have had enough...Green Bay 27-21.

GAME OF THE WEEK

4:25 PM Los Angeles Rams (6-1) at Seattle Seahawks (6-2)

Monster Showdown in NFC West Between SB Contenders

    The Seattle Seahawks put themselves in this position courtesy of a huge play out of SS Rayshawn Jenkins. The DB would pick off Buffalo Bills' QB Josh Allen and take it back for a touchdown that would help the 'Hawks slip past a game Buffalo team. LA's defense was outstanding in its, 18-6, win over the Minnesota Vikings. The D would record 13 sacks, stuff HB Aaron Jones (holding him to 22 yards on 14 carries), and tally a safety on the day.

   Rookie tailback Kyren Williams rushed for 100+ yards for the third time in his last four games. He had season highs in rush attempts (30) and Yards (137) as the Rams leaned on a ball control attack and a rock solid defense. The Rams' defense could be the difference in this one. They are allowing just 56.1 YPG against the run and that has been a major part of the Seattle offensive game plan in recent times. However, star running back Kenneth Walker has not had a 100 yard rushing game over the past four outings as the Seahawks have drifted to a passing posture. QB Geno Smith has flipped 7 touchdowns in his last three games after posting 7 in the first five games of the year.  He also comes into this matchup having not thrown an interception over his last four games! He has been getting excellent protection as well. Smith has been sacked just 13 times in the past 4 games (3.25 per game) and that is allowing Seattle opportunities to keep drives alive.

   QB Matt Stafford did not have a touchdown pass last week marking the first time all season he failed to record at least 1 TD pass. He has ended every game this year with a QBR of 101 or better and, like Smith, simply does not turn it over. Stafford has not thrown an interception since week 2! Kyren Williams is on a bit of a roll and his arrival is giving LA a balanced attack that is difficult to stop. His ability to get significant first down yardage is helping open up the playbook. Braden Fiske and Kobie Turner, not exactly household names, have each dropped the opposing quarterback 12 times producing major pressure off the edges.

   Final analysis: Both teams protect the ball and their quarterbacks extremely well. That means execution will be the key as well as play calling. LA seems to have the better run defense and, if they can stop Seattle on a few early downs, they could get some stops. A close one for sure. Los Angeles 20-18.   

GAME OF THE WEEK II

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL

8:20 PM PM Jacksonville Jaguars (7-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (6-1)

Conference Powerhouses Butt Heads in Prime Time Treat!

   Is this a preview of the Super Bowl? The Jaguars have proven to be among the top teams in all of football with the top rated offense powered by the revived arm of QB Trevor Lawrence and a ferocious pass rush that has been terrorizing opposing signal callers to the tune of a PFL most 74 sacks! Philly has just been steady all year long. The defense is anchored by an interior duo that has been awfully tough to handle. Massive Jordan Davis (6'6" 336 Lbs) and fellow ex-Georgia Bulldog Jalen Carter form one of the best interior tandems in football. Veteran DE Brandon Graham continues to play at a high level with a team leading 10.5 sacks.

   Jacksonville has tapped into a series of plays and play calling that few teams have seen nor can defend. They were able to crush the Green Bay Packers, 41-20, last week hitting on numerious 1-play strikes. Lawrence is, easily, the front runner for league MVP honors at this time. The Ex-Clemson Tiger has had struggles in the past, but not this season. To date, he has a stunning 20 touchdown passes compared to a lone interception and tops the PFL with a 143.2 QBR! The team did lose top runner Travis Etienne last week, but reserve tailback Tank Bigsby came in and picked it right up rushing for 145 yards on 15 carries including a blazing 78 yard TD jaunt! And, speaking of the J-Ville defense, has anyone come close to the performance of MLB Devin Lloyd? All he has done is roll up 20 sacks, 37 TFLs, 6 pass deflections, and an interception! Six different Jaguars have at least 7 sacks with DE Josh Hines-Allen (17) and OLB Foyesade Oluokun (12) the leaders of the gang behind Lloyd!

   Philly can win this game despite the obvious statistical disparities. However, they will likely need HB Saquon Barkley to put up better numbers than he has thus far to pull it off. He has not had a single 100-yard game all season, although he has recorded at least one rushing touchdown in every game this year except one. QB Jalen Hurts is the team's second leading rusher carrying it 47 times for 203 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns. TE Dallas Goedert has been Hurts' favorite target between the 20's with a team high 40 receptions. However, Goedert does not have a receiving touchdown yet.

   Final Analysis: Feel Jacksonville is running an offense that teams have not caught onto yet and Philly will likely have some problems containing the Jaguar attack. If Barkely cannot generate some effective yardage, the burden will fall onto Hurts and the offensive line will then have to hold off the J-Ville pass rush. Jacksonville 27-20.

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL 

8:15 PM Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-3)

Slumping Bucs Travel to Arrowhead VS Revived KC Gang

    This is not the team the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to be visiting this week, The team has endured two straight losses after looking tremendous in weeks five and six. The up and down nature of the franchise has folks worried the team will not be able to hold off the hard charging Saints, Panthers, and Falcons. KC had trouble putting away the rival Raiders last week needing two 4th quarter field goals from K Harrison Butker to finally pull out the victory.

   The Chiefs have scored 150 points over their last four games (37.5 PPG) and look as powerful as many anticipated. QB Patrick Mahomes is on fire flipping an amazing 13 touchdown passes over his last three games (4,5,4) with a stunning 1448 yards (482.67) during that span! HB Isiah Pacheco has not been able to get his act going yet but, if he does, this team will be near invincible. The sack totals are slowly coming up too, with the Chiefs now tied for 9th with 49.

   The Bucs have some nice numbers to bring with them to Arrowhead, but it is how they have played the past two games that is the concern. QB Baker Mayfield was picked off twice and HB Rachaad White ran just 15 times in a week 7, 24-15, defeat to the Ravens and followed that stinker up with a, 21-17, loss to the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, Mayfield would be intercepted twice again and White ran it, yet again, just 15 times.

   Final Analysis: KC is rolling and have not even gotten Pacheco untracked yet so look out! Tampa Bay has become turnover prone and the team has seen White accumulate just 30 carries in the two game skid which marks his lowest two game total of the year. If they cannot run the ball enough to shorten the game and give Mayfield some solid down and distance scenarios, this one could quickly become a blowout. Kansas City 32-18.

ON A BYE