8:20 PM Pittsburgh Steelers (5-5) at Cleveland Browns (6-4)

Steelers/Browns in Major AFC Confrontation

   A huge game for both teams, especially the Steelers. Pittsburgh is embroiled in a real dogfight for a Wild Card berth with no fewer than 7 other AFC teams (Including these Browns), and find themselves 1 game behind Cleveland and a half-game behind Cincinnati in the AFC North. The Steelers' defense played well enough to win in last week's meeting with the Baltimore Ravens, but the offense just was not quite good enough. They held the Ravens to just 39 yards rushing, but QB Lamar Jackson threw for 317 yards and K Justin Tucker would hurt them with 5 field goals. Cleveland would pluck off 3 Derek Carr passes as they walked past the Saints, 23-13. RB Nick Chubb won the running battle versus the Saints' HB Alvin Kamara. Chubb Chugged his way for 136 yards and a touchdown on 31 carries, while Kamara ran for 91 yards and no scores on 23 carries.

   Final Analysis: This should be one tough game. It features a rough and tumble Steelers' run defense against the power running of Cleveland's Chubb. Pittsburgh leads the AFC allowing just 59.6 YPG versus the run, while the Browns rank 7th in rushing averaging 111.3 YPG. If Cleveland cannot get their ground game going, then the offensive burden could fall onto QB DeShaun Watson's arm.  He has done a nice job protecting the football, but has not had a single 300+ yard game all year long. Like the Steelers' D in this one. Pittsburgh 21-17.

1:00 PM Minnesota Vikings (4-5-1) at Chicago Bears (5-5)

1st Place Bears' D Tries to Claw Invading Vikes in Big NFC North Matchup

   Both teams coming off big wins last week. The Vikings edged the Tennessee Titans, 25-24, as they elected to go for two late in the game and converted. The Bears used a ferocious defense to sack Green Bay Packer QB Jordan Love 11 times and hold him to a season low 42% completion rate as they won a tour-de-force war, 10-9, and took over first place in the NFC North. They did have severe problems in pass protecting, however, as rookie QB Caleb Williams would be sacked 15 times and throw two interceptions.

   If Chicago can keep playing the type defense they displayed last week and get its offense going, they club will be heavy favorites to take the division. They only play one team that currently has a record above .500 (Seattle) left on their schedule. Minnesota is in the exact same boat, so the winner of this one will take a big time step forward. 

  Both teams have had pass protection woes as well as the propensity for turning the ball over. The Vikings are tied for the second most interceptions (9) thrown in the NFC with Chicago right behind with 8. Minnesota has allowed 60 sacks, while the Bears have seen their QB dropped some 65 times on the season.

   Final Analysis: Whichever team can protect the ball, protect their quarterback, and get their offense going the best should win, Feel the Bears are playing the better ball right now on a three game winning streak. Chicago 29-20.

 1:00 PM Detroit Lions (2-8) at Indianapolis Colts (5-6)

Lions Head to Indy to Meet Surging Colts

   The Indianapolis Colts have been on a roll of late and, quite frankly, are not a team anyone wants to be facing right now. They have won five of their last six games averaging 28 PPG led by the play of QB Anthony Richardson. Richardson threw for 300+ yards for the third consecutive game last week with 9 touchdowns in the trio of outings! The Lions got by the high powered Jacksonville Jaguars, 20-14, for only their second win of the season. The offense was not great as QB Jared Goff threw two interceptions, but the D did a superb job on MVP candidate QB Trevor Lawrence picking him off twice.

   Final Analysis: Indy has a +4 turnover margin. Detroit's 151.1 YPG passing ranks 31st in the league with Goff's 79 sacks taken the fourth most in football. Colts keep rolling. Indianapolis 28-22.

1:00 PM New England Patriots (5-6) at Miami Dolphins (5-4-1)

Front Running Fish Hosting Upset Minded Pats

     New England finds itself in a near must-win situation. They have been a bit of a yo-yo team this season and have not been able to get into a steady groove. They did pull off a big win last week upending the Rams, 34-17, behind the explosive running of HB Rhamondre Stevenson (15-157-2) and a defense that intercepted QB Matt Stafford twice with CB Jonathan Jones taking one back to the house. Miami dumped the Raiders, 28-6, as the defense swiped three QB Gardner Minshew passes and QB Tua Tagovailoa had 2 TD throws.

   Final Analysis: This could be a high scoring affair. The Dolphins ripped New England, 45-14, in week 5 with Tagovailoa connecting for 4 touchdowns and the D limiting rookie QB Drake Maye to just 118 yards. Maye can be erratic and unpredictable, and the Dolphins seem poised to make a run. Miami 30-24.

GAME OF THE WEEK

1:00 PM Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-3) at New York Giants (6-4)

NFC Contenders in Statement Game

    Two of football's best run defenses will be on display. New York is third in the PFL versus the run giving up 64 YPG with Tampa Bay right behind them surrendering just 69.3 YPG. However, the G-Men also rank third against the pass (170.1 YPG), whereas the Bucs are 21st (225.4 YPG). The defensive edge is clearly in favor of New York in this one. On the flip side of the coin, though, Tampa Bay has the upper hand averaging 328.1 YPG compared to the Giants' 303.9 YPG. Another stat of note is the Buccaneers' 4-0 road record while New York is just 3-2 at home.

   New York has been employing a tandem backfield offense featuring backs Tyrone Tracy and Devin Singletary. The two have combined for 1180 yards and 12 touchdowns while running 136 and 137 times respectively in a near perfect symmetry. QB Daniel Jones has managed games well, but he has tossed just 8 TD passes on the season causing backup QB Drew Lock to see action as well. Tampa Bay's Baker Mayfield has flipped 24 TD throws with only 6 picks, while tailback Rachaad White has run for 819 yards. 6'5" 231 Lbs veteran WR Mike Evans could be a problem. Evans has already gone over 1000 yards receiving on the season (1081) and leads the team with 64 receptions and 8 touchdowns. He also has just 2 drops (3%) on the year.

   Final Analysis: Should be a defensive battle. Basically, it should get down to the Giants' running game versus the Bucs' passing game. Mayfield has only been sacked 33 times all year and has a knack for getting rid of the ball. If the Bucs can slow down the Tracy/Singletary duo, then Daniels will be compelled to step it up. Tampa Bay 20-18.   

1:00 PM Dallas Cowboys (5-5) at Washington Commanders (1-10)

Dallas and DC Renew Old Rivalry at FedEx

   The Cowboys have lost two big games in a row as their running game has suddenly seemed to disappear. They were beaten by Philadelphia in a key game two weeks back and were soundly whipped by the in-state rival Houston Texans, 45-28, last week. Tailback Rico Dowdle saw his exciting early season rise come back to earth. He was held to 29 yards on 11 carries by the Eagles and then was stopped cold for a mere 14 yards in the loss to Houston! Washington was thoroughly outclassed by a powerful Eagles' team last week losing, 23-3. Promising rookie QB Jayden Daniels had a miserable day getting sacked 15 times and throwing for a season low 116 yards.

   Final Analysis: Both teams really could use a running game to help their cause. The Cowboys are 5-1 in games where Dowdle has run the ball 11 or more times. Washington's Brian Robinson has been held to 18 or fewer yards rushing some six times this season and has not had a single 100+ yard game. Dallas 27-16.

1:00 PM Kansas City Chiefs (5-5) at Carolina Panthers (4-6)

Can Panthers Keep KC Reeling?

   The Chiefs have not been able to get it going this season, just ye,t and the frustration is beginning to build. The defense was ripped by Buffalo QB Josh Allen last week as the Bills rolled, 52-26! Allen threw for 342 yards and 4 touchdowns and was sacked 6 times. While the sack total might seem a bit high, it was good enough to give Allen the time he needed.The Panthers are coming off their bye week. The last time they stepped onto the field they were drubbed by the NY Giants, 39-0, with QB Bryce Young throwing for a meager 78 yards with two picks.

   KC did get HB Isiah Pacheco going last week as he ran for 121 yards on 20 carries. But QB Patrick Mahomes would be intercepted twice including a 24 yard pick-6 by Bills' CB Rasul Douglas. The Chiefs just seem to shoot themselves in the foot one way or another. If they start to gel, though, look out!

   Carolina likely lacks the firepower or the defense to upset the Chiefs. Still, they have been capable at times and are a dangerous club. It almost always gets down to the play of Bryce Young. He will be under seige by the KC pass rush.

   Final Analysis: KC is in good shape in the AFC West, but needs to get its act together here soon. The Panthers are looking more towards the draft while analyzing their personnel.  Kansas City 30-16.

1:00 PM Tennessee Titans (6-4) at Houston Texans (6-4-1)

AFC Foes Face Off With Playoff Implications on the Plate

    This is a rather significant matchup in the AFC South and Conference. Neither team is likely to catch the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the winner at least has a shot, and the victor will take a major step towards securing a playoff berth.

   Tennessee lost a tension filled game to the Minnesota Vikings, 25-24, last week as the Vikes opted for, and converted, a late 2-point try rather than go into OT. QB Will Levis threw for 410 yards and 3 touchdowns, but took 8 sacks and had a key interception. HB Tony Pollard never got going finishing with 37 yards on 12 carries. He has not scored a touchdown over his last five games.

   The Texans poured on a season high 45 points in their defeat of the Dallas Cowboys last week. The powerful Houston ground game was in full display as top back Joe Mixon rumbled for 158 yards and 3 touchdowns on 23 carries! Mixon's 1215 yards rushing easily leads the PFL and his margin is now a stunning 260 yards more then the #2 back, New England's Rhamondre Stevenson! 

   Final Analysis: Tennessee ranks 29th in the PFL (109.9 YPG) against the run and gets the league's top running team in Houston (125.6 YPG). It means the Texans will be able to control tempo, time of possession, and get into solid down and distance situations. Houston 26-20.

4:05 PM Denver Broncos (3-8) at Las Vegas Raiders (3-7)

Second Tier Clubs look Toward Future

   Two teams that are looking ahead to the off-season meet. Denver does have young and exciting QB Bo Nix to build around. Nix showed a glimpse of, what many in Denver hope, his skill can offer last week as he threw for 255 yards and two touchdowns in the Broncos', 15-10, upset over the Atlanta Falcons. Vegas is living with QB Gardner Minshew and it is likely they will be looking at acquiring a new signal caller come the draft.

   Both teams have had some problems on offense. Denver comes in ranked 24th while the Raiders are 28th in YPG. A solid stat is the fact Denver's Nix has been sacked a league low 27 times on the season...

   Final Analysis: Denver does not give up sacks and Nix should get a bit of room for success this week. Nonethelesss, these seem like two fairly evenly matched teams and scoring is likely to be at a premium. Denver 21-18.

4:25 PM  San Francisco 49ers (5-5) at Green Bay Packers (5-5)

Sagging Niners-Pack Try to Get Untracked at Lambeau

   The San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers meet at historic Lambeau Field for a very important game. Both teams have muddled along much of the season and now have come to a sort of cross-roads. The Niners are on a five game losing slide that is jeopardizing their playoff aspirations. They continue to pass the ball at a prolific rate, but get the league's #1 pass defense (158.8 YPG) in the form of the Packers. Green Bay, for their part, were exasperated after last week's,10-9, loss to the rival Chicago Bears. The running game continued to be a major worry spot for the team as HB Josh Jacons mustered just 53 yards on 14 carries. He has just one game all year where he has rushed for more than 53 yards in a game!

   Final Analysis: This is an interesting game. If the Niners can find room to pass the ball, they could force Green Bay to be one-dimensional as the Packer running game has been on empty much of the year. On the other hand, if Green Bay's pass defense limits Niner QB Brock Purdy, then it could be tough for San Fran to score. Passing usually beats the running game, but SF seems on a downward spiral while the Packers need to get their running game going.  Green Bay 23-21.

4:25 PM Arizona Cardinals (5-5) at Seattle Seahawks (8-2)

Cards Eying Playoffs and Upset Of Storming Seahawks

   This one could be closer than many think. Yes, Seattle has been rolling along in the NFC and are on a seven game winning streak, but the Cards are a very dangerous club winning four of their last five outings.

   The Seahawks have had quite a bit go their way this season. The running game, powered by star Back Kenneth Walker (and sidekick Zach Charbonnet), has been good and QB Geno Smith has played well with just 4 interceptions all year. The defense is ranked 6th overall (258.8 YPG). Rookie defensive sensation Byron Murphy has racked up 15 sacks to date, The Cards, though, are no pushovers. QB Kyler Murray can beat teams with both his arm and his legs. Aged Veteran back James Connor has run for 621 yards and 5 scores.

   Final Analysis: Seattle is playing as well as any team in football. While 'Zona can win this one, it just seems the Seahawks are playing a bit better. Seattle 26-19.

8:20 PM Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) at Los Angeles Rams (6-3-1)

Philly Flies West to Butt Heads With Rams

   Philly took care of in-division foes Dallas and Washington over the last two weeks to all but wrap up the NFC East Championship. They now can turn their attention toward trying to secure the #1 seed come playoff time. LA was soundly thumped by the Patriots, 34-17, last week and are in danger of falling too far behind the Seahawks in the NFC West. They need a W badly, but have to contend with one of the best teams in the league this week.

   Nothing truly pops out at you when you check the Philadelphia stat-line. However, what does grab your eye is the fact they just keep winning. QB Jalen Hurts and HB Saquon Barkley have not had, thus far, terrific campaigns. The pass rush is solid, but not so dominant as to instill terror. Overall, the Eagles are strutting out a solid, consistent product that knows how to win.

  The Rams have gone 0-2-1 over their last three games and, quite frankly, the offense has fallen back a bit. The team needs QB Matt Stafford to avoid the turnover. He threw two picks in last week's loss and another interception two weeks ago in that defeat. A bright spot, though, is HB Kyren Williams who continues to play well.

   Final Analysis: Whichever team can get their style of ball going should win. LA has a solid runner in Williams, but the team remains inconsistent in both the passing game and on defense. Philly is steady. Philadelphia 28-23.

8:15 PM Baltimore Ravens (9-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (1-9)

Ravens Closing in on NFC North Crown. Chargers Looking Toward Draft

   This looks like a major mismatch with the powerful Ravens travelling to LA to face the 1-win Chargers. It could very well end up being as lopsided as many anticipate, but the Bolts have played a number of very close games this year that could easily have gone their way. The Chargers have lost five games by 7 points or less. Basically, if QB Justin Herbert can avoid the turnover, Los Angeles has at least a shot. Sadly, Herbert has thrown 17 picks on the year and has had six games where he has tossed multiple picks...ugh

   Baltimore has won seven out its last eight games and is playing solid football. The offense could be better, though, as HB Derrick Henry enters this game averaging just 3.3 YPC and has rushed for 100+ yards just once. Still the team ranks 3rd in YPG (363.3) and the defense has smacked folks around to the tune of 71 sacks! 

   Final Analysis: Should be an easy one for Baltimore, but the PFL has shown that this year every game can be competitive. Expect the Ravens to win here. They can win big if Herbert plays poorly, or this one could be a bit tighter than expected.  Baltimore 31-18.

ON A BYE