Just a few weeks ago the Raiders met a winless Cleveland Browns' squad and were stunned, 30-27. That defeat put the Vegas' locker room into a weekly state of high alert and this week is no different. They are coming off a much needed bye week and face a dangerous Chargers' team. The Bolts lost, 28-14, to an improving Dallas team last week as the quarterback woes for Justin Herbert continued. Herbert would throw two interceptions, including a 27-yard pick six by SS Markquese Bell, and now has 5 picks on the year. On a positive note, HB JK Dobbins ran for over 100 yards for the third time in his last four games (30-124). That is a significant factor in this matchup as Vegas is yielding just 87 YPG against the run.

   Final Analysis: The Raiders have had meaningful wins over the New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles, but they were also shut down completely by the Denver Broncos and lost to the Browns. They are an improved club, for sure, but have shown to be highly unpredictable. Los Angeles has established a strong running game with Dobbins and really just needs Herbert to not mess things up. Las Vegas 26-23.

SUNDAY 1:00 PM: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-4) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (3-3)

Slumping 'Hawks in Desparate Times? Titans in AFC South Logjam Battle

   It is likely too late for the Seahawks to realistically consider repeating as NFC West Champs. They have already lost more regular season games than they did all of last season. The offense has been tasked with needing to score much more than a year ago, averaging a PFL 5th best 30.7 PPG, as the traditionally rugged defense simply has not been there yielding 30.29 PPG! The defensive shortcomings have, all too often, compelled starting quarterback Geno Smith to shoulder a much bigger portion of the offense than he is geared for. In the club's four defeats, Smith has thrown the ball an average of 36.75 times with six interceptions and 25 sacks (6.25 per game). In the team's three victories, he has averaged just 19.66 throws with 2 picks and 10 sacks (3.33 sacks per game). Those number correlate directly with a defense that gave up 40+ points in three of the losses (38.25 PPG) and 59 total points (19.66 PPG) in the three wins! Tennessee is one of three teams (Cleveland and Chicago are the other two) that does not have a single rushing touchdown on the season! Their 41.33 YPG rushing is dead last in the PFL leading to QB Will Levis carrying, almost exclusively, the entire offense! Levis has thrown the second most pass attempts in the league (Dallas' Dak Prescott has tossed 270), but done so in one less game than Prescott. His 44 pass attempts per game is the most in the league and his 61 sacks absorbed is second only to Cincinnati's Joe Burrow!

   Final Analysis: Seattle is in jeopardy of missing the playoffs and need a win badly here. They should be able to focus on Levis and the passing game, but their 2205 passing yards allowed is the most in the league! The Titans might be able to get a big game out of Levis versus a Seahawk secondary and pass rush that had, in the past, been among the very best in football. Seattle needs to get their defense back in the groove and this would be a prime team to do it against...Seattle 26-23.

 SUNDAY 1:00 PM: ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-5)

Cards Soaring, Colts Stuck in Mud?

    Few folks could have foreseen the Arizona Cardinals as the top team in the NFC West when pre-season prognostications were released. But, once again, a Mike Kleinknecht coached team is sitting right at the very top of the division perched to claim a title! They have posted a sparkling 5-1 record, surprisingly, with a much better than anticipated defense that is allowing 18.8 PPG, 87.67 YPG versus the run, and own a league leading 8 interceptions!  The red zone defensive efficiency rating is ranked 3rd in the PFL (20% 4-20) and the team's +5 turnover ratio is third best in all of football! The Colts' defense, conversely, has just 1 takeaway all year long leading to a -6 team turnover margin. They are giving up 35.33 PPG and the club's 26% (7-26) red zone rating is 30th in the league. The lack of touchdown production is not allowing the team to offset its defensive woes. To compound matters, consider that the Colts are the most penalized team in the league (20).

   Final Analysis: The Cards are sitting pretty and rolling along. The Colts seem in complete disarray. Arizona 32-16.

GAME OF THE WEEK

SUNDAY 1:00 PM: DENVER BRONCOS (5-1) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (3-3-1)

Can G-Men Tame Rampaging Broncos?

    A season ago the New York Giants took the PFL by storm with a powerful running game concept. This year, though, the running game has not been as dominant and the team's 23.9 PPG average ranks 21st in the league. The decline in the running game has put the team into far more predictable third down situations and that, in turn, has led to a 30% third down conversion rate that is tied for 23rd in the PFL. The defense has just 3 takeaways on the year and the Giants' -6 turnover ratio is tied for the 4th worst in the league. Denver has not had such issues this season. The Broncos have been spectacular at protecting the football with just 1 turnover all year long earning them a +7 turnover margin that is #2 in the league trailing only the Las Vegas Raiders. They lead the AFC in scoring (34.2 PPG).

   Final Analysis: The Giants have to find some way to get back to what they do best: run the football. Denver is smallish on the interior of their D-Line with Derrick Nnadi (6'1" 317 Lbs 88 Str) and Malcolm Roach (6'3" 290 Lbs 83 Str) playing there. Denver often goes with a 3-man front, however, to gain the services of rookie LB Jeffrey Bassa along the line. The Broncos' ILB duo of Devin White and Cody Barton are solid tacklers if they get to the ball, but both are on the light side (Each weights 237 Lbs) and are susceptible to being impact blocked with their 75 and 77 IBL ratings. A Big Blue upset is possible. New York 24-22.

 1:00 PM: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-3) AT DALLAS COWBOYS (4-3)

Vital Collision in Big D as Chiefs/Pokes Aim for Success

    The defending PFL Champion Chiefs are in some uncharted waters lately. With the rise of the Denver Broncos and a loss to the Vegas Raiders the team is sitting in a rare third place position in the AFC West. The annual ritual of watching the division fall by the wayside and cruising to a title could be over and there has to be at least some sense of urgency creeping in. A loss to the ascending Cowboys would leave KC below .500 and nearly 3 games behind Denver. While they certainly have the ability to make up that margin, the old standard of simply waiting for the Broncos to start losing games might not be in the works. The Chiefs are coming off their bye week after playing one of their best games of the season. They were able to get back to their winning formula in their, 38-22, rout of the Titans. HB Isaiah Pacheco had a season best 166 yards rushing, QB Patrick Mahomes tossed 4 TD passes, and defensive monster Chris Jones stomped Titan QB Will Levis into the turf 4 times as part of a team 10 sack assault. Dallas eased past the Chargers, 28-14. They rolled to a 28-6 bulge and coasted the rest of the way. Their running game continued to improve with rookie tailback Dylan Sampson gaining 98 yards on just 19 carries. His 5.2 YPC game average was his best of the year. SS Markquese Bell would pick off an errant Justin Herbert pass and scamper 27 yards to paydirt and the defense would rack up 7 sacks and 2 interceptions on the day.

   Final Analysis: This is a huge game for both teams. The Chiefs showed signs, their last time out, that they may be getting into a groove, which is bad news for the league. There have been positive vibes in Dallas, as well, surrounding their running game and defense. The Cowboys will need to run the ball well, in order to avoid the revived Kansas City pass rush and also keep Pacheco under wraps, if they wish to win this one. The defense has 11 takeaways (#2 in th PFL!) and get a KC team that has 7 give aways and a -3 turnover margin. Tough one to call here.  Kansas City 30-22.

1:00 PM: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-2) AT DETROIT LIONS (1-5-1)

Eagles Taking to the Skies Again? Lions Continue to Flounder

    Back-to-back hiccups, recently, had dented the invincibility aura surrounding the Eagles. Serious injuries to star back Saquon Barkley and LB Nakobe Dean has impacted the club. QB Jalen Hurts was a perfect 8-8 in last week's, 27-12, win over Chicago, but reserve Kenny Pickett had to come in to finish the game out. The running game was not overly dyanmic with Kenny Gainwell and Will Shipley combining for 62 yards on 17 carries (3.65 YPC). The run defense, that had been near impenetrable over the first few weeks of the season, was gashed again by HB D'Andre Swift for 125 yards on 30 tries. Detroit was over-powered by the Green Bay Packers, 40-20, last week. The 40 points allowed was the most they have surrendered this season. QB Jared Goff completed just 51.6%( 16-31) of his pass attempts for 245 yards. He would be sacked 11 times and suffered a back breaking pick six.

   Final Analysis: Philly is working its way through key injuries that has gotten them a bit off-kilter. The Lions, still without a FT staff, are struggling. Philly should have its way this week and then set its sights on a rare home and home deal versus Washington. Philadelphia 28-13.

1:00 PM: HOUSTON TEXANS (3-4) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-3)

Houston Has Designs on AFC South Top Spot. Jags Seek Repeat of First Encounter

    In a season that has gone nowhere near expectations, thus far, the Houston Texans, nonetheless, find themselves on the precipice of taking over first place in the AFC South! Thanks to a modest two game winning streak and a bit of a rocky road lately for the Jaguars, this matchup has suddenly become somewhat paramount. The Texans' running game has really picked it up of late. Rookie tailback Treveyon Henderson is coming off, arguably, his best game of the season rushing for 125 yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 carries in last week's, 37-19, win over Indianapolis. QB CJ Stroud managed the game well and has been avoiding sacks, while also not turning it over. The Jaguars decided to, generally, avoid trying to run the ball against the rugged Baltimore Ravens last week. Instead, they went to the arm of QB Trevor Lawrence who responded with a 437 yard, 2 TD game. Unfortunately, the heavy reliance upon the passing game led to Lawrence getting sacked a season high 11 times and the defense saw Raven HB Dameon Pierce race 90 yards for a score and QB LaMar Jackson add 55 more yards on 9 totes. The Ravens would amass 200 yards on the ground. Despite the gaudy Baltimore run totals, the final score was just, 24-21. Houston was annhilated by these Jaguars, 42-12, back in week 4 with Lawrence tossing 5 TD passes and the J-Ville defense crushing Stroud a season high 13 times!

   Final Analysis: The Jags manhandled Houston in their first matchup. Not sure the same will happen this time around, but do feel Jacksonville has proven it can play Big-boy football while the jury is still out on the Texans. Jacksonville 30-20. 

1:00 PM: MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-2) AT CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-5)

Dolphs in Pursuit of Pats in AFC East. Bengals in Need of Another Second Half Run?

    Miami is coming off their bye week and on a three game winning streak that includes a big win over the Patriots just before the bye. Their offense has really kicked in scoring 24 PPG during the mini-streak, while the defense has been stellar allowing a meager 8.57 PPG during the same time span! The running game has gotten better as the season has unfolded. HB De'Von Achane has rushed for over 100 yards in two of his last three games while carrying the bread an average of 28.33 times per game. The Bengals seem to be in their normal season mode of needing a big second half of the season in order to make the playoffs. However, that could prove a bit more of a steeper climb than in past campaigns. Rookie HB Ja'Quinden Jackson (122-383-3.1-2) has not been able to replace the departed Joe Mixon and QB Joe Burrow has been sacked a league high 62 times as a result. They have ended up in third down some 103 times, which is tied for thr 4th most in the league, and have been able to convert just 31% of the time (32-103).

   Final Analysis: Miami has not been a big sack team thus far this season (29) and that could nallow Burrow to have a bit more success than has been the case much of the year. However, the Dolphins' offense is in high gear. Cinci's D has played surprisingly well giving up just 21.43 PPG and could make this a bit stickier of a game than expected. Miami 28-17.

1:00 PM: NEW YORK JETS (1-5) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-4)

Stumbling Teams Meet in Florida

    The Jets' season might be about over and winning this one seems an absolute must. The Bucs probably have seen their aspirations of repeating as NFC South Champs put in serious doubt as they are now 2 games behind the front running Atlanta Falcons. QB Baker Mayfield has not played nearly as well as he did a season ago. He has tossed 8 picks already and been sacked 51 times after throwing 9 interceptions and taking 53 sacks all of last year! The running game has also been misfiring with top back Rachaad White averaging a full half yard less than he did last year! The Jets have not gotten much to go their way all season long. Rookie QB Jalen Milroe has shown promise and at least does not turn the ball over, but the defense, which should be a team strength, has been ripped for 35.33 PPG with an AFC low 25 sacks,

   Final Analysis: Tampa Bay is still, very much, in the playoff mix, but the team needs to get it going on offense. The Jets' D could open the door for the Bucs to get the attack on track. Tampa Bay 30-21.

4:05 PM: PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-2) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-5)

Steelers Looking Like Old Self. Browns Still Searching

 At the beginning of the season the Pittsburgh defense looked like a shell of its former self. However, over the past few weeks, the D has returned with the club allowing 31 points over its prior three games (10.33 PPG). The running game is still a work in progress and needs to be better, but rookie QB Quinn Ewers has been able to game manage more since the defense has picked it up. Cleveland's running woes continue with Nick Chubb really struggling. Rookie QB Kurtis Rourke is showing promise and is not turning it over. However, he is holding the ball too long and taking too many sacks. The young gunslinger has been dropped 59 times in six games (9.83 sacks per game).

   Final Analysis: Cleveland is capable of winning games and is coming off a tough, 12-7, loss to Cincinnati. The bye week might help, but they must get their running game going in order to take the heat off Rourke. Pittsburgh's improving defense could hold the Browns in check and allow Ewers to continue his game management style. Pittsburgh 23-17.

4:15 PM: CHICAGO BEARS (0-7) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (3-4)

Bears Cooked? Saints Hanging in the Playoff Picture

  At 0-7, the Chicago season of misery continues. The Saints, meanwhile, are barely clinging to playoff hopes and need to get some W's under their belt ASAP. They lost a crucial matchup with Atlanta, 21-17, last week as rookie QB Jaxson Dart had a season low 7-19 passing game (36.8 %) and was intercepted once. Backs Chase Brown and Alvin Kamara combined for 152 yards on 31 carries. 

   Final Analysis: Quite frankly, this is a game the Saints cannot afford to lose. They have not quite been able to get the perfect mix between the running game, Dart managing the situation, and the defense keeping it close. This could be a much tighter game than many might think. New Orleans 24-18.

4:15 PM: CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-6) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (5-2)

Panthers' First Win has Team Looking Up! Falcons in Driver's Seat in NFC South

   Times have not been good in Charlotte these days, but the sun finally shown upon the team as they won their first game of the season last week, 24-14, over Washington. The Falcons took care of business in their big showdown with the Saints, 21-17, in a real grind of a contest. QB Malik Willis avoided the interception bug-a-boo for the second straight week enabling the club to win key matchups versus Seattle and the Saints. The Atlanta defense has been steady all season long giving the offense time to gel. 

   Final Analysis: If Willis can continue to prtect the football and the defense can afford the club to play ball possession and field position football, the winning should continue. Carolina had been closer each week and finally broke through. Now it remains to be seen if they can keep the new MoJo rolling. Atlanta 26-16.

4:15 PM: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (6-1) AT BUFFALO BILLS (4-3)

Bills in Yet Another Big Test!

   The Buffalo Bills keep knocking on the door but,, all too often, keep coming up short. They get another golden opportunity this week versus the first place Patriots. This is a tall order, for sure, as Patriot QB Drake Maye has not thrown a single pick all season long and the offense looks like it has finally begun to figure out ways to get stud rookie HB Ashton Jeanty going. Jeanty is coming off a 29 carry, 141 yard game versus the Jets last week as the Pats rolled, 31-9. The Bills bounced back from their loss to the Steelers three weeks back to rout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 38-3. The key, as always, will be pass protection for QB Josh Allen and if Buffalo can find some way to get a mistake out of Maye. If the Bills can keep Jeanty under control they have a chance. The D is giving up 89.3 YPG versus the run (11th best in the PFL) and only 17 PPG (#4)! Obviously, the burden of keeping this one close is on the play of the Buffalo defense.

   Final Analysis: New England does not hurt itself and has one of the better run defenses (76.7 YPG) in the league. However, the pass defense is suspect allowing 346.7 YPG (#23) and that could allow Allen to get rolling. If the Bills can pass the ball and protect Allen, then their running game with James Cook could become a big factor. Still, Allen has thrown 9 interceptions on the season and the team cannot win if they lose the turnover battle in any significant manner. New England 30-23.   

   This is the time of year when each game grows in importance. For the Niners and Rams this one is kinda important. With the Arizona Cardinals winning every week, any loss now would make catching them that much more difficult. A win, on the other hand, will allow the victor to stay alive so to speak. Obviously, San Francisco is in a much better position than the Rams are in. LA can do no better than come out of this game with a .500 record, whereas a Niners' W would leave them within striking distance of the Cards and in a very good playoff position. Just three weeks ago, the two teams engaged in a wild, 46-37, Rams' win. SF quarterback Brock Purdy would throw for 462 yards and 4 touchdowns, but he would also toss a key interception and be sacked 13 times. HB Christian McCaffrey touched the ball a paltry 8 times for 16 yards. Purdy has now been sacked 54 times (9 per game) on the season. 

   Final Analysis: This is probably going to be another shootout. That means the Rams will need to get after Purdy, but they cannot also have QB Matt Stafford get hit. He was sacked 9 times in the first meeting and that number needs to be reduced here. Backs Kyren Williams and rookie Cam Skattebo combined for 76 yards on 23 carries the first time around. They might need to do better than that in order to shorten the game and keep Stafford out of third and longs. Los Angeles 35-32.

    The time is now if the Vikings hope to make a stir in the NFC North. A loss here at historic Lambeau Field would all but wrap up the division for the Packers. Minnesota's 21.6 PPG average and 59.43 YPG rushing might not be quite enough to upend Green Bay. The play of second year quarterback JJ McCarthy has been a bit up and down, but the team is coming off a huge, 31-24, stunner over the New York Giants as the running game may have found its footing! Veteran back Aaron Jones slashed the G-Men for 111 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries and, if he can duplicate that this week, the Vikes have a real shot at winning. Green Bay's defense is one of the best in the league allowing only 150.29 YPG versus the pass and 68 YPG against the run. They lead the league in rushing (147.43 YPG) and scoring (34.6 PPG) behind the play of QB Jordan Love and rookie RB Nicholas Singleton.

   Final Analysis: Minnesota is a viable playoff contender and can pull off the upset if they can get either McCarthy or Jones going. The Vikings have one of the best pass catching receiving units in all of football and could cause some problems. This one should get down to the ability or failure of the Vikings' D to hold donw Green Bay as the Packer defense is not likely to give up many opportunities. Green Bay 27-21.

TEAMS ON A BYE