8:15 PM PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (5-0) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (3-2)

Will G-Men Make NFC a Two Team Race?

    The Philadelphia Eagles are undefeated, but have had their share of pressures in order to remain so.  In their most recent escape act, kicker Jake Elliott would blast a 56-yarder as time expired enabling his Eagles to nip the upset minded Denver Broncos, 20-17! It marked the third time this season already where Philly has won a game by 7 points or less. QB Jalen Hurts did toss an interception, but he also avoided being sacked all game long. Still, a very good Denver defense limited the Eagles to just 14 first downs and crushed the Birds in the TOP Battle by a whopping 11 minutes! The Giants, meanwhile, would roll out to a 21-7 third quarter lead only to see the New Orleans Saints rally and score 28 second half points and pull out a, 35-28, shocker. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart would throw for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns, but he would be sacked 7 times and throw an interception. HB Cam Skattebo had a solid game rushing 16 times for 80 yards.

   This is a huge game within the division. A win by the Giants would really tighten things up, whereas a Philly victory would make them huge favorites to take the East yet again. Philadelphia's talented defense has recorded just two takeaways on the season and the Giants have committed the fewest turnovers in the PFL (2). That combination could make for one tense game indeed. New York in an upset? 24-22.

9:30 AM: DENVER BRONCOS (2-3) AT NEW YORK JETS (5-0)

Hard Luck Broncos Hope to Kick Jets Off Undefeated Tarmac

   It can be frustrating for any team to suffer losses, but it can be infuriating if a team drops one close game after another. Denver lost its third game this season by 5 or fewer points as the club watched Eagle K Jake Elliott boot a 56 yard trey as time expired ending the, 20-17, contest. QB Bo Nix would throw for 306 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but the team just could not put Philly away. They now get another uindefeated team in the form of the New York Jets who are coming off their fifth win of the year after dumping the hapless Dallas Cowboys last week.

   Denver must find some way to ground the soaring Jets' offense. They did a decent job limiting Jalen Hurts last week, but the D must also get at least some help from the offense if they hope to pull out the W. New York 30-18.

  1:00 PM SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (0-5) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-4)

A Panhandle Pooper: 'Hawks/Jags With Combined 1-9 Record Face Off

   TV ratings are not likely going to be very high when the Seahawks and Jags take the field at 1PM EST. Seattle's offense sputtered again last week with the team scoring 16 or less points in a game (9) for the fourth time this season leading to another defeat, 21-9. J-Ville was torn to pieces by the rifle arm of Kansas City Chiefs' QB Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 520 yards and 4 touchdowns, as the Jags were crushed, 46-25. QB Trevor Lawrence had a major downer of a game with 3 interceptions, while completing just 45% (14/31) of his pass attempts.

   Final Analysis: Both teams have had all types of problems this season. The Seahawks cannot get their offense going even though the debut of rookie QB Jalen Milroe proved worthy of optimism. Milroe threw for 341 yards, but would be picked off twice and sacked 6 times. Lawrence has now thrown more picks (9) than touchdowns (8) and his interception total is the most in the PFL. Not sure which QB will outplay the other here...Jacksonville 21-18???

  1:00 PM LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-3) AT BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-2-1)

Resurgent Rams and Ravens Seek to Continue Upswing

    Both clubs are coming off much needed victories last week. The Rams slipped by the rival 49ers, 17-10, while the Ravens may have salvaged their season with a nice rally to clip the Houston Texans, 27-25. QB Lamar Jackson would be intercepted three times, but still managed to throw for 375 yards and 4 touchdowns in the critical win. The run defense, which had been missing of late, shut down Texan back Joe Mixon (15/32), sacked QB CJ Stroud 6 times and limited him to a 57% (27/47) throwing day.

   Final Analysis: This is another huge game for both of these teams. Baltimore might be beginning to figure things out and have won two in a row including a monster win two weeks back over the Kansas City Chiefs. Jackson's PFL worst 9 interceptions is worrisome and has  him sitting with an 88.4 QBR as a result. The Ravens' D is still rated 31st in the league allowing 470.2 YPG and needs to play better overall. The Rams' D has played well much of the season, particularly versus the run, leading the league ceding just 58.6 YPG. The team has forced clubs to the air and that has unleashed their pass rush which is #1 in football with 34 sacks! The Ravens will need to run the ball effectively with Derrick Henry or hope L-Jax can escape the pressure when it comes.  Baltimore 27-24.

1:00 PM: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2-3) AT MIAMI DOLPHINS (3-2)

Can Fish Douse Bolts?

    A key game in the AFC for both clubs. The Chargers are coming out of a wild, 47-45, win over the Washington Commanders to stay afloat for at least one more week in the AFC, while the up and down Dolphins slammed the Carolina Panthers, 31-6, to remain within striking distance of the New York Jets and solidly in the playoff hunt.

   The Chargers are still without a steady coaching staff. The Dolphins seem to be able to score versus just about anyone, but the defensive inconsistency woes will prevail until the team proves it can handle top tier attacks. 

  NO LINE

 1:00 PM: CLEVELAND BROWNS (2-2-1) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1)

Old Rivals Clash in Rare Meaningful Duel.

    These two teams, to put it mildly, do not care too much for each other. That being said, the Steelers have enjoyed the upper hand in this matchup in recent times. Cleveland simply has not had many good years to its credit, but a dramatic, 23-22, upset over the slumping Minnesota Vikings put the team on .500 footing and suddenly in contention. A win here in the Steel City would push them past Pittsburgh and at least keep them on the heels of the white hot Cincinnati Bengals. QB Shedeur Sanders seems to be getting a bit better each week as is the play calling of HC Mike Russo. The club had a nice blend of pass and run last week with rookie tailback Quinshon Judkins plowing ahead for 87 yards on 23 carries, while Sanders did not commit a turnover. The Browns' defense would stifle Minnesota on third down allowing the Vikes to convert just twice on the day. The Steelers are coming off their bye week, but had a similar type game against the very same Vikings' team the week prior edging Minny, 31-28. Veteran QB Aaron Rodgers did not commit a turnover and threw for 393 yards and two TDs in the win.

   Final Analysis: A very big game for both teams. Rodgers has enjoyed a renaissance in Pittsburgh and enters this one with a sparkling 110.8 QBR. He has tossed 7 TD passes compared to just 1 interception and completed 71% (101/141) of his throws. Sanders is improving, but he needs to complete more throws than his 63% (96/152) stat line and avoid the turnover. He did not make the big mistake last week, but can he do it again? Pittsburgh 26-21.

 1:00 PM: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-3) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-3)

Niners and Bucs in Fight With Playoff Implications 

   The season is still young, but it is getting further along each and every week. Quite frankly, neither team can afford to lose this game, whereas the victor should find itself right in the middle of the playoff hunt. That is not to say a loss would be a death knell, mind you, but the hill will surely be steeper to climb. San Fran was nipped by the Rams last week, 17-10, and need to recover quickly. Tampa Bay would face Seattle Seahawk QB Jalen Milroe in his PFL debut and make life a bit uncomfortable for the youngster. They would sack him 6 times and pick him off twice enroute to a solid, 21-9, win. Milroe, though, did show promise as he finished with 314 yards passing.

   Final Analysis: A very big game for both teams. It seems increasingly unlikely either team will be able to contend within their divisions as the NFC West has the Cardinals (4-1) and the NFC South has the Saints (5-0) rolling along. However, the wild card field is wide open and every win means a lot. Tampa Bay 26-22.

GAME OF THE WEEK

 1:00 PM: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (4-1) AT NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (5-0)

Monster Mash in NOLA!

   One of a number of big time Inter-conference matchups this week. The Patiots trail the rival New York Jets by 1 game and need to keep winning if they wish to vie for the divisional crown. The Saints are cruising in the NFC South, but are now eying the top seed as well. 

   Both teams can score. New England strolls into the Big Easy averaging a hefty 31.6 PPG, while the Saints have been lighting up the scoreboard to the tune of 38.6 PPG. While New Orleans holds the offensive edge, it's the Pats who have the better defensive numbers. The Patriots are fifth in the PFL giving up just 21.12 PPG while the Saints are allowing 26.4 PPG. New England's D has been rugged against the pass coming in ranked #2 in the league giving up just 198.8 YPG, but that same D has been a bit loose in stopping the run with teams finding room to roam for 126.6 YPG. The Saints have posted a similar trait coming in allowing a 4th ranked 205.2 YPG, but then giving up 110 YPG against the run.

   On offense, the big story in the NFC has to be the play of Saints' QB Spencer Rattler. The second year gun slinger has thrown for 1877 yards, 15 touchdowns, and carries in a a blistering 131.96 QBR! His 15 TDs is tied atop the league with Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Fields, but his QBR is #1 in the league among all regulars. Patriot QB Drake Maye enters the fray with 14 TD passes, but he has been picked off 5 times. Still, he is currently sixth in the PFL averaging 347.52 YPG.

   New England has not been able to run the ball very well, thus far, this season, Top back Treveyon Henderson has just 42 carries for 147 yards (3.5 YPC) and it's never a good sign when your quarterback leads the team in rushing. Maye has 169 yards! New Orleans runs the ball a bit better. HB Kendra Miller appears to have supplanted longtime workhorse, Alvin Kamara, as the team's top runner. Miller has 393 yards rushing on 61 carries (6.44 YPC) and 4 touchdowns.

   Final Analysis: Neither team has allowed much in the way of passing, so this one is an intriguing matchup indeed. The Saints, however, look like they might have the better running game. That could allow Rattler to have better down and distance situations. Both teams have been solid on third down, though, with New Orleans boasting a 55.38 conversion rate (tied for #2 in the league) and the Patriots at #5 at 50.75%. New Orleans 30-22.

1:00 PM: DALLAS COWBOYS (0-5) AT CAROLINA PANTHERS (2-3)

Pokes Without a Saddle. Panthers with QB Controversy?

    Dallas has no leadership and is floundering as the league's worst team as a result. The Panthers benched QB Bryce Young last week in mid-game in favor of veteran reserve Andy Dalton. AD responded with some solid stats and could be slotted as the starter again this week...

NO LINE

1:00 PM: ARIZONA CARDINALS (4-1) AT INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-3)

Hot Redbirds Fly North to Cool Indy

   In truth, not much really separates these two clubs from a statistical standpoint. However, there are a few glaring differentials that go a long way in explaining the records of the two franchises The Cards lead the PFL in third down converson rate at 55% (33/59), while the Colts come in ranked 31st in that category at 30% (21/70). That would have the Colts facing 11 more third downs than the Cards have been confronted with, yet 'Zona has converted 12 more times! The other glaring seperator has to be the enormous amount of sacks Colt QB Anthony Richardson has been subjected to compared to Arizona's Kyler Murray. A-Rich has been pummeled into the ground a league most 60 times, whereas Murray has been caught a mere 8 times! The difference in quarterback play is the key factor here.

   Final Analysis: So far, Richardson has suffered little in the way of fatigue or wear and tear, but the risk of an injury is always there. Murray has been playing terrific ball and managing games brilliantly. Arizona has maintained nice balance as well with the use of backs Trey Benson and James Conner. The duo has combined for 621 yards rushing on 118 carries (5.26 YPC) with 5 TDs. Not sure the Colts can sustain enough offense to stay with the Cardinals. Arizona 30-21.

4:05 PM: TENNESSEE TITANS (2-3) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-2)

Titans Smarting After Cardinal Crush. Vegas Feeling Lady Luck With them Following Narrow Thriller Over Colts?

    These two teams have been a bit of an enigma thus far this season. Tennessee won two in a row, but then followed that up with a current two-game losing skid where they gave up 48 points to Houston and another 40 last week to the Arizona Cardinals. The Raiders have won three out of their last four, but have not beaten a team with a record above. .500 yet and this matchup does not afford them that opportunity. Rookie sensation Ashton Jeanty has been the big story in Vegas with the Ex-Boise State back coming in with 599 yards rushing and a very good 5.45 YPC resume. This is not good news for a Titans' team that is relinquishing some 129.2 YPG against the run. The Titans' own rookie. QB Cam Ward, and the Raiders' veteran signal caller, Geno Smith, have near identical QBR numbers. However, Ward has had to bear much more of the offensive burden in Tennessee as his 11 TD, 5 Int, 151 pass attempts stat line reveals. Smith, conversely, has 6 touchdowns, just 1 pick, and thrown the ball only 100 times!

   Final Analysis: Obviously, this is the Raiders' running game with Jeanty versus the Titans' passing game with Ward as the two rooks take center stage here. Neither team has been good on third down. Vegas gets into trouble if Smith must pass and Ward gets into trouble if the running game cannot get him solid down and distance situations, so early down success or failure should determine the victor. Tend to prefer teams that can run on early downs over teams that must pass. Las Vegas 24-20.

4:25 PM: CINCINNATI BENGALS (4-1) AT GREEN BAY PACKERS (4-0)

Roaring Bengals to Lambeau to Test Undefeated Pack

    A good inter-conference battle will be on display. Cincinnati has gotten off to one of its best starts in years and are atop the NFC North. Green Bay finds itself trying to stay up with the arch-rival Chicago Bears in the NFC North. The Bengals were defeated two weeks ago, 37-17, in a bit of an embarrasing game with the Denver Broncos. They quickly bounced back last week with a resounding, 42-3, thumping of the Detroit Lions and looked every bit as intimidating as they did in their first three wins of the year. Green Bay is coming off its bye week. They are unblemished but, in truth, have not been sorely tested yet, so this one should serve as a better barometer of their true posture. 

   Cinci is allowing just 15.8 PPG but, more significantly, just 10.25 PPG in their four wins. The defense has been stellar, overall, with a league leading 13 takeaways and gave up a paltry 12 combined third down conversions in its four Ws! The Bengals have been tremendous at finding ways to protect QB Joe Burrow. The injury prone signal caller has been sacked just 8 times on the season amd just 4 times over the team's prior four games! In addition, he has now posted four straight multiple TD games and has recorded 13 TD passes over that span! The offense is loaded with talent. WR Ja'Marr Chase is a near impossible cover and fellow target Tee Higgins is not far behind. Veteran TEs Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant are matchup problems as well. Gesicki is 4th among all tightends in the league with 31 receptions trailing only Baltimore's Mark Andrews, Detroit's Sam LaPorta, and Atlanta's Kyle Pitts. HB Chase Brown has been excellent as well. The Illinois alum has rushed for 382 yards and 5 touchdowns while also snaring 27 balls for 168 yards coming out of the backfield mostly on angle routes! However, he may be unavailalble this week due to an injury and that could mean Samaje Perine cold be the bell cow. Green Bay's defense has been pretty good as well. Leading sacker Micah Parsons did not play against his old team, the Cowboys, two weeks ago and comes in with 8 traps. They lead the PFL in pass defense giving up just 187.25 YPG, but, as stated, that stat was not accrued facing an offense like Cinci's. 

   Final Analysis: The Bengals are averaging 427.2 YPG on offense and are 5th in the league in passing rolling up 336.2 YPG through the air. Green Bay has not been nearly as dynamic averaging 346 YPG on offense (20th) . Still, the Packers have actually scored more per game (31 to 28.08) than the Bengals have. Both teams are very good at protecting the quarterback. Burrow has been dropped just 8 times and Green Bay's Jordan Love only 7 times (But with 1 less game played). Unless the Packers can slow down the prolific Cinci offense that keeps moving the chains (20.8 first downs per game compared to Green Bay's 18.75) this one could get ugly fast. Cincinnati 28-23.

8:20 PM:  DETROIT LIONS (1-3-1) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (3-2)

Sagging Lions to Face Improving Chiefs

    A pair of teams with high level offensive talents meet. Detroit is averaging 369.2 YPG and 25.32 PPG. However, they get a powerful KC group the leads the league averaging a remarkable 514.4 YPG and is second in scoring racking up 38.8 PPG. To make matters worse for the Motor City bunch, consider the fact the Lions are surrendering 460.8 YPG and 33.36 PPG on defense. Then again, the Chiefs have not exactly been defensive wonders this year either. KC is allowing 451 YPG and 32 PPG, so there is at least some hope the Lions might be able to slug their way to victory.

   Detroit has been able to run the ball fairly well this year. Backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have combined for 657 yards rushing on 121 carries (5.43 YPC). Thier rushing totals has positioned Detroit as the #4 running team in the league. But, the passing game has not come along for the ride entering this one posting just 221.6 YPG. The Chiefs have been porous versus the run (127 YPG) and that stat could give the Lions a fighting chance if they can hold the ball and play some keep away from KC quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Co. 

   Final Analysis: Detroit has not been able to keep opposing clubs out of the endzone outside of a week 4, 12-12 , tie with the Cleveland Browns. They have given up 40+ points three times already and it is probable they will see the Chiefs scorch the scoreboard again this week. Kansas City 35-23.

   While they had been competitive over their first four games of the season, the Bills still did not have win under their hide. Then, they were blasted off the field last week, 58-6, by the Patriots in a demoralizing defeat. QB Josh Allen would toss three interceptions, for the second time this year, and has now found the opposing uniform a distressing 9 times over his prior four games! The defense has been riddled every week this year. To date, the club has allowed opponents to score 30+ points in all five games, including a stunning two games where they gave up 50+ points! Atlanta has gotten off to a rough start of their own, coming in on a three game losing skid after their season opening win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A bit of good news, though, has to be the return of top back Bijan Robinson who had been out the past couple of games with an injury. Robinson had rushed for an electric 377 yards in weeks 1 and 2 before the injury and his return should really boost the Falcons' offense. 

   Final Analysis: The Bills are last in the league at stopping the run (183 YPG) and get an Atlanta team that would love to get Robinson going again. If he can find room to run, that should open the door for QB Michael Penix to find the plethora of talents around him. Atlanta 32-17.

8:15 PM CHICAGO BEARS (4-0) AT WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-4)

Bullish Bears to DC on a Mission

    One of the big stories of the early season is the play of the Chicago Bears. They have crushed four straight foes scroing 38+ points in three of the wins. QB Caleb Williams has thrived under head coach Matej Orazem putting up some gaudy numbers. Williams has 11 TD passes, compared to a lone interception, and has had three games already where he has had three touchdowns! WR D.J. Moore is averaging 17.32 YPC and has been the recipient of 5 of Williams' TD throws. The defense is ranked 7th allowing 332 YPG and 6th in scoring giving up just 21.25 PPG. When you compare those stats with an offense that is churning out 37.75 PPG it's no wonder the folks in the Windy City have been heating up the air with their cheers. Washington remains without a full time coaching staff and realistically has little chance of stunning Chicago. But, as the saying goes, that's why we play the games.

   Final Analysis: Two franchise heading in oppposite directions. 

NO LINE

TEAMS ON A BYE