Season: 77-46
HOU (6-2) @ NYJ (2-6)
Thursday, October 31 | 8:15 PM ET | Prime Video
The Jets being 2-6 heading into a Halloween showdown versus the Texans despite having a healthy Aaron Rodgers and trading for Davante Adams is a nightmare even the most pessimistic of fans probably didn’t imagine happening—but New York being favorites speaks to the craziness of the 2024 season. Of course, injuries for Houston with Stefon Diggs (knee) done for the year and Nico Collins (hamstring) still on injured reserve are a big factor, and C.J. Stroud hasn’t been as sharp this season after getting monster games from guys like Noah Brown when Collins was out during his phenomenal rookie campaign. Tank Dell is obviously the name to watch tonight, and he could have plenty of success versus a Jets defense that a) hasn’t played up to expectations through eight weeks, and b) can struggle versus speedier weapons like Dell; but things should run through Joe Mixon, and I’d like to see John Metchie III more involved in an expanded role. On defense, the Texans having Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter being too much for New York’s offensive line could cause the nightmare to continue and reach a new low, but it feels like the connection between Rodgers and Adams is primed for an explosion to provide a small glimmer of hope with a not-so-difficult schedule down the stretch.
Winner: New York Jets
DAL (3-4) @ ATL (5-3)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | FOX
Atlanta picked up a massive win over Tampa Bay last week to take a commanding lead in the NFC South (thanks to the tiebreaker with a season sweep) as we head into November, and Kyle Pitts finally being featured—going for a season-long pace of 89 receptions, 1,334 yards, and eight touchdowns on 11.6 yards per target over past four games—makes the offense extremely dangerous. However, the Falcons will have a difficult time being a real contender if they don’t find a way to boost the pass rush with a league-low six sacks, which might be the formula for Dak Prescott and the Dallas passing attack to have a complete performance with too much inconsistency to begin the season. CeeDee Lamb going for a 13/146/2 line in Sunday night’s comeback attempt is similar to last year when he took off following the bye week and never slowed down, so Atlanta will need to balance finding ways to create pressure with not leaving their cornerbacks on an island too much. Frankly, the Cowboys might not have drafted well enough over the past couple of years to remain a top NFC contender, but they are desperate on the road with a very difficult stretch leading up to Thanksgiving (v PHI, v HOU, @ WAS).
Winner: Dallas Cowboys
DEN (5-3) @ BAL (5-3)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | CBS
The Bo Nix doubters shielded their eyes last week when he was on the money all afternoon and could have approached 400 passing yards if not for a few missed downfield connections that his receivers dropped or didn’t complete their route on, and now Denver has plenty of momentum heading into Baltimore for a huge AFC clash. Issues with drops in addition to a couple of lost fumbles that Sean Payton wasn’t happy about should at least have everyone focused for the Broncos, and Sunday will be a great measuring stick with Nix looking to stay hot and the defense facing their toughest test yet by trying to slow down Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. I’m very high on Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr from a long-term perspective, but he’s still inexperienced in his first year on the job at 32 years old—so a possible mismatch with Payton always being a step ahead this weekend is something to keep in mind. Still, the Ravens just have more talent on the roster and are coming off a disappointing loss, so I’ll go with them for what should be a very close game.
Winner: Baltimore Ravens
MIA (2-5) @ BUF (6-2)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | CBS
Buffalo had a couple of worrisome losses to the Ravens and Texans after a 3-0 start, but they’ve since won three consecutive games and continue to build chemistry on offense—including Keon Coleman emerging as a big-time weapon on the outside for Josh Allen. In the win over Seattle, the second-round rookie caught a jump ball over Riq Woolen in the end zone, showed an ability to separate as a route runner, and did work as a blocker, so the Bills must be encouraged by what they’ve seen. As mentioned last week, the core pass-catching group of Coleman, Amari Cooper, Khalil Shakir, and Dalton Kincaid fits together very well, and the deep shots should become more frequent as Cooper becomes a bigger factor. This week, Buffalo needs to bottle up De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert like they did Kenneth Walker III (nine carries for 12 yards), and I’d expect Miami to play through the running backs as much as possible with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle often being contained by Sean McDermott’s defense. Sunday would be a good time for Odell Beckham Jr. to make an impact with zero receptions in three games, but the Bills get Von Miller back from his suspension to further boost a defensive front that has had other guys step up in recent games.
Winner: Buffalo Bills
NO (2-6) @ CAR (1-7)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | CBS
The Saints might be too far out of contention to claw their way back into the playoff race, but Derek Carr (oblique) will be back on Sunday—and the team started 2-0 followed by three tight losses to the Eagles, Falcons, and Chiefs before their quarterback went down. While injuries have also struck other positions for New Orleans, getting Carr back should cover up a lot of issues, and the Panthers are the perfect opponent to get on track against after a 47-10 win against them in the opener. Comments made by Sean Payton about Carolina’s offense and a belief by some defenders such as Jaycee Horn about Denver running up the score last week will indicate what kind of fight the Panthers have, and I’m glad Bryce Young is getting a shot to play; how his development and supporting cast have been handled is another story, and trading Diontae Johnson for peanuts was a curious move as a weapon that can create seperation and was labeled by head coach Dave Canales as their featured player when building the offense in the summer.
Winner: New Orleans Saints
LV (2-6) @ CIN (3-5)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | FOX
November presents a very rare situation for Cincinnati with two games in five days to begin the month (including a trip to Baltimore that should be circled next Thursday night) before taking on the Chargers on November 17 and having off until December 1—so it’s an opportunity to recharge for the stretch run with basically one game for almost an entire month. Winning at least two matchups would be ideal to get to 5-6, though, and I agree with Joe Burrow’s assessment that this week is a must-win game versus a Raiders squad that could be drained from a loss against the Chiefs. Tee Higgins (quad) being out again would make tight end Mike Gesicki more of a priority to pair with Ja’Marr Chase, and I’d like to see Charlie Jones more involved offensively with Andrei Iosivas and rookie Jermaine Burton both struggling in the loss to the Eagles. Either way, the defense for Cincinnati should bounce back in a much better matchup, and Mike Hilton could be the X-factor both as a blitzer and patrolling between the numbers in coverage with Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers nearby.
Winner: Cincinnati Bengals
LAC (4-3) @ CLE (2-6)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | CBS
The spark provided by Jameis Winston makes Cleveland a much more dangerous opponent (and significantly increases their watchability), so Chargers-Browns is an interesting matchup between two hard-nosed teams that want to control the game on the ground but have quarterbacks that can push the ball vertically. The status of Denzel Ward (concussion) is something to monitor for this week and unfortunately beyond considering his history, and Cleveland being without him would make it more of a challenge to slow down Ladd McConkey after the rookie went for a 6/111/2 line in the win over New Orleans. Los Angeles getting Quentin Johnston (ankle) back and DJ Chark (groin) making his debut would give Herbert all the firepower he needs in a balanced offense, and things should eventually soften up again for J.K. Dobbins with the passing attack being more effective since the bye. The same is true for Nick Chubb (2.7 YPC) thanks to Winston showing he can capitalize on downfield throws, so the Chargers need to stop the run to avoid an upset (one that would be of the minor variety based on how the Browns looked in Week 8).
Winner: Los Angeles Chargers
WAS (6-2) @ NYG (2-6)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | FOX
New York has done some good things this year, but they’re coming off another nationally televised loss—pushing Daniel Jones to 1-15 in primetime games with a 12:21 touchdown-interception ratio (compared to a 56:24 touchdown-interception ratio in all other games). I’ve been hesitant about crowning rookie cornerback Dru Phillips because he was mostly making an impact as a tackler (which is great), but the Steelers exposed him last week in coverage, and 2023 first-rounder Deonte Banks was benched, so the Giants’ cornerback group has predictably been an issue after it was something pointed out as a major flaw leading up to the season. New York fans watching a star, shutdown option in Joey Porter Jr.—who was drafted after Banks—on Monday night has to make the situation all the more frustrating, and a shaky secondary has canceled out the NFL-best pass rush (35 sacks through eight weeks). For the offense, they need to get Malik Nabers more involved early to have him focused, but it feels like Jones needs to be perfect with Andrew Thomas (foot) out, and potentially being without Tyrone Tracy Jr. (concussion) would take a significant piece off the board ahead of a matchup versus a Washington team coming off a miraculous win. In the Week 2 meeting, the Commanders routinely moved the ball before stalling in scoring territory, and the Giants will need to tackle better to have a shot.
Winner: Washington Commanders
NE (2-6) @ TEN (1-6)
Sunday, November 3 | 1:00 PM ET | FOX
The Titans might be going back to Will Levis (shoulder) this week if he’s healthy, but Mason Rudolph has played very well in his place despite two blowout losses—both of which came on the road against Super Bowl contenders in the Bills and Lions. A previously disgruntled Calvin Ridley having his best game of the season with 10 receptions (on 15 targets) for 143 yards last week could make it dangerous to go back to Levis, especially if the likely shadow coverage from Christian Gonzalez leads to Ridley being held in check like he was in the last start for Levis with zero receptions versus the Colts; the last thing a struggling team that expected to contend needs is drama on top of the losses. Another interesting storyline centered around Ridley this week is that he spurned the Patriots in favor of Tennessee in the offseason, and I wouldn’t be surprised if New England almost has a directive of sorts to make sure he doesn’t beat them. One other thing to mention: Roger McCreary continues to operate as the No. 3 cornerback for Tennessee despite L’Jarius Sneed (quad) being out, and cornerback-needy teams around the league should be calling about him ahead of next Tuesday’s trade deadline.
Winner: Tennessee Titans
CHI (4-3) @ ARI (4-4)
Sunday, November 3 | 4:05 PM ET | CBS
Sunday could be a tipping point one way or another for the current regime in Chicago as the team looks to rebound from last week’s heartbreaking loss to Washington—but it’s fair to be skeptical about the Bears’ playoff odds based on the offensive inconsistency. Overall, the passing attack has too many high-caliber weapons surrounding Caleb Williams to have lows at the frequency they’ve had them at, and I believe it’s due to a lack of identity rather than any concerns about the play of the No. 1 overall pick. Last week, the Hail Mary collapse on defense overshadowed the fullback dive to offensive lineman Doug Kramer Jr. that led to a lost fumble at the goal line, which there was simply no reason for with Roschon Johnson proving plenty capable of getting the ball in the end zone when given the opportunity. Meanwhile, the vibes are high in Arizona with Kyler Murray making clutch plays and Marvin Harrison Jr. coming off his best game of the season, so they’ve come a long way since trailing 23-10 to the 49ers in Week 5 before a comeback prevented a 1-4 start. Murray being more dynamic than he was last Christmas Eve in a 27-16 loss at Soldier Field could be enough to keep the Cardinals on the winning track.
Winner: Arizona Cardinals
JAX (2-6) @ PHI (5-2)
Sunday, November 3 | 4:05 PM ET | CBS
Philadelphia was on Bill Belichick watch with a 2-2 record heading into a Week 5 bye, but Nick Sirianni deserves credit for responding with three consecutive wins in October—including complete efforts on the road to top the Giants (28-3) and Bengals (37-17) over the past two weeks. While rookie cornerbacks Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean have drawn plenty of praise for helping fuel the turnaround, the play of Nakobe Dean and Nolan Smith Jr. (2.5 sacks since the bye) should be highlighted, as the Eagles now have the young core of former Georgia teammates in the front seven all making an impact, which has coincided with the pass rush coming alive (14 sacks over the past three games). This week, Philadelphia’s defense needs to keep Travis Etienne Jr. (hamstring) from being a game-breaker if he does indeed return after a two-game absence, and the coverage in the middle of the field will be tested by Evan Engram and Parker Washington—who should be a very capable replacement for Christian Kirk (collarbone). Even if the Jags do move the ball, I doubt their defense will be able to slow down the unmatched quartet of Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, and DeVonta Smith.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
DET (6-1) @ GB (6-2)
Sunday, November 3 | 4:25 PM ET | FOX
The NFC North race will be the most exciting battle in football over the next two-plus months in my opinion, and it sounds like Jordan Love (groin) will suit up this weekend after Malik Willis again showed well in relief of the starter for what turned out to be a close win over Jacksonville. Assuming the Packers do have Love under center, it’ll be a nice test for Detroit’s pass rush without Aidan Hutchinson; if they can’t generate enough pressure in a first-place battle versus a hobbled quarterback, general manager Brad Holmes could be more aggressive in making a move by Tuesday afternoon—and Giants pass rusher Azeez Ojulari would be my favorite target for them. Sunday will also be a good indicator of where the cornerbacks are for the Lions against a receiving corps that will be centered around Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed but can truly run five or six deep, and I think they’ll be up for the challenge. In addition to the game coming at Lambeau Field, rain being in the forecast could slant things in Green Bay’s favor if it cools off Jared Goff—but Love being less than 100% and Jaire Alexander (knee) looking unlikely to play gives the edge to a white-hot Detroit team.
Winner: Detroit Lions
LAR (3-4) @ SEA (4-4)
Sunday, November 3 | 4:25 PM ET | FOX
The simultaneous returns of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua last Thursday night suddenly has the Rams back in contention with everyone hovering at or below .500 in the NFC West—and all the matchups in the division will be of extreme importance the rest of the way. I wouldn’t say Seattle’s 3-0 start should have been classified as “pretender” status to begin the Mike Macdonald era, but the wins came against the Broncos in Bo Nix’s first start, the Patriots in overtime, and the Dolphins without Tua Tagovailoa, so there are still plenty of questions to be answered about the Seahawks with a 1-4 record and all the losses being by at least two possessions since then. The expected return of DK Metcalf (knee) will be a major help versus an attackable cornerback group, but a lot could be on Geno Smith if Macdonald’s defense can’t slow down Kupp and Nacua—especially with Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay showing they could thrive against the scheme by losing a 37-31 overtime shootout to the Ravens last December when Macdonald was their defensive coordinator. The wild card is Kenneth Walker III going off after the Seattle running game couldn’t get going in three-of-four October games (all losses), but LA has the momentum on both sides of the ball.
Winner: Los Angeles Rams
IND (4-4) @ MIN (5-2)
Sunday, November 3 | 8:20 PM ET | NBC
Unless it was protected, NBC not opting for Broncos-Ravens when flexing the Week 9 matchup was a clear miss by them, but Colts-Vikings should be a competitive game—and Indy benching last year’s No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson in favor of former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco is certainly a big storyline. I would have liked to see Richardson get more time and believe he could have caused Minnesota to think twice about sending the house because of his ability to make opponents pay if he breaks contain and gets into the open field, but Flacco probably does give the Colts a better chance to win right now, so it’s not quite the disaster of a decision that many are making it out to be (and this is coming from someone who was very high on Richardson coming out of Florida). The primary concern I have about the Colts on Sunday night is their cornerback group trying to cover Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the returning T.J. Hockenson (knee), so first-rounder Laiatu Latu getting to Sam Darnold is necessary for them to keep Flacco from needing to put up 30+ points.
Winner: Indianapolis Colts
TB (4-4) @ KC (7-0)
Monday, November 4 | 8:15 PM ET | ESPN/ABC/ESPN2
Tampa Bay having Chris Godwin (ankle) and Mike Evans (hamstring) healthy would make this matchup—the second battle between the Bucs and Chiefs since Super Bowl LV—more compelling, but things have changed on both sides with Tom Brady obviously long retired, while Kansas City has morphed into a defensive team. If we are going to see a return to a high-flying passing attack under Andy Reid this year, though, I’d anticipate it coming on Monday night with Tampa Bay allowing the fourth-most passing yards per game in the league (255.4) and being without top cornerback Jamel Dean (hamstring), and Patrick Mahomes is the kind of competitor that is far from satisfied for winning a 41-31 shootout in the only chance to face the Bucs since the Super Bowl loss; I’m sure he wants another offensive explosion, and the three-time champion has gone 2-0 versus Todd Bowles’ defense in the regular season with 355.5 passing yards per game and a 7:1 touchdown-interception ratio. Baker Mayfield will do his best to pull off an upset with Tampa Bay still having high hopes for the season and Godwin said to be in play for a postseason return, but they might need a ball or two to bounce their way in primetime.
Winner: Kansas City Chiefs