JO_75
Hall of Famer
Halloween is upon us and the week before the trade deadline we will find out which teams have some treats up their sleeve, which teams are buyers looking to make that final move that sets them up for a playoff push. Or which teams are ready to move on from star players in order to start looking ahead to next season.
Thursday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins: Both squads are coming off much-needed victories, the Ravens handled the Bears to get back on track, while the Dolphins stunned the Falcons in an upset win. The real headline here is the return of Lamar Jackson. After missing time with an injury, the Ravens’ star quarterback is back as we know everything starts and ends with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. We know what the Ravens offense can do with Lamar Jackson as he threw 10 touchdowns and only one interception prior to his injury, and if the past two games are any indication, Baltimore may have figured out their defensive woes. Holding the Rams & Bears to under twenty points consecutively is a sight many Ravens fans are glad to see in hopes the bleeding will stop on defense. While Miami's offense finds ways to create explosive plays despite the loss of Tyreek Hill, it may be the Dolphins defense that ends up being the story as their pass defense is exactly what Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense needs to remind the NFL of why the Ravens will always be the team you don't want to play in January.
Sunday 1PM Early Games
Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals: The Chicago Bears head to Paycor Stadium this Sunday to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a matchup that could define both teams’ mid season direction. For Chicago, it’s a chance to stay in the NFC playoff picture. For Cincinnati, it’s about survival and potentially saving their season. Joe Flacco is now day to day with a shoulder injury, meaning that Jake Browning could find himself once again the starter for the Bengals following their loss to the New York Jets last week. The Bears have seemingly shown signs of growth under Ben Johnson this season, while it's still unknown if Caleb Williams is the long term answer or not. If Williams needed a week to bounce back following their loss to the Ravens, the very bad Bengals defense is the medicine the Bears offense was looking for this week. What looked to be a light at the end of the tunnel following Joe Flacco's tremendous play has once again gone dark in Cincinnati. Bengals fans just may want this horror movie to end already.
Vikings @ Lions: Led by Jared Goff, the Lions’ offense continues to thrive behind one of the league’s best offensive lines and the dynamic backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. With the Vikings allowing over 130 rushing yards per game, Detroit will likely look to establish the ground game early taking advantage of a Vikings defense who is vulnerable against the run.The Minnesota Vikings enter Week 9 fighting for stability at the most important position in football. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to return under center after missing time, hoping to provide a much-needed spark to a team still trying to find it's identity on offense. The front office’s offseason gamble at quarterback has defined their year so far. Instead of pursuing Aaron Rodgers or continuing down the path with Sam Darnold who is thriving in Seattle, the Vikings continued their investment in last year's first round pick J.J McCarthy. Can McCarthy finally show that potential that made him a first round pick last year or will it just leave Vikings fans wondering, what if.
Panthers @ Packers:
Chargers @ Titans:
49ers @ Giants:
Colts @ Steelers: If you had told anyone that heading into November that the Indianapolis Colts led by Daniel Jones would be the current top seed in the AFC, they would probably think you were crazy. The redemption story of Daniel "Indiana" Jones continues to have the Colts offense continues on their hot streak averaging nearly 34 points per game. It also helps that teams have to also prepare for Jonathan Taylor who is putting on a MVP like season, and the Colts defense is doing their job ranking sixth in the NFL in points allowed. Pittsburgh on the other hand, following a 4-1 start has dropped their last two games, and their defense is shaky with the red hot Colts offense coming to town. Pittsburgh needs to find a way to slow down Jonathan Taylor, Daniel Jones and company or the Colts will remain atop the AFC.
Broncos @ Texans:
Sunday 4PM Late Games
Jaguars @ Raiders:
Saints @ Rams:
Chiefs @ Bills: It’s Mahomes vs. Allen. Reid vs. McDermott. Chiefs Kingdom vs. Bills Mafia. Two of the conference’s powerhouses, both loaded with firepower and expectations, collide at Highmark Stadium with national eyes locked in. Despite some hiccups this season, Patrick Mahomes remains the league’s ultimate equalizer. Kansas City ranks among the top teams in total offense and continues to find ways to win even when not firing on all cylinders. Utilizing James Cook to keep Mahomes on the bench, limiting as much damage as possible to a Bills defense that may be without two of their top defensive tackles. Look for this to be another classic game between Mahomes & Allen, as many could see this as a preview of the AFC Championship Game.
Sunday Night Football
Seahawks @ Commanders: For Seattle, it’s a chance to keep pace in the NFC playoff race and continue their winning ways under quarterback Sam Darnold, while Washington faces a pivotal moment in a season that’s quickly slipping away. Under Darnold, Seattle’s offense has found a rhythm that’s both balanced and explosive. The former Viking, who led Minnesota to a 14-3 record last year, has found new life in the Pacific Northwest, commanding a top-10 scoring offense with precision and poise. The Commanders meanwhile seemingly are facing a NFC Championship hangover as injuries have derailed their offense this season. While it was good that Terry McLaurin returned last week, Jayden Daniels is still sidelined meaning it could be another start for Marcus Mariota this week against a stingy Seattle defense.
Monday Night Football
Cardinals @ Cowboys: The bright lights of Monday Night Football turn to Arlington, Texas, where the Dallas Cowboys host the Arizona Cardinals in a matchup both teams need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Once again, Jacoby Brissett will get the start in place of Kyler Murray who gets a favorable matchup against a Cowboys defense giving up 31.3 points per game. The Arizona Cardinals have lost five straight heading into this one, all close losses leaving Arizona fans wondering what if. This season has been frustrating for the Cowboys as the talent on the team simply doesn't match the record you would think they would have at this point in the season. Dallas is in need of a get right game following their loss to Denver, but if their defense allows Jacoby Brissett to have a good game against their defense, it will once again be a long night for the Dallas Cowboys.
Thursday Night Football
Baltimore Ravens @ Miami Dolphins: Both squads are coming off much-needed victories, the Ravens handled the Bears to get back on track, while the Dolphins stunned the Falcons in an upset win. The real headline here is the return of Lamar Jackson. After missing time with an injury, the Ravens’ star quarterback is back as we know everything starts and ends with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore. We know what the Ravens offense can do with Lamar Jackson as he threw 10 touchdowns and only one interception prior to his injury, and if the past two games are any indication, Baltimore may have figured out their defensive woes. Holding the Rams & Bears to under twenty points consecutively is a sight many Ravens fans are glad to see in hopes the bleeding will stop on defense. While Miami's offense finds ways to create explosive plays despite the loss of Tyreek Hill, it may be the Dolphins defense that ends up being the story as their pass defense is exactly what Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense needs to remind the NFL of why the Ravens will always be the team you don't want to play in January.
Sunday 1PM Early Games
Chicago Bears @ Cincinnati Bengals: The Chicago Bears head to Paycor Stadium this Sunday to take on the Cincinnati Bengals in a matchup that could define both teams’ mid season direction. For Chicago, it’s a chance to stay in the NFC playoff picture. For Cincinnati, it’s about survival and potentially saving their season. Joe Flacco is now day to day with a shoulder injury, meaning that Jake Browning could find himself once again the starter for the Bengals following their loss to the New York Jets last week. The Bears have seemingly shown signs of growth under Ben Johnson this season, while it's still unknown if Caleb Williams is the long term answer or not. If Williams needed a week to bounce back following their loss to the Ravens, the very bad Bengals defense is the medicine the Bears offense was looking for this week. What looked to be a light at the end of the tunnel following Joe Flacco's tremendous play has once again gone dark in Cincinnati. Bengals fans just may want this horror movie to end already.
Vikings @ Lions: Led by Jared Goff, the Lions’ offense continues to thrive behind one of the league’s best offensive lines and the dynamic backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. With the Vikings allowing over 130 rushing yards per game, Detroit will likely look to establish the ground game early taking advantage of a Vikings defense who is vulnerable against the run.The Minnesota Vikings enter Week 9 fighting for stability at the most important position in football. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to return under center after missing time, hoping to provide a much-needed spark to a team still trying to find it's identity on offense. The front office’s offseason gamble at quarterback has defined their year so far. Instead of pursuing Aaron Rodgers or continuing down the path with Sam Darnold who is thriving in Seattle, the Vikings continued their investment in last year's first round pick J.J McCarthy. Can McCarthy finally show that potential that made him a first round pick last year or will it just leave Vikings fans wondering, what if.
Panthers @ Packers:
Chargers @ Titans:
49ers @ Giants:
Colts @ Steelers: If you had told anyone that heading into November that the Indianapolis Colts led by Daniel Jones would be the current top seed in the AFC, they would probably think you were crazy. The redemption story of Daniel "Indiana" Jones continues to have the Colts offense continues on their hot streak averaging nearly 34 points per game. It also helps that teams have to also prepare for Jonathan Taylor who is putting on a MVP like season, and the Colts defense is doing their job ranking sixth in the NFL in points allowed. Pittsburgh on the other hand, following a 4-1 start has dropped their last two games, and their defense is shaky with the red hot Colts offense coming to town. Pittsburgh needs to find a way to slow down Jonathan Taylor, Daniel Jones and company or the Colts will remain atop the AFC.
Broncos @ Texans:
Sunday 4PM Late Games
Jaguars @ Raiders:
Saints @ Rams:
Chiefs @ Bills: It’s Mahomes vs. Allen. Reid vs. McDermott. Chiefs Kingdom vs. Bills Mafia. Two of the conference’s powerhouses, both loaded with firepower and expectations, collide at Highmark Stadium with national eyes locked in. Despite some hiccups this season, Patrick Mahomes remains the league’s ultimate equalizer. Kansas City ranks among the top teams in total offense and continues to find ways to win even when not firing on all cylinders. Utilizing James Cook to keep Mahomes on the bench, limiting as much damage as possible to a Bills defense that may be without two of their top defensive tackles. Look for this to be another classic game between Mahomes & Allen, as many could see this as a preview of the AFC Championship Game.
Sunday Night Football
Seahawks @ Commanders: For Seattle, it’s a chance to keep pace in the NFC playoff race and continue their winning ways under quarterback Sam Darnold, while Washington faces a pivotal moment in a season that’s quickly slipping away. Under Darnold, Seattle’s offense has found a rhythm that’s both balanced and explosive. The former Viking, who led Minnesota to a 14-3 record last year, has found new life in the Pacific Northwest, commanding a top-10 scoring offense with precision and poise. The Commanders meanwhile seemingly are facing a NFC Championship hangover as injuries have derailed their offense this season. While it was good that Terry McLaurin returned last week, Jayden Daniels is still sidelined meaning it could be another start for Marcus Mariota this week against a stingy Seattle defense.
Monday Night Football
Cardinals @ Cowboys: The bright lights of Monday Night Football turn to Arlington, Texas, where the Dallas Cowboys host the Arizona Cardinals in a matchup both teams need to win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Once again, Jacoby Brissett will get the start in place of Kyler Murray who gets a favorable matchup against a Cowboys defense giving up 31.3 points per game. The Arizona Cardinals have lost five straight heading into this one, all close losses leaving Arizona fans wondering what if. This season has been frustrating for the Cowboys as the talent on the team simply doesn't match the record you would think they would have at this point in the season. Dallas is in need of a get right game following their loss to Denver, but if their defense allows Jacoby Brissett to have a good game against their defense, it will once again be a long night for the Dallas Cowboys.
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