Week 13

THANKSGIVING:

GREEN BAY PACKERS (7-3-1) vs. DETROIT LIONS (7-4)

Thursday Nov. 27 @ 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX

Ahh Thanksgiving, the best time of the year for football. If you aren’t familiar with the schedule layout, allow me to briefly explain. The first game is always hosted by the Detroit Lions at 1 p.m., a tradition since 1934. The second takes place at 4:30 p.m., hosted by the Dallas Cowboys. Lastly, there is the night matchup that is randomized every year. With that being said, let’s see what we have in the Motor City.

This matchup between the Lions and Packers is going to be one heck of a dog fight to watch. If you think Detroit hasn’t forgotten what happened in week one, you’d be sadly mistaken. At the same time, Green Bay wants to prove that they’re not going to be left out to dry in the playoffs, so strategy is not going to be the most important element in this particular game.

The Lions are coming off an overtime victory against the New York Giants at home, which is not the most ideal way to win a football game, but Jahmyr Gibbs led the way on the offense while their defense buckled down in the fourth quarter and overtime. However, the Packers defense is one of the strongest in the league and it is a unit that caught Detroit completely off guard in the opening game of the season. They are ranked in the top ten in almost every statistical category, just like the Lions offense. Whichever unit can hold their ground the longest is going to find a way to win this game.

Another key matchup to watch is Green Bay’s offense versus Detroit’s defense. Both are good units, but they’re not necessarily great. Emmanuel Wilson is coming off a 100+ yard performance in his first start of the season, but the Lions are a little better at slowing down the run than the Vikings. If the Packers cannot rely on their ground attack, then they need Jordan Love to have a strong performance, albeit with an injured left shoulder. It wouldn’t be the first time he had a big game on Thanksgiving at Ford Field. If you remember from two years ago, Green Bay’s quarterback threw for 268 yards and three touchdown passes against one of the hottest teams in the NFL in a shocking upset win. Let’s see if he can do the same with a potential division title on the line.

FINAL LOCK: This is a must-win game for both teams because not only is a playoff spot at stake, but the Bears of all teams are in first place in the NFC North. Knowing the seriousness and intensity of this rivalry, I doubt this is going to be a sweep, so I’m going to say the Lions will get their revenge at home. However, we are going to get one hell of a fight that will go down to the wire.

FINAL SCORE: DET 23-20

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (6-5) vs. DALLAS COWBOYS (5-5-1)

Thursday Nov. 27 @ 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS

After everybody has their turkey and mashed potatoes, it’s time to move on to dessert. While they wait to pick out their pieces of pie, they can see the Dallas Cowboys host the Kansas City Chiefs in what should be a tremendous high-scoring affair between two of the best offenses in the NFL. Everybody thinks that Patrick Mahomes is going to beat Dak Prescott in a heartbeat, but I have a strong feeling we will get a tremendous overtime finish, especially after what I saw from both teams last week.

I can understand why pundits like Stephen A. Smith is not going to give the Cowboys a chance of winning. The Chiefs are better in every aspect as a football team. They have the better quarterback, the better head coach and a more trustworthy defense. After all, they just beat one of the best teams in the AFC at home in overtime! There is no question that Kansas City will bring their A game on a nationally televised stage. As long as they still have the nucleus in the coaching staff and on the football field, this team is going to be favored to win almost every game on their schedule. But to Dallas, they don’t care whatsoever because they are going to bring a tremendous amount of pent-up juice and intensity to the football field.

The Cowboys recently overcame a 21-0 deficit against the archrival Philadelphia Eagles at home. Nobody gave Dallas a chance to win that game and they overcame the obstacles, so why not do it again four days later? Since the bye week, they have looked tremendously confident on both sides of the ball. Their defense is a million times better than it ever was to begin the season, while the offense is one of the best in the NFL. If they were able to rip the hearts out of the defending Super Bowl champions, then who is to say they can’t do the same against the class of the league? It’s not going to be easy whatsoever, but the Cowboys match up well against the Chiefs and they have the pieces to take this game to the very end. All they have to do is just not screw up at the worst possible time.

FINAL LOCK: One fun fact to think about is that the Chiefs have not beaten the Cowboys on the road since 1975. However, with Patrick Mahomes at quarterback, there is a strong chance that this streak is going to end eventually. I am really excited to watch this game because I know both offenses will do everything it takes to win. However, I am going to give Kansas City the slight edge just because of who they have under center. I will be pleasantly surprised if Dallas can find a way to win, but my optimism surrounding this football team is cautious for the time being.

FINAL SCORE: KC 33-30 

CINCINNATI BENGALS (3-8) vs. BALTIMORE RAVENS (6-5)

Thursday Nov. 27 @ 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC

To conclude Thanksgiving, Joe Burrow will be making his return to the football field after a Grade 3 turf toe injury to take on the Baltimore Ravens in what should be a gutsy primetime showdown. Unfortunately, when you look at both teams from the surface, this does not look like it will be an even fight.

The Ravens have won five straight games and are now leading the AFC North, a somewhat similar script that they followed last year! Once again, the defense has improved after a horrendous start to the season, while the offense is still one of the most dynamic in the league. On paper, Baltimore should total 500+ yards and score 30+ points against the worst statistical defense, but Cincinnati held their own against the Patriots on Sunday. Even though they still lost the game, their fans felt that it was the best the defense looked all season, so John Harbaugh cannot underestimate this opponent too lightly. The Ravens weren’t exactly lights out against the Jets on Sunday afternoon, so if they use this week as a chance to get back on the right track, they will be in great shape.

I’m curious to see how Joe Burrow is going to look in his first game back. The good news is he will have Ja’Marr Chase back from his one-game suspension, but unfortunately, Tee Higgins is not going to play on Thursday night due to a concussion. In Sunday’s loss to the Patriots, the Bengals didn’t have a terrible time running the football as Chase Brown totaled over 100 yards, but their passing game left a lot to be desired. There will be a few guys that will have to step up in Higgins’ absence including Mike Gesicki, Andrei Iosivas and even Mitchell Tinsley! The last thing Cincinnati can afford is to play a game of keep-up with Lamar Jackson because if that is the case, then one three-and-out or one turnover is going to cost them all of their momentum.

FINAL LOCK: As much as I love watching Joe Burrow play football, I don’t have any faith in the rest of the team. Their offense should have a solid night, but their defense is still a train wreck and I feel like they are going to get overwhelmed by Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. I won’t say this will be a blowout, yet I expect Baltimore to find a way to put this game out of reach.

FINAL SCORE: BAL 34-27

BLACK FRIDAY GAME:

CHICAGO BEARS (8-3) vs. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (8-3)

Friday Nov. 28 @ 3:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime

Some people might take issue with a game being played on Black Friday, but I’m a big fan of the concept. This is only the third annual matchup hosted on this “holiday”, yet this might be considered the best one when you consider the fact that both teams are leading their respective divisions. This could be a preview of a potential playoff game and to be quite honest, I can’t guarantee one team is going to beat the other right now.

On the surface, you would think the Eagles should find a way to win because they are at home. However, their offense has been really frustrating to watch all season long. In their last three games since the bye week, they have only averaged 16 points a contest. Their offensive line is banged up, sure, but to struggle immensely with this much talent at their disposal is unacceptable. They held a 21-0 lead against the Cowboys on Sunday, only to surrender 24 unanswered points and lose the game in embarrassing fashion. If they couldn’t score in the second half against a Dallas defense that has been near the bottom all season long, then I don’t have a whole lot of confidence they can show any form of consistency against the scrappy Chicago Bears. That team didn’t have any of their starting linebackers or two of their top corners and still managed to force momentum-swinging plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Philadelphia has to wake up and get out of their head because if they don’t, then this is going to be 2023 all over again.

Caleb Williams had one of his better performances on Sunday with three touchdown passes, but the Eagles defense is going to be a more challenging unit to face. Granted, Dak Prescott pulled off one of the most signature wins of his career not too long ago, but you can sense that Philadelphia is going to take out all of their frustration against an opportunistic Bears offense. This isn’t the first time I will say this and I know it won’t be the last, but Williams is going to be the biggest X factor in this game. To his credit, any time the defense forced a fourth down stop or takeaway, he found a way to get the ball in the end zone. If he can do the exact same thing against one of the toughest defenses in the league, then maybe I can apologize for calling Chicago the biggest frauds of the playoff race.

FINAL LOCK: This game can really go either way if you ask me. I’m going to pick the Eagles for now just for the simple fact that they have the home field advantage, but I am not completely confident they can win. Their offense has underachieved all season long, and if Caleb Williams can channel the fourth quarter magic the way he has for most of the year, then Philadelphia fans are going to unleash hell the minute the clock ends.

FINAL SCORE: PHI 20-17

THE 1:00 SLATE:

SAN FRANCISCO 49ers (8-4) vs. CLEVELAND BROWNS (3-8)

Ladies and gentlemen, this is by far the easiest trap game of the entire week. Not only is the 49ers offense in trouble on Sunday afternoon, but something tells me that Shadeur Sanders is going to be 2-0 as a starting quarterback in the NFL. I’ll tell you why.

Kyle Shanahan’s offense will be taking on Jim Schwartz’s defense. The Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator is 9-1 in his career against San Francisco’s head coach. Just three years ago, the Browns with PJ Walker at quarterback took down the eventual NFC champions 19-17 in the Dawg Pound! We just watched Brock Purdy throw three interceptions against the Carolina Panthers, while the Browns defense sacked Geno Smith ten times! All Cleveland has to do is neutralize Christian McCaffrey and the game is all but theirs. However, there is another part of the equation that needs to work for the upset to be pulled off and that has to do with their offense.

Shadeur Sanders had his moments against Las Vegas, but this 49ers defense is a more formidable foe. If it wasn’t for them, they probably would have lost to the Panthers by multiple scores. Robert Saleh is one of the best defensive minds in the league and more importantly, he is an incredible motivator that will always get his guys ready to play, no matter the circumstances. San Francisco is top ten against the run, which is an aspect that Cleveland loves to heavily rely on with Quinshon Judkins as their lead back. Saleh is going to dare Sanders to throw the ball and win the game by himself. If the rookie quarterback can do that, then I think the Browns will have a new franchise quarterback.

FINAL LOCK: I am going to pick Cleveland to win in a low-scoring upset. I don’t expect their offense to look perfect, but as long as Sanders can do the bare minimum and manage the game, their defense can take over and dominate from start to finish.

FINAL SCORE: CLE 17-10

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (7-4) vs. TENNESSEE TITANS (1-10)

I know what you’re probably expecting. You think I’m going to pick the Jaguars to win by multiple scores and the Titans will have no life whatsoever. Not quite. I still think Jacksonville won’t lose this game, but there might be a few moments where they’re caught in a pickle.

Trevor Lawrence is probably the most frustrating quarterback in the NFL. There are moments that bring promise and hope, but others where you wonder why the Jaguars gave him a long term contract extension in the first place. This season, he has thrown 14 touchdown passes and 11 interceptions, the latter being the third most in the NFL. He has only completed 59.8% of his passes, which is ranked near the bottom of all qualified quarterbacks. He has also been sacked the fifth most times out of anybody else and his passer rating is somehow worse than Dillon Gabriel this year! There are no excuses whatsoever if he somehow goes out and lays an egg against the worst team in the NFL. My goal for him is very simple: just don’t mess up.

I’m also curious to see how Jacksonville’s defense will perform on Sunday. On the surface, they should shut the Titans down in a heartbeat. The Jaguars are the best at stopping the run, something that is nonexistent in Tennessee’s offense. Jacksonville just sacked Jacoby Brissett six times and will now be going up against the worst offensive line in the NFL. Cam Ward might have a promising future, but he has literally no help around him. If the Jaguars can hold Justin Herbert to six points and less than 100 passing yards, I don’t know how they cannot have another dominating performance against a vastly inferior division rival.

FINAL LOCK: I’m going to give the Jaguars the benefit of the doubt and say they will win this game, but I don’t think we should expect a blowout. If it is, then good for them. However, I want Jacksonville to take this game seriously and expect a challenge, rather than for them to underestimate their opponent and let them hang around for way too long.

FINAL SCORE: JAX 23-13

HOUSTON TEXANS (6-5) vs. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (8-3)

Here’s an AFC South matchup that is definitely more appealing. The Colts might have a better record than the Texans right now, but the results have been different for both teams in the last few weeks. Indianapolis has lost two of their last three games in agonizing fashion, while Houston has won three straight as they have officially jumped back into the playoff picture. We’re in for one heck of a dog fight between two scrappy division rivals and I can’t wait to see what both defenses have in store for us.

Last Thursday night, the Texans defense sacked Josh Allen eight times and held the Bills to just one touchdown, which was on the opening drive. If I’m Daniel Jones, I am making sure I am not the reason why I lose this game because that has been the case in the last two losses against the Chiefs and Steelers. Opposing defenses are simply telling him “you can’t have Jonathan Taylor, so it’s all up to you Danny Dimes!” If you thought Houston struggled against the run, you’d be mistaken because they’re the fifth best in that category. Not to mention they are second in points allowed, third against the pass, fourth in takeaways and sixth in sacks. This is the best defense in the NFL that Jones has to go up against and with CJ Stroud back in the lineup, their offense is going to look a little better. 

I am really hoping that Stroud can show more of the promise he gave us in his rookie season than the questionable moments he has shown us since then. He’s too likable of a player with that much potential for him to be regarded as one of the most disappointing quarterbacks over the last two seasons, so now that he is healthy, it’s time for him to remind us all why he was the second overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. However, Indianapolis’ defense is a pretty sturdy unit as well, but one thing they struggle with is slowing down the pass. They might not have been the biggest reason why they blew a 20-9 lead against the Chiefs, but they didn’t deserve a pass either. How Stroud can handle the pressure and operate in the pocket is going to be a must-watch on Sunday afternoon.

FINAL LOCK: To be quite honest, I’ve had a hard time picking the winner of this game. Both quarterbacks are going to take the spotlight and it won’t be to just see who closes the deal in the final minutes, but who also screws up at the worst possible time. The Colts are undefeated at home, yet the Texans defense is one that can give their offense several headaches along the way. This can really go either way for me, but I am going to count on Houston to continue building their momentum and potentially threaten Indianapolis’ chances of winning the AFC South this year.

FINAL SCORE: HOU 23-20

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (2-9) vs. MIAMI DOLPHINS (4-7)

This wouldn’t be a week in the National Football League without a boring game that has little to no stakes besides a higher draft pick. The Dolphins still might be desperate to win as many games as possible to make sure nobody gets fired, but the Saints have just embraced that their season is a wash. I think we all know what is going to happen next.

Miami is coming off their bye week and have won three out of their last four games. Entering this final stretch, there is a realistic shot they can go 7-10 or even 8-9, but they have to make sure they take care of business at home against a feeble Saints squad. For their offense, the gameplan needs to center around De’von Achane. New Orleans’ defense has been pretty solid against the pass this season, but their ability to stop the run leaves a lot to be desired. If that is the case, then all Tua Tagovailoa has to do is manage the game and not turn it over. He doesn’t have to be the hero to win this particular game, so as long as he does his job, then the Dolphins should win this game comfortably. 

The biggest reason why the Saints lost last week was because their offense could do next to nothing. They only scored three points and the only touchdown the team had was off a pick six. Miami’s defense had been reasonably solid in their last four games before the bye week, so New Orleans’ offensive struggles might persist in South Beach. Alvin Kamara suffered a knee injury in the second quarter and it might keep him out for some time. Without a running game, the Saints offense is going to be completely one-dimensional.

FINAL LOCK: I expect the Dolphins to win this game similar to the way the Falcons beat the Saints last week. Their offense is not going to be completely fantastic, but as long as they control the time of possession and utilize the running game, they will do enough to get the job done at home. 

FINAL SCORE: MIA 24-10

ATLANTA FALCONS (4-7) vs. NEW YORK JETS (2-9)

I can already tell this is going to be one of the most boring games of the week. The fact that both fanbases actually have some hope left for these teams is not even cute anymore; it’s just depressing. If Atlanta wins, then they’re only two games back from 500, which is somewhat startling to think about. If the Jets win, then apparently Tyrod Taylor needs to be brought back the following offseason and Aaron Glenn should be given more time as a head coach. Either way, one side is going to be deluded into thinking they have hope for next season.

The Falcons looked okay against the Saints, but it was mainly carried by their defense and Blake Grupe’s two missed field goals. Their offense had a couple of positive flashes, but they hardly ran the ball in the second half and they gave New Orleans their only touchdown with a pick six. My guess is that the inconsistencies are going to continue against a Jets defense that has been reasonably solid over the last three weeks. If Atlanta cannot run the ball effectively with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, then I don’t have a lot of confidence that Kirk Cousins can throw his way to victory, especially if Drake London is out for another week. That is a huge indictment on him considering that the Jets defense still doesn’t have an interception this season. I’m just hoping that this offense looks respectable. If not, then they better hope the defense plays out of their minds again.

Atlanta’s defense has been the furthest issue with this football team. Their pass rush has been absolutely tremendous and they are top ten in takeaways. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich has done his job well and it looks like the players have bought in. Against the Jets, the goal is simple: just stop Breece Hall. The minute that happens, there is nobody else in the passing attack that will make a game-changing impact. The only player that can do that is Garrett Wilson and he’s on Injured Reserve. The Falcons simply have to pick up where they left off and the rest will take care of itself.

FINAL LOCK: I remember a few years ago when Desmond Ridder played Tim Boyle at MetLife Stadium and the Falcons barely won that game 13-8. My feeling is that we’re going to get a similar script because both teams are just sad to watch this season. I think you know which way I’m leaning with this one.

FINAL SCORE: ATL 20-10

LOS ANGELES RAMS (9-2) vs. CAROLINA PANTHERS (6-6)

Just imagine if the Panthers actually found a way to beat the 49ers on Monday night. Then this game would be a little more exciting. Even then, I don’t know if my prediction would change because there are not a lot of teams in the NFC that can get in the way of the Rams this year.

Carolina has exceeded expectations with a decent season, but that doesn’t mean they’re great. They’ve shown areas of improvement, yet LA is still a stronger opponent. The only way I can even think about the Panthers pulling off an upset is if they play perfect in all three phases and that’s near impossible. Just ask the Buccaneers how it worked out for them on Sunday Night Football. This is why my preview for this game is not going to be as long as you would think; because the Rams are just a vastly superior football team.

FINAL LOCK: I don’t believe we are going to get a blowout, but I expect LA to make enough plays on both sides of the ball to ensure themselves another victory. As long as the offense doesn’t get in their own way, I think they should just take care of business on the road and move on to the next week.

FINAL SCORE: LA 34-17

ARIZONA CARDINALS (3-8) vs. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (6-5)

This is unfortunately a trap game for the Buccaneers. There is a reason why they are only favored by three and a half points to beat a three-win Cardinals team and it is because Tampa looks like a flawed playoff contender. Arizona has a few weaknesses on their end as well, but with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, anything can happen. Just ask the Cowboys what happened in their matchup against them on Monday night a few weeks ago.

Sunday night against the Rams was easily the worst game from Tampa Bay this season. Their defense got absolutely torched while the offense just had no rhythm throughout the entire night. It was very clear which team had a better chance of winning the Super Bowl and who would be lucky to make it to the conference championship. Now that Baker Mayfield is possibly going to play with a sprained AC joint in his non-throwing shoulder, I’m scared that we might get flashbacks to his 2021 season in Cleveland, where he tried to play through injury and ran himself out of town. On paper, the Buccaneers offense should bounce back against a subpar Arizona defense, especially if Bucky Irving returns to the lineup. However, if Mayfield is seriously hurt and does not perform well as a result, then the Cardinals might be due for a fourth-quarter victory.

In almost every game that Jacoby Brissett has started, he’s had multiple fourth quarter leads against legitimate foes, only to squander it away in the final minutes. If Marvin Harrison Jr. can come back from injury, then this Cardinals offense can have the strength they need to find a way to win in the end. Fortunately in his absence, guys like Michael Wilson and Trey McBride have stepped up in their larger roles. However, one weakness I have pointed out constantly is their lack of a running game, which is something Tampa usually shuts down within the snap of a finger. More importantly, the Arizona offensive line has been abhorrent all season long and now they have to go up against one of the most aggressive defensive minds in the league in Todd Bowles. Brissett might be set up for another decent afternoon, but how he handles himself in the fourth quarter is going to be the most important factor of the game.

FINAL LOCK: I’m going to pick the Buccaneers to hold on at home, but it’s not going to be a cakewalk by any means necessary. The Cardinals were able to go toe-to-toe with teams like the Packers, Colts and Jaguars. Tampa Bay is not exactly in a higher tier, so not only does their offense have to keep their foot on the gas, but the defense will have to force a couple of early takeaways for them to pull away.

FINAL SCORE: TB 26-19

THE 4:05/4:25 WINDOW:

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (4-7) vs. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (8-3)

Two weeks ago, Sam Darnold failed to step up in the game of the year against the Los Angeles Rams. Now that he is back home in Seattle, he has a chance to get the last laugh against the team that let him walk for nothing in free agency; the Minnesota Vikings. It’s too bad they haven’t been promising to watch this year, or else this game would have gotten a lot more anticipation. Either way, I expect everyone on the Seahawks to have Darnold’s back and do what it takes to win this game.

Any time a quarterback goes up against his former team, one of two things will happen: either the player knows all the tactics to use to have success against the opposing defense or the defensive coordinator has figured out how to make the quarterback’s day uncomfortable. Knowing that it’s Sam Darnold versus Brian Flores, I am somewhat leaning towards the latter. It feels like every game quarterback JJ McCarthy has started for the Vikings, that defense does everything it can to win the game, only for them to tap out as the offense can do nothing with the drives they are given. Minnesota will have a tall task on their hands as they have to slow down a potent rushing attack, the best receiver this year in Jaxon Smith Njigba, and overwhelm an offensive line that has only allowed 11 sacks. Darnold is going to struggle, there is no question about that whatsoever. However, if he can have a clean game and make enough plays to keep Seattle ahead, then I think he will be okay.

Minnesota is in a precarious situation when it comes to their quarterback. JJ McCarthy is in concussion protocol and if he does not play, then Max Brosmer will make his first NFL start. If McCarthy is somehow cleared, then all we can ask is what type of performance we are going to get from him this time. Knowing this Seahawks defense, I’m not expecting a lot of good things and it really bothers me to say this because I liked him coming out of the draft and the supporting cast around him should allow me to believe that the Vikings will have a good game. However, their offense has been holding this team back all season long, while Darnold has been playing extremely well on the other side of the country. If Brosmer does get the nod, then we’ll just see what he can do. It’s too early to say he’ll play extremely well or terrible because we don’t know what to expect.

FINAL LOCK: No matter who starts for the Vikings, I expect Seattle to take care of business at home. As long as the offense does not constantly turn the ball over, then I believe their defense will lead the way and create multiple takeaways to put the game out of reach. The only way I can see the opposite is if Minnesota’s quarterback becomes the solution and not the problem.

FINAL SCORE: SEA 28-16

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (2-9) vs. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (7-4)

The only way I could have been excited for another matchup between Jim Harbaugh and Pete Carroll is if the Raiders were actually a decent football team, but they’re absolutely garbage. No need for the lengthy recap, I’ll just give it to you straight.

LA is coming off a needed bye week after getting pummeled by the Jaguars 35-6. Fortunately, they have a promising bounce-back opportunity set up as they get to welcome the two-win Raiders to So-Fi Stadium, a team that allowed 10 sacks and made Shadeur Sanders look like Tom Brady after winning his first career start. From the Chargers’ perspective, they better not lose this game. Sure they have flaws, but against this Vegas team, they cannot afford to get in their own way. Justin Herbert doesn’t even need to throw for 400 yards to win this game. It would be nice, but as LA can control the clock and play exceptional defense, they should beat Las Vegas by double digits. If Omarion Hampton can come back from IR, even better.

FINAL LOCK: Justin Herbert hasn’t lost a home game to the Raiders since his rookie year and I don’t expect this streak to end any time soon. Maxx Crosby might be a generational player, but he’s about the only player that defense has and if he cannot disrupt the game, then the rest of the team is cooked. The only way I can see this being a closer finish is if Geno Smith gets benched but I doubt Pete Carroll is going to have the guts to do that.

FINAL SCORE: LA 34-10

BUFFALO BILLS (7-4) vs. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (6-5)

Both teams are scrapping and clawing for a playoff spot. Both teams were expected to win their divisions handedly after week four, only to let their most hated division rivals jump out in front. Normally, I would say this is a perfect opportunity for Buffalo to bounce back, but they have been wildly inconsistent over their last four games. Last Thursday night, Josh Allen got sacked eight times and the offense turned it over three times in a four-point loss to Davis Mills and the Houston Texans. However, the Steelers are coming off a gut-wrenching defeat as well, so they are going to have a lot of built up aggression as well. Strategy will be an important element, but what tops the list will be each team’s desire to win.

I personally feel this will be a strong day for this Bills defense. Aaron Rodgers is coming back from a wrist injury, which might be a slight upgrade for the Steelers, but their offense has not been fun to watch. Their running game has spun in circles all year long and their passing game has a lot of holes, which is something that I think Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott can take advantage of on Sunday. They weren’t completely horrible against the Bears last week, but any time they gave Chicago a short field, Caleb Williams capitalized off of those mistakes. The minute that happens against Josh Allen, it’s just going to be a long day for this football team.

Somebody else on the Bills offense other than Josh Allen or James Cook needs to have a big day. I get that they have the reigning MVP and one of the best running backs in the league, but their offensive line got manhandled on Thursday night and after the opening drive, they failed to reach the end zone the rest of the night. To put this in perspective, the Steelers have 34 sacks this year, which is the fifth most in the NFL. However, they have allowed the second most passing yards. Cook is a dynamic player, but if Buffalo can throw the football effectively, they should have this game in their back pocket. 

FINAL LOCK: This is going to be a pretty interesting grudge match between two teams desperate to get back to the playoffs but knowing that both teams are coming off of losses, I have strong faith that Buffalo will find a way to bounce back, even on the road. I just don’t have a lot of confidence that this Steelers offense can keep up for 60 straight minutes but more importantly, I don’t like counting out Josh Allen the week after a loss.

FINAL SCORE: BUF 27-14