The Year 9 NFL agenda for the 2024 season is stacked with splendid matchups, and we’ve you coated with what you wish to have to grasp heading into the weekend.
Our NFL Community journalists convey us the most important keys to each duel, and analytics essayist Seth Walder makes a daring prediction for every matchup. The ESPN Analysis staff supplies a large stat to grasp and a making a bet nugget for every competition, moment our Soccer Energy Index (FPI) is going within the numbers with a duel projection. Fiction analyst Eric Moody reveals myth soccer X components, and 3 analysts — Kalyn Kahler, Moody and Walder — give us ultimate rating choices for each duel. The whole thing you need to grasp is right here in a single spot to assistance you get able for a loaded weekend of NFL soccer.
Let’s get into the whole Year 9 slate, together with an NFC North showdown between the Lions and Packers and the quarterback Joe Flacco-led Colts taking at the Vikings. All of it culminates with a “Monday Night Football” matchup between the Buccaneers and the Chiefs on ESPN. (Sport occasions are Sunday except differently famous.)
Cowboys storyline to observe: The Cowboys are at a crossroads. Will they be contending for the playoffs or draft positioning in the second one part of the season? Most effective as soon as since 1989 have the Cowboys made the playoffs next inauguration 3-5 — in 2018 when their midseason business for extensive receiver Amari Cooper sparked a 10-6 end. However a 4-4 list next 8 video games isn’t any agreement both. In that very same day span, they’ve made the playoffs two times out of the 5 occasions they had been .500 next 8 video games. — Todd Archer
Falcons storyline to observe: The offensively flexible Falcons would possibly turn into a run-first staff once more this weekend. The Cowboys have allowed the second-most touchdowns at the field (12) and the fourth-highest yards consistent with raise (join, 4.8) within the league. To travel deeper, Bijan Robinson has a league-best 57.6% luck fee on under-center runs amongst operating backs with a minimum of 30 carries, moment the Cowboys have giving up the second-highest luck fee (49.3%) on such runs, consistent with NFL Upcoming Gen Stats. — Marc Raimondi
Stat to grasp: A defeat for the Cowboys would fit their loss general from every of the former 3 seasons (12-5 from 2021 to 2023).
Daring prediction: Falcons tight finish Kyle Pitts will list beneath 25 receiving yards. I’m no longer anticipating a breakout from him, no longer with a 33 clear rating anyway. That’s the worst amongst all qualifying tight ends and extensive receivers. — Walder
Accidents: Cowboys | Falcons
Fiction X issue: Robinson. He has had 18 or extra touches and 20 or extra myth facets in 3 consecutive video games. Now, Robinson faces a Cowboys protection that ranks thirtieth in run prevent win fee (26.7%) and offers up the fourth-most myth facets consistent with duel. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Cowboys are 0-5 ATS of their week 5 video games following a loss (0-3 ATS next a loss this season). Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Falcons 28, Cowboys 20
Moody’s select: Falcons 31, Cowboys, 27
Walder’s select: Cowboys 27, Falcons 23
FPI prediction: ATL, 56.7% (by way of a mean of two.6 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Every other ignored anticipation by way of Cowboys, Prescott as opposed to 49ers … Falcons’ Pitts having profession revival with assistance of ‘tight finish gods’
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BUF -6 (48.5 O/U)
Dolphins storyline to observe: Dolphins rookie operating again Jaylen Wright leads the staff in yards consistent with raise (5.3). He averages simplest six touches consistent with duel to De’Von Achane’s and Raheem Mostert’s 11.6 and 11.3, respectively. Achane has been Miami’s preferrred offensive participant this season, and professor Mike McDaniel mentioned Mostert has been a “gigantic tone-setter” for the staff. Nonetheless, when requested about getting the rookie extra concerned, McDaniel mentioned Miami will form the “necessary adjustments to make sure that he can contribute his skill set.” — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Expenses storyline to observe: Rookie receiver Keon Coleman has 9 receptions for 195 yards within the week two video games. He had 201 receiving yards within the first six video games. “The trust that I have in him just grows day by day, and we get extra reps after practice, and you see that starting to pay dividends,” quarterback Josh Allen mentioned. The Expenses’ offense has had luck at house this season, averaging 38.3 facets in 3 video games. — Alaina Getzenberg
Stat to grasp: The Dolphins have scored 28 general facets in 3 street video games this season. They’ve scored beneath 40 general facets of their first 4 street video games simplest as soon as in franchise historical past (30 in 1967).
0:39
Why Ground Yates is apprehensive to start out Tua vs. Expenses
Ground Yates and Stephania Bell speak about if Tua Tagovailoa could have a large date in opposition to the Expenses.
Daring prediction: Expenses tight finish Dalton Kincaid will list six or extra receptions. In opposition to the Dolphins, 23% of objectives have long gone to tight ends this season, which is join for the absolute best fee within the NFL. — Walder
Accidents: Dolphins | Expenses
Fiction X issue: Expenses extensive receiver Khalil Shakir. Buffalo’s passing duel is trending up, with Allen throwing for 280 or extra yards in consecutive video games. Shakir has had seven or extra objectives and 13 or extra myth facets in the ones video games. The Dolphins rank within the summit 8 within the league of their significance of zone protection, and Allen ranks alike the summit of the league in QBR in opposition to zone protection. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is 4-0-1 ATS in his profession as a minimum of a six-point underdog. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Expenses 30, Dolphins 21
Moody’s select: Expenses 34, Dolphins 24
Walder’s select: Expenses 30, Dolphins 23
FPI prediction: BUF, 72.0% (by way of a mean of 9.1 facets)
Matchup must-reads: How Tua stayed attached with Dolphins moment on IR … Allen takes Expenses QB room to International Order Sport 4 … Tua praised for shielding self in Miami loss
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: CIN -7 (46.5 O/U)
Raiders storyline to observe: The Raiders have already impaired 4 other inauguration offensive series mixtures in 8 video games and would possibly must deploy a 5th in opposition to the Bengals. Heart Andre James is coping with a proper ankle shock that knocked him out of utmost occasion’s loss to the Chiefs. Rookie left cover Jackson Powers-Johnson, who received the 2023 Rimington Trophy as the most productive school middle, slid over to related out the sport, with out a lot of a drop-off. “I’ve got great guys around me,” Powers-Johnson mentioned. “The whole line is pushing for me and wanting me to be great. … Definitely a learning curve, so I’ve got to get on the bike again and start riding the tricycle again.” — Paul Gutierrez
Bengals storyline to observe: One matchup may dictate how issues travel for the Bengals’ offense: left take on Orlando Brown Jr., who’s fighting a decrease proper leg shock forward of Sunday’s duel, vs. Maxx Crosby, who’s 9th within the league in cross accelerate win fee as an edge rusher (22.3%). Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is aware of the plan for luck is unassuming: “The biggest thing is eliminate [Crosby’s] ability to affect the game.” — Ben Child
Stat to grasp: Burrow has handed for fewer than 250 yards in 3 consecutive video games, join for the longest streak of his profession. He has a complete of 347 passing yards in two contests in opposition to the Raiders, together with the playoffs.
Daring prediction: Raiders extensive receiver Jakobi Meyers will list 80-plus receiving yards. Meyers will face Bengals nook Cam Taylor-Britt, who has allowed 1.9 yards consistent with protection snap — fourth maximum amongst all out of doors corners with a minimum of 100 protection snaps. — Walder
Accidents: Raiders | Bengals
Fiction X issue: Bengals operating again Chase Brown. Cincinnati’s backfield began as a committee with Zack Moss and Brown, however Brown’s workload has ramped up in recent years. He has logged 14 or extra touches in 4 of the week 5 video games and scored 14-plus myth facets in 3 of the ones. This occasion, he has a positive matchup in opposition to a Raiders protection this is given up the seventh-most dashing yards consistent with effort to operating backs. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Raiders’ Antonio Pierce is 12-5 ATS in his profession, which is the most productive mark of any individual who has coached a minimum of 10 video games. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Bengals 24, Raiders 17
Moody’s select: Bengals 28, Raiders 24
Walder’s select: Bengals 34, Raiders 19
FPI prediction: CIN, 65.0% (by way of a mean of five.6 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Pierce: Raiders should ‘blank up’ playcalling, offensive problems … three ways the Bengals’ protection regressed since Tremendous Bowl LVI … Raiders’ run duel reaches gruesome low vs. Chiefs
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: LAC -1.5 (42.5 O/U)
Chargers storyline to observe: Later throwing for fewer than 200 yards in every of the primary 4 video games this season, quarterback Justin Herbert heads to Cleveland on a three-game stretch of averaging 288 yards consistent with duel. Cleveland has allowed 200-plus passing yards 4 occasions. — Kris Rhim
Browns storyline to observe: QB Jameis Winston remodeled the Browns’ offense in his first get started — 334 passing yards, 3 touchdowns and incorrect interceptions — however is his functionality sustainable? Sunday’s matchup in opposition to the Chargers, the most productive protection Cleveland has confronted to pace, will likely be telling. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring protection, permitting 13 facets consistent with duel. — Daniel Oyefusi
Stat to grasp: That is the primary assembly between those groups since Year 5 of 2022. The Chargers have received 5 of the week six conferences, courting to 2015.
Daring prediction: Winston will throw two or extra interceptions. He had two dropped interceptions in opposition to the Ravens utmost occasion. He’s no longer moving to get that fortunate once more. Incorrect quarterback has greater than 4 dropped interceptions this season — and Winston has began just one duel. — Walder
Accidents: Chargers | Browns
Fiction X issue: Browns extensive receiver Cedric Tillman. He has two directly video games of 9 or extra objectives and a minimum of 18.0 myth facets. Tillman has stepped up large with Amari Cooper long gone, and now he’s catching passes from Winston, which supplies him an added edge. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Chargers are 4-1 ATS as favorites this season, together with 3-0 ATS in opposition to groups with dropping data. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Chargers 24, Browns 22
Moody’s select: Chargers 17, Browns 16
Walder’s select: Chargers 23, Browns 16
FPI prediction: CLE, 54.3% (by way of a mean of one.5 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Chargers rookie functionality in Year 8 do business in vindication … QB Winston respiring pristine moment into Browns’ offense … Winston to stay Browns’ QB1 next Ravens disenchanted
0:43
Why Cedric Tillman is a must-add for myth managers
Eric Karabell explains why myth managers want to take hold of Browns WR Cedric Tillman if they may be able to.
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: TEN -3.5 (37.5 O/U)
Patriots storyline to observe: Rookie quarterback Drake Maye has been in concussion protocol since Sunday, however as a restricted player in apply all through the occasion, professor Jerod Mayo is departure clear the chance that he performs. “I do have confidence that if the league says he’s ready to play, he will be able to go out there and operate,” Mayo mentioned. If Maye isn’t cleared to play games, veteran Jacoby Brissett would get the beginning and rookie Joe Milton III will be the supplementary. — Mike Reiss
Titans storyline to observe: The Titans are but to win a duel at house this season. The Patriots haven’t received at the street for the reason that season opener in opposition to the Bengals. At 1-6, incorrect duel must be taken as a right by way of the Titans. However this occasion must be a really perfect alternative for professor Brian Callahan to get his first win at Nissan Stadium. “I’m excited to get back in front of our fans and give them something to be excited about again.” — Turron Davenport
Stat to grasp: The Titans misplaced back-to-back video games by way of a minimum of 20 facets for the primary day since Weeks 13-14 in 2014. They haven’t misplaced 3 directly by way of 20 facets since October 2009.
Daring prediction: Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez will list an interception. Gonzalez has the absolute best goal fee amongst out of doors corners with a better-than-average yards consistent with protection snap and 100 protection snaps, consistent with NFL Upcoming Gen Stats. In alternative phrases, the ball is coming his means however he’s no longer permitting numerous manufacturing. — Walder
Accidents: Patriots | Titans
Fiction X issue: Titans operating again Tony Pollard. He has been a constant dazzling spot in a suffering offense. The Patriots’ protection has been liable to operating backs, permitting the fifth-most myth facets consistent with duel to the placement. Pollard’s workload remainder robust, with 18-plus touches in 3 directly video games. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Patriots are 1-5 ATS of their week six video games as underdogs. The Titans are 1-4 ATS as favorites for the reason that get started of utmost season. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Patriots 24, Titans 17
Moody’s select: Patriots 20, Titans 18
Walder’s select: Titans 19, Patriots 16
FPI prediction: TEN, 60.3% (by way of a mean of four.2 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Pats QB Maye in concussion protocol … Being a first-time NFL head professor will also be tricky; simply ask those 4
1 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: WSH -4 (44.5 O/U)
Commanders storyline to observe: Washington ranks moment within the NFL in yards consistent with run (5.2) and 0.33 in accelerate yards consistent with duel (165.8). One of the crucial terminating general stems from quarterback Jayden Daniels, who averages 53 dashing yards consistent with duel. However the Commanders’ operating backs nonetheless common a blended 5.2 consistent with raise. In the meantime, the Giants’ run protection ranks utmost in yards allowed consistent with raise (5.4) and twenty seventh in accelerate yards consistent with duel (141.8). Washington can collision large cross performs with Daniels, however dealing with robust edge cross rushers, the Commanders will glance to regulate the sport at the field. — John Keim
Giants storyline to observe: Giants rookie extensive receiver Malik Nabers is taking a look to dance again from a duel by which he had two key drops in Pittsburgh. He’s particularly determined in opposition to a Washington staff that couldn’t prevent him within the first assembly. Nabers had 10 catches for 127 yards and a landing in that matchup. He’s itching for every other large duel next two pedestrian performances coming off a concussion. — Jordan Raanan
Stat to grasp: The Giants are 0-4 at house this season, averaging 7.8 facets consistent with duel (fewest within the NFL). They haven’t began 0-5 at house since 1974.
Daring prediction: The Commanders will crack off a 20-plus-yard display screen play games at some time within the duel. Washington runs displays 6% of the day, the fourth-highest fee within the league, and the Giants’ protection ranks thirtieth in EPA allowed consistent with display screen. — Walder
Accidents: Commanders | Giants
Fiction X issue: Commanders extensive receiver Terry McLaurin. He has had 16 or extra myth facets in 5 of his week six video games. He has traditionally carried out neatly in opposition to the Giants, averaging 9.1 objectives and 16.5 myth facets throughout 10 profession video games. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: Unders are 4-0 in Giants house video games this season. Overs are 4-0 in Commanders street video games this season. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Commanders 30, Giants 23
Moody’s select: Commanders 27, Giants 21
Walder’s select: Commanders 30, Giants 14
FPI prediction: WSH, 65.5% (by way of a mean of five.8 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Inside of Commanders’ wild Drizzle Mary to stun Bears … QB Jones ‘pissed off’ amid his, Giants’ struggles
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: NO -7 (43.5 O/U)
Saints storyline to observe: Derek Carr is predicted to start out next lacking the week 3 video games as a result of an indirect shock, and Jake Haener will go back to backing him up next the Saints went with rookie Spencer Rattler in Carr’s absence. The suffering Saints, who’ve misplaced six directly, have dropped to twenty first in offensive yards consistent with duel (319.5) and utmost in defensive backyard allowed (392.8) next a 2-0 get started that started with a thrashing of the Panthers in Year 1. They’ll have many of the offense again from that duel except middle Erik McCoy (groin) and receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee). — Katherine Terrell
Panthers storyline to observe: Bryce Younger will get started once more at quarterback, however he didn’t fare neatly within the Panthers’ first duel in opposition to the Saints. He was once sacked 4 occasions and handed for simplest 161 yards and not using a touchdowns and two interceptions. However Carolina’s greatest defect is protection, in particular with Carr returning. Carr had 3 passing TDs in Year 1, and the Saints i’m in a hurry for 180 yards in opposition to a wholesome Carolina protection. The Panthers have misplaced a number of key defenders since and are given up an NFL-worst 154.6 dashing yards consistent with duel. — David Newton
Stat to grasp: Younger is 2-17 as a starter and can form his twentieth get started Sunday. With a loss, Younger would connect Steve DeBerg and Chris Weinke as the one quarterbacks since 1950 to lose 18 of his first 20 profession begins.
Daring prediction: Saints operating again Alvin Kamara will accelerate for 100 or extra yards. Carolina can’t prevent the run — it ranks thirty second in run prevent win fee (25.9%) and twenty eighth in EPA allowed consistent with designed raise (minus-2.91). After all, the Panthers can’t prevent the cross both, however the Saints can get Kamara extra concerned next taking an early top. — Walder
Accidents: Saints | Panthers
Fiction X issue: Saints extensive receiver Chris Olave. He scored 18.7 myth facets in opposition to the Chargers in Year 8 — a large amusement for myth managers. Olave had simply 2.5 facets blended in Weeks 5 and six and nearest ignored Year 7 in opposition to the Broncos. He’s located to preserve the certain momentum. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Panthers are 1-7 in opposition to the unfold this season, which is the worst ATS list within the NFL. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Saints 21, Panthers 14
Moody’s select: Saints 30, Panthers 17
Walder’s select: Saints 27, Panthers 12
FPI prediction: NO, 71.5% (by way of a mean of 8.3 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Can Saints snap six-game freefall in opposition to Panthers? … A unprecedented feel-good tale for Panthers in rookie UDFA WR Coker … Did Younger do enough quantity to get every other get started for Panthers?
0:46
Chuba Hubbard’s myth outlook for Year 9
Discover Chuba Hubbard’s myth stats as he prepares to pull at the Saints in Year 9.
1 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: BAL -9.5 (46.5 O/U)
Broncos storyline to observe: The Broncos have their preferrred list since they had been 6-2 next 8 video games within the 2016 season, however they’ve discovered prosperity in opposition to a number of of essentially the most wobbly groups within the league. 3 wins have come over 2-6 groups (Jets, Saints and Raiders) to travel with a win over a now 1-7 Carolina. The Ravens may do business in quarterback Bo Nix, who’s twenty seventh within the league in yards consistent with of completion (4.72) and twenty sixth in of completion share, the chance for some large performs. Baltimore has surrendered 46 explosive performs (runs of a minimum of 10 yards and completions of a minimum of 20 yards). — Jeff Legwold
Ravens storyline to observe: The Ravens are 24-3 (.889), together with the playoffs, at house in opposition to rookie inauguration quarterbacks in franchise historical past, which is the most productive house win share by way of any staff since 1950. On the other hand, Denver’s Bo Nix hasn’t performed like a first-year NFL quarterback, going 5-1 in his week six begins with 8 touchdowns and one interception over that span. His 5 victories are essentially the most by way of a rookie quarterback in Broncos historical past, surpassing John Elway and Drew Lock, either one of whom had 4 every. — Jamison Hensley
Stat to grasp: Ravens operating again Derrick Henry has 9 directly video games with a landing, courting to utmost season. That’s the third-longest streak by way of a participant at time 30 or used in NFL historical past.
Daring prediction: Nix will list his first 300-yard passing duel … in a loss. Denver will struggle to throw at the Ravens, whose protection is far weaker in opposition to the cross. The yardage will likely be there, however I worry it’s going to most commonly be in catch-up form. — Walder
Accidents: Broncos | Ravens
Fiction X issue: Broncos extensive receiver Courtland Sutton. His myth manufacturing has swung like a pendulum this season. In Year 8, he noticed 11 objectives and collision a season-high 17.1 myth facets in opposition to the Panthers. Now, he’s up in opposition to a Ravens protection that has allowed the third-most myth facets consistent with duel to extensive receivers. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: Overs are 7-1 in Ravens video games this season, which is the absolute best over share within the NFL. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Ravens 33, Broncos 24
Moody’s select: Ravens 35, Broncos 24
Walder’s select: Ravens 30, Broncos 20
FPI prediction: BAL, 76.6% (by way of a mean of 10.3 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Nix, Payton discovering groove in combination for surging Broncos … Ravens’ defensive ‘funk’ is greatest hurdle in championship hunt … Are the Broncos playoff contenders? 4 issues to turn out
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: PHI -7.5 (45.5 O/U)
Jaguars storyline to observe: As sinful because the Jaguars had been defensively — they’re on date to permit the second-most yards (382.1) and facets (28) consistent with duel in franchise historical past — they’ve been efficient offensively. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence has shorten indisposed his yields (he has 5 next averaging 20 consistent with season over his first 3 seasons), and so they’re averaging 5.8 yards consistent with play games, which will be the preferrred mark in franchise historical past. The most important factor is their gradual begins (simply 20 facets scored within the first quarter), which would possibly no longer harm them this occasion since the Eagles are the one staff within the NFL that hasn’t scored within the first quarter. — Mike DiRocco
Eagles storyline to observe: Quarterback Jalen Hurts has turn into a lot more environment friendly in fresh weeks. Later turning the ball over seven occasions over the Eagles’ first 4 video games — moment maximum within the league on the day — he has 0 giveaways within the week 3 video games. Philadelphia is 3-0 over that extend with a points-per-game differential of plus-16.3, in comparison to minus-2.5 all over its 2-2 get started. — Tim McManus
Stat to grasp: Hurts has had 5 dashing touchdowns within the week two video games, essentially the most by way of any quarterback in a two-game span since 1951. Since 1950, essentially the most dashing touchdowns by way of a passer over a three-game span is six (Cam Newton in 2011 and Johnny Lujack in 1950).
0:39
Why Jeff Saturday believes in Eagles as authentic Tremendous Bowl contenders
Jeff Saturday explains why Jalen Hurts and the Eagles must be thought to be Tremendous Bowl contenders.
Daring prediction: Eagles edge rusher Josh Sweat will list a cross accelerate win fee of 25% or upper. Sweat will face Walker Tiny, who changed left take on Cam Robinson (since traded) utmost occasion. Traditionally, Tiny has no longer been splendid. He has a profession 82% cross prohibit win fee at take on, which is definitely beneath common. — Walder
Accidents: Jaguars | Eagles
Fiction X issue: Jaguars tight finish Evan Engram. Broad receiver Christian Kirk is out for the season as a result of a damaged collarbone, and extensive receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is date to date. That implies Lawrence will most probably incline on Engram. Endmost season, Engram averaged 10.2 objectives, 8.3 receptions and 73.2 receiving yards consistent with duel when Kirk was once sidelined for 6 video games. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The utmost day the Jaguars closed as a minimum of seven-point underdogs was once the 2022 divisional playoffs in opposition to the Chiefs (plus-9.5). Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Eagles 34, Jaguars 18
Moody’s select: Eagles 33, Jaguars 20
Walder’s select: Eagles 27, Jaguars 20
FPI prediction: PHI, 68.1% (by way of a mean of seven.1 facets)
Matchup must-reads: With Kirk out, which Jaguars WR will step up? … Former Eagles professor Pederson helped usher Sirianni in as Philly professor … QB Hurts jokes about his mismatched cleats all over Eagles-Bengals
4:05 p.m. ET | CBS | ESPN BET: ARI -1.5 (44.5 O/U)
Bears storyline to observe: Tutor Matt Eberflus was once mum when requested whether or not cornerback Tyrique Stevenson would get started in opposition to Arizona or be benched next his antics at the ultimate play games in Washington contributed to an 18-15 loss for the Bears. Eberflus mentioned the second-year nook “has made a lot of plays for this group and for our defense and for our football team over the last couple of years, and he’s going to continue to do that.” Given the Bears are already coping with accidents to Jaquan More energizing (concussion) and Kyler Gordon (hamstring), changing every other starter within the lineup is probably not within the playing cards Sunday. — Courtney Cronin
Cardinals storyline to observe: The Cardinals have in any case discovered some consistency. They’ve received two in a row for the primary day since 2021 and feature taken 3 out of 4. If they may proceed their run with a win Sunday, they’ll be in a chief place going into nearest occasion’s duel in opposition to the Jets, which is their utmost sooner than their bye occasion. — Josh Weinfuss
Stat to grasp: The Bears have the toughest extra agenda within the NFL, consistent with ESPN Analytics. Later their nearest two video games in opposition to Arizona and Unused England, they’ll play games 8 directly contests in opposition to groups with a flow list of .500 or higher.
Daring prediction: Bears tight finish Cole Kmet will has 75-plus receiving yards. He’ll soar again from his one-reception functionality utmost occasion as Arizona lets in objectives to tight ends on 21% of dropbacks, the fourth-highest fee within the league. Plus, Arizona struggles in opposition to the cross typically. — Walder
Accidents: Bears | Cardinals
Fiction X issue: Cardinals operating again James Conner. He’s in a splendid spot this occasion. Arizona’s offensive series has been remarkable, rating 9th in run prohibit win fee, moment the Bears are twenty second in run prevent win fee (72.8%). Conner has averaged 14.2 myth facets consistent with duel. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is 10-16 ATS in his profession as a favourite (6-12 ATS as house favourite). Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Cardinals 21, Bears 18
Moody’s select: Cardinals 20, Bears 17
Walder’s select: Cardinals 24, Bears 23
FPI prediction: CHI, 49.9% (by way of a mean of 0.0 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Bears arise by way of complaint however struggle to conserve it ‘in-house’ … How Cardinals’ McBride is ascending right into a top-tier TE … Why Cardinals’ come-from-behind win vs. Dolphins may well be wanted spark
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: DET -3.5 (48.5 O/U)
Lions storyline to observe: At 6-1, the Lions are off to their preferrred get started since 1956 with veteran quarterback Jared Goff competing at an MVP degree. Detroit has received its week two video games at Lambeau Ground, and Goff has an extraordinary alternative to check former Packers superstar Aaron Rodgers’ NFL-record of six directly video games with more than one passing touchdowns and a 70% of completion fee. — Eric Woodyard
Packers storyline to observe: How a lot the Packers run the ball is dependent upon whether or not it’s Jordan Love (groin) or Malik Willis at quarterback. Within the two video games that Willis began previous this season moment Love was once out as a result of a knee shock, the Packers known as designed runs on 68% of the snaps in comparison to 41% in Love’s six begins, consistent with ESPN Analysis. Both means, be expecting operating again Josh Jacobs to be parched to take on. He has the second-most dashing yards next pledge within the NFL this season, tardy simplest the Ravens’ Derrick Henry. — Rob Demovsky
Stat to grasp: Goff has finished 83% of his passes over the week 5 video games, which is the absolute best share all over a five-game span in NFL historical past (minimal of fifty makes an attempt).
Daring prediction: Jacobs is not going to catch a unmarried cross. The Lions have allowed operating again receptions on simply 8% of opponent dropbacks, the bottom fee within the league. — Walder
Accidents: Lions | Packers
Fiction X issue: Goff. He’s averaging 27.0 cross makes an attempt and 17.2 myth facets consistent with duel this season. Goff has been particularly efficient at the street, with 19.8 myth facets consistent with duel. And with the Packers doubtlessly lacking nook Jaire Alexander (knee) and protection Evan Williams (hamstring), Goff is ready up for luck. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Packers are 22-8 ATS as underdogs beneath professor Matt LaFleur. They’re additionally 6-1 outright and ATS as house underdogs with him. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Lions 37, Packers 26
Moody’s select: Packers 31, Lions 26
Walder’s select: Lions 34, Packers 26
FPI prediction: DET, 59.7% (by way of a mean of four.2 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Lions’ offense is on an all-time run … For Packers to overcome Lions, their offense should step up … Record: Prosecutors reviewing warrant request for Lions’ Williams
0:44
Jameson Williams suspended 2 video games by way of NFL
Adam Schefter provides main points at the NFL’s postponed of Lions WR Jameson Williams for violating the performance-enhancing ingredients coverage.
4:25 p.m. ET | FOX | ESPN BET: LAR -1.5 (48.5 O/U)
Rams storyline to observe: Working again Kyren Williams ranks moment within the NFL with 10 scrimmage touchdowns this season. With two extra touchdowns Sunday, Williams can turn into the fourth participant in Rams historical past with 12 or extra touchdowns thru 8 video games of a season, consistent with ESPN Analysis. Williams has scored a minimum of two touchdowns in a duel two times this season. — Sarah Barshop
Seahawks storyline to observe: The Seahawks are “optimistic” — in professor Mike Macdonald’s phrases — that DK Metcalf will likely be again next lacking utmost occasion’s duel as a result of an MCL sprain. The superstar receiver’s absence as opposed to Buffalo was once unhidden in Seattle’s incapability to generate an offensive play games of longer than 20 yards for the primary day since 2017. Rams cornerback and one-time Seahawk Ahkello Witherspoon were given beneath Metcalf’s pores and skin utmost season, which might upload intrigue to that matchup. — Brady Henderson
Stat to grasp: Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith had 0 passing touchdowns in Year 8. He has no longer had back-to-back begins with out a passing landing since 2014 with the Jets.
Daring prediction: The Rams will reserve their opponent to beneath 4.0 yards consistent with raise for the second one day this season. There’s a weak-on-weak matchup at the field right here with the Seahawks rating twenty ninth in EPA consistent with designed raise and the Rams rating twenty ninth in EPA allowed consistent with designed raise. One thing has to present, and my assumption is it breaks the Rams’ means. — Walder
Accidents: Rams | Seahawks
Fiction X issue: Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford. He simply submit a season-high 24.7 myth facets in opposition to the Vikings in Year 8, with receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp as his summit objectives. This occasion’s matchup with Seattle sticks out with one of the crucial absolute best level totals at the slate. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Seahawks are 2-6 ATS this season, moment the Rams are 2-5 ATS. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Seahawks 28, Rams 24
Moody’s select: Rams 26, Seahawks 23
Walder’s select: Rams 20, Seahawks 17
FPI prediction: LAR, 50.3% (by way of a mean of 0.1 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Rams’ Kupp ratings in go back; McVay expects WR to stick … Who will win the NFC West? It’s a four-team race
8:20 p.m. ET | NBC/Peacock | ESPN BET: MIN -5 (46.5 O/U)
Colts storyline to observe: With QB Joe Flacco eager to break in, search for a captivating subplot in how he offer with the Vikings’ large blitz bundle. Minnesota blitzes on the absolute best fee within the NFL this season (42%), however Flacco leads all QBs since 2023 in touchdowns consistent with cross effort (13.3%) and yards consistent with of completion (14.8) when blitzed. Flacco additionally has the fourth-lowest sack fee (5.1%) in opposition to the blitz. — Stephen Holder
Vikings storyline to observe: The Vikings are anticipated to get tight finish T.J. Hockenson again at the grassland now that he has recovered from a torn ACL and MCL in his proper knee. That may most probably advised a redistribution of objectives a few of the staff’s pass-catchers, a shift that are supposed to get advantages the offense although it in the long run takes a couple of objectives clear of extensive receiver Justin Jefferson. So far, Jefferson has 34.9% of quarterback Sam Darnold’s objectives, the second-highest share by way of any participant thru seven video games within the week 10 seasons. — Kevin Seifert
Stat to grasp: ESPN Analytics provides Indianapolis a 64% anticipation to form the playoffs with Flacco, in comparison to a 46% anticipation with Richardson.
2:15
Schefter: Colts benching Richardson ‘a seismic travel on a dozen of ranges’
Adam Schefter joins Pat McAfee and reviews at the Colts’ resolution to bench Anthony Richardson for Joe Flacco.
Daring prediction: Colts extensive receiver Adonai Mitchell will list 50-plus receiving yards for the primary day. With Flacco beneath middle, the offense might be extra valuable. Mitchell hasn’t produced large numbers but, however there are beneficial indicators. He ranks fourth in clear rating with an 81. — Walder
Accidents: Colts | Vikings
Fiction X issue: Colts extensive receiver Josh Downs. With Flacco stepping in, the Colts’ passing duel is trending up. His accuracy will get advantages the Colts’ receivers. Downs and Flacco have already proven robust chemistry, and the receiver has cleared 16 myth facets in 4 of his week 5 video games. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: The Vikings are 0-2 outright and ATS of their week two video games (each as favorites). They began the 12 months 5-0 outright and ATS. Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Colts 28, Vikings 26
Moody’s select: Vikings 31, Colts 24
Walder’s select: Vikings 29, Colts 14
FPI prediction: MIN, 53.9% (by way of a mean of one.4 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Committing to Flacco over Richardson is helping Colts win now, professor says … Vikings hope Hockenson’s go back will clear up offense … Win-now Colts bench QB Richardson for Flacco
8:15 p.m. ET | ESPN/ABC | ESPN BET: KC -8.5 (45.5 O/U)
Buccaneers storyline to observe: With out extensive receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, quarterback Baker Mayfield inclined closely on tight finish Cade Otton utmost occasion. The Bucs must do it once more, with reputedly the one actual hollow within the Chiefs’ protection being that they’re given up a mean of 80.86 yards to opposing tight ends — essentially the most of any staff within the league. Does “National Tight Ends Day” raise over for every other occasion? — Jenna Laine
Chiefs storyline to observe: The Chiefs have held 5 in their seven fighters beneath their season common in scoring, together with two within the NFL’s summit 10 in facets. However Mayfield and the Bucs, fourth in scoring at greater than 29 facets consistent with duel, provide Kansas Town’s greatest problem. The Chiefs had their maximum fertile pass-rushing duel of the season utmost occasion in opposition to the Raiders with 5 sacks, and so they added edge rusher Joshua Uche in a business with the Patriots this occasion. — Adam Teicher
Stat to grasp: The Buccaneers are permitting 26.6 facets (twenty eighth within the NFL) and 387 general yards (thirtieth) consistent with duel.
Daring prediction: The Chiefs will permit incorrect multiple landing to the Bucs. I’ve a parched day sight Tampa Bay’s offense be successful with out Evans and Godwin. Its intensity receivers must beat press protection, however the Chiefs do this greater than any alternative staff within the league at out of doors nook. — Walder
Accidents: Buccaneers | Chiefs
Fiction X issue: Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. He completed with a season-high 18.1 myth facets in opposition to the Raiders in Year 8. Incorrect protection this season lets in extra myth facets consistent with duel than the Buccaneers. I consider Mahomes can conserve his momentum going in opposition to Tampa Bay. See Year 9 scores. — Moody
Having a bet nugget: Mahomes is 22-28 ATS in his profession when laying a minimum of seven facets (0-2 ATS this season). Learn extra.
Kahler’s select: Buccaneers 27, Chiefs 24
Moody’s select: Chiefs 28, Buccaneers 20
Walder’s select: Chiefs 27, Buccaneers 13
FPI prediction: KC, 63.0% (by way of a mean of five.3 facets)
Matchup must-reads: Godwin says playoff go back ‘best-case state of affairs’ … Why the Chiefs are the pristine Patriots
