The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Jets look for second straight win
Rookie qb Zach Wilson and the N.Y. Jets will look for their second straight win when they face Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons in London.
N.Y. JETS (1-3) vs. ATLANTA (1-3)
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. EDT, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, NFL Network
OPENING LINE: Atlanta by 3.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Jets 1-3, Falcons 1-3.
SERIES RECORD: Atlanta leads 7-5.
LAST MEETING: Falcons beat Jets 25-20, Oct. 2017, at East Rutherford, N.J.
LAST WEEK: Jets beat Titans 27-24 in OT; Falcons lost to Washington 34-30.
KEY MATCHUP: Jets WR Davis vs. Falcons secondary. Davis has an opportunity to show off in front of Falcons coach Arthur Smith, his former Titans offensive coordinator. Davis has three of the Jets’ four TD catches. The Falcons’ already vulnerable secondary just lost nickel back Isaiah Oliver to a season-ending knee injury and also could be without starting safety Erik Harris, who has a calf injury. FANTASY TIP: Despite having the three TD catches, 82 receiving yards, and 34 rushing yards, Patterson was overlooked in the fourth quarter last week. Smith said he trusts RB Mike Davis but acknowledged second-guessing some play-calling decisions. That may mean Patterson has a good opportunity to bolster his status as a fantasy breakout this week. He’ll be looking for his third consecutive
game with at least 100 scrimmage yards and a fourth consecutive game with at least five catches.
NEW ENGLAND (1-3) at HOUSTON (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS
OPENING LINE: Patriots by 8.5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Patriots 2-2; Texans 2-2.
SERIES RECORD: Patriots lead 10-3.
LAST MEETING: Texans beat Patriots 27-20 last Nov., in Houston. LAST WEEK: Patriots lost to Buccs 19-17; Texans lost to Bills 40-0. KEY MATCHUP: Houston rookie QB Davis Mills vs. coach Bill Belichick and the New England defense. Mills tied a franchise record by throwing four interceptions last week and will now face a coach that has a 22-6 record against rookie quarterbacks. New England’s only win this season came against the New York Jets and rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, who threw four interceptions in the 25-6 Patriots victory.
FANTASY TIP: Jones could be a good pickup this week playing against a defense that has allowed at least 250 yards passing in three of its four games.
PHILADELPHIA (1-3) at CAROLINA (3-1) Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox
OPENING LINE: Panthers by 3.5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Eagles 1-3, Panthers 3-1.
SERIES RECORD: Eagles lead series 7-5.
LAST MEETING: Panthers beat Eagles 21-17 on Oct. 2018, at Philadelphia.
KEY MATCHUP: Panthers QB Sam Darnold vs. Eagles secondary. Darnold continues to impress in Carolina, combining for four touchdowns — two rushing and two passing — in last week’s 36-28 loss to Dallas. He will face a Philadelphia defense that has allowed a whopping 83 points and 851 total yards in the past two weeks. FANTASY TIP: The Panthers’ defense had 14 sacks through the first three games, but none against Dallas. The Eagles have allowed eight sacks through four games and their offensive line has been a revolving door, so this could be a big week for Burns and Reddick.
MIAMI (1-3) at TAMPA BAY (3-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS
OPENING LINE: Tampa Bay by 9.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Miami 2-2; Tampa Bay 1-3.
SERIES RECORD: Buccaneers lead 6-5.
LAST MEETING: Buccs beat Dolphins 30-20 on Nov. 2019, in Miami Gardens, Florida.
LAST WEEK: Dolphins lost to Indianapolis 27-17; Buccaneers won at New England 19-17.
KEY MATCHUP: Bucs QB Tom Brady vs. Dolphins CB Xavien Howard. Miami’s standout cornerback will have his hands full against the likes of WRs Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Antonio Brown. FANTASY TIP: The Bucs lead the NFL against the run, the Dolphins haven’t shown that they can run at all, so this is a week to expect a
lot of catches for Waddle.
DENVER (3-1) at PITTSBURGH (1-3) Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox
OPENING LINE: Steelers by 1.5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Broncos 3-1; Steelers 1-3.
SERIES RECORD: Broncos lead 20-12-1.
LAST MEETING: Steelers beat Broncos 26-21 on Sept. 2020, in Pittsburgh.
LAST WEEK: Broncos lost to Ravens 23-7; Steelers lost to Packers 27-17.
KEY MATCHUP: Pittsburgh’s offensive line against Denver’s pass rush. The Steelers have allowed at least two sacks in each of their first four games and will have their hands full trying to contain Broncos LB Von Miller, who already has 4.5 sacks on the season. FANTASY TIP: Considering neither team is setting the world on fire
offensively (especially if Bridgewater doesn’t go) it might be wise to steer clear of position players and maybe turn to the specialists. Pittsburgh’s K Chris Boswell has made at least one field goal in every game and last week made his 11th attempt from 50 yards or more, the most in franchise history.
TENNESSEE (2-2) at JACKSONVILLE (0-4) Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS
OPENING LINE: Titans by 4.5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Titans 2-2, Jaguars 1-3.
SERIES RECORD: Titans lead 32-21.
LAST MEETING: Titans beat Jaguars 31-10 last Dec., in Jacksonville.
LAST WEEK: Titans lost to Jets 27-24 in OT; Jaguars lost at Bengals 24-21.
KEY MATCHUP: Jacksonville’s run defense versus Henry. The Jaguars have allowed 3.5 yards a carry, tied for the fifth-fewest in the league. They are one of 10 NFL teams that have surrendered one or no runs that gained at least 20 yards.
FANTASY TIP: Henry, Tannehill, and whichever WRs get healthy are must starts for Tennessee against Jacksonville’s beleaguered secondary.
The Jaguars have allowed five 100-yard receivers already: Tyler Boyd, Christian Kirk, A.J. Green, Courtland Sutton, and Brandin Cooks.
DETROIT (0-4) at MINNESOTA (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, Fox
OPENING LINE: Vikings by 8.5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Lions 2-2; Vikings 2-2.
SERIES RECORD: Vikings lead 78-39-2.
LAST MEETING: Vikings beat Lions 37-35 on Jan. 1 in Detroit. LAST WEEK: Lions lost to Bears 24-14; Vikings lost to Browns 14-7. KEY MATCHUP: D’Andre Swift had 167 yards from scrimmage with
a rushing TD as a rookie for the Lions last year against Minnesota. He’s second among NFL RBs with 23 receptions, the type of versatile runner/receiver who has given the Vikings’ defense trouble over time. Backup Jamaal Williams is also averaging a career-high 4.5
yards per carry. The Vikings have allowed 100-plus rushing yards in 11 straight games.
FANTASY TIP: Detroit’s T.J. Hockenson leads all TEs in the NFC players with 22 receptions and has been targeted a team-leading 30 times. He caught a TD pass at Minnesota last season.
NEW ORLEANS (2-2) at WASHINGTON (2-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. EDT, CBS
OPENING LINE: Saints by 1.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: New Orleans 2-2; Washington 1-3. SERIES RECORD: Washington leads 17-10.
LAST MEETING: Saints beat Washington 43-19 on Oct. 2018, at New Orleans.
LAST WEEK: Saints lost to Giants 27-21; Washington beat Falcons 34-30.
KEY MATCHUP: Heinicke and Washington’s offensive line vs. the Saints’ pass rush. New Orleans did not sack Giants QB Daniel Jones last week, and Heinicke has a similar ability to evade pressure and take off with the ball. Heinicke sees some things on film he might be able to exploit, and the Saints’ ability to adjust could be the difference.
FANTASY TIP: Winston, Hill, Kamara, Callaway, and just about every Saints offensive skill player are a must-start given Washington’s defensive struggles. Washington has allowed points on each opponent’s opening drive — three TDs and a field goal — and could be
ripe for another rough game unless things change drastically.
GREEN BAY (3-1) at CINCINNATI (3-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m., EDT, Fox
OPENING LINE: Packers by 3.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Packers 3-1; Bengals 2-2.
SERIES RECORD: Bengals lead 7-6.
LAST MEETING: Packers beat Bengals 27-24 (OT), Sept. 2017 in Green Bay.
LAST WEEK: Packers beat Steelers 27-17 ; Bengals beat Jags 24-21. KEY MATCHUP: Bengals passing game vs. Packers secondary.
Burrow has show adeptness at getting the ball out quickly, finding receivers all over the field, and exploiting coverages. He has developed chemistry with the receiver and former LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase, and receiver Tee Higgins is expected to return from an injury. The Packers likely will be without cornerback Jaire Alexander, and linebacker Za’Darius Smith will miss a fourth straight game.
FANTASY TIP: Bengals TE C.J. Uzomah is increasingly becoming a favorite target for Burrow. He caught five passes for 95 yards and
two touchdowns last week.
CLEVELAND (3-1) at L.A. CHARGERS (3-1)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT, CBS
OPENING LINE: Browns by 1.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Cleveland 3-1; Los Angeles 3-1.
SERIES RECORD: Chargers lead 17-9-1.
LAST MEETING: Chargers beat Browns 38-14 on Oct. 2018, in Cleveland.
LAST WEEK: Browns beat Vikings 14-7; Chargers beat Raiders 2814.
KEY MATCHUP: Rams rookie LT Rashawn Slater vs. Browns DE Myles Garrett. His explosiveness and strength have led some teams to
double- or triple-teaming Garrett, or at the minimum, using a tight end to “chip” him coming off the line. Slater has played exceptionally well, but this will be his stiffest test to date against Garrett and his league-leading six sacks.
FANTASY TIP: Browns RB Nick Chubb got his first 100-yard rushing performance of the season against the Vikings, hitting the century mark on 21 carries, and ranks second in the NFL with 362 yards. But the Chargers showed significant improvement in defending the run on Monday, limiting the Raiders to 2.7 yards per carry, so Chubb might need another heavy workload to justify RB1 status this week.
CHICAGO (2-2) at LAS VEGAS (3-1)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EDT, CBS
OPENING LINE: Raiders by 5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Chicago 2-2; Las Vegas 2-2.
SERIES RECORD: Raiders lead 8-7.
LAST MEETING: Raiders beat Bears 24-21 on Oct. 2019, in London.
LAST WEEK: Bears beat Lions 24-14; Raiders lost to Chargers 28-14. KEY MATCHUP: Bears edge rusher Khalil Mack vs. Raiders RT Alex Leatherwood. The Las Vegas rookie has struggled in pass protection this season and should have a tough test against Mack. Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year when he played for the Raiders, has had four sacks the past three games.
FANTASY TIP: Bears RB Damien Williams could get a big load this week with Montgomery injured. Williams had 70 yards from scrimmage and a TD last week. The Raiders allowed 169 yards rushing to the Chargers.
NY GIANTS (1-3) at DALLAS (3-1) Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox
OPENING LINE: Cowboys by 7.5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Giants 2-2; Cowboys 4-0.
SERIES RECORD: Cowboys lead 69-47-2.
LAST MEETING: Giants beat Cowboys 23-19, Jan. 3 at New York. LAST WEEK: Giants beat Saints 27-21 (OT); Cowboys beat Panthers 36-28.
KEY MATCHUP: The New York passing game against CB Trevon Diggs as the Dallas defense. Diggs leads the NFL with five interceptions as just the fourth player since 1990 with at least one pick in each of the first four games. But the Cowboys are 31st in pass defense while allowing 19 pass plays of at least 20 yards, thirdmost in the NFL. All four of Jones’ TD passes are from at least 20 yards, including a 52-yarder to John Ross in his New York debut last week.
FANTASY TIP: Prescott has won his past seven starts against the Giants since two of Dallas’ three losses came against New York when he was the 2016 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. In the seven games, Prescott is completing 66% of his passes for an average of 282 yards per game with 16 touchdowns and two interceptions. The
passer rating is 113.
SAN FRANCISCO (2-2) at ARIZONA (4-0) Sunday, 4:25 p.m. EDT, Fox
OPENING LINE: Cardinals by 5.5.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: San Francisco 1-3; Arizona 3-1.
SERIES RECORD: 49ers lead 32-27.
LAST MEETING: 49ers beat Cardinals 20-12 last Dec., in Glendale, Arizona.
LAST WEEK: 49ers lost to Seahawks 28-21; Cardinals beat Rams 37-20.
KEY MATCHUP: The Arizona offensive line will get a test against the 49ers’ pass rush. Defensive linemen Nick Bosa (four sacks) and Dee Ford (three) have been a problem for opposing teams all season.
Arizona’s line has held up remarkably well considering injuries to multiple starters. The Cardinals could get a boost if RT Kelvin Beachum (ribs) is able to return.
FANTASY TIP: The Cardinals’ defense might be a decent play this
week, especially if the 49ers have to start a rookie quarterback. Arizona has made a lot of big plays with 10 sacks (tied for 10th in the
NFL) and four interceptions (seventh).
BUFFALO (3-1) at KANSAS CITY (2-2)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. EDT, NBC
OPENING LINE: Chiefs by 3.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Buffalo 3-1; Kansas City 1-3.
SERIES RECORD: Bills lead 26-23-1.
LAST MEETING: Chiefs beat Bills 38-24 on Jan. 24 in the AFC title game in Kansas City.
LAST WEEK: Bills beat Texans 40-0; Chiefs beat Eagles 42-30.
KEY MATCHUP: Buffalo’s running game has gained traction with a one-two punch of Devin Singletary and Zack Moss topping 100 yards rushing each of the first four games. Now, the Bills get to face the league’s third-worst rush defense.
FANTASY TIP: If you have someone on the Bills’ offense, now is the time to start him. Not only are Allen and Co. facing one of the
league’s worst defenses, but they also could be in for a shootout against one of its best offenses. WR Cole Beasley in particular has been brutal on the Chiefs, catching three TD passes in his last two games against them. Beasley had seven catches for 88 yards in last season’s AFC title game.
INDIANAPOLIS (1-3) at BALTIMORE (3-1) Monday, 8:15 p.m. EDT, ESPN
OPENING LINE: Ravens by 7.
AGAINST THE SPREAD: Indianapolis 2-2; Baltimore 2-2.
SERIES RECORD: Colts lead 10-6.
LAST MEETING: Ravens beat Colts 24-10 last Nov., at Indianapolis. LAST WEEK: Colts beat Dolphins 27-17; Ravens beat Broncos 23-7. KEY MATCHUP: Ravens QB Lamar Jackson vs. the Indianapolis secondary. Although Baltimore’s running game still gets much of the attention, Jackson is producing more yards through the air lately,
and three different Ravens pass catchers have receptions of over 40 yards this season.
FANTASY TIP: Although the Ravens have looked vulnerable at times against the pass, keep an eye on the Indianapolis injury report before getting too excited about quarterback Carson Wentz. Issues on the offensive line could be a problem.
— All betting lines are according to FanDuel SportsBook