Where has all the offense gone?
By Nick Kosmider, The Denver Post
The Broncos weren’t the only team in the NFL last weekend that produced a cover-your-eyes offensive performance. Denver was one of three teams that failed to score at all last week, matching the entire number of shutouts from the entire previous season. Additionally, six teams failed to score a touchdown — and the Bears did not score an offensive touchdown during their 17-3, defense-led victory over the Panthers. Is the age of “Star Wars” numbers on offense coming to an end?
Vikings at Browns, 7:20 a.m., NFL. An overtime loss in which their defense didn’t allow a touchdown only added misery to a miserable season for the Browns. The Vikings could be in position to pull away in the NFC North after an injury to Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Raiders at Bills, 11 a.m. Oakland saved its season with a last-second win over the Chiefs last week. But can the Raiders get back to .500 against the NFL’S fourth-ranked scoring defense?
Colts at Bengals, 11 a.m. Looking for a reason to watch this game? A.J. Green, second in the NFL with 545 receiving yards, may be a highlight reel waiting to happen against Indy’s lackluster defense.
Chargers at Patriots, 11 a.m., KCNC-4.
The Chargers were reportedly unable to study film of the Patriots’ victory over Atlanta last week because heavy fog clouded the
images. What they would have seen is a rapidly improving New England defense turn in another strong performance.
Bears at Saints, 11 a.m., KDVR-31. The Saints are averaging 33 points during their four-game winning streak. Chicago, meanwhile, didn’t allow a touchdown last week in its 17-3 victory over the Panthers.
Falcons at Jets, 11 a.m. Atlanta’s offense is
in a funk, scoring only one touchdown in the last six quarters. New York, meanwhile, gave up 17 points in the fourth quarter during a 3128 loss to Miami last week.
49ers at Eagles, 11 a.m. After a four-touchdown performance in a victory over the Redskins on “Monday Night Football,” Philadelphia QB Carson Wentz is firmly among the top contenders in the league MVP race.
Texans at Seahawks, 2:05 p.m. The Seahawks have allowed only 13 completions of 20 or more yards, tied for the fewest in the league. Houston’s rookie QB, Deshaun Watson, is completing 65 percent of his passes on the road.
Steelers at Lions, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9. Detroit has lost three of four games following a 2-0 start and has given up an average of 36.3 points in those losses. The Steelers have won three of their last four and have given up an average of just 12 points in those wins.