Game previews
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Cardinals’ keys: Arizona’s defense has struggled against the run in two of its three games. The Cardinals will have to force the Seahawks into passing downs. On offense, Arizona must use RB David Johnson more than it has.
Who wins? In a low-scoring game, Arizona finally gets its first win. Cardinals 19, Seahawks 17
Browns (1-1-1) at Raiders (0-3)
Time, TV: 4:05 ET Sunday, Fox Line: Raiders by 3
Browns’ keys: QB Baker Mayfield gets his first start after rallying the team to its first win since 2016. Cleveland played a more up-tempo style of offense when the 2018 overall No. 1 draft pick entered the game. With a few big plays down the field, the Browns should have no problem moving the ball.
Raiders’ keys: Oakland will have to play mistake-free football. QB Derek
Carr has been careless with the football at times and already has thrown five interceptions. The Raiders might opt to keep the ball in the hands of RB Mar- shawn Lynch more often.
Who wins? With Mayfield, the Browns keep up the momentum and win back-to-back games for the first time since 2014. Browns, 21-18
49ers (1-2) at Chargers (1-2)
Time, TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, CBS Line: Chargers by 10 49ers’ keys: Head coach Kyle Shanahan is a great play-caller and will put new starting QB C.J. Beathard in a position to succeed. San Francisco has the matchup advantage in the middle of the field with TE George Kittle and WR Dante Pettis.
Chargers’ keys: WR Mike Williams is starting to come on strong, and the offense has begun to hum. The defense has been good for the most part at taking away running backs and will have to do the same with the 49ers’ Matt Breida.
Who wins? The Chargers force the backup quarterback into mistakes. The offense takes advantage of multiple short fields. Chargers, 27-13
Saints (2-1) at Giants (1-2)
Time, TV: 4:25 ET Sunday, CBS Line: Saints by 3 Saints’ keys: Drumming up a variety of different looks, blitzes and pressures against Giants QB Eli Manning. New Orleans also must find a way to get RB Al
vin Kamara on track for big gains against a stout interior defensive line.
Giants’ keys: In Week 3, Manning proved he’s still capable when given time, so coach Pat Shurmur will have to continuing game-planning in favor of protection. Defensively, the Giants must take away the deep ball.
Who wins? In 2015, the Giants and Saints battled in one of the league’s best shootouts in recent memory. Neither team is at the height of its offensive ability, and this time the game will be played outdoors. Saints, 27-21
Ravens (2-1) at Steelers (1-1-1)
Time, TV: 8:20 ET Sunday, NBC Line: Steelers by 3
Ravens’ keys: The secondary is somewhat suspect, so getting pressure on Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is necessary. Ravens QB Joe Flacco needs to test a suspect secondary early. Steelers’ keys: They have to find balance on offense, meaning RB James Conner needs to be much more involved from the start. This also could mean getting RB Stevan Ridley involved just for a change of pace. On de-
fense, Steelers’ breakdowns all over the field has led to too many big plays by opponents.
Who wins? On national TV and at Heinz Field, this is the Steelers’ opportunity to get back in contention in the AFC North. Steelers, 35-24
Chiefs (3-0) at Broncos (2-1)
Time, TV: 8:15 ET Monday, ESPN Line: Chiefs by 3
Chiefs’ keys: If the defense can force Denver to rely on QB Case Keenum’s arm instead of the legs of RBs Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay, the offense will struggle. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is red hot and should target third-string CB Isaac Yiadom.
Broncos’ keys: If they can establish a rushing attack and build an early lead, the offense should be able to control the game. Freeman and Lindsay have combined for 403 yards from scrimmage and three TDs. OLBs Von Miller and
Bradley Chubb need to create pressure to slow down the Chiefs’ passing game.
Who wins? The Broncos are playing at home, but their secondary is too banged up to slow down Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs, 31-20
Game previews by USA TODAY Sports Media Group affiliates