Big matchups offer big opportunities
There are eight matchups in the NFL this week in which teams with records of 2-1 or better are pitted against each other. That should provide a slightly clearer picture of contenders as the league reaches its quarter pole. Of those seven games, four are divisional clashes, including Raiders-broncos on Sunday afternoon. Which teams can create some separation as these races begin to heat up? (All games Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
Saints at Dolphins, 7:30 a.m. The Miami offense went missing last week in a perplexing 20-6 loss to the rebuilding Jets. Perhaps they can rebound in London against a New Orleans defense that is giving up 437.7 yards per game
Jaguars at Jets, 11 a.m. Jacksonville’s defense has been a surprising force, and it struck again last week while limiting Baltimore to only 186 total yards in a 44-7 victory. The Jets were equally impressive in shutting down the Dolphins last week.
Steelers at Ravens, 11 a.m. Baltimore QB Joe Flacco was awful in a blowout loss to the Jaguars in London (8-of-18 for 28 yards, two INTS) and Ben Rothlisberger wasn’t much better in the Steelers’ loss to the Bears.
Detroit at Minnesota, 11 a.m. The Lions are an overturned-on-replay-review, lastsecond touchdown away from being undefeated. Now they have to slow the league’s second-leading rusher in Minnesota rookie Dalvin Cook (288 yards in three games).
Bills at Falcons, 11 a.m. With the Patriots looking mighty vulnerable on defense, does Buffalo have a shot to win the AFC East? The Bills could make a big statement with a win over an Atlanta team that is undefeated.
Panthers at Patriots, 11 a.m. Carolina rookie RB Christian Mccaffrey has yet to make a big impact in the run game (25 carries for 73 yards). Brandin Cooks (10 catches for 256 yards) has been a major deep threat.
Titans at Texans, 11 a.m. Can Tennessee
RB Demarco Murray (115 yards in a victory over the Seahawks) continue to be a big-play threat in the running game?
Cincinnati at Cleveland, 11 a.m. One of these teams will reach the season’s quarter pole with a victory.
Rams at Cowboys, 11 a.m. Los Angeles QB Jared Goff, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft, has blossomed.
Eagles at Chargers, 2:05 p.m. Philadelphia won on a last-second, 61-yard field goal Sunday. The Chargers have suffered two of their three losses on missed field goals at the end of regulation. 49ers at Cardinals, 2:05 p.m. Carlos Hyde has been a big weapon for the 49ers.
Giants at Buccaneers, 2:05 p.m. New York continues to be hampered by a run game that is averaging 48.7 yards per contest.
Colts at Seahawks, 6:30 p.m. Seattle is surrendering an uncharacteristic 146 rushing yards per game. Indianapolis, meanwhile, is giving up 283.7 passing yards per game.