Tag: Week 10

Week 10 NFL Capsules

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Atlanta Falcons (3-5) vs. Indianapolis Colts (7-2) (Berlin)
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Colts -6.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: The Colts are 15-3 all-time against the Falcons but Atlanta won the most recent meeting, 29-10 on Christmas Eve 2023, behind QB Taylor Heinicke.

The first ever NFL game in Berlin pits two teams who have done the passport football thing a time or two. The Falcons are 2-2 all-time in international games and the Colts are bringing the league’s No. 1 scoring offense (32.2 ppg) to Germany after previously playing in Frankfurt. Indianapolis arrives with a bit of novelty having added All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner at the trade deadline. The Colts also are trying to rebound from a five-turnover showing by the offense in a loss to the Steelers last week. QB Daniel Jones started a November game in Germany with the Giants in 2024 before New York pulled the plug on his tenure with the team. Jones passed for 342 yards last week. He’ll attempt to get more out of his backfield running mate Jonathan Taylor to keep the Falcons’ speed rushers off-balance. When Taylor is clicking, the Colts’ excel with RPO-driven options that demand disciplined reads from a defense and open throwing lanes underneath where rookie TE Tyler Warren is thriving. He’s second in the league at the position with 518 receiving yards. Taylor leads the NFL with 12 touchdowns and is second in yards from scrimmage (1,113). He’s just ahead of Falcons RB Bijan Robinson (1,058), who ranks third in the league. QB Michael Penix Jr. and WR Drake London hooked up for three TD passes in Week 9. London has been used some in the slot, which might take away the potential for a one-on-one matchup with Gardner.

New York Giants (2-7) at Chicago Bears (5-3)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bears -4.5, Total 46.5
Series Rewind: This is the first meeting since the Giants 20-12 win in 2022 in New Jersey trimmed the Bears’ advantage in the all-time series to 36-25-2, which includes Chicago 5-3 edge in the playoffs.

Forecast-watchers are anxious for a slight chance of snow during the game, but the weather might play a role even without precipitation with wind gusts projected to touch 30 mph and wind chill around 27 degrees. It could be a day for running backs, and a problematic scenario if either team falls behind to be forced into a must-pass gear offensively. The Bears lead the NFL in turnover margin (plus-13) and takeaways (19). They are preparing for rookie QB Jaxson Dart and what is morphing into a two-RB approach with Devin Singletary (151 yards from scrimmage last week) and Tyrone Tracy Jr. WR Wan’Dale Robinson has continued to produce with Malik Nabers (knee) out for the season. Robinson has 18 games with five-plus catches since 2003. The Bears could be using more than one back this week, too, after rookie seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai racked up 198 total yards from scrimmage at Cincinnati last week. D’Andre Swift was out last week with a groin injury. The Bears added former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka at the deadline on Tuesday in a trade with the Browns. He joins a pass rush anchored by Montez Sweat that opens playmaking alleys for the LB corps. Tremaine Edmunds has four interceptions and S Kevin Byard III has picked off passes in consecutive home games.

New England Patriots (7-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Buccaneers -2.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: In the most recent meeting, Tampa Bay recorded a 19-17 road victory in 2021 to end a streak of four straight New England wins in the series.

New England has excelled under first-year coach Mike Vrabel and holds a half-game lead over the Buffalo Bills in the AFC East. The Patriots have won six consecutive games, including an impressive 23-20 win at Buffalo on Oct. 5. Second-year QB Drake Maye has stood out, throwing for 2,285 yards and 17 touchdowns against four interceptions. Maye has been highly consistent, never reaching 300 yards and never falling below 200. He leads the NFL in completion rate at 74.1%. The NFC South-leading Buccaneers figure to pressure Maye. He has been sacked 34 times, including six times in each of the past two games. Tampa Bay is coming off a bye and QB Baker Mayfield enjoyed the break since he is still battling knee and oblique injuries. The struggles were evident while Mayfield passed for a season-low 152 yards as the Buccaneers recorded a 23-3 win over the host New Orleans Saints in Week 8. Still, he has 1,919 passing yards and 13 touchdowns against just two interceptions. Tampa Bay will likely be without top running back Bucky Irving (foot/shoulder) for the fifth straight game. That could represent a problem since New England allows a league-low 75.4 rushing yards per game. The Buccaneers are seventh (92.6) against the run.

Baltimore Ravens (3-5) at Minnesota Vikings (4-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Ravens -4.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: The Ravens are 4-3 all-time against the Vikings, including a 34-31 overtime win in 2021 when Lamar Jackson passed for 266 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 120 yards.

Jackson is back and thriving and slow-starting Baltimore is suddenly full of life. Jackson returned from a hamstring injury last week for his lone appearance in October and he completed 18 of 23 passes for 204 yards and four touchdowns in a 28-6 rout of the Miami Dolphins. That gave the Ravens consecutive victories for the first time this season as they look to dig out a hole that saw them lose five of their first six games. Derrick Henry added 119 rushing yards as both of Baltimore’s main pistons were firing. That was Henry’s third 100-yard outing of the campaign. The Vikings are riding the momentum of a sparkling 27-24 road upset of the Detroit Lions last weekend. J.J. McCarthy (ankle) made his first start since Week 2 and completed 14 of 25 passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. McCarthy will likely need an improved performance against star safety Kyle Hamilton and the rest of the Ravens. Vikings wideout Justin Jefferson caught his second touchdown pass of the season in McCarthy’s return and he has 47 catches for 649 yards on the season. Jefferson had 10 receiving scores last year. The Vikings have just three interceptions, two by S Joshua Metellus, and forcing a pick or two from Jackson would help the odds of a victory.

Buffalo Bills (6-2) at Miami Dolphins (2-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bills -9.5, Total 49.5
Series Rewind: Buffalo has dominated the series during the Josh Allen era, winning 14 of the past 15 meetings with Miami overall, including one game in the AFC wild-card round.

The Dolphins took a dismal loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Oct. 30, which led right into a tumultuous few days for the organization. Miami fired longtime general manager Chris Grier the next day and promoted Champ Kelly to interim general manager. Kelly then orchestrated the Dolphins’ lone trade before the league deadline last Tuesday when Miami sent OLB Jaelan Phillips to Philadelphia for a 2026 third-round draft pick. Miami’s defense could be further depleted against the Bills as edge rusher Chop Robinson has yet to clear concussion protocol. Without Phillips and Robinson, Miami might be in trouble against Allen, who has consistently performed well against the Dolphins in his career. Allen is 13-2 as a starter against Miami, throwing for 3,950 yards and 40 touchdowns. The Bills’ offense flourished last week, with tight end Dalton Kincaid racking up six catches for 101 yards and a touchdown in his second game back from an oblique injury. Bills RB James Cook is dealing with ankle and foot injuries. Cook ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards (867) behind only Indianapolis’ Jonathan Taylor (895), and his seven rushing touchdowns are tied with Allen for fourth.

New Orleans Saints (1-8) at Carolina Panthers (5-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Panthers -5.5, Total 39.5
Series Rewind: The Saints have won three of the last four and lead this division series 32-29, but it’s tied 4-4 over the last eight.

The Carolina Panthers continue to be a surprising contender in the NFC South. They enter this week’s game coming off their best win of the season, a 16-13 win at previously 5-1-1 Green Bay on a last-second field goal. While quarterback Bryce Young hasn’t thrown for 200 yards since Week 2 at Arizona, the Panthers offense has been sparked by running back Rico Dowdle, who ran for 130 yards and a career-high two TDs in last week’s win. Carolina now has the NFL’s fifth-best rushing offense (139.8 yards per game). Dowdle (quadriceps) didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday. Saints QB Tyler Shough was not able to spark one of the league’s worst offenses (31st in scoring offense, 29th in total offense) in a challenging first start at the Los Angeles Rams. He did throw his first career touchdown, but only after New Orleans was in a 20-3 hole. Standout RB Alvin Kamara had just 14 yards on six carries last week after being limited with an ankle injury. He’s again been limited this week.

Jacksonville Jaguars (5-3) at Houston Texans (3-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Jaguars -1.5, Total 37.5
Series Rewind: The Texans lead the all-time series 31-16 and have won 12 of the last 15 over Jacksonville. The Jaguars are going for their first season sweep of Houston since 2017 after a 17-10 Week 3 victory.

C.J. Stroud’s streak of 29 straight starts comes to an end this week after he sustained a concussion in last week’s loss to Denver. Backup quarterback Davis Mills will be called upon to make his first start for Houston since January 2023. He has 35 career touchdowns to 25 interceptions in 40 games (26 starts), completing 17 of 30 passes for 137 yards last week in relief of Stroud. Even with Stroud, the Texans have limped to a tie for 24th in the league in scoring offense (21.0 points per game) under first-year offensive coordinator Nick Caley. Jacksonville heads to Houston off a chaotic 30-29 overtime win at Las Vegas which felt important as it prevented a three-game losing streak that would have turned a 4-1 start into a 4-4 record. The Jaguars’ receiver room is a bit beat up, most notably with Travis Hunter Jr. placed on injured reserve with a knee injury sustained last week in practice. To address this, Jacksonville traded for Jakobi Meyers from the Raiders before Tuesday’s trade deadline. He had a career-high 1,027 yards last year for Las Vegas.

Cleveland Browns (2-6) at N.Y. Jets (1-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Browns -2.5, Total 37.5
Series Rewind: The Browns took a 15-14 lead in the all-time regular-season series with a 37-20 victory in their last meeting in 2023. Five of the last seven meetings were one-score games.

For a game between two teams with a combined three wins, there are so many questions. How will the Jets respond to the trade-deadline sell-off of defensive stars Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams? Can the Browns win their first game outside of Cleveland since Week 2 of last season? Which Jets quarterback will be Myles Garrett’s prey as he attempts to add to his AFC-leading 10 sacks? Both teams are coming off bye weeks following very different results. New York racked up 502 yards of offense at Cincinnati in Week 8 to earn head coach Aaron Glenn’s first win. Cleveland gave up a season-high 422 yards in a Week 8 loss at New England. The Browns are 3-2 after a bye week under coach Kevin Stefanski. Cleveland’s Quinshon Judkins leads all rookies with 486 rushing yards but will have to deal with New York linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who has double-digit tackles in three of his last four home games.

Arizona Cardinals (3-5) at Seattle Seahawks (6-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Seahawks -6.5, Total 44.5
Series Rewind: The Seahawks have swept the last eight meetings, including a 23-20 win at Arizona on “Thursday Night Football” in Week 4 on a game-ending 52-yard field goal by Jason Myers.

The Seahawks are a mediocre 2-2 at home and the Cardinals are 2-2 on the road entering this NFC West showdown. Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold is 4-0 in his career against Arizona and leads the NFL with 18 games with a 100-plus rating since the start of 2024. Counterpart Jacoby Brissett is 0-2 against Seattle and makes his fourth straight start for the Cardinals in place of the injured Kyler Murray. Seahawks star Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a season-low 79 receiving yards in the first meeting this season against Arizona and needs just 52 to reach the 1K mark for the second straight season. Speedy wideout Rashid Shaheed, acquired Tuesday from the Saints, makes his debut for the Seahawks and gives Darnold another weapon on the outside as Cooper Kupp tries to get healthy. Cardinals star Trey McBride is just the third tight end in NFL history (Tony Gonzalez, Travis Kelce) with five-plus catches in 10 straight games.

Detroit Lions (5-3) at Washington Commanders (3-6)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Lions -8.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: Dan Quinn won the first encounter with Dan Campbell, leading his Commanders to a stunning 45-31 win at top-seeded Detroit in last season’s divisional playoff round.

Despite having a banged-up offensive line and more losses already than last season (15-2), the Lions chose to stand pat at Tuesday’s trade deadline. Coach Dan Campbell says he has “the dudes” he needs to make a run in the second half of the season. That starts with QB Jared Goff, who has thrown for at least 200 yards and a touchdown in all four road games this season, and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, who had 175 scrimmage yards and two scores in January’s playoff loss to Washington. Gibbs is chasing a rebound effort after being bottled up by the Vikings last week. Remember, Detroit did not have $180 million defensive end Aidan Hutchinson in that game and big No. 97 will be looking to pad his sack total against Marcus Mariota, who makes his fourth start of the season following Jayden Daniels’ elbow injury. Mariota will have to lean on RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt and WR Deebo Samuel with Terry McLaurin (elbow) missing practices this week.

Los Angeles Rams (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (6-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Rams -4.5, Total 49.5
Series Rewind: After the Rams won three of the four games over the last two seasons, the 49ers won the first game between the two in Los Angeles Oct. 2. San Francisco leads 8-4 this decade and leads the all-time series 79-71-3.

Led by 37-year-old Matthew Stafford, the Rams have one of the best passing offenses in the league this season. Stafford has a league-high 21 touchdowns and ranks second in the NFC with 2,147 yards. He’s been on a remarkable hot streak of late, throwing nine touchdowns over his last two games and 16 over his last five. His last interception came in Week 3. A depleted San Francisco defense which ranks 21st in the league in passing defense (223.7 yards per game) will be tested by the surprise MVP candidate, who is expected to get star receiver Puka Nacua (rib) back this week after he exited last week’s game. On the other side, Mac Jones has been San Francisco’s starting quarterback since the last time these teams faced off in Week 5. He threw for 342 yards and two touchdowns in that road win and is expected to make his sixth straight start this week with Brock Purdy (toe) still limited. The 49ers lost another defensive player, defensive end Mykel Williams, to a season-ending injury in last week’s win at the Giants. LB Tatum Bethune is one of a handful of players stepping up, posting a career-high 16 tackles last week. Since Week 6, he leads the NFL with 50 tackles.

Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3) at Los Angeles Chargers (6-3)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chargers -2.5, Total 44.5
Series Rewind: The Steelers won 20-10 last season for their 11th win in the past 15 meetings, including the postseason.

Aaron Rodgers wasn’t the least bit unnerved when Tuesday’s trading deadline came and went without the AFC North-leading Steelers adding a receiver. Now comes prove it time for the four-time NFL MVP with 520 career touchdown passes. The Steelers rank 21st in passing offense at 200.9 yards per game despite having the future Hall of Famer at the controls. Rodgers’ season high for passing yardage is just 249 and his season output of 1,692 yards is less than erratic Tennessee Titans rookie Cam Ward (1,760). Offseason acquisition DK Metcalf leads the team with a modest 29 receptions, 467 yards and five scoring catches. The Pittsburgh defense helped a bunch in last weekend’s taming of the Indianapolis Colts by recording five sacks and forcing five turnovers. The Steelers caused a sixth turnover on special teams. The Chargers look to attack that defense with Justin Herbert, who ranks second in the NFL with 2,390 yards. Ladd McConkey (524) and Keenan Allen (520) are both having solid seasons. The offensive line is beat up and that caused a deadline-beating trade for Trevor Penning from the New Orleans Saints. Penning worked out at both tackle spots on his first day in town. Joe Alt (ankle) joined fellow star tackle Rashawn Slater (knee) on injured reserve. Linebacker Tuli Tuipulotu (team-high 7.5 sacks) would like to cause issues for Rodgers.

–Field Level Media

Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs past Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Colby Wooden (96) in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles, Packers to take ‘tush push’ debate on field in Week 10

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Philadelphia Eagles will visit the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 10 in the first game announced on the “Monday Night Football” schedule.

That game, which was announced Tuesday morning on “Good Morning America,” will feature the two teams at the center of the offseason “tush push” debate.

NFL owners tabled a vote on whether to ban the controversial play at the annual league meetings on April 1 in Palm Beach, Fla.

The Packers had proposed a ban on the play, which the Eagles and quarterback Jalen Hurts, in particular, run with great success in short-yardage situations. The Packers’ proposal sought “to prohibit any offensive player from pushing a teammate who was lined up directly behind the snapper and receives the snap, immediately at the snap.”

The debate is not gone for good: It’s expected to resurface when owners meet again this month in Minnesota.

The Eagles kicked off the 2024 season with a 34-29 victory over the Packers in Brazil. They also ended Green Bay’s season in the playoffs, courtesy of a 22-10 decision on Jan. 12 in Philadelphia.

On Monday, the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles learned that they will begin the season at home against the rival Dallas Cowboys on Sept. 4, host the Chicago Bears on Black Friday, Nov. 28, and visit the Washington Commanders on Dec. 20.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Ronald Darby (25) while running with the ball during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props for NFL Week 10

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Fans and bettors have probably already seen the most exciting game of the Week 10 slate in Thursday night’s Bengals-Ravens game, but that does not mean we take the week off. It just means we find something else to bet on, like the hundred or so player props offered for each game.

We have a lot to get through, so let’s not waste any time. Here are our top 10 player props for Week 10’s Sunday NFL games.

NFL Week 10: Player Props

These are not in any kind of order; we don’t necessarily like the first one any more or less than the last one. But we’d recommend each one. Oh — and be sure to line shop before placing your bet to make sure you are getting the best odds available.

Sam LaPorta O/U 3.5 Receptions at -115/-115

The Detroit Lions tight end was a breakout star in his rookie season last year, with 86 receptions on 120 targets for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. But this season, he just hasn’t been a big part of the gameplan. Other than their season opener against the Rams that went into overtime, he’s been targeted more than three times just twice.

Both of those games were blowout wins. This game should be a relatively close one (especially if C.J. Stroud gets Nico Collins back). The Texans’ defense has limited tight ends to just 24 catches.

Take the UNDER (odds via DraftKings).

Saquon Barkley O/U 103.5 Rushing and Receiving Yards -120/-110 (DraftKings)

Saquon Barkley to record 10+ Rushing Yards in Each Quarter +145 (FanDuel)

Saquon Barkley Longest Rush O/U 17.5 Yards -110/-120 (DraftKings)

The struggle has been all too real for the Cowboys and their defense, which the Eagles and former Giants running back Saquon Barkley will exploit with ease. Dallas has struggled against opposing running backs in several games this season; Barkley is next in line.

However, as bad as the Dallas defense has been, only two running backs have rushed for 100+ yards against them. Bijan Robinson ran for 86 for the Falcons last week but also had 59 receiving yards.

The Eagles appear intent on getting Barkley his touches; he’s averaging 19.6 carries a game. Teams are averaging 4.6 yards per carry against the Dallas D. Barkley has been averaging 5.9, but even if the Cowboys hold him to 4.6, Barkley will break a screen play or two for a long gain to get OVER 103.5 rushing and receiving yards.

The only reason he may not get 10+ rushing yards a carry would be if the game is so well in hand that he sits out the fourth quarter. As for his longest rush, Dallas has given up nine plays of 20+ yards. Between Barkley’s shiftiness and the Cowboys’ inability to tackle, he’ll make it at least 10 (if not 11 or 12).

Take OVER 17.5 yards.

D’Andre Swift O/U 71.5 Rushing Yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)

D’Andre Swift O/U 17.5 Rushing Attempts at -105/-125 (DraftKings)

Swift didn’t run for 71.5 total yards in the first three games but has since gone over 71.5 in four of five games. Three of those games were wins, and the fourth, they lost because of a Hail Mary. The Patriots have allowed a running back to gain 80 or more yards in their last five games; two did so in one game.

Since the Bears will likely try to take advantage of the Patriots’ run defense and feed Swift the ball, he’ll have no problem going OVER 71.5 yards rushing.

Now, he’s only carried the ball 18+ times in two games. But look for the Bears to take advantage of New England’s poor run defense to help take pressure off Caleb Williams. Opposing teams averaged 35.3 rushing attempts vs. the Patriots in their last three games. Swift will get at least 20 in this game.

Take the OVER for his rushing attempts.

Kyle Pitts O/U 41.5 Receiving Yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)

Kyle Pitts O/U 3.5 Receptions at -114/-114 (FanDuel)

Pitts had one catch for 11 yards last week vs. Dallas and had no catches against the Saints (three targets) back in Week 4. In the four games in between, he had seven, three, seven, and four catches for 88, 70, 65, and 91 yards. Kirk Cousins will get him involved again facing a Saints defense that is struggling right now.

Take the OVER.

As for his receptions total, before the Dallas game last week, he had more than 3.5 in three of four games. Had he caught a few balls against the Saints, he would have probably been targeted more than three times in that one. If Cousins is going to get him involved, he’ll throw 5-10 passes to Pitts. The tight end should catch at least four.

Take the OVER.

Baker Mayfield O/U 34.5 Pass Attempts -115/-115

Baker Mayfield O/U 0.5 Interceptions

Mayfield has averaged 40.5 attempts per game over his last four, partially because the Buccaneers have had to play catch-up and because they do not run the ball well. Against a 49ers team getting Christian McCaffrey back this week, there is a good chance Tampa Bay will be playing catch-up early and often in this game.

Take the OVER.

In regard to his interception total, when you throw the ball as much as Tampa Bay does, you are bound to throw the occasional pick. Mayfield did not throw one last week but had seven in the previous three games. The 49ers’ defense had two in each of their last three games and at least one in their last five games.

If Mayfield throws the ball 40+ times again, he’s throwing at least one pick against this 49ers defense.

Take the OVER.

–Field Level Media

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) warms up during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at State Farm Stadium on Nov 3, 2024, in Glendale.

Week 10 NFL Capsules

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Week 10 NFL Capsules

New York Giants (2-7) vs. Carolina Panthers (2-7) at Munich, Germany, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network
A change of scenery awaits two teams tied for the NFL’s worst record as embattled quarterbacks Bryce Young of the Panthers and Daniel Jones of the Giants meet in Munich. New York has lost four in a row but both of its wins were in road settings at Cleveland and Seattle. Carolina is coming off its first victory since September, just the third in 20 career starts for former No. 1 overall draft pick Young. Young’s best weapon this week could be running back Chuba Hubbard, who signed a $33 million extension Wednesday and faces a Giants’ run defense that ranks 28th in the league. Hubbard has rushed for at least 50 yards in eight straight games. Jones completed a season-high 76.9 percent of his passes last week with two touchdowns, not enough as Washington completed its season sweep of New York. Giants pass-rusher Dexter Lawrence had a sack against Green Bay in 2022 in his only previous international appearance in London. Lawrence ranks second in the NFL with a career-high nine sacks.

Buffalo Bills (7-2) at Indianapolis Colts (4-5), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Buffalo may be closing in on an AFC East title before Thanksgiving, but it has concerns to address in the meantime, namely on defense. Last week the Dolphins carved up the Bills for 26 first downs and 373 total yards, allowing Tua Tagovailoa to complete 25 of 28 passes in his second game back from a concussion. One concerning note might be that Miami rushed for 149 yards, considering Indianapolis is a run-first offense with Jonathan Taylor at running back. The Bills are also down two defensive linemen, leading them to sign tackles Jordan Phillips and Quinton Jefferson this week. The Colts trail Houston by two games in the AFC South and already have lost that season series, making every win matter more down the stretch. They are sticking with Joe Flacco at starting QB after benching Anthony Richardson for Flacco before last week’s 21-13 loss to Minnesota. Indianapolis has a big shortcoming on the offensive line as Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly (knee) was placed on injured reserve Wednesday. These teams haven’t met since 2021, when the Colts scored a 41-15 road rout behind Taylor’s 185 yards and four touchdowns.

Minnesota Vikings (6-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-7), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Sam Darnold has one statistic on his mind ahead of the Vikings’ trip to Florida: turnovers, and how to limit them. The quarterback had three touchdowns but mixed in two interceptions and a lost fumble in Minnesota’s 21-13 win over the Colts last Sunday night. “At the end of the day, I need to make smarter decisions,” Darnold said. Despite Darnold’s giveaways, the Vikings ended a two-game losing streak and remained in the thick of the NFC playoff race; they have outscored opponents by 59 points this year. By comparison, Jacksonville owns a minus-57 point differential and is looking to rebound from back-to-back losses to Green Bay and Philadelphia. Trevor Lawrence hurt his non-throwing shoulder and was limited in practice Wednesday and Thursday, adding a wrinkle of uncertainty. Jacksonville signed veteran C.J. Beathard as insurance for Lawrence, but Mac Jones likely would make his first start in a Jaguars uniform if Lawrence can’t play. It doesn’t help matters that the Vikings own the second-best rushing defense in the league (81.9 yards per game) and the Jaguars gained just 60 on the ground in the loss to the Eagles.

San Francisco 49ers (4-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-5), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Christian McCaffrey appears primed for his first game since the Super Bowl, returning from calf and Achilles issues that kept him out of practice since August. The 49ers’ running game did just fine without him, but Jordan Mason — fourth in the NFL in rushing this season — lacks McCaffrey’s every-down dynamism in the open field. McCaffrey began practicing on Monday. It’s unclear how much of the game plan would include the 2023 NFL Offensive Player of the Year on Sunday, but head coach Kyle Shanahan said McCaffrey is ready to go against the Bucs. Tampa Bay is completing a brutal back-to-back on a short week. The Buccaneers fell to 4-5 after a 30-24 overtime loss at Kansas City on Monday. Another defeat could drop the Bucs further behind the Falcons (6-3) in the NFC South. Tampa Bay has lost three in a row and is off next week. Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is third in the NFL with 23 passing touchdowns and is fourth in passing yards with 2,389 despite numerous injuries to his wide receivers. Mike Evans (hamstring) has missed the past two games and Chris Godwin is on injured reserve with a season-ending ankle dislocation. Mayfield said the key on Sunday will be working around a 49ers pass defense led by edge rusher Nick Bosa.

New England Patriots (2-7) at Chicago Bears (4-4), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Sacked nine times with zero touchdown passes during a two-game losing streak since the bye week, Bears QB Caleb Williams rolls out the red carpet for the Patriots in a matchup with No. 3 pick Drake Maye. Maye has pumped new life into the Patriots’ offense with six TD passes and four interceptions in four games since being named New England’s starter. Maye owns a 1-3 record as a starter while Williams is 4-4. The Bears risk falling out of the NFC North race led by the Lions (7-1) with a third consecutive loss. Chicago was blown out 29-9 by the Cardinals last Sunday after falling 18-15 to the Commanders on Oct. 27. New England nearly pulled off a miracle last Sunday, forcing overtime against the Titans when Maye escaped multiple defenders to lob a game-tying 5-yard touchdown pass to Rhamondre Stevenson on the final play of regulation. But in OT, Maye was intercepted to end the game following a Tennessee field goal.

Denver Broncos (5-4) at Kansas City Chiefs (8-0), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Patrick Mahomes tweaked his ankle in Kansas City’s overtime win Monday night and insists he’s good enough to take on the Broncos on Sunday. The Chiefs showed signs of renewed life in the passing game to take down the Buccaneers. WR DeAndre Hopkins had eight receptions for 86 yards and two touchdowns in his second game since being acquired from the Titans; TE Travis Kelce enjoyed his biggest game of the season, catching 14 passes for 100 yards. Kansas City carries a 14-game winning streak into Week 10 and has only one loss to the Broncos since 2015 with a record of 16-1 in that span. The loss came last October at Denver. The Broncos will be led by a different cast in the first of two meetings with the Chiefs this season. Rookie QB Bo Nix will try his hand at solving Steve Spagnuolo’s defense. Since 2019, Kansas City is 11-1 versus first-year starters, losing only to the Chargers’ Justin Herbert during that run. Denver has three wins on the road — at Tampa Bay, New Orleans and the Jets — but didn’t fare well in a 41-10 loss at Baltimore last week. A common opponent with the Chiefs, the Ravens, lost to Kansas City 27-20 in Week 1. That is one of the Chiefs’ six victories by a one-score margin in 2024.

Atlanta Falcons (6-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-7), 1 p.m. ET, FOX
The Saints are desperate for a reset after losing seven straight games following a surprise 2-0 start to the season. They fired coach Dennis Allen on Monday and traded former All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Commanders for draft picks at the deadline. “I don’t think anybody has lost hope,” interim coach Darren Rizzi said, “but right now the product is unacceptable. We have to improve in a lot of areas.” Derek Carr will remain New Orleans’ quarterback, however, for this divisional game against an Atlanta team trying to run away with its first NFC South title since 2016. Atlanta is 5-1 in its past six outings, and a Falcons win Sunday would make them 5-0 against division opponents; they already defeated the Saints 26-24 in September on a last-second 58-yard field goal by Younghoe Koo following a pass interference penalty on Saints cornerback Paulson Adebo. Kirk Cousins didn’t throw a touchdown pass in that meeting, but he is tied for fourth in the NFL with 17 TDs entering the weekend.

Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2) at Washington Commanders (7-2), 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Rookie of the Year favorite and MVP contender Jayden Daniels and the Commanders are 4-0 at Northwest Field and looking to hang on to first place in the NFC East. With a win, Daniels would become the fourth rookie QB since 1950 to win his first five home starts and Washington would be 8-2 for the first time since 1986. He faces a typically stingy Steelers defense that is allowing just 14.9 points per game, second-fewest in the NFL (Chargers, 12.6). Russell Wilson has energized the Pittsburgh offense, throwing for 542 yards and three touchdowns without an interception in two wins since replacing Justin Fields. Both teams fortified their rosters at Tuesday’s trade deadline, with Pittsburgh adding wide receiver Mike Williams from the Jets and edge rusher Preston Smith from the Packers, and Washington acquiring former All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the Saints. Both teams enter with three-game winning streaks. Washington snapped a six-game losing streak in the series with a 23-17 win in the most recent meeting in 2020 in Pittsburgh.

Tennessee Titans (2-6) at Los Angeles Chargers (5-3), 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX
Defense is carrying the conservative Chargers. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring defense (12.6 points per game) and the Titans lost their past two road games by an average of 31 points. Tennessee shares the NFL’s worst record with multiple teams but could get a boost from the anticipated return of QB Will Levis. Levis led Tennessee to its only road win of the season at Miami on Sept. 30 but spent the past month recovering from a shoulder injury. He rejoins a huddle that subtracted WR DeAndre Hopkins at the trade deadline. RB Tony Pollard had 154 yards from scrimmage last week and has been the main consistent threat on offense. Chargers QB Justin Herbert has become more comfortable behind a polished offensive line and a growing rapport with rookie WR Ladd McConkey (four-plus catches in six consecutive games) and second-year WR Quenton Johnston. Johnston had 118 yards last week in his first career 100-yard game. Herbert could feast on the Titans’ secondary as Tennessee shuttles in new faces to help survive a rash of injuries.

Philadelphia Eagles (6-2) at Dallas Cowboys (3-5), 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
Saquon Barkley went viral with a backwards hurdle over a Jacksonville defender last weekend as Philadelphia won its fourth straight game. The NFL’s second-leading rusher (925 yards) is hoping for forward progress this weekend against a bitter NFC East rival after going 0-10 against the Cowboys during his career with the Giants. Eagles QB Jalen Hurts has split his six regular-season starts against Dallas but arrives in Arlington on a heater, accumulating 14 touchdowns (eight rushing, six passing) and zero turnovers during the current win streak. The Eagles, under former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, rank sixth in the NFL in total offense (377.1) and face a Dallas D that has struggled without All-Pro Micah Parsons, ranked 30th against the run (147.8) and 31st in scoring defense (28.1 points per game). Parsons is expected to return from an ankle sprain but QB Dak Prescott is out with a hamstring injury and backup Cooper Rush is in. Rush can lean on CeeDee Lamb, who has 32 catches for 450 yards and three TDs in his last four games against Philadelphia.

New York Jets (3-6) at Arizona Cardinals (5-4), 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS
The Cardinals are in position to win four consecutive games for the first time since starting the 2021 season 7-0, then losing to the Aaron Rodgers-led Packers. Rodgers comes to Glendale on Sunday afternoon with the Jets driving for a dramatic revival. A five-game losing streak ended last week when Rodgers turned in a vintage effort against the Texans, connecting with Garrett Wilson and Davante Adams on TDs and letting the Jets get to work attacking the opposing quarterback. That plotline could be significant again Sunday. The Jets have 31 sacks, the team’s most through nine regular-season game since the NY Sack Exchange single-season record (66) more than 40 years ago. Arizona went three consecutive games without allowing Kyler Murray to be sacked, but the Bears got to him three times last week. That’s when the Cardinals shifted into a run-focused attack with James Conner — he had his fourth 100-yard game of the season last week — and Murray (averaging 8.1 yards per carry) are capable of moving the chains with their feet. Wilson and another former Ohio State wide receiver, No. 4 pick Marvin Harrison Jr., meet in the NFL for the first time.

Detroit Lions (7-1) at Houston Texans (6-3), 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC
Houston comes off a clunker last Thursday at the Jets, who sacked C.J. Stroud eight times and checked the Texans like few have since DeMeco Ryans arrived at the start of the 2023 season. The Lions own the best record in the NFC and stand second overall in the NFL behind only the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs. Houston shared the fourth-best mark in the AFC with the Ravens before Baltimore’s Thursday night comeback to beat the Cincinnati Bengals. While Ryans would debate whether this is a “big game,” Detroit has ripped off six straight victories and views the Sunday primetime contest as a significant midseason test in the spotlight. “This is one we’re looking forward to,” Lions coach Dan Campbell said. Only the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 have figured out how to slay the Lions. Since then, QB Jared Goff has been nearly flawless in setting a record for accuracy during a just-completed five-game stretch. Houston opened the season with five wins in six games but has slumped by losing two of its past three games. Stroud was sacked a season-high eight times and completed a campaign-worst 36.7 percent of his throws (11 of 30). Detroit acquired pass rusher Za’Darius Smith at the Tuesday deadline and he’ll be part of the defensive line rotation chasing Stroud on Sunday night.

Monday’s game:

Miami Dolphins (2-6) at Los Angeles Rams (4-4), Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN
The Rams are on a three-game winning streak and have both Puka Nacua (knee) and Cooper Kupp (ankle) back in the fold at receiver. Los Angeles quarterback Matthew Stafford entered the week 10th in the NFL with 246.1 yards passing per game. Running back Kyren Williams has 602 yards on the ground with eight TDs, though he just saw his 10-game regular-season touchdown streak (dating back to last season) end in last week’s 26-20 overtime win against the Seattle Seahawks. Edge rushers Byron Young (four sacks) and rookie Jared Verse (3 1/2 sacks) have opposing quarterbacks under relentless pressure. They’ll be chasing Tua Tagovailoa, who has played two games since returning from his most recent concussion and was an impressive 25-of-28 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 30-27 loss at Buffalo. His presence has allowed the running game to improve with De’Von Achane delivering 160 yards on the ground and a TD over the past two games. Tyreek Hill has 10 receptions for 152 yards over the past two games after he had 11 catches for 100 yards in three games with Tyler Huntley at QB.

–Field Level Media

Oct 31, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) reacts after a touchdown against the Houston Texans by wide receiver Garrett Wilson (5) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Cardinals chase rare four-game win streak, wary of revived Jets

Posted on | by Field Level Media

One month before Aaron Rodgers celebrates his 41st birthday, the New York Jets are holding onto flickering hope they’ll play beyond the regular season.

At 3-6, New York hits the road to take on the Arizona Cardinals (5-4) attempting to further repair its playoff chances dented by a five-game losing streak that preceded a 21-13 Halloween night victory over the Houston Texans.

Rodgers believes the Jets are capable of a run if all three phases of the team contribute as they did last Thursday. New York had eight sacks of Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud, the Jets took away big plays in the passing game and Rodgers’ receivers turned in highlight-worthy performances. Garrett Wilson’s one-handed “Jumpman” touchdown and Rodgers’ first TD to Davante Adams since he was acquired from the Las Vegas Raiders in mid-October provided glimpses of what opposing secondaries could be in for the next two months.

“If you want to be a great team, you’ve got to practice like a great team,” Rodgers said of tracing the ingredients that inspired the Jets to look like a fully functional and dangerous outfit against Houston.

“And I think the last few weeks we’ve practiced a lot better. But there’s still that a standard that we just need to come up an extra notch. And when we do that, which I’m confident we will, then the consistency I think shows up on gameday.”

After this Week 10 matchup, the Jets next see an opponent with more than four wins when they visit Buffalo (7-2) on Dec. 29. The Rams (4-4) are the only other team on the Jets’ schedule the rest of the 2024 regular season currently at .500 or better.

The Jets solely are focused on stacking wins, Rodgers said, and avoiding losing games because they are fixed on longer-range targets.

“This is a long road trip to a division leader. We don’t need any extra motivation,” Rodgers said. “We know what we’re playing for.”

Arizona’s run defense contributed to each of the team’s losses this season. The Cardinals allow 132.9 yards per game and surrendered 10 rushing touchdowns in their first nine games. Pass rush remains a concern despite adding depth at outside linebacker by acquiring Baron Browning from the Broncos at the trade deadline.

Without moving quarterbacks off their launch point, Arizona’s third-down defense is among the worst in the NFL. Opponents moved the chains on 49.2 percent of third downs this season, which ranks 31st in the NFL.

Based on his experience opposing Rodgers, Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon said defending Rodgers means there are “certain things you can do, a lot of things you can’t” on defense.

“He can spin it, you’re not going to trick him,” Gannon said. “The accuracy, the timing. If you are a little bit off, he’s going to make you pay.”

There is no standings ladder to climb for the Cardinals. Arizona leads the NFC West division and enters with a three-game winning streak.

Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray isn’t carrying the burden of the offense by himself. Stellar line play has helped a resurgent James Conner power a running game averaging 149.7 yards per game in 2024. Conner (664 yards, four TDs), Murray (350 yards, two TDs) and third-down back Emari Demercado (175 and a 53-yard touchdown) have combined to average over 7.0 yards per carry and rookie Trey Benson (154 yards, one TD) set his season high in snaps last week.

“Hand the ball off, play defense and win? Yeah, that’s something good football teams can do,” Murray said. “I don’t want to say we’re good yet, but we’re growing. It doesn’t make me think anything less of what we can accomplish offensively, or myself.

“You want to throw the ball around the yard and have the flashy plays, but it’s too hard to win in this league. You take it.”

Before beating the Bears 29-9 last week, the Cardinals had three wins in four games by a total of four points. The Cardinals are going for four straight victories for the first time since winning seven in a row to begin the 2021 season under Kliff Kingsbury. The first loss that season came at the hands of Rodgers, then with the Green Bay Packers (24-21).

That season also was the last time the franchise had back-to-back wins before beating the Chargers (17-15) and Dolphins (28-27) in succession ahead of the Week 9 waltz over the Bears.

Murray was sacked three times against the Bears, ending a streak of three consecutive games by the Cardinals not allowing a sack.

With eight sacks last week the Jets’ pass rush is hitting its stride. Through nine games, the 31 total sacks for the Jets is second at this point in a season only to the 1981 NY Sack Exchange (36), which set the team-record with 66 sacks in a 16-game season.

Jets center Joe Tippmann is the only starter on the offensive line who was able to participate in practice on Wednesday. Linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) and safety Ashtyn Davis (concussion protocol) did not practice.

Conner was a limited participant Wednesday with a finger injury. Cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting missed last week’s game with neck soreness but was a full participant on Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss (21) dunks the ball over the goal post after scoring a touchdown Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Week 10 Prop Bets: Colts ride RB2 in Germany

Posted on | by Field Level Media

With the NFL regular season halfway in the books, it makes sense to take stock of how things have unfolded regarding player props. In Week 9, I highlighted the difficulty of finding an edge in this betting market as sportsbooks further sharpen their lines.

To understand how challenging this market can be, two of my quarterback prop selections failed to cash by three completions combined. Such is the risk when you play props to go over their projections.

I’m always a bit cautious when I find myself playing too many overs. You almost need a perfect game script to have things go your way.

The reality is that there are simply too many variables that go unaccounted for in prop projections-thus creating inherent value on the under.

For Week 10, I’ll try to put that theory to work by targeting the props with a decent chance to stay under their projections.

–Colts RB Jonathan Taylor under 17.5 rushing attempts (-120 at PointsBet)
After showing a willingness to part ways with Taylor, the Indianapolis Colts reversed course and signed the fourth-year pro to a three-year deal worth $42 million. Taylor began the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list while the Colts explored possible trade options.

However, the Colts felt the trade offers didn’t represent fair market value and ultimately kept the former All-Pro running back. Whether they were correct to extend Taylor isn’t a closed case.

A closer look at his year-over-year stats might point to regression.

After averaging five yards per carry in his rookie season and 5.5 yards in Year 2, Taylor averaged 4.5 yards in his third season.

This season, his rushing average is down to 4.1 yards per carry.

Zack Moss filled in admirably for Taylor when he missed the first four games of the campaign. Through eight games, Moss is averaging 4.7 yards per carry. That’s roughly the same mark (4.8 yards per carry) since the Bills traded him to the Colts last season.

Taylor averaged 2.6 rushing yards on 18 carries in the Colts’ Week 9 victory over the Panthers. And given how well Moss continues to run the ball, I expect him to eat into Taylor’s workload and take some carries away from him in Week 10.

–Saints TE Juwan Johnson under 25.5 receiving yards (-125 at PointsBet)
This is more of a math exercise.

Numbers point to this prop staying under: Johnson averages five receiving yards per target (19), as he’s likelier to see between three and four targets per game.

Foster Moreau, another Saints tight end, averages 9.58 receiving yards per target (12).

Johnson doesn’t just have to contend with only Moreau. Saints’ utility man, Taysom Hill, is also taking snaps at the tight end position.

Hill averages 5.68 receiving yards per target and catches 80 percent of the passes thrown his way compared to 68% for Johnson.

The Saints also have capable wide receivers in Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Michael Thomas. Thomas failed to record a reception in his lone target against the Bears in Week 9.

Look for Thomas to play a more significant role in the offense this week, adding further credence to playing Johnson under his receiving prop.

–Browns RB Kareem Hunt over 23.5 rushing yards (-110 at BetMGM)
As much as I wanted to target the props with the best chance to stay under this week, this is one where the numbers point the other direction.

Hunt was out of the league until the Browns swooped in and signed him following Nick Chubb’s season-ending knee injury in Week 2.

The Browns slowly worked Hunt into the mix, giving him five carries the following week in their 27-3 victory over the Titans. He got another five carries in their 28-3 loss to the Ravens in Week 4.

Since the Week 5 bye, Hunt has 10-plus carries in four consecutive games.

Given that the Browns sit third in the league with a run-play rate of 48.52%, he should get plenty of opportunities to carry the rock. Cleveland also utilizes Pierre Strong Jr. in the backfield, but he’s questionable with a hamstring injury and was limited in practice this week.

In the first meeting with the Ravens, the Browns suited up third-string quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and his three interceptions were a big reason why the game was so lopsided. In a closer rematch, Hunt gets extra work.

–By Michael Nwaneri, Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey has a TD in 17 consecutive games. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Week 10 NFL Capsules

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Week 10 NFL Capsules

Indianapolis Colts (4-5) vs. New England Patriots (2-7) in Germany: The Patriots have won seven of the past eight meetings, but this is a far cry from the Manning vs. Brady glory days of a rivalry that includes five games in the postseason. This season, the Patriots have losses in five of their past six games and scored 17 or fewer points in each defeat. The Colts are scoring consistently (25.8 points per game) with at least 20 points in all nine games in 2023. New England’s meager offense averages 15 points per game. RB Zack Moss ranks second in the NFL with 615 rushing yards this season and the Colts are co-featuring Jonathan Taylor, who understands the importance of the pre-bye week game for both sides. “We know this stretch, this back-half stretch, is where teams have to bolster up,” Taylor said. “You’re either gonna go up or you’re gonna go down, so (the game will) do a lot in order to make sure that we can continue to trend upwards.”

Cleveland Browns (5-3) and Baltimore Ravens (7-2): Chatter focused on the puffy-chested defenses driving the AFC North rivals’ division title chase this week. Cleveland has the No. 1 overall defense in the NFL. Baltimore, No. 1 in scoring defense at 13.8 points allowed per game, has trailed only 28 minutes of game clock time in nine games. The Ravens lost two of the past three meetings, but Baltimore drilled the Browns (28-3) on Oct. 1. However, that came against Dorian Thompson-Robinson with QB1 Deshaun Watson hurt. Watson returned last week to steer the Browns’ win over the Cardinals. The Ravens keep the ball on the ground, including QB Lamar Jackson, who is 60 rushing yards away from becoming the first QB in league history to top 500 yards in each of his first six seasons. Baltimore leads the NFL in rushing (160.3-yard average), but Cleveland allows only 89.8 rushing yards per game. Injuries up front could impact the game plan for the Browns.

Houston Texans (4-4) at Cincinnati Bengals (5-3): Houston began the week with 23 players listed on the injury report, perhaps the peripheral damage from a shootout win (39-37) over the Buccaneers last week. Cincinnati is 1-3 in the last four matchups with the Texans and has a few injury worries of its own, including WRs Ja’Marr Chase (back) and Tee Higgins (hamstring). Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud makes his return to Ohio, where he starred for the Buckeyes, and has already assembled an impressive resume including his five-TD, 470-yard game last week. Stroud is making plays, but head coach DeMeco Ryans’ believes his greatest trait to date is avoiding mistakes. Stroud has just one interception and seven starts without a turnover. Bengals QB Joe Burrow turned it up a notch of late and is looking for a fifth straight win after beating the visiting Buffalo Bills 24-18 last week. Cincinnati is 13-2 in its past 15 home games.

San Francisco 49ers (5-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (6-2): As if the 49ers’ defensive front wasn’t frightening enough, San Francisco acquired DE Chase Young to pair with former Ohio State Buckeyes sidekick Nick Bosa at the trade deadline. Jumpstarting the offense was a focus during the bye week. The 49ers started the season 5-0 by scoring 30-plus points in every game. They’ve put up 17 in each of their three consecutive losses while dealing with injuries to LT Trent Williams and WR Deebo Samuel. QB Brock Purdy is the highest-rated passer in the NFC (105.4) and had a career-high 365 yards passing in Week 8. The Jaguars have the NFL’s longest active winning streak at five games. Pushing it to six would give Jacksonville its longest win streak since 1999. Each offense relies heavily on versatile running backs. Christian McCaffrey leads all RBs this season with 944 yards from scrimmage and has a touchdown in 17 consecutive games. Jaguars RB Travis Etienne is second with 849 yards and has eight total touchdowns this season.

New Orleans Saints (5-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-4): The Vikings introduce a new quarterback to the home fans following an improbable comeback to victory last week. Joshua Dobbs makes his first start for the Vikings against the Saints in a game that could have wild-card ramifications two months from now. Dobbs was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week after passing for 158 yards and two touchdowns and rushing for 66 yards, including an 18-yard touchdown, to lead a 31-28 victory at Atlanta. “If you don’t show up and play well this week,” Dobbs said, “no one cares about last week.” The Vikings’ about-face comes after they started the season 1-4 and lost starting quarterback Kirk Cousins for the season because of an Achilles injury suffered two weeks ago. After losing four of five to drop to 3-4, consecutive victories — over Indianapolis on the road and against the Bears at home — changed the energy in New Orleans. The Saints lead the NFC South over the Falcons (4-5) and Buccaneers (3-5). QB Derek Carr has the ultimate blitz-buster weapon in RB Alvin Kamara while facing a Minnesota defense that leads the NFL in sending five or more defenders at the quarterback.

Green Bay Packers (3-5) at Pittsburgh Steelers (5-3): Outgained in total yards by every opponent this season, the Steelers insist style points don’t matter in the standings. They’ve won three of four games to remain in the thick of the AFC North. Head coach Mike Tomlin brushed off “frustration” voiced by WR George Pickens as Diontae Johnson led the team with seven receptions for 90 yards last week. Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt has 7.5 sacks in five home games this season and Pittsburgh is plus-8 in turnover margin. The Packers’ run defense rates as particularly impressive of late, holding opponents to only 2.3 yards per carry (57 rushes for 130 yards) in their last two games. Green Bay won for the first time since Oct. 1 last week as RB Aaron Jones turned in his most productive game of 2023, gaining 99 yards from scrimmage. QB Jordan Love has multiple touchdown passes in three of four road starts to date.

Tennessee Titans (3-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-5): Tennessee turned the offense over to rookie QB Will Levis after he threw four touchdown passes in his first start, a Week 8 win over Atlanta, and played well in a 20-16 loss at Pittsburgh in Week 9. He went 22 of 39 for 262 yards with an endgame interception after driving the team from its 15 to the Steelers’ 19 last week. His ability to push the ball down the field and play with poise behind a shaky offensive line stood out to the coaching staff. He’s brought new life to WR DeAndre Hopkins, who caught three of his Week 8 TD passes, and RB Derrick Henry, who cleared 100 yards from scrimmage at Pittsburgh. The Buccaneers exchanged haymakers with Houston before a 75-yard drive and game-ending TD pass sank their ship last week. Tampa Bay has lost four in a row but has four games left with division opponents after a trip to San Francisco next week.

Atlanta Falcons (4-5) at Arizona Cardinals (1-8): Kyler Murray is back at QB for the Cardinals, his first game since sustaining a torn ACL Dec. 12, 2022. He’s playing in a game for the first time under head coach Jonathan Gannon but said even after a roster remodel that sent WR DeAndre Hopkins out of town, he thinks Arizona is ready to contend. The Falcons fell out of first place in the NFC South last week. Atlanta kept QB Taylor Heinicke in the starting role this week before reassessing the position during the Week 11 bye. Heinicke threw one interception last week but has five touchdowns and a QB rating of 104 in his past three road games. In 11 games last season, Murray passed for 2,368 yards and 14 touchdowns, while he was intercepted seven times. He also ran for 418 yards and three scores.

Detroit Lions (6-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (4-4): The home team has won the past four meetings in this matchup last played in 2019. The Chargers flashed the level of defense many expected the past two seasons in an alley fight with the Jets on Monday to battle back to .500 from 0-2 and 2-4 starts to the 2023 season. Much of the progress is tied to the team’s belief that DE Joey Bosa rallied to his pre-injury form. He posted his 12th career game with 2.0 or more sacks last week, sparing the offense of the Chargers on an off night. Detroit is doubling down on a commitment to run the ball with David Montgomery returning from a month away to heal a rib injury. Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs had a combined 189 rushing and receiving yards in the Lions’ latest game, a 26-14 win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 30, prior to the bye week. Chargers WR Keenan Allen went over 10,000 career receiving yards last week and caught 23 passes in two previous games vs. Detroit.

New York Giants (2-7) at Dallas Cowboys (5-3): Rookie QB Tommy DeVito operated the first-team offense this week as the Giants turn to a third different starter in as many games. He’s tasked with taking down a Dallas defense that destroyed the Giants in Week 1, a 40-0 Cowboys victory sparked by three takeaways, 10 tackles for loss, eight pass breakups and 12 QB hits. CB Da’Ron Bland landed the fatal blow with a pick-six and has three scores this season. Cowboys QB Dak Prescott quieted early concerns from WR CeeDee Lamb about his involvement. Lamb is on pace to set the franchise record for receiving yards after back-to-back games with 10-plus catches and 150-plus yards. Offensive line health remains a constant concern for the Giants, who are likely to ask a lot of RB Saquon Barkley, one of five backs in the NFL averaging more than 100 yards from scrimmage in 2023.

Washington Commanders (4-5) at Seattle Seahawks (5-3): Commanders QB Sam Howell leads the NFC with 2,471 passing yards even as he is being sacked nearly five times per game (44 total). Seattle has 27 sacks, but the last outing wasn’t a stellar one for the Seahawks in a 37-3 loss at Baltimore. The Seahawks, who had won five of their previous six games, gave up 515 yards of total offense, including 298 rushing. While Geno Smith has 21 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in his past 13 home games, there are questions landing before head coach Pete Carroll about where the team should turn at quarterback. Seattle managed just six first downs, had 28 yards on the ground and Smith completed just 13 of 28 passes for 157 yards and was sacked four times. “I don’t think this is about Geno at all. Our football team did not answer the bell here. We couldn’t get it done. We came in here to slug it out and they did a better job than we did.”

New York Jets (4-4) at Las Vegas Raiders (4-5): The debut of Raiders interim head coach Antonio Pierce couldn’t have gone much better, beating the New York Giants 30-6. The Monday night showing by the Jets couldn’t have been much worse, losing 27-6 to the Chargers. Among the shifts for Las Vegas were rookie QB Aidan O’Connell starting and play-calling skewing toward the running game. Josh Jacobs rolled up a season-high 98 yards and two touchdowns. The Jets are 31st in total yards (272.9) and 30th in points per game (16.5) while operating an offense overly dependent on RB Breece Hall breaking a big play. But Hall has 40 carries for 106 yards in his past three games. That places QB Zach Wilson squarely in the crosshairs of the Raiders. Wilson was sacked eight times by the Chargers and encounters a defense that recorded eight sacks vs. the Giants — including a season-high three by Maxx Crosby.

Denver Broncos (3-5) at Buffalo Bills (5-4): Denver enjoyed a bye week that was preceded by consecutive wins. The Bills started the week with a player’s only meeting, primarily focused on the offense regaining its mojo after a primetime loss at Cincinnati last Sunday. And finding a solution to their turnover conundrum. Quarterback Josh Allen is tied for second in the NFL with 18 TD passes but has been intercepted nine times. Buffalo has a turnover margin of zero after setting improvement in this area as a 2023 goal. Buffalo hopes to find the win column before the schedule becomes thorny. The Bills face the New York Jets (Nov. 19) and Philadelphia Eagles (Nov. 26) before a bye week, but the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Los Angeles Chargers await for the holidays. The Broncos kept the Chiefs out of the end zone prior to the bye week and are getting mistake-free play from their quarterback. Russell Wilson is fifth in the NFL with 16 TD passes and has four interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback PJ Walker (11) is sacked by Atlanta Falcons linebacker Rashaan Evans (54) during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons, Panthers fixed on finding passing lane

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A quick turnaround might be exactly what the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons need.

The NFC South foes return to action Thursday night in Charlotte, N.C., two weeks after a 37-34 shootout between the same teams in Georgia.

The Falcons (4-5) coughed up a lead in Sunday’s 20-17 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers to give up ground they gained in the NFC. But with little time to lament missed opportunities, Atlanta swiftly fixed its focus to the Panthers.

“We have a big division game ahead on Thursday night,” Falcons safety Richie Grant said. “It’s a must-win.”

The Falcons pulled out a 37-34 overtime victory against the Panthers, who twice had potential game-winning kicks go off the mark. Preparing scouting reports might not be as complex as a normal short week in the case.

“Thankfully, we just played Carolina and we’re very familiar with them,” Falcons coach Arthur Smith said. “It doesn’t mean it will be the same thing. They’ll adjust their plan and we’ll have to adjust ours.”

There’s a lot going on with the Panthers (2-7). But like their division foes, Carolina doesn’t have much time to dwell on it.

Interim coach Steve Wilks said it’s critical that the team keeps tabs on following through and trusting the process, which is part of the reason he’ll ride with quarterback PJ Walker. Walker had a 0.0 quarterback rating with two interceptions and three completions when he was benched for Baker Mayfield last week.

The Panthers faced a 35-point halftime deficit, which became a 42-21 loss Sunday at Cincinnati.

“We all have bad games,” interim coach Steve Wilks said. “PJ (Walker) wasn’t the only one. I could bench everybody if we go off bad games.”

The Panthers were mostly torched by the Bengals’ ground game, something that could be concerning as the Falcons are adding to their arsenal in that area.

The Falcons didn’t have running back Cordarrelle Patterson for the Week 8 meeting with Carolina. Patterson is back from a knee injury.

But what has been most disturbing to Atlanta is the inability to click consistently on passing plays. Rookie Drake London has cooled after a torrid start and tight end Kyle Pitts hasn’t made much noise. Pitts does have two career games with five-plus catches against Carolina, and he scored a touchdown against the Panthers two weeks ago.

“I’ve got to do a better job of giving our guys opportunities to make plays,” quarterback Marcus Mariota said.

Carolina could be close to full strength defensively.

Team sack leader Brian Burns (shoulder) and cornerback Donte Jackson (ankle) were full participants in Tuesday’s practice, the only full on-field workout the Panthers will conduct this week.

But Carolina cannot seem to cure its chronic ailment at quarterback. Walker had a career-best 317 yards Week 8 and is being granted a fifth consecutive start.

“We’ll see exactly how things to week-to-week from there,” Wilks said. “We’re going to rally behind PJ and definitely give him the things he needs.”

Mayfield played the second half in relief, completing 14 of 20 passes with two touchdown passes. Sam Darnold was added back to the 53-man roster this week, so that’s another option at quarterback.

Despite the short time to prepare, the Panthers fired defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni and defensive backs coach Evan Cooper on Monday.

The Panthers could have safety Jeremy Chinn back after a hamstring ailment has sidelined him for six weeks. Wilks said he would be cautious in determining his status.

Falcons offensive lineman Matt Hennessy will miss the game with a knee injury after going down Sunday.

–Field Level Media