That's it, it's mid-season! Back to usual match times this weekend, but there's plenty to stay up late this Sunday. The NFC North clash between Jordan Love's Packers and Jared Goff's Lions is the big poster of the week between two of the best teams in the NFL.
If the 49ers and Steelers are rested, the rest of the league is on deck. Starting with the great story of the league: the return of the flamboyant Jameis Winston (QB, Browns).
Game of the week: Jared Goff, the North remembers
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Green Bay Packers (6-2) – Detroit Lions (6-1)
Those damn Packers are doing it again. After experiencing golden years with Brett Favre, they selected to everyone's amazement a certain Aaron Rodgers in 2005. Following a turbulent transition, the four-time MVP had the career we experienced in Wisconsin . Before seeing his franchise select Jordan Love in 2020. An incomprehensible choice at the time, which is now bearing fruit. While it's obviously too early to compare Love to Rodgers or even Favre, the Cheeseheads are already a competitive team. After having left the keys over the last two years of the NFC North, which they have won 12 times since 2000 with 17 playoff qualifications, they are back in the game at 6-2 despite the injury of their pitcher in several matches.
To the point of being a serious thorn in the side of their NFC North neighbors, the Lions of Jared Goff (QB). They experienced quite a drought before patiently rebuilding a squad. Dan Campbell's team is today one of the very serious candidates for the Vince Lombardi trophy carried by Jared Goff (QB) in the form of his life. After the loss inflicted on the Titans, Detroit is probably the most impressive team in the league right now and will want to show it against their rivals.
This weekend's match is of paramount importance. In the only NFL division where all teams are positive, every game counts. For the Lions, it is the opportunity to show Lambeau, after beating Minnesota, that they are now the masters of the North.
Other NFC North posters
Kick-off Monday at 2:20 a.m.
Minnesota Vikings (5-2) – Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals (4-4) – Chicago Bears (4-3)
The Vikings could put their horns back together after two defeats in a row against the Colts who will put Joe Flacco (QB) back in the starting position against a backdrop of imbroglio with Anthony Richardson (QB). In the event of a victory combined with a success for the Packers, they would even regain the lead in the division. But faced with the formidable ground game of Indianapolis, the game was close.
Given the form of their rivals, the Bears are almost condemned to aim for a wild card place. Extremely narrowly defeated against the Commanders last week, Chicago has the right to expect more in attack from Caleb Williams (QB), who is not up to the standard of his first draft choice at the moment . Especially since the Cardinals have only lost against big teams so far.
The Player: Jameis Winston, the sky is the limit?
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Cleveland Browns (2-6) – Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
Yes, Jameis Winston (QB, Browns) led the Browns to victory against the Ravens with a performance that earned him AFC Offensive Player of the Week. But no, that's not necessarily a reason to be confident before the game against the Chargers.
Because if there is one characteristic of Jameis Winston's career so far, it is consistency in inconstancy. So, even more than last week, a second such successful match, especially against the formidable Chargers defense, would be a real surprise. As the poet Winston himself said after the match: “we can't say that the sky is the limit when man has been to the moon”. Winston makes Cleveland smile again, that's something.
The duel: Lamar Jackson facing the Colorado mountain
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Baltimore Ravens (5-3) – Denver Broncos (5-3) – to follow on M6+
The Broncos are in good shape. After two inaugural defeats, the Colorado men remain at 5-1. Same results for Baltimore, but the ingredients of the two teams are however radically different. On the Denver side, the floor is for a defense transformed into a real mountain to overcome. Sean Payton's players have only conceded 20 points or more twice this year, for two defeats, while the attack led by Bo Nix is less convincing.
For the Ravens, Lamar Jackson (QB) is in MVP form. Supported by an ever more unstoppable Derrick Henry (RB), he leads a terrifying attack, 5th in passing yards and 1st on the ground. The problem is that the Ravens have already let two games slip away against the Raiders in week 2 and then the Browns last week. Facing the orange wall, 2nd in the league with 30 sacks and first in pass defense, Jackson will have to show once again the full extent of his talent.
Coach: Steve Spagnuolo
Kick-off Tuesday at 2:15 a.m.
Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
If Kansas City is 7-0, it's largely thanks to Steve Spagnuolo. The Missouri franchise is usually recognized for the tactical genius of Andy Reid's routes, or the crazy actions of Patrick Mahomes, but this year, the Chiefs are winning on defense. Just like the Broncos, they have only conceded more than 20 points twice this year. Faced with the explosive attack of Baker Mayfield's Buccaneers (2nd in the league in passing yards), his squad should still play a key role. Let's see if Patrick Mahomes finally comes out of his box to lend a hand.
The stat: 2
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
New York Giants (2-6) – Washington Commanders (6-2)
Still decisive, and in what way, against the Bears, Jayden Daniels (QB, Commanders) is only the second rookie of the 21st century to start in the league with such a good record (6-2). This is to say how exceptional what Daniels is doing. Faced with a disoriented Giants, he could further improve the mark, even if he will not be able to claim the best start in history.
Because the only one to have done the same thing, and even better, is Dak Prescott. In 2016, the Dallas pitcher, who formed a terrible duo with his draft partner Ezekiel Elliott (RB), had a record of 11-1 in his first 12 games. A mark that is already unattainable. And if we count the rookies who did not start at the start of the season, Daniels will have difficulty finding Ben Roethlisberger. In 2004, the Steeler was 13-0, only experiencing its first loss in the AFC Championship Finals against, obviously, Tom Brady's Patriots.
Other division shocks
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Buffalo Bills (6-2) – Miami Dolphins (2-5)
Carolina Panthers (1-7) – New Orleans Saints (2-6)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) – Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
In the NFC West, the curves are crossing between Seattle, in defensive crisis, and the Rams finally in shape. Given the form displayed by Puka Nacua (WR) against the Vikings, the Seahawks can worry.
Both Saints and Panthers have nothing left to play for this season. We will always scrutinize the performance of Bryce Young (QB, Panthers), confirmed in his role and a little better last week despite the defeat against Denver. Derek Carr (QB, Saints) couldn't have dreamed of anything better for his return from injury than an indefensible Panthers defense (33.9 points conceded per game). This could also give a little offensive festival since the two teams are those who concede the most yards per game.
Finally, the Bills are largely favorites against the Dolphins, even if the Floridians have regained offensive momentum with the return of Tua Tagovailoa (QB) last week. But given what Buffalo did to Seattle, Mike McDaniel's players have work to do.
Other matches of the week
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons (5-3) – Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
Tennessee Titans (1-6) – New England Patriots (2-6)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) – Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
In Atlanta, the difficulties of the Cowboys defensive line could cost Dallas dearly. The Texans are struggling to defend against the run, and Bijan Robinson (RB, Falcons) will be difficult to stop. On offense, Dak Prescott (QB, Cowboys) must stop interceptions to give his team more chances (6 in the last 3 matches).
For the Bengals, a loss to the losing Raiders would mean the end of any chance this year. Facing the 19th defense on the ground, Cincinnati could finally improve in the field (28th in the league) and help Joe Burrow. Opposite, Gardner Minshew will normally have time to throw since the Bengals are 30th in pressure on the quarterback. The problem is more what he will do with the ball.
The Patriots – Titans is a duel between two similar teams with first-year coaches and questions at the quarterback position. On the Pats side, Drake Maye should normally be back after his concussion. The Titans could be tempted to start Mason Rudolph. Against the Lions, he sent for 416 yards despite the debacle (52-13). Neither team has anything to lose at this point.
Finally, the Eagles are back in shape and have a chance to play this weekend with the shocks in the NFC North against the Jaguars, who, on paper, are not up to par. In great form over the last 3 matches, Jalen Hurts (QB, Eagles) could have fun against the Floridians. The latter allow more than 270 passing yards per game (31st record in the league).
Week 9 matches
Kick-off Sunday at 7 p.m.
Atlanta Falcons (5-3) – Dallas Cowboys (3-4)
Baltimore Ravens (5-3) – Denver Broncos (5-3) to follow on M6+
Buffalo Bills (6-2) – Miami Dolphins (2-5)
Carolina Panthers (1-7) – New Orleans Saints (2-6)
Cincinnati Bengals (3-5) – Las Vegas Raiders (2-6)
Cleveland Browns (2-6) – Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)
New York Giants (2-6) – Washington Commanders (6-2)
Tennessee Titans (1-6) – New England Patriots (2-6)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:05 p.m.
Arizona Cardinals (4-4) – Chicago Bears (4-3)
Philadelphia Eagles (5-2) – Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)
Kick-off Sunday at 10:25 p.m.
Green Bay Packers (6-2) – Detroit Lions (6-1)
Seattle Seahawks (4-4) – Los Angeles Rams (3-4)
Kick-off Monday at 2:20 a.m.
Minnesota Vikings (5-2) – Indianapolis Colts (4-4)
Kick-off Tuesday at 2:15 a.m.
Kansas City Chiefs (7-0) – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-4)
