By A.J. Mitchell
TENNESSEE TITANS @ PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Even though Pittsburgh barely squeaked out a win against the Indianapolis Colts, look for Le’Veon Bell and the Steelers to bounce back with a win versus the Titans.
DETROIT LIONS @ CHICAGO BEARS: In this key NFC North matchup, the key for the Lions will be WR Golden Tate, while the Bears will rely heavily on RB Jordan Howard. At the end of the day, Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will come out roaring and reign supreme over Bears rookie QB Mitchell Trubisky.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS @ CLEVELAND BROWNS: Like I said last week, sorry Browns fans. This isn’t your week. Leonard Fournette will hopefully have a good week after struggling in his last game. Look for the defense to shut down the Browns’ shoddy offense.
BALTIMORE RAVENS @ GREEN BAY PACKERS: Both teams look to keep their playoff hopes alive without their premier players. The absence of practically the entire Ravens offense will be the difference maker, as the Packers will Lambeau Leap their way to victory.
ARIZONA CARDINALS @ HOUSTON TEXANS: It’s Tom Savage versus Blaine Gabbert in a premiere backup quarterback matchup. The Cardinals’ offense is not as effective without Carson Palmer, and the Texans will avoid losing their fourth straight game.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS @ MIAMI DOLPHINS: In a battle for bragging rights in Florida, Mike Evans should have a good week after serving his one-game suspension. Look for the Buccaneers defense to shut down Dolphins QB Jay Cutler and the average offense.
LOS ANGELES RAMS @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS: Easily the game of the week in Minnesota, Jared Goff and the high-flying Rams offense head up north to play the Case Keenum-led Vikings. This will be a close game, but the key will be the Vikings defense. If they can shut down the opposing offense, then it will be a win for them.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS @ NEW YORK GIANTS: The Giants woes have continued as they lost to the previously winless 49ers. Instead of looking toward locking up a playoff spot, they will be looking to earn the #1 overall pick in the draft. Alex Smith will have a big game in the Big Apple.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS @ NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Who Dat! The Saints marched into Buffalo and won their seventh straight game with the help of their run game and physical defense. Washington is a formidable opponent, but New Orleans will pull out the victory here.
BUFFALO BILLS @ LOS ANGELES CHARGERS: Coming off a big loss, the Bills look to bounce back against LA. This game will be determined by which running back performs better. Chargers RB Melvin Gordon and Bills RB LeSean McCoy will have quite the battle, but the edge will go toward the visitors as they look to keep their playoff hopes alive.
CINCINNATI BENGALS @ DENVER BRONCOS: Two teams with disappointing seasons that are currently on rough patches of the year. What a matchup. Look for this game to come down to whatever team has the better offense.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS @ OAKLAND RAIDERS: A matchup between top quarterbacks Tom Brady and Derek Carr will be fun to watch. Look for a big game from Patriots WR Brandin Cooks and Raiders WR Michael Crabtree.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ DALLAS COWBOYS: The Cowboys will miss the presence of Ezekiel Elliot against the Eagles, who have the best record in the league. This game has the potential to be close, but look for Philly QB Carson Wentz to take over.
ATLANTA FALCONS @ SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: In this bird vs bird contest, Russell Wilson looks to lead the rushing attack and fly down the field against the red-hot Falcons’ defense. The Atlanta duo of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones will ultimately lead the team and soar to victory.
*Bold indicates selection
