REDSKINS (7-7) AT
TITANS (8-6)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m. ET, Nissan Stadium, Nashville,
Tennessee
TV: NFL Network
Titans’ keys to victory: For Tennessee, keeping
the momentum up on the both sides of the ball will be key. We’ve seen the
Titans hit strong winning streaks like the three-game one they’re currently on,
only to miserably collapse shortly after. They’ll also want to keep Derrick
Henry involved as they have been, since the former Alabama rusher has
run for more than 400 yards in the past two games to ignite the Titans’ ground
game.
Redskins’ keys to victory: Going up against a
top-ranked secondary and a stout Titans defense in general, the Redskins are
going to need to keep quarterback Josh Johnson comfortable in the
pocket and be careful with the football. Washington will also want to keep
rusher Josh Johnson, who totaled nine carries for 49 yards this week, going on
the ground. They’ll also look to maintain a high-pressure defense that recorded
six sacks in their most recent win.
Matchup to watch: Titans RB Derrick Henry vs. Redskins’
run defense: It will be interesting to see just how a hot Henry stacks up
against a middle-of-the-pack Washington run defense. As of now, Henry has been
breaking records and making a name for himself once more. The question is
whether he can keep it up as a member of a notoriously inconsistent team.
Who wins? On a three-game winning streak, the
Titans have an edge as they move into the final two games of the regular
season. Couple this with a home-field advantage, and they should be able to
emerge with a win. Titans, 23-13
RAVENS (8-6) AT
CHARGERS (11-3)
Saturday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Stub-Hub Center, Carson,
California
TV: NFL Network
Ravens’ keys to victory: They were a little
sloppy last weekend against Tampa Bay, but they should not have to worry about
any rainy weather in the Los Angeles area. If the Ravens are going to win, QB Lamar
Jackson will need to take care of the football. Baltimore should be
able to run it all over the Chargers, but that will not matter if the Ravens
turn the ball over. Defensively, the Ravens must eliminate the big play and
make San Diego QB Philip Rivers and company work for every yard.
Chargers’ keys to victory: The home team is
rolling as the Chargers have won 12 of their past 13 games. This will be a
tricky matchup as the Ravens are stout on defense. The Ravens can flat out rush
the passer. They have three players with seven or more sacks. Protecting Rivers
will be a must for San Diego. Defensively, the Chargers must corral Jackson; if
he runs wild, San Diego is in for a long night. Joey Bosa and Melvin
Ingram were active against the Chiefs but let QB
Patrick Mahomes out of their grasps and it cost them. The Ravens
don’t really have skill players on the outside who will threaten the Chargers,
but they all become threats once the play is extended.
Matchup to watch: Ravens CB Jimmy Smith vs. Chargers WR
Mike Williams: The injury to Keenan Allen didn’t set the Chargers back last
week. You have to imagine the Ravens will not let Williams have another big
evening.
Who wins? The Chargers won’t need a dramatic
comeback in this one, but their defense is able to create a turnover to secure
the win. Chargers, 23-21
GIANTS (5-9) AT
COLTS (8-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
TV: CBS
Giants’ keys to victory: Getting the offense
back on track is the biggest key for New York. WR Odell Beckham Jr. will
need to return and be heavily involved, while RB Saquon Barkley
must get the ground game going after averaging 2.2 yards per carry in Week 15.
The Giants need to get Barkley involved in the passing game, which is a
weakness for the Colts’ defense. QB Eli Manning also needs to
limit turnovers against an opportunistic defense. The pass rush led by DT B.J.
Hill and OLB Olivier Vernon must get to Indianapolis
QB Andrew Luck while CB Janoris Jenkins draws the task of shutting
down WR T.Y. Hilton, which is a necessity.
Colts’ keys to victory: Getting pressure on
Manning is the biggest key for the defense. With a pass rush led by DT Denico
Autry and DE Jabaal Sheard, Colts defensive coordinator Matt
Eberflus shouldn’t be afraid to dial up some third-down blitzes.
Limiting big plays from Barkley will help the defense get off the field.
The Colts will want to lean on RB Marlon Mack against a Giants
defense allowing 128.4 rushing yards per game. Luck and Hilton will want to
continue connecting on big plays against a vulnerable Giants’ secondary.
Matchup to watch: Giants DT B.J. Hill vs. Colts LG
Quenton Nelson: A pair of rookies face off in the interior. Hill has
been the Giants’ best pass rusher while Nelson has excelled in pass protection.
Who wins? The Colts, at home and fighting for a
playoff spot, should handle the now-eliminated Giants with ease. Colts,
28-17
JAGUARS (4-10)
VS. DOLPHINS (7-7)
Sunday, Dec. 23, 1 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami
Gardens, Florida
TV: CBS
Jaguars’ keys to victory: Jacksonville’s rushing
attack this season has produced the way it did a season ago. Because of that,
more pressure has been on the quarterback position. That’s why it is crucial
for the Jaguars to get things going on the ground. The Dolphins’ rushing
defense hasn’t been great, and it would be smart for the Jaguars to take
advantage of that.
Dolphins’ keys to victory: Miami must make
adjustments to its running game after losing RB Frank Gore (sprained
foot), who could miss the rest of the season, the Associated Press reported.
Rookie RB Kalen Ballage could get a bigger role after rushing
for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 carries in the 41-17 loss to the Vikings. Kenyan
Drake had only one carry.
Matchup to watch: Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill vs. Jaguars’
defensive line: Despite their disappointing season, the Jaguars still have
a formidable defense, in particular, their defensive line. With the Dolphins’
shaky offensive line, it will be important for Tannehill to get the ball out
quickly to his receivers. At times, he holds onto the ball entirely too long,
and that can get him in trouble.
Who wins? While the Dolphins may or may not be a
playoff team this season, they’re certainly playing better than the Jaguars at
this point. If the Dolphins can avoid the mistakes and Tannehill has a clean
pocket, they will have success moving the ball down the field. Also, the
Dolphins perform much better at Hard Rock Stadium than they do on the road as
indicated by their 6-1 record there this season. Dolphins, 27-20
FALCONS (5-9) AT
PANTHERS (6-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte,
North Carolina
TV: Fox
Panthers’ keys to victory: Carolina needs
someone to step up on defense outside of its star LB Luke Kuechly. While
he has had a brilliant season, the rest of the unit has made some atrocious
mistakes despite having serious talent at all three levels. DT Dontari
Poe has been very quiet in particular since coming over in free agency
from the Falcons Offensively, coordinator Norv Turner’s tricks
have gone stale and his play-calling has become more predictable since early in
the year. He’ll need to add more wrinkles and mix things up.
Falcons’ keys to victory: Atlanta has gotten
monstrous performances from WR Julio Jones over the last
several years in this division rivalry. They’ll need him to exploit a Panthers
cornerbacks room that’s young and giving up a lot of explosive plays of late.
On defense, the Falcons need to key in on containing Panthers RB Christian
McCaffrey. He posted 139 yards from scrimmage in their Week 2 meeting, a 31-24
win for Carolina.
Matchup to watch: Panthers OT Taylor Moton vs. Falcons DE
Takkarist McKinley: Getting pressure on Carolina QB Cam Newton will
be critical. One spot that has been consistently solid for the Panthers all
year is right tackle, where Moton has excelled in pass protection. He’ll match
up against second-year DE Takk McKinley, who has one sack since
Week 3.
Who wins? Neither team looks like a contender
right now and major changes are likely coming for both coaching staffs. All
other things being equal, the home team should have a slight advantage. Panthers,
23-20
BENGALS (6-8) AT
BROWNS (6-7-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland
TV: CBS
Bengals’ keys to victory: Cincinnati has been in
a tailspin and sorely needs to strike quickly. QB Jeff Driskel has
protected the ball, but the passing game will have to hit on shots down the
field to WRs Tyler Boyd and John Ross. Defensively,
the Bengals will need to contain RB Nick Chubb with sound tackling and good run
support from rookie S Jessie Bates.
Browns’ keys to victory: Big plays have carried
the offense since they fired offensive coordinator Todd Haley and replaced him
with Freddie Kitchens. His creativity and willingness to let
QB Baker Mayfield take calculated chances have resulted in several
big plays, including deep shots to WRs Breshad Perriman and
Antonio Callaway. Rookie Chubb is also good at flipping the
field with 20-plus yard runs. Yet if the Cleveland offense can string
together a 10-play, 75-yard drive with no penalties, that would be a welcome
development. On defense, the Browns need to pressure Driskel and not allow him
any early confidence. S Damarious Randall deserves a Pro Bowl nod,
and a repeat of his interception in the first meeting (the Browns won 35-20 in
Week 12) would bring the Dawg Pound to a fever pitch.
Matchup to watch: Bengals DT Geno Atkins vs. Browns RG
Kevin Zeitler. The former teammates in Cincinnati are having great
seasons. Atkins can take over a game with his interior pass rushing, but
Zeitler hasn’t allowed a sack since September.
Who wins? Cleveland has too much firepower on
both sides of the ball. Browns, 33-17
BUCS (5-9) AT
COWBOYS (8-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, AT& T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: Fox
Cowboys’ keys to victory: Dallas has been
phenomenal at home, sporting a 6-1 record at AT& T Stadium. RB Ezekiel
Elliott had just 25 touches in the shutout loss to Indianapolis, and
Dallas would be wise to limit him again after he got 155 touches during the
five-game winning streak. QB Dak Prescott will need to
minimize turnovers, the biggest flaw in his game, as Tampa has an offense that
can move the ball and will thrive if given extra possessions. Prescott has
three interceptions in his last two games and four fumbles in his last four. On
defense, the Cowboys must improve their tackling efforts, something that has
not been a strength in 2018. CB Byron Jones will likely have
to travel with WR Mike Evans as he did against Michael Thomas (Saints) and Zack
Ertz (Eagles).
Buccaneers’ keys to victory: With their playoff
hopes officially extinguished, the Bucs turn to the spoiler role
and have the offense to wreak havoc against an unprepared
defense. But for any chance of the upset, Tampa Bay will need to keep
all of its possessions. Old Cowboys’ nemesis Jason Pierre-Paul has
11 1 ⁄ 2 sacks and will reignite his relationship with RT La’el
Collins, who has given up his fair share of QB takedowns.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy vs. Cowboys’
interior offensive line: The Dallas interior is ravaged by injury with
Zack Martin missing Week 15 and Xavier Su’a-Filo leaving it with an eye injury.
McCoy has six sacks.
Who wins? Dallas gets its ninth win and starts
to look toward the playoffs. Cowboys, 31-17
VIKINGS (7-6-1) AT
LIONS (5-9)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Ford Field, Detroit
TV: Fox
Vikings’ keys to victory: They have an advantage
with WRs Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen versus a
thin Detroit secondary, but the offensive line must give QB Kirk Cousins time
to find the best matchup. LT Riley Reiff will need to be at
his best against his old team. If Reiff and his linemates can create running
lanes against DT Damon Harrison and a stout Lions’ front, Cousins will have a
much easier go of it. Avoiding the preventable penalties and lapses on special
teams can keep the sputtering Lions offense from getting on track.
Lions’ keys to victory: The offense has to take
shots with QB Matthew Stafford trying to establish the passing game
down the field with WR Kenny Golladay. TE Levine Toilolo has
emerged recently as a reliable receiver, but getting big gains and throws down
the field has been a major struggle of late. An unexpected big run from RBs LeGarrette
Blount or Zach Zenner would be huge to fire up the
home crowd. The Lions must pressure Cousins to force throws. CB Darius
Slay and SS Quandre Diggs can make Minnesota pay for
mistakes. Winning the battle of the red-zone efficiency, something the Lions
have struggled with all season, is imperative for victory.
Matchup to watch: Vikings WR Stefon Diggs vs. Lions CB
Darius Slay. Diggs missed the first meeting, but the two playmaking
standouts figure to square off in the rematch.
Who wins? The Lions don’t have the weaponry
around Stafford to outscore Cousins and the Vikings. Vikings, 20-13
BILLS (5-9) AT
PATRIOTS (9-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough,
Massachusetts
TV: CBS
Bills’ keys to victory: The defense needs to
have an outstanding game with physical and smart play. If the game feels ugly
and unwatchable, it will likely be a good sign for the Bills. They will want to
keep the score low while generating turnovers. New England QB Tom Brady has
turned over the ball a fair amount with nine interceptions this season, but he
has thrown just two in the last seven weeks. If RB LeSean McCoy is
healthy enough to play, he can help the Bills offense exploit a spotty
Patriots’ run defense, which has struggled in recent weeks.
Patriots’ keys to victory: New England is going
to force Bills QB Josh Allen to throw the ball; it doesn’t want to give him the
opportunity to use his feet to pick up first downs. Allen is completing his
passes at an extremely low clip, and if rendered useless as a runner, he might
be just that: useless. The Bills’ defense, meanwhile, has no obvious
vulnerability. New England might be wise to feed RB Sony Michel , with
hopes that he can find creases in Buffalo’s run defense, because the Bills’
passing defense is probably the league’s best.
Matchup to watch: Bills QB Josh Allen vs. Patriots LB
Kyle Van Noy: If there’s one linebacker who is disciplined and
athletic enough to keep Allen in the pocket, it’s Van Noy. He will be key in
making sure Allen doesn’t pick up endless yardage with his legs, like he’s done
so many times this season.
Who wins? New England is the superior team and
has been outstanding at home. Patriots, 27-17
PACKERS (5-8-1) AT
JETS (4-10)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New
Jersey
TV: Fox
Jets’ keys to victory: New York hasn’t had a ton
of luck running the football this season, but its luck could change. Green Bay
has one of the bottom run defenses in the league, which could allow the Jets’
backfield to break out. It’s been a rough year for the Jets’ ball carriers,
with Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell on
injured reserve. That created opportunities for youngsters Elijah McGuire
and Trenton Cannon. While McGuire managed to run for a TD last
week, the duo totaled just 55 yards. The Texans, however, have a much tougher
defense than Green Bay does.
Packers’ keys to victory: While they struggle
with the run, they do a much better job shutting down the
passing game, so Green Bay needs to take Jets WR Robby Anderson
away from QB Sam Darnold. The two have linked up in the end zone
two weeks in a row, but Darnold doesn’t have much else to work
with outside of the speedy receiver. If the Packers can eliminate Anderson
that takes away a key element of New York’s limited offense.
Matchup to watch: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Jets’ pass
rush: The Jets were able to sack the Panthers’ Deshaun Watson six
times last week. Bringing that type of pressure against Rodgers would go a long
way.
Who wins? The Packers, like the Jets, aren’t
having a great season, but Green Bay has a lot more talent. With stars such as
Rodgers, Randall Cobb, Davante Adams and Jimmy Graham, the Packers have
offensive firepower that the Jets simply can’t match. Green Bay 30-21
TEXANS (10-4) AT
EAGLES (7-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV: CBS
Eagles’ keys to victory: Philadelphia comes into
this matchup fighting for its playoff life against a Texans team looking to
secure a bye and home-field advantage through the playoffs. QB Nick
Foles will get a second start in place of injured Carson Wentz,
and he’ll have to dial into that Super Bowl mojo if the Birds have any shot at
winning. The offensive line must protect Foles from the ferocious pass rush of
Jadeveon Clowney and JJ Watts. Eagles coach Doug Pederson and
offensive coordinator Mike Groh have to do a better job of running
the ball to set up the pass, as the Texans secondary has been susceptible to play
action passes and a well-put-together screen game.
Texans’ keys to victory: Houston will have
to stay the course and continue to use the game plan that has
seen it skyrocket to the top two of the AFC standings. The Texans will
have to stop the Eagles’ run game, forcing Pederson and the
Birds to be one-dimensional. The Eagles are currently 28th in the NFL
in rushing, and the Texans have been outstanding against the run. Houston must
force Foles to pass, thus allowing Clowney and Watts to pin their ears back.
Matchup to watch: Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins vs. Eagles’
cornerbacks: Hopkins is coming off a monster game against the Jets,
hauling in 10 passes for 170 yards and both Texans’ touchdowns in a 29-22 win.
Who wins? The Eagles put up a fight in their
regular-season home finale, but QB Deshaun Watson and Hopkins are too much for
Philadelphia’s embattled secondary. Texans, 35-28
RAMS (11-3) AT
CARDINALS (3-11)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, State Farm Stadium, Glendale,
Arizona
TV: Fox
Rams’ keys to victory: The Rams just need to
keep doing what they have done all season in posting an 11-3 record. Los
Angeles needs to run the ball. The Rams’ defense needs to get pressure on
Arizona QB Josh Rosen, who has been turnover-prone and shaky under pressure in
his rookie season.
Cardinals’ keys to victory: Arizona has to
somehow protect Rosen, who was sacked six times by the Falcons. The Cardinals
also have to avoid turnovers. Rosen turned the ball over three times against
Atlanta in Week 15. The Cardinals have shown the ability to score early and
will need to do that against the Rams, but they can’t afford mistakes after
that. They will need to hold Rams RB Todd Gurley like they did in Week 2.
Matchup to watch: Rams RB Todd Gurley vs. Cardinals LB
Haason Reddick: Gurley is the main cog of the Rams’ offense, both
as a runner and as a receiver. Reddick has made strides at his position. Can he
make plays at or near the line of scrimmage on running plays and can he limit
Gurley in pass coverage?
Who wins? Arizona will play better than it did
in the teams’ matchup in Week 2, but its young offensive line can’t produce
enough protection for the Cardinals to move the ball. The Rams’ offense will be
workmanlike and efficient but not put up gaudy numbers. Rams, 27-13
BEARS (10-4) AT
49ERS (4-10)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara,
California
TV: Fox
Bears’ keys to victory: All it will take for
Chicago to emerge victorious over the 49ers is a mistake free game from QB Mitchell
Trubisky. He just needs to complete some third-down throws and ensure he
doesn’t throw interceptions against a San Francisco defense that has two
interceptions all season. RBs Tarik Cohen and Jordan
Howard should get plenty of work as well with OLB Khalil Mack and
the Bears’ defense dominating a 49ers offensive line that’s had problems in
pass protection this season. As long as that defense has even an average game,
the Bears will walk away with a win.
49ers’ keys to victory: Keeping QB Nick
Mullens upright is priority No. 1 for San Francisco. The 49ers need to
get their run game going behind RBs Matt Breida and Jeff Wilson to
try to slow down that ferocious Bears pass rush. San Francisco’s pass rush has
to hurry Trubisky without letting him get outside the pocket. Keeping him
contained with defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Arik Armstead
providing some pressure in the middle could force the Bears quarterback into
some game-changing mistakes.
Matchup to watch: 49ers LT Joe Staley vs. Bears OLB
Khalil Mack. The success of San Francisco’s offense rides on whether
Staley can contain the Bears’ sensational pass rusher.
Who wins? Chicago’s defense is just too good,
and San Francisco’s defense isn’t good enough to get stops against the Bears’
offense. Even in today’s NFL, defense still rules. Bears, 27-9
STEELERS (8-5-1)
AT SAINTS (12-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Mercedes- Benz Superdome, New
Orleans
TV: CBS
Saints’ keys to victory: Stopping the run on
defense and making Pittsburgh one-dimensional. New Orleans has the best run
defense in the league, thanks to the efforts of stars such as DE Cameron
Jordan and LB Demario Davis. Don’t overlook the contributions
of rookie DE Marcus Davenport, who is returning to form as a pass
rusher while still standing strong against the run. When New Orleans has the
ball, they must funnel touches through RB Alvin Kamara and RB Mark
Ingram, who have the athleticism to embarrass anyone on the Steelers’
defense.
Steelers’ keys to victory: Keeping up on defense. Defenses
win in today’s NFL not by limiting passing yards, that’s almost impossible, but
by forcing offenses to make mistakes. Steelers LB T.J. Watt must
continue his playmaking ways out on the edge; he’s the only
defender to log double-digit sacks, along with more than two
takeaways. When Pittsburgh has the ball, finding a way to remain balanced
between passes and runs is paramount.
Matchup to watch: Saints DB Vonn Bell vs. Steelers TE
Vance McDonald. The Buccaneers might have found a weakness in the
Saints’ improved defense a week ago, scoring twice through tight end Cameron
Brate with Bell the victim in coverage. McDonald possesses many of the same
attributes: success on contested catches and run-after-catch ability.
Who wins? The Saints simply field too much
firepower for Pittsburgh to match on defense. Saints, 28-24
CHIEFS (11-3) AT
SEAHAWKS (8-6)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, CenturyLink Field, Seattle
TV: NBC
Chiefs’ keys to victory: After dropping their
Week 15 Thursday night outing to the Chargers at home, the Chiefs still have
everything to play for. To secure the AFC West Division title or home-field
advantage in the playoffs, Kansas City is hoping for another win to pad its
record. QB Patrick Mahomes has put together an MVP caliber
season in his first year starting for the Chiefs, but now he has to face the
Seahawks and their revamped Legion of Boom defense on their home turf. Kansas
City will have to find a way to put big numbers up on the scoreboard to get
past Seattle QB Russell Wilson and the Seahawks’ dominant run game.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Trying to nail down
the No. 5 seed and the top wild-card spot, Seattle coach Pete
Carroll will put together a solid game plan to beat the
Chiefs at home on the national stage. The Seahawks will look to
their defense to stop Mahomes in his tracks and trot out the three-headed
monster that is Seattle’s rushing attack. With all eyes on this matchup, expect
a playoff-style game that will come down to good, old-fashioned, hard-nosed
football.
Matchup to watch: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes vs. Seahawks’
secondary: Seattle’s Legion of Boom might have a whole new look this
season, but the defensive players are proving just as deadly for opposing
quarterbacks and their offenses.
Who wins? Both teams will put on a show Sunday
night, but the Seahawks thrive under the prime-time lights of CenturyLink
Field. Seahawks, 23-21
BRONCOS (6-8) AT
RAIDERS (3-11)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Oakland Alameda Coliseum, Oakland,
California
TV: ESPN
Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver needs to finish
the regular season with two wins and will need help from some of the AFC
contenders to sneak into the playoffs. The Broncos will need to limit their
turnovers. Through 14 games, QB Case Keenum has thrown 12
interceptions and has eight fumbles. On defense, the Broncos will need to stop
Oakland TE Jared Cook, who is having a Pro Bowl season.
Raiders’ keys to victory: In likely the final
game at Oakland Alameda Coliseum, the Raiders would love to secure a win
against one of their biggest rivals. To do so, the Raiders will need to protect Derek
Carr, who is one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL when he feels
comfortable in the pocket. However, when he faces pressure, specifically at his
feet, he struggles. On defense, the Raiders will need to find a way to put
pressure on Keenum. Oakland has struggled to get pressure on quarterbacks all
season, but with the Broncos missing several starting linemen, don’t be
surprised if DTs Maurice Hurst and P.J. Hall are
disruptive.
Matchup to watch: Raiders OT Kolton Miller vs. Broncos LB
Von Miller: Kolton Miller has played better as of late now that he is healthy,
but he will face one of the best edge rushers in football in Von Miller. Von
will surely make his presence known, but if Kolton can contain him at all,
Oakland should be able to move the ball.
Who wins? In the first matchup between these
teams, it took a late TD by Denver to secure the one point win. But this is
likely the last game in Oakland for the Raiders. Raiders, 23-21
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