(2-2) Atlanta Falcons @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2)
Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were second best when they played against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, with KC getting the 41-31 win. They have an easier schedule coming up though so it will be interesting to see how they get on. They still sit first in the NFC South though. As for Atlanta, they pulled off a big win against the Cleveland Browns last week which means the sit at .500. They are second in the NFC South but a win in Tampa would see them move to the top. Overall, Tampa Bay will win this game. I would be shocked if they didn’t (I also said the same about the Colts beating the Chiefs).
(2-2) Tennessee Titans @ Washington Commanders (1-3)
The Washington Commanders are really struggling. They lost 25-10 in Dallas last week and they sit bottom of the NFC East. Carson Wentz hasn’t been playing very well and it begs the question, should Sam Howell play. All I can say about him is that he was a star in my Madden 23 Franchise mode. As for Tennessee, after a tough start, they have finally found some momentum. Derrick Henry looks good and that showed last week as the star running back helped his side beat the Indianapolis Colts 24-17 (in Indianapolis). They sit third in the AFC South (after the Colts beat Denver). Overall, I am picking the Titans to win. When they are on a role, they are hard to stop, particularly if Derrick Henry’s on form.
(0-3-1) Houston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
The Jags showcased against the Eagles what they have improved on and what they need to improve on. They played some good stuff and only losing by 8 points to an Eagles team that are playing with so much confidence is a step forward but, Trevor Lawrence fumbled the ball a shocking 4 times and threw a pick (whilst in the redzone). They sit second in the AFC South (due to Indi’s win). As for the Texans, losing 34-24 to the LA Chargers isn’t terrible but it’s not something they should be celebrating about. The Texans sit bottom of the AFC South as the only team yet to win a game in the entire NFL this season. Overall, I am picking the Jaguars to win in Jacksonville. The Jags need to win comfortably if they are to be looked at as a team that could genuinely fight for a playoff spot.
(2-2) San Francisco 49ers @ Carolina Panthers (1-3)
The Carolina Panthers are another team that are really struggling at the moment. They lost 26-16 at home to the Cardinals last week but the biggest concern comes with Baker Mayfield, who just isn’t playing well at Quarterback. The Panthers sit third in the NFC South. As for the Niners, they played brilliantly against the Los Angeles Rams last Monday night. Jimmy G and the entire San Francisco team reminded everyone just how good they really are when everything clicks into place. San Fran come into Week 5 in first place in the NFC West. Overall, I am picking the 49ers to win. They are the much stronger team and as a San Francisco fan, I would be very disappointed if they lost in Carolina.
(3-1) Dallas Cowboys @ Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
It didn’t go LA’s way in San Francisco on Monday night. They were second best and Matthew Stafford really struggled to play against the 49ers defense. The Rams are second in the NFC West. As for Dallas, people were concerned after a poor performance against the Buccaneers in Week 1 but since then, they have wrapped up 3 wins on the spin and are looking to make it 4. They sit second in the NFC East. Overall, I am picking the Dallas Cowboys to win. This is one of, if not the hardest game to predict this week but I’m going to go with Dallas because they have the momentum.
(4-0) Philadelphia Eagles @ Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
The Arizona Cardinals beat the Carolina Panthers away from home last week. It’s a game they should be winning but deserve some credit for getting it done. They sit bottom of the NFC West but are level with the team in first, so they don’t have to worry too much. As for Philly, they pulled out an important win against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Them winning 29-21 showed everyone that they can get over the line when the going gets tough. They sit atop of both the NFC East and the entire NFL as the only unbeaten team left in the league. Overall, I am picking the Eagles to win. You never know what version of the Cardinals you are going to get whilst you expect the same out of the Eagles most times.
(2-2) Cincinatti Bengals @ Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
The Baltimore Ravens played well against the Buffalo Bills last week, but they are starting to build a reputation as a team that lets big leads slip. They lead the Bills 20-3 last week yet managed to lose 23-20. The Ravens sit third in the AFC North. As for Cincinatti, they pulled out an excellent win against the previously undefeated Miami Dolphins to showcase that they finally found themselves some momentum. If they beat the Ravens, they really are looking good. The Bengals sit second in the AFC North. Overall, I am picking the Ravens to win. Both sides are going to be neck and neck come the end of week 18 so this game could be massive for their overall rankings going into the playoffs.
(1-3) Las Vegas Raiders @ Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)
Monday Night Football sees Patrick Mahomes take on Derrick Carr. Mahomes and the Chiefs got back in the winning column last week after a brilliant performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They sit top of the AFC West. As for Las Vegas, they finally got a win on the board last week and it was a well fought one against the Denver Broncos. They are still bottom of the AFC West, but they can feel better about themselves. Overall, I am picking the Chiefs to win the game. They are one of the best teams in the NFL but, the Raiders will force them to play at their best