Green Bay Packers (4-4-1) vs. Seattle Seahawks (4-5)
Preview
Two teams thick in the NFC wildcard race square off under the lights of Thursday Night Football, and this one is sure to come down to the final drive of the contest. This past week, the Packers put up a dominant victory over the Miami Dolphins and will head to Seattle on a short week. Since the Seahawks’ come-from-behind victory in the 2014 postseason, the Packers have managed to win three consecutive contests against the Hawks. However, each of those matchups were played at Lambeau Field and away from the feared 12th man. This is sure to be a must watch, and if it not for the Rams-Chiefs game, this one may be considered the game of the week. The playoff implications in this game are huge.
Players to watch
Although this matchup features a pair of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks in Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers, this game will come down to the ground game and the production of Chris Carson and Seattle's RB Committee verse Aaron Jones. If Wilson can continue to move the chains with his legs, the Packers defense and young secondary will certainly have their hands full. The Seahawks’ pass rush hinges on the productivity of Frank Clark, and if Rodgers has time to maneuver in the pocket, he won’t hesitate to carve up Seattle. Jimmy Graham is one of the last healthy receivers in Green Bay and this return to Seattle will mark his first revenge game since playing the Saints in 2016. He will need to have an impact in this game if the Packers want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Keys to the game
Green Bay Packers
Spread the Ball Around
Keep Russ Wilson in the Pocket
Keep Aaron Rodgers clean
Stop the Run
Seattle Seahawks
Control the Ground
Protect the Ball
Force Turnovers
Injury list
Green Bay Packers
Bashaud Breeland, CB - Groin (Questionable)
Randall Cobb, WR - Hamstring (Out)
Kevin King, CB - Hamstring (Out)
Blake Martinez, LB - Ankle (Questionable)
Lucas Patrick, G - Concussion (Doubtful)
Nick Perry, LB - Knee (Out)
Seattle Seahawks
Maurice Alexander, S - Elbow (Questionable)
Delano Hill, S - Quadriceps (Questionable)
Dion Jordan, DE - Knee (Questionable)
Neiko Thorpe, CB - Groin (Questionable)
K.J. Wright, LB - Knee (Doubtful)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Aaron Rodgers, QB (GB)
Russell Wilson, QB (SEA)
Davante Adams, WR (GB)
Chris Carson, RB (SEA)
Aaron Jones, RB (GB)
Prediction
Green Bay is riding into primetime with an 0-4 road record this year, and will be playing a team that rarely loses at home, particularly in primetime. The short week is loathed by almost every team and player in the NFL, and it is hated by those that have to travel. The key to this game will be time of possession and the control of the trenches, and with the Packers allowing 140 rush yards per game, defending the top rushing offense could be their kryptonite. Unless Aaron Rodgers can provide another late-game magic act, Green Bay’s season may slip through its fingers.
Final Score: Seahawks 29, Packers 26
Written by: Jason Feiner
Cincinnati Bengals (5-4) vs. Baltimore Ravens (4-5)
Preview
The Baltimore Ravens will be defending their home turf this weekend. The team is coming off of their bye week, and they will most likely be trotting out Lamar Jackson for his first career start at quarterback. Jackson has been thrust into action multiple times this year in various packages, but never before as the starter. The Bengals really need to win this game if they want to continue their playoff push.
Players to watch
Lamar Jackson is going to be the player that everyone is watching on Sunday. He is an electric athlete, but people have questioned his ability to play from the pocket. If he is going to succeed, Michael Crabtree and Alex Collins will have to step up in a big way. For the Bengals, can Andy Dalton play well again without A.J. Green? Tyler Boyd and John Ross have to make plays down the field to open up some space for Joe Mixon to go to work.
Keys to the game
Cincinnati Bengals
Establish the run
Get open looks down the field
Contain Jackson
Baltimore Ravens
Get the QB going early
Run the ball effectively
Don’t give up big plays in the passing game
Injury list
Cincinnati Bengals
Vontaze Burfict, LB- Hip (Questionable)
A.J. Green, WR- Toe (Doubtful)
Tyler Kroft, TE- Foot (Out)
Nick Vigil, LB- Knee (Out)
Josh Malone, WR - Hamstring (Out)
John Ross, WR- Groin (Questionable)
Adolphus Washington, DL- Knee (Out)
Preston Brown, LB - Knee (Out)
Baltimore Ravens
James Hurst, OL- Back (Out)
Tony Jefferson, DB- Hamstring (Questionable)
Ronnie Stanley, OL- Ankle (Questionable)
Tim Williams, LB - Ankle (Out)
Joe Flacco, QB- Hip (Doubtful)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Joe Mixon, RB (CIN)
Tyler Boyd, WR (CIN)
Andy Dalton, QB (CIN)
Lamar Jackson, QB (BAL)
Alex Collins, RB (BAL)
Prediction
Lamar Jackson will show flashes of brilliance, but he will also make some poor decisions as well. Joe Mixon could easily have a big day, as he will be matched up with some slower linebackers on his pass routes. Andy Dalton will do just enough to get the win. The Bengals defense will step up and make some big plays late in the game to seal the victory.
Final Score: Bengals 27, Ravens 24
Written by: Jake Leicht
Dallas Cowboys (4-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (4-5)
Preview
The Cowboys and Falcons are fighting for a chance to keep their playoff hopes alive as a loss would pretty much be a season-killer at this point of the season. Dallas is coming off a surprise win versus the Eagles and will want to continue their momentum in Atlanta. Atlanta fell on their faces after turning things around and will need to get back to the high-scoring offense that we saw during October. The Cowboys need to play like they did on offense last week if they want to walk away with a win. The Falcons will be looking control the line of scrimmage so they can make it tough for Dallas to establish the run.
Players to watch
This will be Amari Cooper’s third game as a Cowboy and he should have a better grasp of the playbook so he can make bigger impact on their offensive unit. Demarcus Lawrence has been dominating this year and if he can pressure Matt Ryan into making mistakes then that can lead to a Dallas victory. Calvin Ridley has a chance to make the Cowboys pay for passing over him in the draft and will want to be the best Alabama receiver on the field. Atlanta needs to find a way to get Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith going because they were a big part of their run that they had going.
Keys to the game
Dallas Cowboys
No costly turnovers
Pressure Ryan
Feed Zeke
Atlanta Falcons
Force Dak into mistakes
Contain Zeke
Feed Julio
Injury list
Dallas Cowboys
Tavon Austin, WR - Groin (Out)
Taco Charlton, DE - Shoulder (Out)
David Irving, DT - Ankle (Out)
Sean Lee, LB - Hamstring (Out)
Daniel Ross, DE - Calf (Out)
Antwaun Woods, DT - Concussion (Doubtful)
Maliek Collins, DT - Knee (Out)
Zack Martin, OG - Knee (Questionable)
Joe Thomas, LB - Foot (Questionable)
Connor Williams, OG - Knee (Questionable)
Atlanta Falcons
Deion Jones, LB - Foot (Out)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Ezekiel Elliott, RB (DAL)
Julio Jones, WR (ATL)
Tevin Coleman, RB (ATL)
Amari Cooper, WR (DAL)
Calvin Ridley, WR (ATL)
Prediction
This game is difficult to predict as we don’t know what to expect from each team every week. Atlanta has the home field advantage and will be looking to take advantage of the Cowboys banged up defensive line. Tevin Coleman should be able to have one of his better ways and the Falcons defense finds a way to force some turnovers on defense. Atlanta finds a way to keep those playoff hopes alive.
Final Score: Falcons 28, Cowboys 17
Written by: Cody Manning
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-6) vs. New York Giants (2-7)
Preview
This week’s matchup features two NFC teams that rank at the bottom of their respective divisions. The Giants are ranked 5th in the draft order, while the Bucs are ranked 7th. The Giants are coming off their second win of the season in a comeback against the 49ers, whereas the Bucs are riding a 3 game losing streak. Both teams’ seasons are essentially lost at this point in the year, but I don’t believe that this will be a tank game for better draft position. Both will be playing for pride and will be looking to salvage what is left of rather embarrassing seasons. As such, this ought to be a hard fought game by two teams looking to find the right formula to play their best football for the remainder of the season.
Players to watch
One would be remiss if one didn’t mention Saquon Barkley when talking about this New York team. As the Giants barely did enough to squeak by the lackluster 49ers, their star rookie will be the key for their offense to catch fire. In addition, Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard will need to to exploit the Bucs’ 26th-ranked passing defense. For the Bucs, Desean Jackson and Mike Evans will be important weapons for Ryan Fitzpatrick. They will try to break through against Janoris Jenkins and Landon Collins, and whichever unit wins that battle could be the key to this game.
Keys to the game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Pressure Eli early
Keep Barkley’s YPC low
Air it out downfield
New York Giants
Feed Barkley at all costs
Protect Eli against edge rush
Stop “Fitz-magic” from reappearing
Injury list
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Vinny Curry, DE - Ankle (Out)
Lavonte David, LB - Knee (Out)
Justin Evans, S - Foot (Out)
Ronald Jones, RB - Hamstring (Out)
M.J. Stewart, CB - Foot (Out)
Chris Godwin, WR - Ankle (Questionable)
Ryan Jensen, C - Hamstring (Questionable)
Carl Nassib, DE - Elbow (Questionable)
New York Giants
No injury designations - Everyone cleared to play
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Saquon Barkley, RB (NYG)
Odell Beckham Jr., WR (NYG)
Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB (TB)
Mike Evans, WR (TB)
Desean Jackson, WR (TB)
Prediction
This game is between two teams that are rather evenly matched in terms of overall effectiveness, despite both rosters boasting talented players. I believe that this will be a relatively low-scoring game, with both offenses being unable to fully exploit the weaknesses in the opposing defense. Barkley’s play against an average Bucs rushing defense will also keep the game close. As the Giants did just enough last week to squeak by the 49ers, I believe that they will do the same this week. It is very possible that we could see another vintage 4th quarter comeback drive orchestrated by Eli Manning.
Final Score: Giants 20, Buccaneers 17
Written by: Phillip Salmo
Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2-1) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6)
Preview
The Steelers and Jaguars have each come a long way since meeting in their shootout AFC Divisional matchup in the playoffs last year. Pittsburgh is redhot after they stumbled into the season. Jacksonville is on a five game losing streak after starting 3-1. The Jaguars need to work out whatever issue is present in their locker room before their season is officially a lost cause. The Steelers will be looking to continue their momentum as they have a shot at getting a 1st round bye for the playoffs.
Players to watch
Ben Roethlisberger is coming off one of the best games in his career and will be looking to shake away his road game woes against a stout pass defense. This is officially James Connor’s backfield and the Steelers should look to establish the run in order to help wear down Jacksonville’s defense. Leonard Fournette had a solid first game back from his injury and will need to improve his rushing numbers if Jacksonville wants to keep Pittsburgh’s offense off the field. Yannick Ngakoue and Calais Campbell will need to dominate the Steelers offensive line and pressure Roethlisberger into making mistakes so they can give their team a chance to walk away with a victory.
Keys to the game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Establish the run
Don’t let Fournette get going
Force turnovers
Jacksonville Jaguars
No costly turnovers
Pressure Big Ben
Don’t get beat deep
Injury list
Pittsburgh Steelers
Marcus Gilbert, OT - Knee (Out)
Stephon Tuitt, DE - Elbow (Out)
Jacksonville Jaguars
Quenton Meeks, CB - Knee (Out)
Josh Walker, OT - Foot/Ankle (Doubtful)
Eli Ankou, DT - Calf (Doubtful)
Marcell Dareus, DT - Triceps/Back (Questionable)
A.J. Cann, OL - Hamstring (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Antonio Brown, WR (PIT)
Leonard Fournette, RB (JAX)
James Conner, RB (PIT)
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR (PIT)
Ben Roethlisberger, QB (PIT)
Prediction
After getting beat in their previous two matchups last year, I expect Pittsburgh to come out swinging versus Jacksonville. The Jaguars will make this a close match-up, as this is a must-win if they want any type of shot at turning this season around. In addition, the Jags that extra confidence from beating them the previous game. But, the Steelers offense is rolling and the Jags just simply can’t be trusted this season. Pittsburgh will find a way to get out Duval County with a win this Sunday afternoon.
Final Score: Steelers 28, Jaguars 24
Written by: Cody Manning
Houston Texans (6-3) vs. Washington Redskins (6-3)
Preview
The unequivocal top team in the NFC East will face off against one of the hottest teams in the NFL. The Redskins are sitting with a comfortable two game lead over the Cowboys and Eagles in their division, despite ranking 26th in total yards and 27th in points per game. Their defense has been smothering, allowing the 4th least points per game and forcing 13 fumbles on the season (4th most). The Texans, meanwhile, have turned their season around after dropping their first 3 games of the season. They are winners of six straight, but they face a tough test with the Redskins, Titans, and Browns defenses coming up. Will Deshaun Watson continue his electric play, or will the Washington defense be too stout?
Players to watch
It’s become a weekly segment at this point — the Redskins need a wide receiver to step up. Their offense is completely stagnant, even though Adrian Peterson is 8th in the league in yards per game. He will have to continue to play lights out, but some combination of Maurice Harris, Josh Doctson, and Jamison Crowder need to step up. Redskins corners Josh Norman and Quinton Dunbar have the height to match up with Houston’s Deandre Hopkins and Demaryius Thomas, so Houston will have to lean on Lamar Miller and their running game. Washington’s offensive line is decimated, so J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, and Whitney Merciless have to get pressure on Alex Smith.
Keys to the game
Houston Texans
Protect the football
Establish the running game
Get the first score
Washington Redskins
Protect against Watt and Clowney
Keep Watson in the pocket
Keep pounding the rock
Injury list
Houston Texans
Aaron Colvin, CB - Ankle (Questionable)
Keke Coutee, WR - Hamstring (Questionable)
Zach Cunningham, LB - Knee (Questionable)
Duke Ejiofor, OLB - Shoulder (Questionable)
Johnathan Joseph, CB - Ankle/Knee (Questionable)
Washington Redskins
Jamison Crowder, WR - Ankle (Out)
Samaje Perine, RB - Knee/Calf (Out)
Chris Thompson, RB - Rib (Out)
Quinton Dunbar, CB - Shin (Questionable)
Dustin Hopkins, K - Groin (Questionable)
Trent Williams, OT - Thumb (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Deandre Hopkins, WR (HOU)
Adrian Peterson, RB (WAS)
Deshaun Watson, QB (HOU)
Demaryius Thomas, WR (HOU)
Lamar Miller, RB (HOU)
Prediction
Here’s a strange stat: Washington Redskins games have not seen a lead change all season. That’s right — whichever team scores first will win the game, no matter if it’s a field goal or touchdown. Who knows if that will continue this week, but I’m going to predict that Houston gets an early lead and doesn’t relinquish it. Yes, Washington kept an explosive Bucs offense to 3 points last week, but they also allowed 500 total yards. That’s a dangerous game to play, and they can’t rely on the opposition’s inability to score. As long as Houston converts in the red zone, which I think they will, they’ll win this game.
Final Score: Texans 23, Redskins 19
Written by: Alexander Amir
Tennessee Titans (5-4) vs. Indianapolis Colts (4-5)
Preview
The Titans and Colts find themselves in a crucial AFC South showdown that could determine the division winner or a wildcard spot for this year’s playoffs. Tennessee will be looking to continue their two-game winning streak as they are coming off of a dominating win against the Patriots. Indianapolis is riding a three-game winning streak and will put themselves into the playoff picture with a win. The Titans offense is starting to click and they could be a team to reckon with because of how well their defense is playing. The Colts are finding ways to win these close games, and they have a shot to make this season a surprise with how well the offensive line is currently playing.
Players to watch
Corey Davis is coming off of his best game of the season. As Indianapolis doesn’t have a shutdown corner, he should be able to have a big afternoon for the Titans. Harold Landry has been a big part of Tennessee’s pass rush and will need a big afternoon if they want to frustrate Andrew Luck. T.Y. Hilton hasn’t yet had a dominating game in 2018, but if he can show up on Sunday, then the Colts will be able to move the ball against the tough Titans defense. Darius Leonard will need to continue to rack up tackles to help shut down the opposing running back duo in Dion Lewis and Derrick Henry.
Keys to the game
Tennessee Titans
Pressure Luck
Establish the run
Control the clock
Indianapolis Colts
Get a fast start
No costly turnovers
Don’t let Mariota run all over you
Injury list
Tennessee Titans
David Fluellen, RB - Knee (Out)
Tajae Sharpe, WR - Ankle (Questionable)
Quinton Spain, OG - Ankle (Questionable)
Taywan Taylor, WR - Foot (Questionable)
Indianapolis Colts
Ryan Hewitt, TE - Ankle (Out)
D.J. Killings, CB - Ankle (Out)
Erik Swoope, TE - Knee (Out)
Nate Hairston, CB - Ankle (Questionable)
Malik Hooker, S - Hip/Illness (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Andrew Luck, QB (IND)
Dion Lewis, RB (TEN)
T.Y. Hilton, WR (IND)
Corey Davis, WR (TEN)
Eric Ebron, TE (IND)
Prediction
This is going to be a tough AFC South matchup that will come down to which team makes less crucial mistakes in the 4th quarter. Andrew Luck is 9-0 versus the Titans and I expect the streak will continue at home. Their offense is humming and has already picked apart Top 5 defenses in Buffalo and Jacksonville. The Colts will find a way to get the job done in a close matchup that depends on Adam Vinatieri kicking the game-winning field goal as Indy climbs to a .500 record.
Final Score: Colts 24, Titans 21
Written by: Cody Manning
Carolina Panthers (6-3) vs. Detroit Lions (3-6)
Preview
Each team will be looking to rebound after both the Panthers and Lions got blown out last week. The Panthers lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday by a score of 52-21, while the Lions suffered a defeat to NFC North divisional rival Chicago Bears 34-22. The Lions are looking to salvage an already lost season, while the Panthers were humbled in defeat and will be looking to use last week as a learning lesson as they make a final push for a playoff spot. With Detroit limping into this game with injuries to the wide receiving core, O-line, and secondary, expect the Panthers to beat the Lions in Detroit decisively.
Players to watch
Cam Newton will be need to be motivated after being sacked 5 times, throwing an interception, fumbling, and failing to throw for 200 yards. With Detroit featuring one of the worst-run defenses in the league, Christian McCaffrey should have a big game this Sunday. Matt Stafford has Kenny Golladay and Kerryon Johnson as remaining offensive weapons, so the Lions will need big days from both players if they have any hopes of coming out with a W. If Luke Kuechly and company can shut down the Lions run game, it’ll be a long day for Detroit.
Keys to the game
Carolina Panthers
Limit Kerryon Johnson on the ground
Force Stafford to throw & get after him
Limit turnovers and metal mistakes
Detroit Lions
Get Kerryon Johnson the ball in space
Establish the run to set up play action
Hold Christian McCaffrey in check
Injury list
Carolina Panthers
Torrey Smith, WR - Knee (Out)
Detroit Lions
Marvin Jones Jr., WR - Knee (Out)
T.J. Lang, OG - Neck (Injured Reserve)
A'Shawn Robinson, DT - Shoulder (Out)
Damon Harrison, DT - Shoulder (Questionable)
Ezekiel Ansah, DE - Shoulder (Questionable)
Michael Roberts, TE - Shoulder (Out)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Christian McCaffrey, RB (CAR)
Cam Newton, QB (CAR)
Kerryon Johnson, RB (DET)
Matthew Stafford, QB (DET)
Kenny Golladay, WR (DET)
Prediction
The Panthers simply have a lot more to play for this week. Playoffs and seeding are on the line, and Carolina is a few losses away from missing out on a wildcard spot altogether. Detroit does have an adequate pass defense, so Newton and C-Mac will have to do it on the ground against the 28th ranked run defense. But if Darius Slay, who’s nursing a knee injury, happens to be a no go, this game could easily wind up being another blowout loss for the Detroit Lions. Unless Matt Patricia can come up with a miraculous game plan to slow down the Panthers elite offense, I can’t see how the Lions win at home, regardless of Carolinas poor 1-3 road record.
Final Score: Panthers 27, Lions 16
Written by: Jack Bourgeois