When trying to select a game to feature in these early games, no games particularly stood out. However, there are some good matchups this week, so let’s get into them…
Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) @ Carolina Panthers (3-7) – After their defeat to the Buffalo Bills last week, the Chiefs will need to get back to winning ways against the Carolina Panthers, who have been poor but are currently on a two-game winning streak.
Embed from Getty ImagesMinnesota Vikings (8-2) @ Chicago Bears (4-6) – This NFC North matchup did have the promise to be a spectacle a few weeks ago. However the Bears are on a four-game losing streak, their Rookie QB Caleb Williams hasn’t thrown a touchdown in those four games, whereas the Vikings have won the last three games and their QB Sam Darnold has thrown for five touchdowns.
Embed from Getty ImagesTennessee Titans (2-8) @ Houston Texans (7-4) – This AFC South clash should be a easy win for the Texans, as they look to control the division, and maintain their 4th seed spot. Tennessee, on the other hand, have the 2nd pick in the 2025 draft, so losing the game isn’t the worst thing that can happen.
Embed from Getty ImagesDetroit Lions (9-1) @ Indianapolis Colts (5-6) – The Colts have been playing Hokey Cokey at the QB position – Anthony Richardson started and the Colts were 2-2 when he complained of being tired, so they made the 17 year veteran Joe Flacco the starter. The Colts lost four of the six games he started, so they went back to Richardson. The Lions have also had to make changes but due to injury. DE Aidan Hutchinson broke both bones in his left leg against the Dallas Cowboys, and LB Alex Anzalone broke his forearm in a collision with his own teammate. However, both could be back playing in the playoffs. It hasn’t stopped Detroit however, as they look to pick up from their week 11 demolition of the Jacksonville Jaguars, which ended 52-6.
Embed from Getty ImagesNew England Patriots (3-8) @ Miami Dolphins (4-6) – The Dolphins have looked better with their franchise QB Tua Tagovailoa playing after his concussion and have won two of their last four games. The Patriots have also played better with Rookie QB Drake Maye playing. Maye has thrown nine touchdowns and six interceptions this season, whilst Tua has thrown for seven touchdowns and only one interception since his return. TE Jonnu Smith will look to continue his scoring form in this one, after scoring two touchdowns in Miami’s 34-19 win against the Las Vegas Raiders.
Embed from Getty ImagesTampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6) @ New York Giants (2-8) – Baker Mayfield and his Buccaneers are currently on a four-game losing streak but their opponents have gone one better, having lost their last five games. Head coach Brian Daboll benched QB Daniel Jones this week and has decided that Tommy DeVito will be the starter, instead of Drew Lock, who was the backup QB originally and still is. Mayfield has thrown more interceptions (9) than the Giants have scored touchdowns (8).
Embed from Getty ImagesDallas Cowboys (3-7) @ Washington Commanders (7-4) – This NFC East matchup would normally be the other way round, with the Commanders having the losing record and the Cowboys looking towards the playoffs. However, the Cowboys are on a five game losing streak, whereas Washington have won three and lost two in the same timeframe. QB Dak Prescott has been placed on Injured Reserve (IR) with a partially torn hamstring suffered in week nine so Dallas have Cooper Rush under centre. Commanders QB Jayden Daniels has been injured as well, after suffering a rib injury in week seven, but has continued to play.
Embed from Getty ImagesSo there’s my take on the early games – come back for the other games in week 12 later.
