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It is Week 9 of the 2022 NFL season — and as we attain the midway level, we must always begin seeing whether or not some contenders are in it for the lengthy haul.
To start out the week off, the Philadelphia Eagles remained undefeated with a 29-17 win over the Houston Texans on Thursday night time.
Of eight video games within the early Sunday window, six got here all the way down to the fourth quarter. The Detroit Lions held on to a one-score result in hand the Inexperienced Bay Packers their fifth straight loss, the Minnesota Vikings got here again from 10 all the way down to beat the Washington Commanders and the Los Angeles Chargers secured a win over the Atlanta Falcons with a last-minute subject purpose. The New York Jets‘ protection stood tall in a vital AFC East matchup in opposition to the Buffalo Payments, handing the Payments their second lack of the season. Tua Tagovailoa led the Miami Dolphins to an in depth win over Justin Fields and the Chicago Bears, whereas the Jacksonville Jaguars got here again from a 17-point deficit to beat the Las Vegas Raiders.
The New England Patriots and Cincinnati Bengals gained convincingly over the Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers, respectively. The late afternoon slate noticed Tom Brady surpass the 100,000-yard profession passing mark (together with playoffs) and lead the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a last-second win over the Los Angeles Rams in a battle of struggling NFC powers from a 12 months in the past. The Seattle Seahawks stayed sizzling, successful their fourth straight by defeating the Arizona Cardinals. Within the Sunday night time sport, the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs overcame a fourth-quarter deficit to deal with the Tennessee Titans, 20-17, in extra time.
The Cleveland Browns, Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Steelers and San Francisco 49ers are on a bye and can return to motion in Week 10.
Our NFL Nation reporters react with the largest takeaways and lingering questions off this week’s matchups and look forward to what’s subsequent. Video games are Sunday until famous. Let’s get to it.
Bounce to a matchup:
PHI-HOU | BUF-NYJ | GB-DET
IND-NE | MIA-CHI | MIN-WSH
CAR-CIN | LAC-ATL | LV-JAX
SEA-ARI | LAR-TB | TEN-KC
Chiefs
What to know: The Chiefs should discover a strategy to transfer the ball and rating factors when opponents decline to blitz in opposition to Patrick Mahomes. Tennessee proved, maybe conclusively, that the best way to gradual Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense is to not blitz. The Chiefs discovered a strategy to beat the Titans, however Tennessee was the third opponent to blitz Mahomes lower than 20% of the time and the Chiefs struggled offensively all 3 times. They misplaced the primary two video games. The Titans had been nonetheless capable of get stress on Mahomes with out sending additional defenders, sacking him 4 occasions.
Is there cause to be involved about kicker Harrison Butker? He made a 28-yard subject purpose in extra time, however in any other case Butker hasn’t been himself since getting back from an ankle damage within the season opener. He missed 4 video games and since his return had missed three of six subject purpose makes an attempt earlier than his extra time winner, although he did make a Chiefs file 62-yard kick in Week 6 in opposition to the Payments. Butker additionally missed a PAT try in opposition to the Titans. The Chiefs are going to wish Butker’s assist in the event that they proceed to wrestle on offense as they did in opposition to Tennessee.— Adam Teicher
Subsequent sport: vs. Jaguars (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Titans
What to know: The Titans continued their second-half struggles, this time solely scoring three factors after halftime in opposition to Kansas Metropolis. Tennessee entered the second half with a 17-9 lead over the Chiefs however failed to return away with the win. The most important distinction was a scarcity of carries for Derrick Henry. Henry solely acquired seven carries within the second half regardless of ending the primary half with 9 carries for 92 yards and two touchdowns.
Will the Titans huge receivers ever make an influence? The Titans completed and not using a single receiver having a reception. They proceed to depend on Henry however should not have a complementary piece to the speeding assault. Defenses play one-on-one protection on the surface with no security assist excessive and the Titans aren’t making the most of it. There probably are no solutions on the best way till rookie Treylon Burks finally returns from a turf toe damage that has saved him out for 3 weeks. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: vs. Broncos (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Buccaneers
What to know: The offense continues to underachieve, though it managed to engineer a landing drive within the ultimate minute with rookie tight finish Cade Otton catching the winner. Nonetheless, this does not take away from playcalling that has been ill-suited to suit the Bucs’ strengths and poor execution, together with huge receiver Julio Jones operating the mistaken manner in movement. They proceed to be stricken by drops, too (six on this sport, their most since 2016).
Why does the offense proceed to wrestle after 9 weeks? Quite a lot of the success needed to do with the Bucs’ reliance on the quick-passing sport. This Bucs staff would not have the receivers for that. They’re constructed for a downfield assault. Offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich’s insistence on operating on first down with this offensive line is resulting in them being behind the chains, and so they barely tried any play-action passes this week. Brady did handle to grow to be the primary quarterback to achieve 100,000 passing yards within the come-from-behind win, although. — Jenna Laine
Subsequent sport: vs. Seahawks in Munich, Germany (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Rams
What to know: The Rams’ offense runs via Cooper Kupp, and as they noticed Sunday, it will not be sufficient in opposition to most groups. Even with huge receiver Van Jefferson again, quarterback Matthew Stafford continues to depend on his No. 1 receiver, who had eight catches for 127 yards and a landing. Nevertheless it was not sufficient, and the Rams’ offense has demonstrated this season that relying solely on Kupp has not been a constant successful components. Stafford and huge receiver Allen Robinson II related on a powerful 15-yard catch within the third quarter, however he completed with three catches for twenty-four yards. Jefferson, in his second sport again, did not have a catch on 5 targets.
What did Cam Akers‘ return imply for the Rams’ operating backs? Akers’ return was a storyline heading into Sunday’s sport since he had not performed since Week 5 as a result of the Rams had been attempting to commerce him. However the 2020 second-round decide ran for 3 yards on 5 carries. As a substitute, it was Darrell Henderson Jr. who led the Rams’ operating backs with 56 yards on 12 carries. Henderson’s 23-yard rush within the third quarter was the staff’s longest run of the season. The Rams may also probably have rookie operating again Kyren Williams return subsequent week, which may imply a fair smaller function for Akers going ahead. — Sarah Barshop
Subsequent sport: vs. Cardinals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Seahawks
What to know: Normal supervisor John Schneider hit dwelling runs with some veteran acquisitions over the offseason. Two of them — exterior linebacker Uchenna Nwosu and defensive finish Shelby Harris — had been a part of one other dominant defensive effort that carried Seattle to a win over Arizona. Nwosu had two sacks and now has seven this season — a profession excessive with eight video games to go. Nwosu appears to be like just like the Seahawks’ finest free-agent signing since Cliff Avril and Michael Bennett in 2013, whereas Harris (one sack Sunday) has been the best of the three gamers Seattle acquired again from Denver within the Russell Wilson commerce. Tight finish Noah Fant, additionally acquired within the Wilson commerce, had his finest sport of the season, with 5 catches for 96 yards.
The place do the Seahawks rank within the NFC pecking order? The Eagles are clearly the category of the convention at 8-0. The Vikings are 7-1, as unspectacular as they’ve checked out occasions. The 6-2 Cowboys is perhaps the one different NFC staff that may argue it is higher than Seattle, particularly after the Seahawks dealt with the Giants final week. Both manner, the Seahawks are 6-3 with a 1½-game lead within the NFC West and an opportunity to get to 7-3 heading into their bye in the event that they beat the Buccaneers subsequent week in Munich. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent sport: vs. Buccaneers in Munich, Germany (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Cardinals
What to know: The Cardinals proceed to be their very own worst enemy. Self-inflicted wounds have been their undoing underneath coach Kliff Kingsbury and are threatening to derail one other season. Penalties had been once more an enormous downside on Sunday, as they dedicated 11 for 72 yards. That included back-to-back false begins, a rarity for a house staff. In addition they fumbled 3 times, shedding one when Kyler Murray was stripped whereas carelessly dealing with the ball on a scramble late within the first half. That probably price Arizona at the least three factors, if no more.
Have the Cardinals dug themselves too huge of a gap? They’re in final place within the NFC West at 3-6, three video games behind the Seahawks with a pair of losses to Seattle. So any likelihood of staying alive within the division race is circling the drain. Competing for a wild-card spot is not out of the query with a few of their hardest opponents already out of the best way and a manageable remaining schedule. However the solar is setting quick on Arizona’s season. — Henderson
Subsequent sport: at Rams (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Bengals
What to know: Sure, the Bengals utterly dominated the Panthers in a rout. Nevertheless it did not reveal something new a couple of Cincinnati staff that has loads of work to do to achieve the postseason. The Bengals have regarded distinctive in three wins in opposition to NFC South opponents. However within the AFC North, Cincinnati is 0-3. Discovering a stability between the extremes will probably determine the Bengals’ postseason destiny.
Is Joe Mixon again on monitor? Probably. Going into the sport, Mixon had minus-54 speeding yards above expectation, based on NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. He went plus-74 on Sunday, which is a superb signal for somebody who was underneath scrutiny within the week main as much as this sport. — Ben Child
Subsequent sport: at Steelers (Sunday, Nov. 20, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Panthers
What to know: It is going to be troublesome for interim coach Steve Wilks to maintain PJ Walker because the beginning quarterback in opposition to the Falcons on Thursday. Walker had two interceptions and 9 yards passing earlier than Wilks turned to Baker Mayfield for the second half. The Panthers are anticipated to activate Sam Darnold from injured reserve Tuesday. They need to see what Darnold can do however probably will not have time to get him prepared on a brief week. Earlier than Sunday, one choice after subsequent week was to launch Mayfield and go together with Walker and Darnold the remainder of the season. Walker’s poor efficiency and the professionalism Mayfield has proven because the backup places all choices again on the desk.
Has the protection reached its restrict? Carolina’s one fixed all season has been the protection that performed fairly nicely in all however one sport. That went out the window within the first half when Bengals operating again Joe Mixon grew to become the primary participant to file 150 yards and 4 speeding touchdowns in a half since Seattle’s Shaun Alexander in 2002. Carolina had given up seven speeding touchdowns all season. So has this unit given up? Unhealthy hole management isn’t a superb signal. On prime of the porous run protection, there have been 4 penalties known as for lining up offside. None of it is a good signal for Wilks, a defensive coach, who’s preventing for a shot on the full-time job. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: Falcons (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Patriots
What to know: Protection and particular groups cleared the path. Matthew Judon and Josh Uche had three sacks apiece — marking the second time in franchise historical past that a number of gamers totaled three or extra sacks in a sport (Andre Tippett, Don Blackmon in 1985) — and a blocked punt by Jonathan Jones arrange a brief landing for the offense. After totaling 9 sacks, the Patriots head into their bye week at 5-4. It is onerous to think about them having the offensive firepower to maintain up with Buffalo (and possibly even Miami), however they’ve at the least saved themselves within the hunt.
How a lot hope is there for the Mac Jones-led passing offense? Jones completed 20-of-30 for 147 yards, one landing and no interceptions because the offense struggled to discover a rhythm. Whereas the Colts have given opposing QBs some issues this 12 months, it is also honest to surprise why Jones & Co. have not sustained extra momentum. Shaky play alongside the offensive line has been onerous to overlook in current weeks, and maybe the return of beginning middle David Andrews — who missed two video games with a concussion — after the bye will solidify some issues, as first-round decide Cole Unusual has struggled at left guard in his absence. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: vs. Jets (Sunday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m. ET)
Colts
What to know: The Colts had the worst single-game offensive manufacturing in coach Frank Reich’s 5 seasons, ending with 121 complete yards, and at the moment are 0-2 with quarterback Sam Ehlinger underneath middle. The Colts made the change to Ehlinger getting into their Week 8 sport in opposition to Washington, however via two weeks, they don’t have a passing landing. Sunday in Foxborough, the underside fell out. The Colts’ offensive line was in shambles, with the Patriots racking up 9 sacks — essentially the most allowed by the Colts in a sport since 2017. The quarterback change and the firing of offensive coordinator Marcus Brady have not modified a factor in Indy.
What ought to we make of the Colts’ protection? The unit is taking part in extraordinarily nicely, however it would not matter. The Patriots had a season low in offensive yardage Sunday, however the protection can not account for the dearth of manufacturing by the Indianapolis offense. The Colts’ protection entered the sport rating within the prime 10 in scoring protection and complete yards, however that has been constantly overshadowed by the offense’s incapability to attain. The Colts’ offensive struggles are a troublesome actuality to simply accept for defensive veterans comparable to DeForest Buckner and Stephon Gilmore, who’re having good seasons however don’t have anything to point out for it. — Stephen Holder
Subsequent sport: at Raiders (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Lions
What to know: The Lions traded tight finish T.J. Hockenson on Tuesday to divisional rival Minnesota, however in his absence quarterback Jared Goff threw two landing passes to his replacements, Shane Zylstra and James Mitchell, within the second and fourth quarters. Detroit’s offense had been shut out within the second half of each sport since Week 4 vs. Seattle, however that modified in Sunday’s victory in opposition to Inexperienced Bay.
Did defensive backs coach Aubrey Nice’s firing encourage the protection? Sure. Coming into the Inexperienced Bay sport, Detroit’s protection was permitting essentially the most factors per sport, which led to Nice’s dismissal earlier within the week. Members of the secondary shouldered the blame for the Lions’ determination after which responded with a robust efficiency, which included two interceptions from rookie security Kerby Joseph. Coming into the day, the Lions had two picks all season. That they had three in opposition to the Packers. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: at Bears (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Packers
What to know: Aaron Rodgers regarded lots like Brett Favre, throwing willy-nilly and getting picked off 3 times because of this, and the remainder of the Packers regarded unrecognizable — at the least when utilizing the previous three seasons because the baseline. Two of Rodgers’ interceptions got here from contained in the purple zone and a 3rd from simply exterior the 20, and it marked his first sport with three picks since 2017. He is had 5 three-interception video games in his profession, and not one of the first 4 had come in opposition to an NFC North staff. This time it got here in opposition to a Lions staff that had two interceptions all season going into the sport and had been permitting 32.1 factors per sport. As dangerous as issues had been for the Packers of their four-game shedding streak, shedding a fifth in a row — to the one-win Lions — raises issues to a complete different degree.
What number of extra video games are you able to realistically anticipate the Packers to win? Their subsequent three opponents — the Cowboys, Titans and Eagles — entered Sunday with a mixed file of 19-4. They do not play a staff at the moment with a shedding file till Dec. 4 at Chicago, which is 3-5. They usually nonetheless have video games in opposition to the Rams, Dolphins and Vikings (who already beat the Packers in Week 1) earlier than they wrap up the common season with the Lions at dwelling. — Rob Demovsky
Subsequent sport: vs. Cowboys (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Dolphins
What to know: The Dolphins weren’t a pass-rusher away from fixing their protection, at the least Sunday, and Bradley Chubb, whereas promising in his first begin after being acquired in a commerce, isn’t a one-man savior. Bears quarterback Justin Fields did basically something he wished to, operating for 178 yards and scoring 4 complete touchdowns. Whereas Fields’ talent set makes this defensive efficiency seem to be an outlier, the poor tackling has been there all season.
How sustainable is that this shootout mannequin? It labored in opposition to the Lions. It labored in opposition to the Ravens. However the Bears pushed the Dolphins to the brink in a shootout few folks noticed coming. Miami’s protection has compelled its offense to play almost completely to make up for its shortcomings, and that does not really feel like a Tremendous Bowl-winning components. If the Dolphins’ offense is not clicking, there’s little cause to imagine their protection may cease an elite staff. Their protection got here up with a pair of massive stops late within the fourth quarter Sunday (with assistance from a questionable no-call on Chicago’s ultimate drive), however what number of extra occasions can the Dolphins get away with this? — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Subsequent sport: vs. Browns (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Bears
What to know: The Bears’ offense has developed right into a high-powered unit over the previous three weeks, and an enormous cause is Justin Fields’ operating. His 178 speeding yards Sunday, together with a 61-yard landing scramble, had been essentially the most by a quarterback in a regular-season sport in NFL historical past. Fields can also be the primary participant in NFL historical past to throw three landing passes and rush for at the least 150 yards in the identical sport. Inventive playcalling resulted in Darnell Mooney‘s first landing of the season and two TDs for Cole Kmet, who’s creating right into a purple zone risk.
What changes will the Bears make to assist their go rush? Chicago’s greatest downside with its go rush isn’t a personnel difficulty. The Bears’ defensive philosophy is rooted in getting stress with an ordinary go rush — they rank sixteenth with a 24.3% stress charge when speeding 4 — and it has grow to be predictable for opponents to assault. Chicago allowed Tua Tagovailoa to finish 70% of his passes for 171 yards and two touchdowns in opposition to commonplace stress. His different passing landing got here when the Bears rushed three. The Bears inexplicably didn’t blitz Tagovailoa within the first half and despatched additional rushers on 4 of 30 dropbacks. — Courtney Cronin
Subsequent sport: vs. Lions (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Vikings
What to know: The Vikings may need gained the NFC North on Sunday. Not actually, after all, however in bettering their file to 7-1 on a day the Packers and Bears misplaced, the Vikings have constructed a five-game lead within the loss column within the division. Sunday’s victory over the Commanders was the fourth sport wherein the Vikings have overcome a fourth-quarter deficit to win. They’ve been strolling a tightrope all season, however that tightrope is main them straight to a division title.
Is there something extra the Vikings may have requested from tight finish T.J. Hockenson? Nope! After three days of follow with the staff, Hockenson had by far the perfect sport for a Vikings tight finish this season. He was focused a game-high 9 occasions, catching all 9 for 70 yards. He wasn’t all the time elusive within the tight finish display sport, however his first catch — a 19-yard go over the center — was the longest by a Vikings tight finish this season. If nothing else, this sport proved how a lot the Vikings wanted a good finish with Hockenson’s talent set. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: at Payments (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Commanders
What to know: Washington’s win streak ended as a result of it continued to harm itself on the worst moments. Doing so has price the Commanders in a number of losses this season. The protection, which performed nicely for 3 quarters, gave up essential third-down conversions on a subject purpose drive — a go interference and a 47-yard achieve — after which Taylor Heinicke floated a excessive go over the center that was intercepted and led to the tying rating. There additionally was an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty by John Ridgeway on a go-ahead subject purpose that allowed Minnesota to maintain the ball and run 100 extra seconds. Penalties and opponents’ huge performs have led to too many losses, and on Sunday they led to Washington shedding a winnable dwelling sport.
How lengthy will they keep on with Heinicke? The gamers and coaches all say the identical factor: There’s one thing about Heinicke. He has that “it” issue. However when it goes dangerous, it would not look good — he was 15-for-28 for 149 yards on Sunday — and results in questions on how lengthy they will keep on with him as soon as Carson Wentz returns (in two weeks, on the earliest). Though Heinicke authors some magical and enjoyable moments, he additionally flirts with catastrophe. This time, it led to a fourth-quarter interception that arrange the tying landing. Nonetheless, if the Commanders win at Philadelphia subsequent week, there is a good likelihood they’d hold rolling with Heinicke. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: at Eagles (Monday, Nov. 14, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Chargers
What to know: The Chargers wanted a game-winning 37-yard subject purpose from rookie Cameron Dicker to enhance to 5-3. With the win, the Bolts stay within the hunt for his or her second playoff berth in 9 seasons, however their schedule turns into far more troublesome within the second half. The Chargers’ energy of schedule in video games performed thus far ranks thirtieth within the NFL, based on ESPN analytics, and their energy of schedule remaining ranks tenth.
When will the Chargers’ plethora of injured gamers return? The Chargers have continued to pin their playoff run hopes on the return of a number of injured gamers, together with huge receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, edge rusher Joey Bosa and kicker Dustin Hopkins. Nevertheless, extra names had been added to the listing Sunday, as defensive lineman Austin Johnson left the sport due to a proper knee damage and proper sort out Trey Pipkins III was sidelined due to a left knee damage. There isn’t a clear timeline for his or her returns. — Lindsey Thiry
Subsequent sport: at 49ers (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
Falcons
What to know: It is the barrier the Atlanta Falcons can not seem to break. 13 occasions for the reason that begin of the 2018 season, the Falcons have been at .500. 13 occasions, Atlanta has misplaced its subsequent sport — together with on Sunday — persevering with the longest stretch at .500 or beneath (74 video games) within the NFL. The final time the Falcons had been over .500 was additionally their most up-to-date playoff look: 2017. In a season wherein there was numerous progress and shocking success, a successful file eludes Atlanta.
Is that this what to anticipate from the Falcons’ operating sport going ahead? Cordarrelle Patterson‘s return to the beginning function was going to lead to alterations to Atlanta’s top-five operating sport, all for the higher. And that confirmed because the Falcons as soon as once more rushed for over 200 yards. However the breakdown of carries — virtually a 50-50 break up for Patterson and Tyler Allgeier, with some work for Caleb Huntley — makes it onerous to foretell how the remainder of the season will go. The Falcons are clearly going to be sensible with Patterson and can proceed to maneuver him across the formation, which may hold him from taking up an enormous workload much like what he noticed earlier than his knee damage. The emergence of Allgeier — who regarded superb Sunday with 99 yards — and Huntley in Patterson’s absence in all probability means Patterson will nonetheless get a superb quantity of labor in typical sport conditions, with Allgeier and Huntley taking part in extra in four-minute situations. — Michael Rothstein
Subsequent sport: at Panthers (Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Jets
What to know: The most important win of the Robert Saleh period was highlighted by quarterback Zach Wilson‘s finest efficiency of the season. Below intense stress after final week’s three-interception catastrophe, Wilson set a profession excessive for completion proportion (72%), eradicated the careless selections that precipitated a lot hurt final week and orchestrated an extended subject purpose drive to win it. He had one turnover (strip sack) however managed the sport properly. This was precisely what he and the Jets wanted. It confirmed the Jets generally is a playoff staff in the event that they persist with their components — run the ball (174 yards vs. Payments), play nice protection and play nearly mistake-free at quarterback.
Do the Jets have top-of-the-line defenses within the NFL? Completely. The Jets, ranked sixth in yards allowed firstly of the day, outplayed the vaunted Buffalo protection. They intercepted Josh Allen twice and sacked him 5 occasions in a season-defining efficiency. They did it with a four-man rush, not often blitzing. Their deep protection was wonderful. Receiver Stefon Diggs, who caught a 42-yard go on the sport’s first play, was held and not using a reception within the second half. Rookie Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed had been excellent at cornerback. — Wealthy Cimini
Subsequent sport: at Patriots (Sunday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m. ET)
Payments
What to know: Josh Allen performed his worst sport of the season, ending 18-of-34 for 205 yards with two interceptions — and it may have been three interceptions, however the Jets missed a chance within the fourth quarter. The quarterback regarded out of sync together with his receivers, and the offense was unable to constantly put collectively drives or capitalize on a lot of the longer drives it did have. Allen’s two speeding touchdowns established an early lead, however the offense could not construct on them. One signal of the Payments’ offensive woes? Receiver Stefon Diggs did not have a second-half reception — solely the second time he has gone and not using a catch in a half prior to now two years.
Is the Payments’ run protection a serious concern now? Sure. The Payments had been lacking key gamers on protection — linebacker Matt Milano and security Jordan Poyer — however that is not an excuse for a way the run protection has struggled for a second straight sport. Even when it was clear the Jets would run the soccer on the ultimate drive of the fourth quarter, they continued to select up vital good points. The Payments have allowed the 2 highest speeding totals of the season prior to now two video games (208 yards vs. Packers; 175 vs. Jets). — Alaina Getzenberg
Subsequent sport: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Jaguars
What to know: This come-from-behind victory may very well be a turning level for a staff attempting to determine tips on how to play an entire sport. The Jaguars had been both tied or had a lead within the fourth quarter in 5 of their six losses however could not shut the deal. Rallying from a 17-0 first-half deficit and making a defensive stand within the fourth quarter — after lacking a subject purpose that may have given them a seven-point lead — will probably be an enormous confidence enhance for the Jaguars of their subsequent two video games in opposition to the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.
When is QB Trevor Lawrence going to play constant soccer? Lawrence performed considered one of his finest video games of the season one week after taking part in considered one of his worst, which included throwing one other interception in the long run zone. Coach Doug Pederson has stated he will make Lawrence work via the ups and downs of his struggles. Giving Lawrence fast throws to get him in a rhythm helps, however Pederson stated Yr 2 in his system will make an enormous distinction. — Mike DiRocco
Subsequent sport: at Chiefs (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Raiders
What to know: Good issues occur for the Raiders’ offense when huge receiver Davante Adams is focused early and sometimes. Adams, who had one catch for 3 yards in a shutout loss at New Orleans final week, introduced his presence with authority early in Jacksonville. Adams, who was coping with an sickness the earlier week, made the Jaguars’ secondary pay with a season-high 143 receiving yards — on 9 catches — and two touchdowns earlier than halftime. No surprise the Raiders jumped to a 17-0 lead with 10:51 to play within the second quarter.
So why did not the Raiders trip Adams within the second half? Between taking that 17-0 lead and trailing 27-20, Adams had one catch, on eight targets, for 3 yards. It is mystifying how briskly the Raiders went away from the new hand, it doesn’t matter what sort of unique defenses had been thrown at Adams. As a result of if he is doubled, tripled and/or bracketed, another person is open. Plus, the inevitable defensive collapse did not assist, because it was the third time the Raiders, who fell to 2-6, blew such a lead (20-0 to Arizona and 17-0 at Kansas Metropolis). But all six Raiders losses are by one possession. — Paul Gutierrez
Subsequent sport: vs. Colts (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Thursday
Eagles
What to know: Jalen Hurts‘ return dwelling proved to be an historic night time, as he helped information the Eagles to their first 8-0 begin with an ugly-early, good-enough-late win over the Texans. Hurts referred to this as a “enterprise journey,” however these near him knew the return to Houston held particular that means. It wasn’t all the time fairly, however he rose to the second, tossing a pair of landing passes — together with a go-ahead 17-yard strike to A.J. Brown within the third quarter — to maintain the undefeated practice rolling.
How a lot will DT Jordan Davis‘ absence damage them? The Eagles’ first sport with out Davis, who was simply positioned on injured reserve with a proper excessive ankle sprain, proved problematic for the frenzy protection. Houston’s Dameon Pierce went off for over 100 yards on 27 carries regardless of being the protection’s main focus all week. Davis has been a difference-maker. Coming into the sport, the Eagles allowed 3.9 yards per rush with him on the sphere (70 rushes) versus 6 yards per rush with him off the sphere (112 rushes). — Tim McManus
Subsequent sport: vs. Commanders (Monday, Nov. 14, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Texans
What to know: Welcome again, Dameon Pierce. Final week, the rookie operating again struggled in opposition to the Titans and completed with 35 yards, his second-lowest complete of the season. However in opposition to the undefeated Eagles, he bounced again with an enormous efficiency that gave the Texans an opportunity to win. He completed with 139 yards speeding and produced a spotlight run of 36 yards that featured defenders bouncing off of him within the second quarter. The Texans’ offense goes as Pierce goes, if he is rolling, they’ve an opportunity.
What’s up with receiver Brandin Cooks? Cooks did not play Thursday night time due to private causes after not being traded on the deadline. Cooks was sad with the truth that he wasn’t traded. The Texans could not discover a deal that labored for them, as groups did not need to tackle his assured $18 million wage for 2023. Cooks is the Texans’ main receiver with 354 yards and 32 receptions. However he is in the course of a subpar season by his requirements, averaging 50.6 yards per sport, the second-lowest per-game common of his profession. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
