49ers at Cardinals
The 49ers have been one of the league's best teams this year while the Cardinals have been mediocre at best. The 49ers have been better than the Cardinals in every phase of the game this year, and expect that to continue on Thursday. Though this game could be a massive blowout, expect it to be closer than many people may expect because it is a divisional matchup and a short week, and both of these factors work to the Cardinals' advantage. Throw in the fact that they are at home and Arizona could make this a game, but they have a very small chance of winning.
Prediction: 49ers 31, Cardinals 24
Texans at Jaguars
The Texans have fizzled after a fantastic start to the season, and they will likely face another close game against the Jaguars. Houston has a major advantage at quarterback and receiving core, but the Jaguars have a better run game and both defenses are about equal. Houston should be able to win this game despite the fact that it is in Jacksonville and a divisional matchup because they have a better team thus far and have a major advantage at quarterback, but don't be surprised if the Jaguars get an upset by running the ball a ton.
Prediction: Texans 24, Jaguars 17
Bears at Eagles
The Bears and Eagles are in similar situations this year. They both came into the year with a ton of talent and Super Bowl aspirations but they have both fallen short of expectations. The Bears defense hasn't been what it was last year and Mitchell Trubisky has been a below-average starter. The Eagles just haven't been able to gel as a team. The Eagles have looked a lot better this year and still have legitimate hopes of making the playoffs out of a weak NFC East so they will want the win more. They are also at home, so the Eagles should win this game.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Bears 21
Vikings at Chiefs
This game is a mystery due to the status of Patrick Mahomes, but it seems more likely than not that he will miss this game. If that is the case, expect the Vikings to win easily because they are a much better team than the Chiefs without Mahomes. Even if Mahomes does suit up the Vikings should win because Mahomes won't be anywhere near 100% and he isn't the same player when he doesn't have the ability to move around and get outside the pocket. The Vikings are built to beat the Chiefs because of their strong run game. The Chiefs run defense is horrendous and Dalvin Cook has been one of the best running backs in the league this year. The Vikings have the ability to do what the Colts did a few weeks ago by running the ball to control the clock. This game could be close if Mahomes plays, but expect the Vikings to win regardless.
Prediction: Vikings 28, Chiefs 14
Colts at Steelers
The Colts have been a much better team than the Steelers this year and expect that to be the case on Sunday with the Colts looking like one of the AFC's top contenders. The Steelers have been bad this year and they haven't shown anything to make one think they have a chance of beating the Colts. The Colts should win this game easily.
Prediction: Colts 34, Steelers 10
Jets at Dolphins
Both the Jets and Dolphins have been awful this year, but the Dolphins have taken it to another level. They will in all likelihood lose the rest of their games, so expect the Jets to pick up their second win of the season with ease against a Dolphins team that has been destroyed by almost every opponent they've faced.
Prediction: Jets 28, Dolphins 14
Redskins at Bills
The Redskins have been one of the league's worst teams this year. They could barely even beat the Dolphins! The Bills, on the other hand, have been one of the better teams in the AFC and are fighting for a playoff spot. The Redskins won't be able to move the ball against this elite Bills defense and the Bills offense should be able to move the ball with ease, so expect Buffalo to win in a landslide.
Prediction: Bills 35, Redskins 10
Titans at Panthers
Though the Panthers have a relatively unimpressive 4-3 record, they have been great this year since starting 0-2. with their only loss coming against the unbeaten 49ers. The Titans, on the other hand, have been equally as mediocre as their 4-4 record suggests. The Panthers will be able to control the clock with Christian McCaffery once again putting the team on his back and the Titans won't be able to do what they do best in running the ball because they will be playing the game from behind.
Prediction: Panthers 30, Titans 13
Lions at Raiders
Both the Lions and the Raiders have been unexpectedly solid this year, and they both still have playoff chances. The Lions are a more talented team on paper and have looked more impressive this year, but the Raiders have shown the ability to upset better teams. Oakland is also at home, so this game will be close. At the end of the day, the Lions are a better team so expect them to get a win but don't be surprised if the Raiders pull off another upset.
Prediction: Lions 27, Raiders 21
Buccaneers at Seahawks
The Seahawks looked unimpressive last week after only beating the Falcons and their backup quarterback by a touchdown, and now they get the Buccaneers. The Bucs have been bad this year, but they have shown the ability to upset elite teams in the Panthers and Rams. They have elite talent on offense with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and O.J. Howard. The Seahawks are a better team, but this game will not be a walk in the park, and if the Buccaneers play to the best of their ability the Seahawks won't be able to beat them. Despite that, the Buccaneers are dramatically inconsistent and can't be expected to do that, so the Seahawks should be able to win.
Prediction: Seahawks 35, Buccaneers 24
Packers at Chargers
The Chargers have been massively disappointing this year and the Packers have looked like one of the best teams in the league up to this point. The Packers have looked better on all cylinders this year and expect more of the same on Sunday.
Prediction: Packers 30, Chargers 14
Browns at Broncos
Both the Browns and Broncos are bad, but Denver has been worse and is now without its quarterback. The Browns have all the talent in the world but are being held back by a horrible coach. Despite this, they should be able to beat a Broncos team without its starting quarterback with relative ease. If not,the Browns could have a new head coach at this time next week.
Prediction: Browns 27, Broncos 10
Patriots at Ravens
This has the potential to be one of the best games of the year. The Ravens are going to be the best team the Patriots have faced all year and the defense now gets to face a legitimate opponent. Baltimore matches up relatively well with the Patriots defense because the Patriots have a great secondary and solid run defense, but their run defense isn't incredible. Baltimore has the best run game in the league. Despite this, Bill Belichick will do everything possible to stop this run game and force the Ravens to throw the ball against this elite secondary. Even if every single receiving is 1-on-1 with a defensive back the Patriots should be able to lock down this Ravens passing attack. On the other side of the ball, both the Patriots offense and the Ravens defense have struggled this year, but the Patriots offense has looked slightly better. N'Keal Harry is coming off of IR as well. The Patriots will figure out their offensive issues eventually, but for now they will at least be able to do what is necessary to get a win. This game has potential to be very close, but the Patriots should win.
Prediction: Patriots 28, Ravens 13
Cowboys at Giants
The Giants have been a lot better than expected at the start of the year, but the Cowboys are a much better team. They have too many playmakers on both offense and defense for the Giants to account for. Though the Cowboys have the ability to destroy the Giants this game could be closer than expected because it is a divisional game and the Giants are at home. Dallas has always struggled with the Giants so they could have problems. Despite this, the Cowboys should win but this game could be closer than expected.
Prediction: Cowboys 34, Giants 24