Will this be the season a defensive player wins the NFL most valuable player award? How about a defensive player who spends his fair share of time in the end zone? Texans defensive end J.J. Watt already has made a strong case to become the first defensive league MVP since Lawrence Taylor won the award in 1986. Watt caught a TD pass after lining up as a tight end in Week 1, then scored on an 80-yard interception return last week. He already has 31 QB pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. Watt’s résumé already is glowing.
Bills at Lions, 11 a.m. Buffalo’s 2-0 start seems like ages ago. The Bills have lost two straight and will now look to backup QB Kyle Orton to stop the bleeding.
Ravens at Colts, 11 a.m., KCNC-4. The Colts have scored at least 40 points in each of their past two games — both wins. Indianapolis’ secondary will have its hands full with Ravens receiver Steve Smith, whose 429 yards are the most ever by a player 35 years old or older through four games.
Browns at Titans, 11 a.m. The Browns will benefit from the return of running back Ben Tate, who missed the past two weeks with a knee injury. The oft-injured Jake Locker is back at QB for Tennessee after missing last week’s loss to the Colts (wrist).
Bears at Panthers, 11 a.m. Hampered by a running game that has averaged only 71 yards per game, Carolina is averaging a meager 18.2 points per contest, fifth-worst in the 32-team league.
Steelers at Jaguars, 11 a.m. Jacksonville running back Toby Gerhart (2.8 yards per carry) has been a major disappointment.
Buccaneers at Saints, 11 a.m. The New Orleans defense has forced only one turnover this season.
Falcons at Giants, 11 a.m. Eli Manning has completed 73 percent of his passes, with six touchdowns, in his past two games.
Rams at Eagles, 11 a.m. Darren Sproles has found ways to contribute in nearly every way imaginable for the Eagles this season.
Chiefs at 49ers, 2:25 p.m. Knile Davis has recorded back-to-back, 100-yard rushing games for the Chiefs.
Jets at Chargers, 2:25 p.m. QB Geno Smith is feeling the pressure in New York. His 75.1 passer rating suggests he should be.
Bengals at Patriots, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9. Cincy’s defense has allowed only 33 points all season. Tom Brady needs just 60 yards passing to become the sixth player in NFL history with 50,000.
Seahawks at Redskins, 6:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN. Redskins QB Kirk Cousins is coming off his worst game as a pro, a five-turnover clunker in a lopsided loss to the Giants.
Game of the week
Texans at Cowboys, 11 a.m.
DeMarco Murray is just the fourth player in NFL history to start a season with at least 100 yards and a rushing touchdown in each of a team’s first four games. And the Cowboys have helped themselves by mostly avoiding self-inflicted mistakes.
