The seven-month hiatus is over. The NFL — at least its games that matter — is back. From Deflategate to Washington’s handling of quarterback Robert Griffin III, most of the summer story lines centered on hot topics off the field. What has been hidden under the radar is that there are at least 10 teams that should be considered championship contenders. In the NFC: Seattle, Green Bay, Philadelphia, Arizona and Dallas. In the AFC: New England, Indianapolis, Denver, Baltimore and Pittsburgh. But that’s why they play the games.
Green Bay at Chicago, 11 a.m., KDVR-31. Packers running back Eddie Lacy has scored a touchdown in all four games he has played against the Bears in his career. Make that five this week.
Kansas City at Houston, 11 a.m., KCNC-4. With no Arian Foster to lean on, Texans quarterback Brian Hoyer will receive some hard knocks from the Chiefs’ Justin Houston and Tamba Hali.
Cleveland at New York Jets, 11 a.m. There’s a better chance of the Browns and Jets combining to score fewer than 30 points than one team eclipsing that number.
Indianapolis at Buffalo, 11 a.m. If Tyrod Taylor works out at quarterback, Rex Ryan’s Bills could be a dark-horse playoff team.
Miami at Washington, 11 a.m. Forget about the quarterback. Redskins running back Alfred Morris will have a tough time gaining yards against Miami’s Ndamukong Suh and company.
Carolina at Jacksonville, 11 a.m. Gus Bradley has a 7-25 record in his first two years as Jaguars coach. It’s time for progress.
Seattle at St. Louis, 11 a.m. If Kam Chancellor’s holdout continues, the Seahawks’ defense won’t create nearly as much fear in its opponents.
New Orleans at Arizona, 2:05 p.m. Deep threat John Brown will supplant Larry Fitzgerald as the Cardinals’ No. 1 receiving option, but Arizona has to protect quarterback Carson Palmer.
Detroit at San Diego, 2 p.m. Only three teams had fewer sacks than the Chargers last season. They can’t afford to let quarterbacks pick their secondary apart this season.
Tennessee at Tampa Bay, 2:25 p.m. Jameis Winston vs. Marcus Mariota. The Buccaneers have more offensive talent surrounding Winston right now.
Cincinnati at Oakland, 2:25 p.m. It has always been about Andy Dalton for the Bengals. Until he makes the next step, the Bengals are who we’ve always thought they were.
Philadelphia at Atlanta, 5 p.m. Monday, ESPN. If Sam Bradford is healthy, the Eagles have the talent to win it all. But that’s a big if.
Minnesota at San Francisco, 8:15 p.m. Monday, ESPN. The Vikings’ Teddy Bridgewater could vaunt himself into the top-10 quarterback discussion, as well as the playoffs.
Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or
Game of the week
N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9
NFC East battles are fun to watch. Even better in prime time. The last time these teams met, the Giants’ Odell Beckham Jr. made the catch of the year against Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr in a losing effort. Who will win Round 2?
