Denver hosts the NFL’s game of the year so far against Green Bay on Sunday night, but there are other intriguing matchups on the schedule this weekend.
The Cincinnati Bengals, one of five undefeated teams, travel to Pittsburgh for an always rugged AFC North showdown. It will mark the return of Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who missed the past four games because of a knee injury.
Detroit vs. Kansas City in London, 7:30 a.m., KDVR-31. The Europeans really got a raw deal on this game. This was supposed to be an important game; instead it’s a race for a top draft pick.
Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 11 a.m. These NFC South teams have equaled their win total from last season, two and six respectively, but only the Falcons are happy with how their 2015 season has started.
Arizona at Cleveland, 11 a.m. Cardinals running back Chris Johnson was shot in a drive-by shooting during the offseason. He thought his career was over. Instead, he is the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 567 yards.
San Francisco at St. Louis, 11 a.m. The 49ers give up nearly 300 yards passing per game and allow quarterbacks to complete 70 percent of their passes. So smile, Rams QB Nick Foles. It’s going to be a good day.
New York Giants at New Orleans, 11 a.m., KDVR-31. The Giants have a plus-nine turnover differential (best in the league), which is why they lead the NFC East.
Minnesota at Chicago, 11 a.m. The home team has won the last six matchups in this rivalry. The Vikings haven’t beaten the Bears at Soldier Field since 2007.
San Diego at Baltimore, 11 a.m. The Chargers and Ravens are losers of three straight, mostly because of struggling defenses. Philip Rivers threw for 503 yards against Green Bay.
Tennessee at Houston, 11 a.m. The Texans’ dysfunction has seeped from the front office to the field. Their quarterback play has been terrible, and the defense appears to have quit playing hard.
New York Jets at Oakland, 2:05 p.m. Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper is a stud. His 519 yards receiving are the most by a rookie since Anquan Boldin in 2003.
Seattle at Dallas, 2:25 p.m., KDVR-31. Two underachieving teams with losing records, and Dallas will be without its starting quarterback and running back. Dez Bryant vs. Richard Sherman should be fun, though.
Indianapolis at Carolina, 6:30 p.m. Monday, ESPN. The Panthers are getting a lot of love from the NFL. They face the limping Colts in their third consecutive prime-time game. Every week we wait for the Panthers to fall and every week they shine.
Game of the week
(Non Packers-Broncos)
Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 11 a.m., KCNC-4.
Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton has 19 completions of 25 yards or longer this season, most in the NFL. The Steelers have 20 plays of more than 25 yards. A lot of game-changing plays for both teams, so a thrilling shootout could be in store, Especially with Roethlisberger returning.
Cameron Wolfe: 303-954-1891, cwolfe@denverpost.com or @CameronWolfe
