There’s only two games this week between teams with winning records, meaning the slate is mostly about saving a struggling or mediocre season with a key win. Many expected top contenders, particularly in the AFC, are teetering around .500 as the season starts down the homestretch.
Of the top games, Dallas testing its status on the road against Pittsburgh seems to be a marquee matchup with a battle of the birds between the Eagles and Falcons also drawing intrigue. All eyes will be on Russell Wilson and Tom Brady on Sunday night in a Super Bowl rematch from two seasons ago.
Green Bay (4-4) at Tennessee (4-5), 11 a.m., KDVR-31. With Aaron Rodgers, the Packers are still a looming threat but they look little like the true contender they’ve been in recent years.
Minnesota (5-3) at Washington (4-3-1), 11 a.m. The Vikings’ season is turning stormy behind a leaky offensive line and stagnant offense, and they’ll need to turn it around soon to salvage a playoff season.
Chicago (2-6) at Tampa Bay (3-5), 11 a.m. Jameis Winston hasn’t made the jump that the Bucs would have hoped in year two, but their defense is the reason why they are a year or two shy of playoff contention.
Kansas City (6-2) at Carolina (3-5), 11 a.m. The Chiefs are in the midst of a three-horse race for the AFC West crown, but they face a desperate Panthers squad needing a win.
Atlanta (6-3) at Philadelphia (4-4), 11 a.m. The Falcons’ high-powered offense may be trouble for the Eagles’ struggling cornerbacks, but Philadelphia is 3-0 at home this season.
Los Angeles Rams (3-5) at New York Jets (3-6), 11 a.m. Neither team is going anywhere unless its quarterback emerges as a franchise changer.
Houston (5-3) at Jacksonville (2-6), 11 a.m. Brock Osweiler hasn’t won over fans yet, but the Texans quietly lead a weak AFC South and are in position to host a playoff game.
Miami (4-4) at San Diego (4-5), 2:05 p.m. Two mediocre AFC teams trying to keep pace for a wild-card spot will likely lean on their run, with talented backs Jay Ajayi of the Dolphins and Melvin Gordon of the Chargers.
Dallas (7-1) at Pittsburgh (4-4), 2:25 p.m., KDVR-31. The Cowboys are tied for the NFL’s best record behind a rookie quarterback and running back. They could earn a marquee road win against an up-and-down Steelers squad.
San Francisco (1-7) at Arizona (3-4-1), 2:25 p.m. The Cardinals have the talent of a true contender, but they haven’t even played .500 football, so it’s now or never.
Cincinnati (3-4-1) at New York Giants (5-3), Monday, 6:30 p.m., ESPN. The Bengals have started slow this season, but they’re still within striking distance to compete for the AFC North crown.
Game of the week
Seattle (5-2-1) at New England (7-1), 6:30 p.m., KUSA-9.
Maybe Pete Carroll will decide to hand the ball to his running back if the Seahawks get down to the goal line late in this game. Maybe not. Seattle will be geeked up for this Super Bowl XLIX rematch and it should be one of the best matchups in recent weeks. The Legion of Boom will have its hands full with a hot Tom Brady fueling New England’s offense.
