Across today’s NFL schedule, a number of games pit division rivals, Super Bowl contenders and teams looking to right their seasons at their opponents’ expense.
Vikings (1-2-1) at Eagles (2-2)
A rematch of last season’s NFC Championship game had been circled as a must-see for this week five slate, but both the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings have been far less impressive through four weeks than they were for much of 2017. The Vikings, who were built on staunch defense and timely playmaking, have been a mess defensively and the Eagles fell to 2-2 in an overtime loss to Tennessee last week.
Philadelphia has more room for error than Minnesota, as the NFC East figures to require only a decent record to win. But the Vikings, entering at 1-2-1, are coming off an embarrassing loss to Buffalo and a defensive no-show against the Rams. Coming out of week five with just one win thus far would be a disastrous position for a team that has Super Bowl aspirations.
Oakland Raiders (1-3) at L.A. Chargers (2-2)
Sorry, Raider fans. Oakland stinks. They should be winless and year one of Jon Gruden is yielding very minimal returns so far. It’s a process and they probably weren’t planning to contend this season, but it looks like they are further away than anticipated.
I know they’ve been in every game and had some second-half leads that got away, but I see this season getting away from them in a hurry, starting today. The Chargers are their usual selves, playing high-scoring and close games against everyone, good or bad. It wouldn’t surprise me to see a shootout, but L.A. will win this in-state showdown.
Miami Dolphins (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
It’s surprising to see each of these teams currently atop their divisions, but they’ve earned their placement. However, the Bengals seem to be the more legitimate of the two. Miami is reeling after being lit up by the Patriots last week and Cincinnati comes off a last-second road win in Atlanta, so they should be the more confident three-win squad.
The Bengals have started out with three of their first four on the road, so the record is impressive. Andy Dalton has been in sync with A.J. Green, as per usual, but he’s also developed Tyler Boyd into another breakout star receiver. The offense gets back Joe Mixon this week, so this looks like a great spot for the Bengals to keep climbing, while the Dolphins start to dip back to earth.
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
The league’s best offense takes on the league’s best defense in this contest of AFC powerhouses. There couldn’t be a greater contrast of styles with the offensive production of Kansas City, led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, trying to figure out Jacksonville’s staunch defense that surrenders just 14 points per game.
Both were playoff teams last season, but each seems much better situated for a serious title push this time around. That is, however, if Kansas City can figure out its defensive woes. Sure, their high-octane style is going to create high-scoring games, but the Chiefs need to improve upon the 28 points per game they are currently allowing.
Atlanta Falcons (1-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1)
It’s too early to label this one an elimination game, but this is certainly not where either of these teams expected to see themselves. Atlanta has played much better than a one-win team and Matt Ryan is looking like his All-Pro self again, but it hasn’t translated into victories.
Ryan has thrown for 793 yards, eight touchdowns and no interceptions over the past two weeks — both Falcons losses. He and the offense are doing their part, but the defense hasn’t been able to make a necessary stop and Atlanta finds itself needing to claw back into the race.
Pittsburgh has been a mess and is actually lucky to not have three or four losses. They have locker room drama and a far stronger AFC North than anticipated. This doesn’t seem like a team that can withstand early setbacks, like the Patriots or Eagles can. Today is a huge test.
•••
David Simon can be reached at dsimon@thegardenisland.com.
