14 Nov. 2021 4:05 p.m. ET Game
Vikings @ Chargers
Los Angeles is back on track with a win over the Eagles as the Vikings blew what was a 24-10 lead against the Ravens in an overtime loss. Minnesota is now 0-3 vs AFC opponents this season, with 2 of those losses coming in overtime. In fact each of the Vikings’ 5 losses this season has been by 7 points or fewer (most one-possession losses in NFL). The inability to close out simply falls on Kirk Cousins’ performance in the second half of games this season.
Expect the Vikings offense to rely on RB Dalvin Cook all four quarters as the Chargers have allowed the most rush YPG (161.6) and yards/carry (5.0) this season. Meanwhile, Los Angeles has a two-dimensional offense that revolves around Justin Herbert who has looked phenomenal when the team is winning football games. The former first-round pick has a 68.6 comp pct, 318.8 pass YPG, 14 TD, 1 INT, and 112.7 passer rating in wins this season. If he can exploit a Vikings secondary that has proven to be vulnerable at times, the Chargers should take this one at home.
Score: 28-23, Chargers Win.
Panthers @ Cardinals
Arizona has looked like the 8-1 team that they are and this week Kyler Murray and DeAndre Hopkins will likely make their return to the field after being sidelined in last week’s dominant win. Meanwhile, Carolina has been extremely inconsistent and although signing Cam Newton could make this team more lethal on offense, he’s unlikely to start this week. Doesn’t bode well for a Panthers team that has only one touchdown in their last 12 quarters.
Score: 28-20, Cardinals Win.
4:25 p.m. ET Games
Seahawks @ Packers
It comes as no surprise that one of the top games of the week features Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson at the center of attention. Wilson is back after missing time due to a finger injury he suffered in Week 5, however, he gets a stout Packers’ defense that’s playing at home. Green Bay allowed 17 points or fewer in 5 games this season and no opposing QB has passed for 3+ TD or has a 100+ passer rating vs Packers since Week 1 (Jameis Winston). Pair that up with the return of Rodgers after last week’s ugly low-scoring affair, and we have seen this story one too many times with the home team winning every game between the Seahawks and Packers since 2010.
Score: 31-23, Packers Win.
Eagles @ Broncos
The Broncos are coming off a huge win that could mark the turning point in the season as the team is now above .500 once again. It bodes well in a matchup against the Eagles who have not defeated a team this season that currently has a winning record. This week is likely not going to be a fun outing for an Eagles’ offense as Denver has allowed fewer than 18 points in 6 games this season. The home-field advantage should play in favor of the Broncos against a Philly team that has failed to find consistency.
Score: 20-13, Broncos Win.
Sunday Night Football; 8:20 p.m. ET
Chiefs @ Raiders
Sunday Night Football takes us to Las Vegas for an AFC West showdown between a Chiefs team that has won two straight in unconvincing fashion as the Raiders sit at 5-3 with a chance to take control of the 2nd place spot in the division. In order for Kansas City to hold off their division rivals, Patrick Mahomes needs to get it together.
Both quarterbacks have played mediocre at best this season but if any team shows up in primetime at this pivotal point in the season, you have to believe Andy Reid’s squad will be ready. If the Chiefs want to turn their season around, now is the time as they face 7 AFC opponents in their final 8 games, and this week a division matchup against the Raiders bodes well. The Chiefs have won 10 straight road games vs AFC West teams. The reigning AFC champs will need to hope that the Raiders offense has an off game as the team has averaged 31.4 PPG in their 5 wins compared to a mere 13.0 PPG in 3 losses this season. I’ll take the Chiefs in what looks like a toss up game.
Score: 27-24, Chiefs Win.
15 Nov. 2021 Monday Night Football
49ers @ Rams
A much anticipated NFC West matchup could become lopsided very quickly. The Rams are coming off a tough loss to the Titans, however, in games following a loss in the Sean McVay era (since 2017), Los Angeles is 16-5 with a +175 point differential. This week they head up north to take on the 49ers who are 0-4 and have allowed 29.8 PPG at home this season… only the 0-8 Lions (34.5 PPG) have allowed more.
However, it’s worth noting that Jimmy Garoppolo (4-0) is 1 of 6 QBs in the Super Bowl era to be undefeated vs Rams in their career (min. 4 starts). But those starts came against a Jared Goff-led team and with Matthew Stafford at the helm, it’s tough to see this 49ers’ team keep up.
The Rams are 4-1 on Monday Night Football in the Sean McVay era (since 2017) as San Francisco is 1-4 in the Kyle Shanahan era. Los Angeles should have this game locked up down the stretch especially with WR Odell Beckham Jr. and LB Von Miller set to make their Rams’ debut.
Score: 32-20, Rams Win.
