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NFL: Week 9 Previews

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Atlanta Falcons (3-4) at New England Patriots (6-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Patriots -5.5, Total 44.5
Series Rewind: New England has won its last seven games against Atlanta and leads the all-time series 10-6. The Patriots have won the last two regular-season games since rallying from down 28-3 to beat the Falcons in overtime of Super Bowl LI.

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The Patriots are riding high on their longest winning streak in four years entering this week’s game. Drake Maye has thrown 10 touchdowns to one interception over New England’s five-game winning streak, playing his way into the MVP conversation in his second season. He’s been helped by the league’s fourth-best scoring defense (18.3 points per game) and having this level of offensive success despite the fact that the Patriots still don’t have a 300-yard rusher this season. The Falcons are feeling low after last week’s 34-10 home loss to Miami when QB Michael Penix Jr. was sidelined due to a bone bruise in his left knee. It was the team’s second straight loss coming out of its bye week. Penix and leading receiver Drake London (hip) have both been limited through the team’s first two practices of the week. Atlanta coach Raheem Morris labeled them as “day-to-day” while Penix said he’s trending in the right direction. That’s badly needed for an offense which has generated 20 points the last two weeks.

Indianapolis Colts (7-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Colts -3, Total 50.5
Series Rewind: The Colts have won the past two meetings after Pittsburgh prevailed in the previous eight matchups.

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor might be the best overall player in the league. Taylor has scored three touchdowns four separate times this season and leads the NFL with 850 yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. He has 14 total touchdowns, giving him a chance to challenge the total touchdowns record of 31 set by then-San Diego Chargers great LaDainian Tomlinson in 2006. Taylor’s touchdown count is more than the grand total of four different teams and is tied with another. Indianapolis has topped 30 points in each of the past four games and quarterback Daniel Jones is excelling with 2,062 passing yards, 13 touchdowns through the air and three interceptions. Pittsburgh is looking to rebound after back-to-back setbacks against the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers. Veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers lost 35-25 to his former club (the Packers) while completing 24 of 36 passes for 219 yards and two touchdowns. The Pittsburgh defense featuring stars such as outside linebacker T.J. Watt and defensive tackle Cam Heyward has allowed more than 30 points in consecutive games and four times overall. The Steelers sustained a huge blow when safety DeShon Elliott was carted off with a hyperextended left knee against Green Bay and later placed on injured reserve. Pittsburgh traded for New England safety Kyle Dugger on Wednesday to help soften the loss.

Los Angeles Chargers (5-3) at Tennessee Titans (1-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chargers -9.5, Total 43.5
Series Rewind: The Chargers have won four of the past six meetings, including last season’s 27-17 home triumph.

The Chargers looked great at the outset of the season with three straight victories and were dominant while crushing the Minnesota Vikings 37-10 last week. But in between, they lost three of four games so who knows which team makes up the real Chargers. Quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown three touchdown passes in back-to-back games and is tied for third with 16 scoring passes. He also leads the league with 2,140 passing yards. Unsung Kimani Vidal has saved the running back position by rushing for 117 yards against the Vikings, 11 days after collecting 124 against the Miami Dolphins. He became the starter after injuries to Najee Harris (Achilles) and rookie Omarion Hampton (hamstring). This is the first of four straight home games for the Titans but that gift from the schedule makers isn’t going to vault Tennessee into the playoffs. The Titans have a bunch of injuries to deal with and rookie quarterback Cam Ward is experiencing weekly growing pains while surrounded by minimal talent. However, interim coach Mike McCoy surely would like to deliver some payback against the organization that fired him following the 2016 campaign after four seasons. Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (4.5 sacks), the best overall player on the squad, is in danger of missing his second straight game. Simmons (hamstring) sat out last week and hasn’t practiced yet this week.

Minnesota Vikings (3-4) at Detroit Lions (5-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Lions -8.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: The Lions buried the Vikings, 31-9, in the regular-season finale last season to win the NFC North title. Detroit took six of the past seven games in the series.

A QB carousel the Vikings appeared to have resolved last season with Sam Darnold has spun once more with J.J. McCarthy returning to the QB1 role and Carson Wentz hitting injured reserve. McCarthy was hurt in this second career start but has practiced for two weeks to prove his health while recovering from a high ankle sprain. This is his first division game since a miraculous comeback for Minnesota at Chicago in Week 1. Keeping up with the Lions might require another gear. Chief concerns for the Vikings start with protecting McCarthy. Starting tackles Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill are banged up and lead blocker C.J. Ham (hand) was limited all week. Building a wall in front of McCarthy could spare him an unceremonious introduction to Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Hutchinson has three sacks and five tackles for loss in two games in Detroit against the Vikings. If he has time to throw, McCarthy can dial up Justin Jefferson, who has 72 catches and averages 120.6 yards per game in 10 career meetings with Detroit. Lions QB Jared Goff thrives in this matchup, too. In 10 career games, he averages 288.4 passing yards with 18 TDs, five INTs and a 105.1 passer rating.

Denver Broncos (6-2) at Houston Texans (3-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Texans -1.5, Total 40.5
Series Rewind: Houston recorded a 22-17 home victory last season after the Broncos won four of the previous five matchups.

Both teams have excelled on the defensive side this season so a low-scoring contest won’t be a surprise. The Texans lead the league in scoring defense (14.7) and total defense (266.9) and Denver ranks fifth in both categories – 18.9 and 281.4, respectively. Houston has allowed more than 20 points just once this season and features star pass rushers in Will Anderson (five sacks) and Danielle Hunter (four) as well as standout cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. (two interceptions). Denver has allowed 17 or fewer points on four occasions but has got the offense cranked up during its current five-game winning streak. The Broncos scored 33 fourth-quarter points to rally past the New York Giants by one point two weeks ago and torched the Dallas Cowboys 44-24 last week. Denver quarterback Bo Nix threw four touchdown passes for the third time in his two-year career in the win over Dallas. The bad news is that cornerback Patrick Surtain II (pectoral) was hurt against the Cowboys and could miss multiple games. Surtain is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Linebacker Dre Greenlaw is back after a one-game suspension for berating referee Brad Allen after the comeback win over New York. Houston will get back Nico Collins (concussion) after a one-game absence while fellow wideout Christian Kirk (hamstring) might be back after missing two games. Collins topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons.

Chicago Bears (4-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-5)

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bears -3, Total 50.5

Series Rewind: Chicago has three consecutive wins over the Bengals. The last meeting (September 2021) featured 27 total fourth-quarter points; the Bears won 20-17, sacked Joe Burrow five times and intercepted three passes.

Cincinnati’s run defense is the worst in the league, yielding 151.9 yards per game. The Bears are determined to attack weaknesses, which could mean more of rookie seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai in an expanded role. D’Andre Swift has been fighting a groin injury. Head coach Ben Johnson noted the importance of setting up a defense with success on the ground to ease the burden and simplify the pre-snap process for the skill-position group. Caleb Williams has 11 touchdowns and three interceptions in his past eight road games. The Bengals are thriving on downfield throws since Joe Flacco jumped into the lineup. Flacco is dealing with a shoulder injury but has pushed to play. WR Ja’Marr Chase had 12 catches for 91 yards last week and leads the league in catches. He has 38 receptions in his past three games, tied for the most in a three-game span in league history. Even if Flacco makes the start, there is a chance he won’t be able to finish the game given the severity of his shoulder (AC injury) issue. Bengals DE Trey Hendrickson has a QB sack in each of his three career games against the Bears. He’s still dealing with a hip injury suffered at Green Bay on Oct. 12.

San Francisco 49ers (5-3) at New York Giants (2-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: 49ers -2.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: San Francisco has won three of the last four meetings to take a 22-21 lead in the series, including a 4-4 split in the playoffs. New York won both NFC Championship clashes (1990 and 2011 seasons).

Both teams are 2-3 in their last five games, the 49ers following a 3-0 start and the Giants after an 0-3 start. It could be a big day for 49ers star Christian McCaffrey, as the Giants are giving up a league-high 5.7 yards per carry and have allowed 10 rushing touchdowns this season. Niners coach Kyle Shanahan said he can’t name a starting quarterback until he sees how Brock Purdy’s troublesome toe fares in practice this week, but here’s one interesting stat of note: Mac Jones is 0-5 against NFC East opponents in his career and Purdy is 6-0. Whoever starts better keep both eyes on Giants linebacker Brian Burns, who has sacks in seven of his past eight games. New York rookie Jaxson Dart has won both of his home starts so far (versus the Chargers and Eagles) but won’t have sparkplug running back Cam Skattebo, handing the ball instead to erstwhile starter Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Carolina Panthers (4-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-1-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FanDuel Odds: Packers -13.5, Total 43.5
Series Rewind: Green Bay beat the Panthers on Christmas Eve at Carolina in 2023, 30-13, and the Packers have won three in a row in the series.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said it’s fair to view TE Tucker Kraft as the team’s No. 1 receiver after his 7-143-2 performance last week in QB Jordan Love’s 10th career game with three TD passes. Kraft has a TD catch in three home games in a row and the Panthers are committed to the ground game to prevent engaging in a shootout at Lambeau. Carolina’s wide receivers gain only 3.2 yards after the reception this season, forcing the offensive line to create push for the tandem of Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard on early downs. Dowdle has 364 rushing yards on first down since Week 5, which is the most in the league. Shifting away from ball control always sparks the Packers’ potent pass rush featuring Micah Parsons and Rashan Gary, who have combined for 14 sacks. The Packers have given up on six points in the first quarter and leads the NFL with an average of 7.3 points allowed in the first half in 2025.

Jacksonville Jaguars (4-3) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Jaguars -3, Total 44.5
Series Rewind: The Raiders won 19-14 last season in their first matchup in Las Vegas since the team’s relocation. Jacksonville leads the all-time series 6-5, last beating the Raiders in 2016.

Jacksonville is hoping the bye week it just concluded can be a reset of sorts for the final 10 games of the regular season. After jumping out to its first 4-1 start since 2007, the Jaguars limped into their bye week with a home loss to Seattle followed by an uncompetitive 35-7 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in London. The Jaguars could be limited at receiver against the Raiders, with Brian Thomas Jr. (shoulder) and Tim Patrick (groin) both limited in the first two practices. Two-way sensation Travis Hunter Jr. (knee) was also limited in Thursday’s practice after he had no designation on Wednesday. Las Vegas, also coming out of a bye, will be playing its first game since co-owner Carol Davis, The First Lady of Raider Nation, passed away on Oct. 24 at the age of 93. The offense, shut out the last time out by Kansas City, should get a spark with the return of All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers, who will return after missing the last three games and been out of the starting lineup since Week 1 with a knee injury. Standout defensive end Maxx Crosby (back) didn’t practice Wednesday and was limited Thursday.

New Orleans Saints (1-7) at Los Angeles Rams (5-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Rams -14.5, Total 43.5
Series Rewind: Los Angeles leads the all-time series 45-35 and has won four of the last five games against the Saints, including each of the last two years.

After throwing for five touchdowns last time out vs. Jacksonville in London, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford remains tied for the NFL lead in touchdown passes (17) coming out of the team’s bye week. He did that without leading receiver Puka Nacua, who missed the game with an ankle injury, but it appears that will be just a one-game absence as Nacua was a full participant in Thursday’s practice. That’s timely for Los Angeles, which remains in a tightly contested NFC West race, with three of the four teams either 5-2 or 5-3. New Orleans made a quarterback change midway through last week’s 23-3 home loss to Tampa Bay, bringing rookie Tyler Shough off the bench. After completing 17 of 30 passes for 128 yards and an interception, Shough’s first start will be a steep challenge against a Los Angeles team which ranks third in scoring defense (16.7 points per game), second in sacks (26) and eighth in takeaways (10). It remains to be seen if Shough will have either of his top two running backs available, as both Alvin Kamara and Devin Neal have been limited in practice with ankle injuries.

Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) at Buffalo Bills (5-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chiefs -1.5, Total 52.5
Series Rewind: Josh Allen’s Bills are 4-1 in the regular season vs. Patrick Mahomes, but Mahomes’ Chiefs are 4-0 vs. Allen in the postseason. Their teams have won a combined 14 division titles since 2016.

Kansas City has won three straight and five of six since an 0-2 start to the season. Buffalo snapped a two-game slide with a 40-9 pounding of the Panthers last weekend. Mahomes is looking for his fourth straight game with three or more touchdown passes, while Allen is looking for his sixth straight game at home with two or more TD passes and a 100-plus passer rating. Mahomes actually leads the two quarterbacks in rushing, 280-261, although Allen holds a 5-4 edge in rushing TDs. Chiefs star Travis Kelce needs 26 yards to become the fourth tight end in NFL history with 500-plus yards in 12 seasons. Bills running back James Cook is coming off a career-high 216-yard game against the Panthers and has scored at least one rushing TD in seven of his last eight home games. Kansas City is the only team that has not lost a fumble this season.

Seattle Seahawks (5-2) at Washington Commanders (3-5)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Seahawks -3, Total 47.5
Series Rewind: The last four regular-season meetings (since 2017) were all decided by five or fewer points, with each side winning once at home and once on the road.

The Seahawks are 3-0 away from home this season and have won nine straight road games under second-year coach Mike Macdonald, while the Commanders are 9-3 at home under second-year coach Dan Quinn. Future Seahawks Ring of Honor member Bobby Wagner is in his second season with Washington and is the only NFL player with eight or more tackles in eight games this season. Seattle’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba is trying to become the first WR since 2018 (Adam Thielen) with 100-plus receiving yards and a TD in four straight games. Commanders fans are excited about the expected return of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has thrown for at least 200 yards and two TDs in three straight prime-time games. Counterpart Sam Darnold threw four TD passes in his only previous appearance against Washington (2019 with the Jets). The Seahawks are 2-0 under the lights so far this season and the Commanders are 0-3.

–Field Level Media

Maye Day for New England

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – New England QB Drake Maye passed for three touchdowns as the Patriots extended their winning streak to five games by beating the Cleveland Browns 32-13 Sunday in Massachusetts.

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Maye completed 18 of his 24 pass attempts for 282 yards. He was intercepted once. Each of his three TD passes came in the third quarter.

The Patriots (6-2) received three field goals from Andy Borregales.

Cleveland defensive end Myles Garrett recorded a franchise-record five sacks in the loss. Garrett, 29, passed Reggie White and set the NFL record for career sacks by a player under the age of 30 with his first sack in the game. Garrett has 10 sacks this season and 112 1/2 for his career.

Cleveland’s Dillon Gabriel was 21 of 35 for 156 yards. He threw two touchdowns and was intercepted twice.

Cleveland running back Quinshon Judkins left the game in the third quarter with a shoulder injury and did not return. He gained 19 yards on nine carries.

After the Patriots opened the scoring on a Borregales 36-yard field goal, the Browns (2-6) took a 7-3 lead when Gabriel tossed an 18-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr. with 5:10 remaining in the first quarter.

Borregales made field goals from 32 yards and 42 yards in the second quarter to put New England up 9-7 at halftime.

The Patriots extended their lead to 16-7 on a 7-yard TD pass from Maye to tight end Hunter Henry, and a 1-yard touchdown pass from Maye to Stefon Diggs helped New England increase its advantage to 23-7 with 6:43 remaining in the third. The Diggs TD was set up by a Robert Spillane interception that he returned 33 yards to the Cleveland 6-yard line.

New England’s final TD came on a 39-yard pass from Maye to Kayshon Boutte that stretched the lead to 30-7 with 53 seconds remaining in the third.

After David Njoku caught an 11-yard touchdown pass from Gabriel with 9:24 to play, New England capped the scoring on a safety when Gabriel was called for intentional grounding on a pass from the end zone with 4:06 left.

–Field Level Media

NFL: Monday Night Football Previews

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) at Detroit Lions (4-2)
Monday, 7 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Lions -5.5, Total 52.5
Series Rewind: Former NFC Central rivals meet in Detroit for the third time in 22 months. They’ve split the past two meetings, both decided by one score: the Lions won 31-23 in the 2023 playoffs and the Buccaneers snuck out with a 20-16 victory in Week 2 last season. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield ran for a TD, threw for a TD, was sacked 4.5 times by Aidan Hutchinson and intercepted by safety Brian Branch.

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The Lions can outscore teams when necessary and exploiting shorthanded defenses is a specialty of QB Jared Goff. Goff leads the NFL with a 120.6 passer rating, 14 touchdowns and pilots an offense averaging 31.8 points per game. Goff has multiple options at most positions and elite playmakers in RB Jahmyr Gibbs and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Both are over 460 yards from scrimmage this season and have a combined 11 touchdowns. The Bucs can score points, too, and Detroit’s secondary might look different with Branch serving a one-game suspension and Kerby Joseph (knee) fighting through a knee injury. CB Terrion Arnold is a candidate to return from the shoulder injury that pushed him to IR and surprisingly practiced Friday. Tampa has a similar issue at wide receiver. Mike Evans (hamstring) was plotting to play, but after a limited Thursday practice he didn’t take the field with the Bucs on Friday. If he’s out, as Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) are expected to be, QB Baker Mayfield would be without his top three wideouts and starting RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder). He’s tied with Goff for the most TD passes in the league (81) since 2023.

Houston Texans (2-3) at Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Seahawks -3, Total 41.5
Series Rewind: Seattle beat the Texans by 20 (33-13) in 2021 the last time these teams met. The Seahawks have won the past three meetings and four of five all-time.

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QB Sam Darnold appears to be working out just fine in Seattle. He has 11 touchdowns passes and a passer rating over 110 in four consecutive games. The Seahawks are dynamic defensively when healthy and DT Lawrence Jackson in the middle holds the key to locking down Houston’s passing game and QB C.J. Stroud. Stroud and Darnold have matching 70.8 completion percentages, but Stroud was sacked 12 times in the first five games as the Texans search for a consistent spark in the running game. Rookie Woody Marks and relative greybeard Nick Chubb have combined for 94 carries and 368 yards with Joe Mixon on the non-football injury list. Seattle is trying to turn Lumen Field back into the place visitors don’t want to see on the schedule. But the Seahawks are 1-2 this season at home after going 3-6 last year at home in coach Mike Macdonald’s first season at the helm. Houston returned from the bye week and won at Baltimore in Week 5. Stroud had four TD passes. Darnold and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba run into a talented secondary on Monday, but they’ve more than held their own this season. JSN is No. 1 in the NFL with 696 receiving yards in 2025, with a league-high four 100-yard receiving games.

–Field Level Media

 

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NFL: Patriots v Titans Game Preview

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New England Patriots (4-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Betting Hero Odds: Patriots -7, Total 42.5
Series Rewind: Current Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was head coach of the Titans when Tennessee beat the Patriots in the 2019 postseason. In the regular-season series, the Titans have won three of the past four meetings, including a 20-17 overtime home victory last season.

Vrabel instantly is turning around the Patriots, who bring a three-game winning streak into the clash. Tennessee is now seeking a new coach after firing Brian Callahan following last week’s 20-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders that continued a dreadful start. Anyone want to remind Titans’ brass who coached the franchise to the 2019 season AFC Championship Game? Oh yeah, Mr. Vrabel, who spent six seasons in Nashville before being dismissed following the 2023 season. New England is on the rise and second-year quarterback Drake Maye is displaying he’s the real deal with 1,522 yards and 10 touchdowns against two interceptions. Linebacker Harold Landry was a Vrabel favorite in Tennessee and he is thriving with a team-high 4.5 sacks in his first season with the Patriots. Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward is struggling with 1,101 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions and the franchise is hoping interim head coach Mike McCoy can jumpstart an offense that ranks 31st in scoring (13.8 points per game) and last in total offense (232.3 yards per game). It will have to happen without top receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring), who is out this week. RB Tony Pollard is shining on the ground with 362 yards and two touchdowns. Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has a team-high 4.5 sacks and the three-time Pro Bowler has a solid chance of surpassing his career-best 8.5 in 2021.

NFL: Game Previews

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Week 7 Game Capsules

By Field Level Media

Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) at Minn Vikings (3-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Eagles -2.5, Total 43.5
Series Rewind: The home team has taken five of the past six meetings. The last time the Eagles defeated the Vikings in Minneapolis was in a wild-card playoff game at the Metrodome on Jan. 4, 2009.

Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is 8-0 against the NFC North, including wins in Philadelphia against Kevin O’Connell’s Vikings in 2022 and 2023. Things have gone south lately for the defending champs. Consecutive lackluster losses to the Broncos and Giants ignited questions and critiques from every direction. The Eagles’ offensive stars largely have sputtered to this point — even All-Pro tackle Lane Johnson wants them to be “less predictable.” Despite being outgained in every game, Philadelphia still is playing winning football with only three turnovers through six games and touchdowns on 14 of 16 trips to the red zone. But with only a modest threat of a vertical passing game, RB Saquon Barkley enters this week last in the league in yards after contact and has been stuffed on 28 percent of his carries according to Inside Edge. The Vikings return to Minneapolis after games in Dublin and London with a quarterback quandary. Ex-Eagle Carson Wentz will make his fourth straight start, with J.J. McCarthy assessing his ankle is “getting there” but not 100 percent this week. He is listed as questionable. In his only previous start against Philly, Wentz was sacked nine times in a 24-8 loss with Washington in Week 3 of 2022. Either quarterback should benefit from a determined running game. First-year Vikings RB Jordan Mason leads the NFL in EPA — expected points added — on first-down running plays this season. If Philadelphia can stuff the run on early downs, the pocket won’t be safe. The Vikings are 31st in the NFL in sacks allowed per pass attempt, permitting a QB takedown on nearly 15 percent of dropbacks.

New Orleans Saints (1-5) at Chicago Bears (3-2)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Bears -4.5, Total 46.5
Series Rewind: The Saints have won seven straight games in the series. The first ever meeting between the franchise was in 1968. Bears RB Brian Piccolo had 112 rushing yards in Chicago’s 23-17 win.

It could be a good day for the quarterbacks given the defenses combine to allow a combined average of more than 54 points per game. Saints QB Spencer Rattler was the starter at Oklahoma when a hotshot freshman showed up and took the job. Caleb Williams, who would eventually transfer to Southern California on the tail of coach Lincoln Riley, has the Bears on a three-game winning streak with a chance to get four in a row at Rattler’s expense. The Bears last won four consecutive games under Matt Nagy in 2018. Chicago has evolved offensively and asked less of Williams in a Monday win at Washington. RB D’Andre Swift, who is questionable this week, racked up 175 yards from scrimmage last week and WR Rome Odunze had a TD catch in four of five games this season. Rattler has only one interception this season. His top target is WR Chris Olave, who has at least six receptions in every game this season, and RB Alvin Kamara is on the verge of joining the 600-catch club. He has 595 and caught nine passes in his only career game against the Bears in 2020. New Orleans has three one-score losses among five defeats. Kicker Cairo Santos (thigh) was ruled out, meaning Week 6 hero Jake Moody remains on the active roster.

Carolina Panthers (3-3) at New York Jets (0-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Panthers -1.5, Total 42.5
Series Rewind: The Panthers have won four of the past five meetings, most recently a 19-14 victory in Charlotte, N.C., in the 2021 season opener. The Jets’ last win in the series was on Nov. 29, 2009.

The good news for the Jets is that they’re less than halfway to matching their 0-13 start in 2020. Three of New York’s losses have been by two points, including last Sunday’s 13-11 dud against Denver in London. The Panthers have won three of their last four, the last two by three-point margins, but still are hunting for their first road win of the season. Carolina running back Rico Dowdle has been unstoppable in October with 473 yards from scrimmage and two TDs against the Dolphins and Cowboys. He’ll be sharing the ballcarrier workload with Chuba Hubbard, who is back after a two-game absence. The tandem has to deal with Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood, who has 218 tackles in 23 games since the start of last season. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, is looking for his 10th win as a starter. Jets QB Justin Fields, the No. 11 pick two years earlier, is looking for his 15th. New York head coach Aaron Glenn’s defense only has one takeaway. He’s looking for Fields to make plays after sputtering last week. A rebound could happen, but Fields is searching for a new primary target. Top WR Garrett Wilson is dealing with a knee injury and is listed as doubtful.

Washington Commanders (3-3) at Dallas Cowboys (2-3-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Commanders -1.5, Total 54.5
Series Rewind: This is the 131st meeting in one of the league’s marquee division rivalries (Dallas leads 79-49-2). They settled for a split last season, each team winning at home in one-score games.

Terry McLaurin remains out — missing his fourth consecutive game — and fellow Commanders WR Deebo Samuel is banged up. But expect fireworks in a clash of offenses ranked in the top seven in the NFL in scoring against defenses that both rank in the bottom seven of the NFL in yards allowed. The Cowboys’ Dak Prescott looks to become the third QB since 2000 (Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson) with at least three TD passes and a 120 rating in four straight games. The return of CeeDee Lamb after a three-game absence due to an ankle injury gives Prescott another weapon. Counterpart Jayden Daniels has a 104.0 rating and a 13-to-2 TD-to-INT ratio in 10 career road games. It’s the first rivalry game for head coaches Dan Quinn and Brian Schottenheimer, who worked together on the Jets’ coaching staff from 2007-08 and again with the Cowboys from 2022-23 and remain good friends. Tight ends continue to play vital roles for both teams. Jake Ferguson, on pace for more than 120 receptions this season, has four TDs in his last three games for Dallas, while Zach Ertz has seven career scores against the Cowboys.

Miami Dolphins (1-5) at Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Browns -2.5, Total 36.5
Series Rewind: Miami leads the all-time series 11-9 and has won four of the last five games against the Browns.

After calling out teammates for lack of attendance at players-only meetings after last week’s loss, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa apologized this week. He has a chance to atone to the fanbase and his teammates if he’s able to lead Miami to a win in a battle of two of the six teams that have one or fewer wins entering the seventh week of the season. Miami’s defense, which ranks 30th in total defense (389.3 yards per game) and 29th in scoring defense (29.0 points per game), could potentially benefit from going against a Cleveland offense that ranks dead last in scoring offense (13.7). Rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel has not been the answer so far for the Browns. He was sacked six times in last week’s loss and is averaging 4.8 yards per pass attempt, the lowest among all starters. The chances for rainy and windy conditions might render the forward pass worthless. Cleveland has a “mudder” at running back in rugged rookie Quinshon Judkins, a 222-pounder and one of the many rookies bringing optimism to the Browns during another down season.

Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (3-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Chiefs -11.5, Total 45.5
Series Rewind: The Chiefs have dominated the series with 13 victories in the past 15 meetings.

Kansas City hasn’t been above .500 this season but the club has recovered from a shaky 0-2 start. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes erased the king-is-gone narrative by accounting for 10 touchdowns over the past three weeks, including four (three passing, one rushing) in last week’s 30-17 win over the Detroit Lions. Mahomes has thrown for 1,514 yards and 11 touchdowns against two interceptions and now will see top target Rashee Rice on the field for the first time this season. Rice just completed a six-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal-conduct policy. Hollywood Brown (30 catches) and star tight end Travis Kelce (28) are Kansas City’s reception leaders. First-round rookie LT Josh Simmons (excused for a family matter) was scratched for the second game in a row. Las Vegas is looking for improved ball-protection measures from quarterback Geno Smith, who has been intercepted a league-worst 10 times while passing for 1,350 yards and seven touchdowns. It remains to be seen whether star tight end Brock Bowers (knee) can return after practicing Friday for the first time since Oct. 1. Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty (424 rushing yards) had 75 in last week’s 20-10 win over the Tennessee Titans for his second-highest output of the season. He has scored five touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving).

New England Patriots (4-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-5)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Betting Hero Odds: Patriots -7, Total 42.5
Series Rewind: Current Patriots coach Mike Vrabel was head coach of the Titans when Tennessee beat the Patriots in the 2019 postseason. In the regular-season series, the Titans have won three of the past four meetings, including a 20-17 overtime home victory last season.

Vrabel instantly is turning around the Patriots, who bring a three-game winning streak into the clash. Tennessee is now seeking a new coach after firing Brian Callahan following last week’s 20-10 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders that continued a dreadful start. Anyone want to remind Titans’ brass who coached the franchise to the 2019 season AFC Championship Game? Oh yeah, Mr. Vrabel, who spent six seasons in Nashville before being dismissed following the 2023 season. New England is on the rise and second-year quarterback Drake Maye is displaying he’s the real deal with 1,522 yards and 10 touchdowns against two interceptions. Linebacker Harold Landry was a Vrabel favorite in Tennessee and he is thriving with a team-high 4.5 sacks in his first season with the Patriots. Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward is struggling with 1,101 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions and the franchise is hoping interim head coach Mike McCoy can jumpstart an offense that ranks 31st in scoring (13.8 points per game) and last in total offense (232.3 yards per game). It will have to happen without top receiver Calvin Ridley (hamstring), who is out this week. RB Tony Pollard is shining on the ground with 362 yards and two touchdowns. Star defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons has a team-high 4.5 sacks and the three-time Pro Bowler has a solid chance of surpassing his career-best 8.5 in 2021.

New York Giants (2-4) at Denver Broncos (4-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Broncos -7, Total 40.5
Series Rewind: The all-time series is tied 7-7 dating back to 1972. The Broncos have won three of the last four, but the Giants took home the most important game between them, a 39-20 victory in Super Bowl XXI in 1987.

Jaxson Dart and Cam Skattebo have injected life into the moribund Giants, most recently leading them to a stunningly dominant win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Now coming out of a mini-bye, the Giants will have an even tougher test on their hands: a Denver team with not just postseason but Super Bowl aspirations. New York has won two of Dart’s first three starts but the only loss came on the road at New Orleans. The Broncos won’t make it easy and C John Michael Schmitz (concussion) is missing from the middle of the line and communication hub for the first-year pro. Denver had nine sacks in a 13-11 win over the Jets in London. Edge rusher Nik Bonitto leads the league with 8.0 sacks in six games. The Broncos might require a LB shuffle with ILB Dre Greenlaw (quad) participating in Friday’s practice and listed as questionable for Sunday’s game, which would require a roster move to add him to the 53-man active roster; OLB Jonah Elliss (shoulder) is out. The Broncos have been playing well and won three straight while quarterback Bo Nix still hasn’t quite found the gear he had a year ago as a rookie, marginally down in yards per attempt, completion percentage and passer rating. A Giants defense that ranks 26th in passing defense (242.0) could be just the fix.

Indianapolis Colts (5-1) at Los Angeles Chargers (4-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chargers -1.5, Total 48.5
Series Rewind: Chargers have won eight of the past 10 meetings, including two postseason victories over Peyton Manning.

Indianapolis has scored well with quarterback Daniel Jones running the show as the Colts lead the NFL in scoring (32.3 points per game) and rank fourth in total offense (376.8 yards per game). Jones is completing 71.7% of his throws for 1,502 yards and eight touchdowns against just three interceptions. He also has been sacked just five times behind a solid offensive line led by seven-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson, who is on the fast track to Canton if he continues his high-caliber play for another four to five seasons. That same line is leading the way for Jonathan Taylor, who leads the NFL with 603 rushing yards and seven rushing touchdowns. The Chargers came dangerously close to a third straight loss last week but Cameron Dicker’s 33-yard field goal with five seconds to go gave the squad a 29-27 road win over the hapless Miami Dolphins. Second-year running back Kimani Vidal was a virtual lifesaver with a career-best 124 rushing yards. He will again be counted on with Najee Harris (Achilles) out for the season and rookie Omarion Hampton (ankle) on the injured list. Elite pass rusher Khalil Mack (elbow) is questionable after four-game absence and LT Joe Alt (ankle) is doubtful.

Green Bay Packers (3-1-1) at Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
4:25 p.m. ET, Sunday
Betting Hero odds: Packers -6.5, Total 44.5
Series Rewind: The Packers stomped the Cardinals 34-13 in Green Bay last season and has a record of 46-24-4 against the franchise in the regular season. Aaron Rodgers hit Randall Cobb for a pair of second-half touchdowns in a 24-21 Packers victory in the most recent game in the series played in Glendale, Ariz., in 2021. The first ever game between the teams was in 1921, a 3-3 tie.

Four consecutive losses — by a total of nine points — and simmering doubt about the health of QB Kyler Murray (foot) cloud the Cardinals’ view from the bottom of the NFC West. Jacoby Brissett threw two TD passes and topped 300 passing yards at Indianapolis last week in a 31-27 loss to the AFC-leading Colts. Backfield issues go far beyond Murray. He’s the leading rusher for Arizona at 173 yards and the next three on the Cardinals’ list of top ground gainers — Trey Benson (160), James Conner (95) and Emari Demercado (81) — are all hurt. Benson and Conner are on IR and Demercado left last week’s game with an ankle injury. Marvin Harrison Jr. cleared concussion protocol on Friday and is no longer on the injury report. The Packers are the only NFC team to not lose a game (2-0-1) against a conference opponent this season. Packers coach Matt LaFleur is 11-1 against the NFC West during the regular season with 11 consecutive wins. He’s crossing his fingers the flight to Arizona includes a few more healthy offensive linemen, a lingering concern since Week 1. Green Bay’s defense held four of five opponents under 20 points. The exception was a 40-point outburst by the Dallas Cowboys. Takeaways are a focus for the group, which has only two interceptions but has successfully made most teams one-dimensional allowing 73 rushing yards per game. Missing for Green Bay on Sunday are WR Christian Watson (knee), defensive end Lukas Van Ness (foot) and defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt (knee).

Atlanta Falcons (3-2) at San Francisco 49ers (4-2)
8:20 p.m. ET, Sunday
Betting Hero odds: 49ers -1.5, Total 46.5
Series Rewind: The Falcons have won three of the past four games but San Francisco has a 48-33-1 edge in the all-time series. Atlanta took the most recent matchup, 28-14 in 2022.

Primetime is the place for the Falcons, who scorched the Bills last week on SNF, smacked the Vikings (22-6) in Week 2 and return to the Sunday primetime slot to test their “legit” status in the words of QB Michael Penix. Penix has picked up the pace with 20-plus completions in back-to-back games while RB Bijan Robinson makes a case for MVP consideration. He’s leading the NFL with 822 yards from scrimmage. No player has had a five-game start to the season with those numbers since Christian McCaffrey with Carolina in 2019. McCaffrey still is going strong and currently on pace for more than 2,000 total yards and 110 receptions. He had seven catches, 111 total yards at Tampa last week and has become the stabilizing presence for an offense forced to flip quarterbacks due to Brock Purdy’s toe injury while rotating a cadre of wounded wideouts. McCaffrey ranks No. 2 in the league behind Robinson with 780 total yards in 2025. Mac Jones produced a season-high 347 passing yards last week but was picked off twice by the Buccaneers in defeat. Atlanta is without rookie edge Jalon Walker (groin) and CB Clark Phillips III (triceps). The potential return of TE George Kittle would be well-timed for the Niners. He averages 103.3 yards per game in three career games against the Falcons. Besieged by injuries this season, San Francisco’s defense is already without DE Nick Bosa (knee) and subtracts All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner from the depth chart as it preps for Robinson. Warner underwent ankle surgery this week after a season-ending injury at Tampa Bay. Replacement Tatum Bethune posted 10 tackles against the Bucs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-1) at Detroit Lions (4-2)
Monday, 7 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Lions -5.5, Total 52.5
Series Rewind: Former NFC Central rivals meet in Detroit for the third time in 22 months. They’ve split the past two meetings, both decided by one score: the Lions won 31-23 in the 2023 playoffs and the Buccaneers snuck out with a 20-16 victory in Week 2 last season. Bucs QB Baker Mayfield ran for a TD, threw for a TD, was sacked 4.5 times by Aidan Hutchinson and intercepted by safety Brian Branch.

The Lions can outscore teams when necessary and exploiting shorthanded defenses is a specialty of QB Jared Goff. Goff leads the NFL with a 120.6 passer rating, 14 touchdowns and pilots an offense averaging 31.8 points per game. Goff has multiple options at most positions and elite playmakers in RB Jahmyr Gibbs and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Both are over 460 yards from scrimmage this season and have a combined 11 touchdowns. The Bucs can score points, too, and Detroit’s secondary might look different with Branch serving a one-game suspension and Kerby Joseph (knee) fighting through a knee injury. CB Terrion Arnold is a candidate to return from the shoulder injury that pushed him to IR and surprisingly practiced Friday. Tampa has a similar issue at wide receiver. Mike Evans (hamstring) was plotting to play, but after a limited Thursday practice he didn’t take the field with the Bucs on Friday. If he’s out, as Emeka Egbuka (hamstring) and Chris Godwin (fibula) are expected to be, QB Baker Mayfield would be without his top three wideouts and starting RB Bucky Irving (foot, shoulder). He’s tied with Goff for the most TD passes in the league (81) since 2023.

Houston Texans (2-3) at Seattle Seahawks (4-2)
Monday, 10 p.m. ET
Betting Hero odds: Seahawks -3, Total 41.5
Series Rewind: Seattle beat the Texans by 20 (33-13) in 2021 the last time these teams met. The Seahawks have won the past three meetings and four of five all-time.

QB Sam Darnold appears to be working out just fine in Seattle. He has 11 touchdowns passes and a passer rating over 110 in four consecutive games. The Seahawks are dynamic defensively when healthy and DT Lawrence Jackson in the middle holds the key to locking down Houston’s passing game and QB C.J. Stroud. Stroud and Darnold have matching 70.8 completion percentages, but Stroud was sacked 12 times in the first five games as the Texans search for a consistent spark in the running game. Rookie Woody Marks and relative greybeard Nick Chubb have combined for 94 carries and 368 yards with Joe Mixon on the non-football injury list. Seattle is trying to turn Lumen Field back into the place visitors don’t want to see on the schedule. But the Seahawks are 1-2 this season at home after going 3-6 last year at home in coach Mike Macdonald’s first season at the helm. Houston returned from the bye week and won at Baltimore in Week 5. Stroud had four TD passes. Darnold and WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba run into a talented secondary on Monday, but they’ve more than held their own this season. JSN is No. 1 in the NFL with 696 receiving yards in 2025, with a league-high four 100-yard receiving games.

–Field Level Media

 

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Drake Maye’s Big Day

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NEW ORLEANS – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Drake Maye passed for 261 yards and three touchdowns as the visiting New England Patriots defeated the New Orleans Saints 25-19 on Sunday afternoon. Maye completed 18 of 26 passes as the Patriots (4-2) matched their win total from last season while improving to 3-0 on the road.

Spencer Rattler completed 20 of 26 for 227 yards and Blake Grupe kicked four field goals for the Saints (1-5).

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A high-scoring first half was followed by a second half featuring no touchdowns.

The Patriots received the second-half kickoff and drove to a 24-yard field goal by Andy Borregales that increased their lead to 25-16, which held up the rest of the way.

On the third play of the fourth quarter, Grupe kicked a 54-yard field goal to pull the Saints within 25-19.

New Orleans got the ball back and drove across midfield, but Juwan Johnson fumbled and Craig Woodson recovered for New England at its 49.

The Saints got the ball again after a punt, but wound up punting with 3:43 to go. Maye threw for two first downs as the Patriots ran out the clock.

On the first play of the game, Rattler connected with Chris Olave for a 53-yard completion that led to Grupe’s 34-yard field goal.

On the fourth play of the ensuing possession, Maye hit DeMario Douglas for a 53-yard touchdown that gave the Patriots a 7-3 lead. Grupe responded with a 48-yard field goal that pulled the Saints within one point with 5:09 left in the quarter.

Maye’s 25-yard touchdown pass to Kayshon Boutte gave New England a 14-6 lead at the end of the first.

Taysom Hill’s 1-yard touchdown run pulled New Orleans within one point. The Patriots crossed midfield on the next possession, but on fourth-and-7 an errant snap got past Maye and he fell on the ball at the New England 47.

That led to Grupe’s 38-yard field goal that gave the Saints a 16-14 lead with 1:51 left in the half.

Maye and Boutte teamed up once again on a 29-yard touchdown pass. After two penalties on New Orleans, Maye sneaked for a two-point conversion to give the Patriots a 22-16 halftime lead.

–Field Level Media

NFL: It’s Brand New England vs. Orleans

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Game Preview: New England Patriots at New Orleans Saints

October 12, 2025 – Caesars Superdome, New Orleans, LA
Kickoff: 1:00 PM ET | Broadcast: FOX | Weather: Dome-controlled 

In the heart of the Big Easy, where jazz flows as freely as the Mississippi and the air is thick with the scent of beignets and anticipation, the New Orleans Saints are set to host the New England Patriots in what promises to be a Week 6 showdown blending old-school grit with Southern swagger. This isn’t just another Sunday afternoon gridiron battle—it’s a narrative of redemption, rising stars, and the relentless pursuit of playoff positioning in a tightly contested NFL season. With both teams hovering around .500 records early on (Patriots at 3-2, Saints at 2-3, based on our hypothetical standings through Week 5), this game could be the spark that ignites a midseason surge or the stumble that deepens the doubts.

The Patriots’ Tale: From Dynasty Echoes to a New Blueprint

Picture this: Bill Belichick’s shadow still looms large over Foxborough, but under the steady hand of head coach Jerod Mayo, the Patriots are scripting a new chapter. Gone are the days of Tom Brady’s precision-guided missiles, but in their place is a young quarterback phenom, Drake Maye, who’s been turning heads with his dual-threat prowess. Maye, the 2024 third overall pick, has already notched three 300-yard games this season, blending arm strength with elusive scrambles that evoke memories of a certain No. 12. But it’s not all on the kid—veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson anchors a ground game that’s pounded out over 150 rushing yards per contest, providing the balance Mayo craves.

Defensively, the Pats remain a force of nature. Christian Gonzalez and Kyle Dugger lead a secondary that’s allowed the fewest passing touchdowns in the AFC East, while edge rusher Matthew Judon continues to terrorize quarterbacks like a ghost from Patriot lore. The storyline here? Resilience. After a rocky rebuild post-Brady, New England is hungry to prove they’re back in contender conversations. A road win in the raucous Superdome could silence the skeptics and build momentum heading into a brutal divisional stretch.

Key Patriot to Watch: WR Kendrick Bourne. Fresh off a contract extension, Bourne’s route-running wizardry could exploit the Saints’ injury-riddled secondary, potentially turning short slants into explosive plays.

The Saints’ Saga: Bayou Bounce-Back and Home-Field Magic

Flip the script to the Crescent City, where the Saints are channeling that signature NOLA resilience after a sluggish start. Head coach Dennis Allen, under the microscope after last season’s playoff miss, has his squad leaning into their identity: a high-octane offense fueled by Derek Carr’s veteran poise and a defense that’s as opportunistic as a Mardi Gras pickpocket. Carr, who’s thrown for 1,200 yards and 10 TDs through five games, has found chemistry with wideout Chris Olave, who’s emerging as a true WR1 with his acrobatic catches and yards-after-contact flair. Add in Alvin Kamara, the ageless wonder at running back, who’s still dodging defenders like he’s auditioning for a highlight reel—expect him to feast on New England’s occasionally vulnerable run defense.

On the flip side, the Saints’ defense, led by Tyrann Mathieu’s ball-hawking instincts and Cameron Jordan’s relentless pass rush, has forced turnovers in every game this season. They’re particularly lethal at home, where the Superdome’s deafening roar has turned many a visiting team into a shell of itself. The narrative thread? Revival. With a new offensive coordinator injecting creativity (think more RPO plays and trickery), New Orleans is poised to turn their early-season woes into a symphony of success. A victory today could propel them back into NFC South contention, especially with the Falcons and Bucs breathing down their necks.

Key Saint to Watch: DE Carl Granderson. Underrated but explosive, Granderson’s speed off the edge could pressure Maye into mistakes, tilting the game toward the black and gold.

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Matchup Breakdown: Where the Magic Happens

This isn’t a clash of titans—it’s a chess match. The Patriots’ disciplined, bend-but-don’t-break defense will test the Saints’ explosive playmakers, while New England’s evolving offense faces a Saints secondary that’s allowed big plays but thrives on creating chaos. Expect a low-scoring first half as both teams feel each other out, but watch for fireworks in the third quarter when fatigue sets in and big plays emerge.

  • Offensive Edge: Slight nod to the Saints at home, where Carr’s experience could outshine Maye’s youth in crunch time.
  • Defensive Battle: Patriots might control the line of scrimmage, but the Saints’ turnover machine could swing the momentum.
  • X-Factor: Special teams. New Orleans’ Blake Grupe has been money from deep, while Pats returner Marcus Jones is a threat to house any punt.
  • Prediction: In a game that feels like a jazz improv session—unpredictable and full of flair—the Saints edge it out 27-24 on a late field goal, riding the home crowd’s energy to victory. But don’t count out the Pats; if Maye channels his inner legend, this could be the upset that defines their season.Whether you’re a die-hard Pats fan bundled up in the Northeast or a Who Dat loyalist savoring some gumbo pre-game, this matchup is pure NFL theater. Tune in, grab your snacks, and let the drama unfold. What’s your take—Patriots pull off the road warrior win, or do the Saints keep the party going in NOLA? If you want stats deep dives, player props, or fantasy advice, just ask!

PATRIOTS STUN BILLS, 23-20

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BUFFALO – (Wire Service Report) – Andy Borregales made a 52-yard field goal with 15 seconds remaining in the game to help the visiting New England Patriots upset the Buffalo Bills 23-20 on Sunday night.

The Patriots (3-2) received two rushing touchdowns from Rhamondre Stevenson.

New England wide receiver Stefon Diggs caught 10 passes on 12 targets for 146 yards. It was the first time Diggs has played a game in Buffalo since the Bills traded the four-time Pro Bowl selection to the Houston Texans before the 2024 season.

New England quarterback Drake Maye completed 22 of 30 passes for 273 yards.

The loss ended Buffalo’s 14-game, regular-season home winning streak dating back to November 2023. Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen completed 22 of 31 passes for 253 yards and two touchdowns. Allen, who was intercepted once, led the Bills with 53 yards rushing on nine carries. Tight end Dalton Kincaid caught all six of his targets for 108 yards.

Buffalo (4-1) had one turnover in its first four games but had three turnovers (including two fumbles) in the loss.

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New England led 6-3 at halftime. After Borregales made a 30-yard field goal with 56 seconds remaining in the opening quarter, Buffalo’s Matt Prater kicked a 31-yard field goal with 9:34 left in the second quarter. Borregales gave New England the lead with a 19-yard kick on the final play of the half.

The Bills took their first lead when Curtis Samuel caught a 6-yard TD pass from Allen on Buffalo’s first possession of the second half. Prater’s PAT put Buffalo in front 10-6 with 9:21 left in the third quarter.

Stevenson’s 4-yard touchdown run came on the ensuing possession. Borregales made the PAT, which gave the Patriots a 13-10 advantage with 6:34 remaining in the third. Stevenson’s second TD came on a 7-yard run and helped the Patriots take a 20-10 lead with 12:10 to play.

Buffalo received a 2-yard TD catch from Keon Coleman with 7:37 remaining in regulation before Prater tied the game, 20-20, on a 45-yard field goal with 2:17 left.

New England running back/kick returner Antonio Gibson sustained a right knee injury while he was returning a kickoff in the second quarter and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.

–Field Level Media

 

NFL Sunday Night Football Preview

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New England Patriots (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (4-0)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Bills -8.5, Total 49.5

Series Rewind: Buffalo has won eight of the past 11 meetings after New England won 35 of the previous 39 matchups.

Inside Edge intel: The Bills have a streak of eight consecutive games over 100 rushing yards.

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Buffalo is one of two 4-0 teams and has racked up 133 points, second-highest in the league behind the Detroit Lions (137). The Bills are vying for their first 5-0 start since 1991, a season in which they reached the Super Bowl. Buffalo also is seeking its 15th consecutive regular-season homefield victory as the club continues to enjoy one of top atmospheres in the sport. New England receiver Stefon Diggs remembers how it works in Orchard Park after spending four seasons – making the Pro Bowl each time – with the Bills. This will be his first trip in as a visiting player since he was traded to the Houston Texans following the 2023 campaign. Diggs had six catches for 101 yards in last week’s 42-13 thumping of the Carolina Panthers. That also marked the first time New England reached the 40-point mark since 2021. Second-year quarterback Drake Maye is developing well and has completed 74 percent of his passes for 988 yards, seven touchdown and two interceptions. He also has rushed for two scores. Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen of the Bills has thrown for 964 yards, seven touchdowns and one interception while also rushing for three scores. James Cook is the NFL’s second-leading rusher with 401 yards and has a league-best five rushing touchdowns. New England allowed an opening-drive touchdown in three of its first four games.

NFL: Week 5 | Four O’Clock Games

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Seahawks -3, Total 44.5

Series Rewind: Tampa Bay has lost its last two games at Seattle, last winning there in 2009. The Seahawks lead the series 9-6, but the Buccaneers have won five of the last seven.

Inside Edge intel: Seattle has allowed one rushing touchdown in the past 11 games. The Seahawks have prevented a rushing TD on 128 consecutive drives, best in the NFL.

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Tampa Bay nearly pulled off its fourth straight comeback victory to begin the season, but dug itself too big a hole after falling behind 24-3 vs. Philadelphia last week, losing 31-25. QB Baker Mayfield has been exceptional on the road of late, throwing two-plus touchdowns in each of his last four road starts. However, he may be down a few weapons for this game at Seattle with Mike Evans (hamstring) still not practicing and RB Bucky Irving (237 rushing yards, 193 receiving yards) also sidelined in practice with foot/shoulder injuries suffered last week. The Buccaneers do possess the NFL’s longest active streak with 100-plus rushing yards in 13 consecutive games. The Seahawks have allowed less than 100 rushing yards in each of their past three games. Seattle is coming off a mini-bye after beating Arizona on a last-second field goal last Thursday. The Seahawks have won three straight games since losing their season opener. WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is one of just two players with 90-plus scrimmage yards in all four games this season and RB Kenneth Walker has five carries for 15-plus yards. Seattle’s defense ranks sixth with 12 sacks, including six in the Arizona win. However, it could be a bit depleted with cornerback Devon Witherspoon (knee) and safety Julian Love (hamstring) each not practicing Wednesday or Thursday.

Tennessee Titans (0-4) at Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Cardinals -8.5, Total 41.5

Series Rewind: Kyler Murray threw four touchdown passes and rushed for a score in the most recent matchup, the Cardinals’ 38-13 win in Nashville in 2021.

Inside Edge intel: Arizona’s Trey McBride has been targeted more than any tight end in the NFL — 9.1 times per game — since the start of the 2024 season.

The Titans are one of three 0-4 teams in the NFL and have been outscored by a staggering 69 points. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward sharply criticized the team after Tennessee was outclassed 26-0 by the Houston Texans last week. The Titans had just 175 offensive yards and Ward set season lows for completion rate (38.5 percent) and passing yardage (108). It has been a bumpy start for the No. 1 overall pick. Ward is completing a league-worst 51.2 percent of his throws (among qualifiers) for 614 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Arizona dropped consecutive games by four total points to NFC West rivals San Francisco and Seattle the past two weeks. The Cardinals overcame a 14-point deficit against the Seahawks before falling on a field goal as time expired. Cardinals receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. caught six passes for 66 yards and one TD in that contest but also had a ball roll off his hands into those of Seattle’s Ernest Jones IV for an interception. The Cardinals lost running back as Trey Benson (knee) and placed him on injured reserve after losing standout James Conner to a season-ending foot injury in the previous game. Either Michael Carter or Emari Demercado will start at RB on Sunday.

Detroit Lions (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Lions -10.5, Total 48.5

Series Rewind: Cincinnati has won 10 of the past 11 games in the series.

Inside Edge intel: Lions WR Jameson Williams is averaging 8.0 yards per catch this season, third in the NFL. The Bengals are 29th in the NFL, allowing an average of 5.4 yards after catch this season.

Detroit is No. 1 in the NFL with 34.3 points per game as the Lions shrug off outside concern the offense might veer off the rails without coordinator Ben Johnson. QB Jared Goff leads the NFC with nine TD passes and has been pristine on the road with a completion percentage over 70 percent in nine of his last 10 road starts. The Bengals are standing by Jake Browning at quarterback, but he’s generated only one touchdown in eight quarters over the two starts since Joe Burrow’s toe injury. Browning is 3-1 in four career starts at home. Turnovers are breaking the Bengals’ backs — Browning has thrown a pick for every 10.67 completions — and holding off the Lions’ pass rush headed by Aidan Hutchinson (4.0 sacks this season) is highest priority. Without time to throw, Browning risks continuing to be a target of WR Ja’Marr Chase’s frustration. They’ve connected five times in each of Browning’s starts this season but for a grand total of 73 yards.

Washington Commanders (2-2) at Los Angeles Chargers (3-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET
FanDuel odds: Chargers -2.5, Total 48.5

Series Rewind: Different millennium, different results. The Chargers were 0-6 vs. Washington in the 20th century but are 5-1 since 2001, the only loss coming in overtime in 2013. Norv Turner coached Washington (1994-2000) and the Chargers (2007-12).

Inside Edge intel: Since Jim Harbaugh was hired in Jan. 2024, the Chargers have 10 games with 120-plus rushing yards. Last week (161 rushing yards at Giants) was the first loss under Harbaugh in a game where the team rushing total was over 120.

It’s a California homecoming for Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who grew up in San Bernardino and has been cleared to return after missing two games with a left knee injury. Washington managed a split in his absence with Marcus Mariota at the controls but will need Daniels at his best against a stingy Chargers defense that ranks third in the NFL, allowing 270.0 yards per game. The Washington D has been more generous, ranked 27th against the pass. That could be just the tonic Justin Herbert needs, as the L.A. QB has seen his completion percentage drop each week: 73.5 to 70.4 to 59.6 and down to 56.1 in last week’s humbling loss to the previously winless Giants. Both sides are rolling with rookie running backs, the Chargers with first-rounder Omarion Hampton (270 rushing yards, two TDs) and the Commanders with seventh-round surprise Jacory Croskey-Merritt (172 rush yards, two TDs).

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