Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions
The game of the week in the NFL happens to be on Thursday night. In an NFC North showdown and potential playoff preview, the Green Bay Packers (9-3) will attempt to cut into Detroit’s (11-1) division lead. If the Packers want any hope of winning the division they must win this game. Detroit went into Lambeau Field and knocked off the Pack, 24-14, a month ago. Green Bay has won 9-of-11 since losing to Philadelphia to start the year and its lone loss the past eight games is the loss to Detroit. The Lions have looked like the league’s best team for most of the season. This level of play will continue this week.
Prediction: 34-27, DetroitÂ
Buffalo Bills @ Los Angeles Rams
While this game may be a bit of a mismatch on paper, Sunday’s showdown in Inglewood is a big game for both teams. The Bills (10-2) continue to chase Kansas City for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Meanwhile, the Rams (6-6) are tied with the Arizona Cardinals for second place in the NFC West and trail the Seahawks by one game. Los Angeles has lost its last two home games (Miami, Philadelphia) and is faced with its toughest task thus far. Buffalo is on a roll and has shown no signs of slowing down. MVP candidate Josh Allen will put the team on his back.
Prediction: 30-17, BuffaloÂ
Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings
Welcome to the Kirk Cousins revenge game. The former Minnesota star is set to take on the Vikings for the first time since joining Atlanta — and it is a massive game for the Falcons (6-6). Atlanta has lost three in a row and Cousins has struggled mightily. During the skid, Cousins has zero touchdown passes and six interceptions. Across the field, the Vikings (10-2) have won five in a row. Sam Darnold has accounted for seven TDs and zero INTs in the past three weeks. Atlanta is clinging to its lead in the NFC South and is desperate for a win. However, Minnesota’s defense will make life hell for its former QB.
Prediction: 30-13, MinnesotaÂ
Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals
The winner of this game will enter Week 15 atop the NFC West. The visiting Seahawks (7-5) currently lead the West by one game over the Cardinals (6-6) and Rams (6-6). Seattle is currently on a three-game winning streak — its second of the season — and defeated the Cardinals, 16-6, two weeks ago. Arizona has lost two in a row including last week’s heartbreaker in Minnesota. The Cards held a 19-6 lead late in the third quarter but surrendered 17 points over the final 16 minutes en route to a one-point loss. The Cards are 4-2 at home this season and Seattle is 4-1 on the road. This one will come down to the wire.
Prediction: 24-23, SeattleÂ
Los Angeles Chargers @ Kansas City Chiefs
From the NFC West to the AFC West. On Sunday night, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers (8-4) will head to Arrowhead to take on Andy Reid’s Chiefs (11-1). In the first meeting this season, the Chargers jumped out to a 10-0 lead only for Kansas City to end the game on a 17-0 run. The Chiefs have been living on the edge all season, though their ability to win close games cannot be overlooked. The Chargers are looking to solidify their playoff odds while the Chiefs are focused on earning the No. 1 seed in the AFC. This time, Kansas City will come up a play short.
Prediction: 23-20, Los Angeles
