(Oct. 24, 2015 - Source: Peter Aiken/Getty Images North America)
(Oct. 17, 2015 - Source: Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images North America)
Cincinnati Bengals @ Pittsburgh Steelers 1:00 p.m. E.T on CBS
Rivalry games are always a dandy in the NFL. The AFC North is no exception this norm. The Pittsburgh Steelers have dominated the Cincinnati Bengals last season in both of their season match-ups. Pittsburgh is probably still a little bit enraged about the dirty hit DB Reggie Nelson gave RB Le'Veon Bell last season, one that ended Le'Veon Bell's 2014 season term and led to a first round Playoff exit to one of the leagues best offensive teams. The question of the week though has been rather not we will see QB Ben Rothlisberger? Big Ben has been out the last four weeks with a nagging left knee sprain but was reported as questionable for today's divisional match-up. Needless to say, Rothlisberger's return could mean trouble for the Bengals. Or should I say; usually it would mean trouble for the Bengals. This season thus far, nothing has meant trouble for the Bengals. Even when they trailed the Seattle Seahawks 24-7 in the 4th quarter in Week 5, the Bengals seemed untroubled. We cannot discount how consistent and convincing the Bengals have been this season. They rank third in scoring, have a +3 turnover ratio, and have given up only 13 touchdowns in six season games. Though I stated in a power rankings earlier this season that the Bengals still have to prove themselves, I cannot find a flaw within their schematic nor their 6-0 season record thus far. Maybe Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin has a few tricks up his sleeves to defend home field and knock Cincinnati off of their high horse.
(Oct. 17, 2015 - Source: Andrew Weber/Getty Images North America)
Green Bay Packers @ Denver Broncos 8:25 p.m. E.T on NBC
Without a doubt the match-up of today has to be the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football. These undefeated teams will battle it out at Sports Authority Stadium in Denver to see who will take home bragging rights. We saw Packers QB Aaron Rodgers surrender a few interceptions to a young St. Louis Rams defense in Week 6 and escape Lambeau Field with a 6-0 record thanks to a Damarious Randall deflection that sealed their win against the Chargers in Week 7. Denver dealt with the hardship on the Cleveland Browns in Week 6. Their victory against the Browns included 3 Peyton Manning interceptions and a overtime period for finalization. It will be interesting to see if the Broncos took time during their bye week (Week 7) to evaluate their offensive struggles. Despite being 29th in the league in total yards per game, the Broncos certainly take honor in there defensive success and are looking forward to matching up against a Packers offense that ranks 5th in points this season. This is a extremely close game to call. The outcome will be heavily predicated on whether the Denver defense can force QB Aaron Rodgers into a few turnovers via sack or the passing game. If the Packers happen get their rushing attack going though, Green Bay will get the win with a 10 point advantage.
New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints 1:00 p.m. E.T FOX
- The Giants hope to remain the NFC East favorite.
- Saints Playoff berth unlikely in 2015.
- Could this be Sean Payton's last year w/ Saints?
Carolina Panthers @ Indianapolis Colts - Monday 8:25 p.m. E.T on ESPN
- Panthers still undefeated.
- Colts season beginning to deteriorate.
- Is Chuck Pagano in the hot seat?
New York Jets @ Oakland Raiders 4:05 p.m. E.T on CBS
- Jets look to bounce back after Week 7 loss to Patriots
- Oakland's QB Derek Carr has thrown only 3 interceptions this season
- Jets defense ranks 1st in scoring.
