For the duration of the NFL season, The Press will suggest three duels to follow each week. The match sealed in advance, where a team’s victory is almost assured. The most surprising duel, where a team could beat a seemingly more powerful rival. Then the part not to be missed, where popcorn and cold drink will be necessary to accompany the action.
Published at 12:53 a.m.
Updated at 7:00 a.m.
The certainty
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Las Vegas Raiders (this Sunday, 4:25 p.m.)
PHOTO KYUSUNG GONG, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Rams players’ huddle on October 20 against the Los Angeles Rams
The Raiders’ hopes rested solely on three players. Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers and Davante Adams. And there are only two of them left. With Adams now in the Big Apple, options become extremely limited for which quarterback will throw the ball, whether it’s Gardner Minshew or Desmond Ridder. So there is very little that can scare the best team in the NFL. The Kansas City Chiefs refuse to lose. The defending champions will remain the only undefeated team at the end of this eighth week of activity. And this, with or without the contribution of newcomer, DeAndre Hopkins. The 32-year-old receiver’s impact has been limited this season at Tennessee. But with the Chiefs missing their top two receivers, Mahomes would be crazy to do without Hopkins’ hands. It remains to be seen how it will be used.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Raiders 17
The surprise
Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders (this Sunday, 4:25 p.m.)
PHOTO NICK WASS, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels
On one side, Caleb Williams, first choice in the last draft and the most anticipated rookie of the season. On the other, Jayden Daniels, second choice in the last draft and the most accomplished rookie since the start of the season. This duel will be a delight. The Commanders surprise just about everyone at the top of the Eastern division of the Nationale. On the other hand, their two losses came when the opposing team had more than one receiver capable of influencing the outcome, against the Buccaneers and the Ravens. In Chicago, the team finally found its rhythm with three consecutive victories. Williams feels comfortable and distributes the ball very well to his four receivers. The Commanders defense will have their hands full. On the other hand, the Bears defense can limit Daniels. Especially since he might not be 100% due to a rib injury suffered in his team’s last match.
Prediction: Bears 28, Commanders 24
The unmissable
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Cincinnati Bengals (this Sunday, 1 p.m.)
PHOTO JEFF DEAN, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and quarterback Joe Burrow
Let’s put it like it is: there aren’t a ton of unmissable duels to get your teeth into this week. So much so that it is the duel between the Eagles and the Bengals that attracts our attention. Despite a disappointing record and a performance below expectations for the Bengals, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase excel. They are not responsible for their team’s troubles. Burrow ranks fourth in the NFL in touchdown passes with 14, while only being the victim of two interceptions. Chase, for his part, dominates with a harvest of 620 yards. The two former LSU stars will face a team loaded with talent, even if it’s flying a little under the radar despite its 4-2 record. Saquon Barkley is finally in a winning environment and he’s producing. With 658 rushing yards, he ranks third among NFL running backs. Because they are more complete, the Eagles will win.
Prediction: Eagles 33, Bengals 27
