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.
Posted at 1:12 a.m.
Updated at 7:00 a.m.
The certainty
Buffalo Bills c. Indianapolis Colts (Sunday 1 p.m.)
PHOTO ADRIAN KRAUS, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass
The Bills have scored at least 30 points in their last three games. For their part, the Colts scored 20 points or less during the same sequence. Do the math any way you want, but the odds of the Bills toppling the Colts are pretty high. Everything is going smoothly for Buffalo. On the other hand, like the 500 miles, things go around in circles in Indianapolis. Joe Flacco, 39, is the newest solution. Meanwhile, an exhausted Anthony Richardson languishes on the sidelines. Did the Colts make the wrong choice in 2023? Like Jesperi Kotkaniemi, he saw his name spread like wildfire a few weeks before the draft and the Colts took the bait. The team’s record will remain losing. The Bills had a big scare last week against the Dolphins, but kicker Tyler Bass finally found his bearings. The Bills will need him later this season.
Prediction: Bills 36, Colts 17
The surprise
New England Patriots v. Chicago Bears (Sunday 1 p.m.)
PHOTO STEVE ROBERTS, ARCHIVES USA TODAY SPORTS
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye
Drake Maye is playing healthy. In the first quarter of the game against the Jets, then in the second half of the duel against the Titans, we saw glimpses of what he could become. A quarterback who is intelligent, mobile, powerful and ready to take risks. A sort of unfinished copy of Josh Allen. Rhamondre Stevenson continues to contribute, and whatever anyone says, this group of receivers can sometimes deliver. But it remains approximate and fragile. Regardless, the Pats are looking good these days. As for them, the Bears have just lost two in a row, with poor offensive production. We felt them panicked and stuck against the Cardinals. Caleb Williams hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since October 13. It’s the perfect time for the Patriots to add to their record and, who knows, move into second place in their division.
Prediction: Patriots 26, Bears 23
The unmissable
Pittsburgh Steelers v. Washington Commanders (Sunday 1 p.m.)
PHOTO MATT FREED, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson
Let’s start with the Steelers. Very active on the transaction market, they made some nice catches. At least, they went to get some reinforcement. Pittsburgh already has advanced elements on defense, but the addition of Preston Smith, from Green Bay, further consolidates the core. Receiver Mike Williams, jettisoned by the Jets, adds some depth. Word from the Steel City is that while Russell Wilson will retain his starting job, Justin Fields could make a few appearances. For their part, the Commanders also got help with the arrival of cornerback Marshon Lattimore. On offense, Jayden Daniels should offer another good performance, even if the Commanders came close to disaster in their last two games. And precisely, because the second least generous defense in the NFL should be able to slow down the rookie and because it excels against the ground game, the Steelers will win.
Prediction: Steelers 32, Commanders 26
