Throughout 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.
The certainty
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants (Sunday 1 p.m.)
PHOTO NICK WASS, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henry and quarterback Lamar Jackson
This clash will be nothing more than a duel between a team aspiring to the title and a team in last place in the general classification. The Giants remain the only NFL team not to have won a single home game. 0-7 record at MetLife Stadium. Then, overall, an eight-game losing streak. This organization is in disarray and is patiently waiting for the end of April to be able to draft a quarterback capable of supplying the talented Malik Nabers. The Ravens are coming off an extremely difficult stretch of the schedule. Defeat to the Eagles, victory to the Chargers, defeat to the Steelers, victory to the Bengals and victory to the Broncos. The Ravens will feel like recreational golf players when they arrive at the tee box of a short downhill par 3 after going through a long stretch of par 5s. An offensive feast to be expected for the third attack among the most productive on the circuit .
Prediction: Ravens 26, Giants 9
The surprise
Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans (Sunday 1 p.m.)
PHOTO LYNNE SLADKY, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa
It must be recognized that although he is unloved for his decision-making on and off the field, Tua Tagovailoa has played like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL since returning from injury in week eight. A successful pass rate of 76.04%, 15 touchdown passes and only 1 interception in 7 games. The Dolphins, generally speaking, are performing below expectations. Especially on the ground. However, they do well by air. On the other hand, Houston represents one of the good pass defenses. But invisible this season, the Texans are struggling to stand out and dominate in possession of the ball. CJ Stroud’s offense comes to 24e ranks in the NFL for pass completion rate. And the Texans haven’t faced a real challenge since their clash against the Lions at the beginning of November. And they defended themselves well. Since then, they haven’t caused any sparks. One team has the wind in its sails, the other is lost at sea. Dolphins advantage.
Prediction: Dolphins 23, Texans 20
The unmissable
Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions (Sunday 4:25 p.m.)
PHOTO RICK OSENTOSKI, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Detroit Lions running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs
Will we be entitled to a Super Bowl before its time? It’s difficult to ask for better than a duel between the two teams having scored the most points since the start of the season. Josh Allen, a true point-scoring machine, is on a mission. Only the Ravens defense found a way to completely muzzle him. This is why this duel against the Lions will be interesting. We’ll finally be able to determine how Allen fares against a near-flawless defense. The Lions’ defensive unit ranks second in points allowed per game, first in third-down completion rate and second in opponent pass completion percentage. The Bills have lost all three games against teams that run the ball very well, although, generally speaking, Buffalo’s defense performs well against the ground game. But facing Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery represents a colossal, almost insurmountable challenge. The Lions’ 6-1 record in their dome shows how dominant they are when it comes to defending their territory.
Prediction: Lions 31, Bills 27