NFL | The duels on the agenda

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.

This game will not be a walk in the park for the Buffalo Bills. Even though a lot of things, like wins, separate these two teams in the NFL’s overall standings, the Titans’ defense is one of the most effective against the pass. They sit first in the league for average air yards allowed per game. But Tennessee also ranks penultimate in the league in the number of air yards accumulated per game, on offense. This duality will sink the team, as has been the case four times this season. Against a title contending team like the Bills, you have to be almost perfect. And the Titans have too often been imperfect, albeit combative. With the addition of wide receiver Amari Cooper, Josh Allen should have a good day working at home.

Prediction: Bills 30, Titans 21

The surprise

New York Jets vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (this Sunday, 8:20 p.m.)

Finally, the tide seems to be turning in New York. As has always been the case since his arrival in the Big Apple, Aaron Rodgers got what he wanted: Davante Adams. In a duel stifled by rough refereeing and the setbacks of Mike Williams on Monday against the Bills, the Jets still almost joined Buffalo at the top of the division. With Adams, who is perhaps the best receiver of his generation and above all Rodgers’ eternal accomplice, the Jets have just given themselves a legitimate chance of being able to fight at the end of the season for a place in the playoffs. On the other hand, Russell Wilson should get his first start since December 24, 2023. A few skirmishes should be expected. It will also be a rare challenge for the Steelers, who benefited from a relatively simple first third of the schedule.

Prediction: Jets 25, Steelers 19

The unmissable

Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings (this Sunday, 1 p.m.)

No offense is more productive than that of the Lions, with an average of 30.2 points scored per game. Conversely, the Vikings’ defense is the one that allows on average the fewest points per game. Minnesota also stands out for its robustness against the ground game, but Detroit’s running backs have been roaring lately. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have scored five touchdowns in the last two games. The two rival teams from the north of the Nationale arrive in the best possible conditions. But the Lions defense will make the difference. The Vikings are one of the teams that pass the ball the least and the Lions defense is one of the best at stopping the progress of the run. Even without Aidan Hutchinson, Jack Campbell, Brian Branch and company will be able to end the Vikings’ perfect record.

Prediction: Lions 27, Vikings 24