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.
The certainty
Denver Broncos vs. Las Vegas Raiders (this Sunday, 4 p.m.)
PHOTO DAVID ZALUBOWSKI, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Denver Broncos Quarterback Bo Nix
Is Bo Nix stealing the Offensive Rookie of the Year title from Jayden Daniels? The former University of Oregon quarterback has 14 touchdown passes this season, good for 11e rank in the NFL and the 1re place among the recruits. He also managed four last week against the Falcons. The Broncos win games and they do a lot with a little. There are still adjustments to be made, particularly in the way of managing the fourth quarter against the good teams on the circuit, but against the Raiders, it should be a piece of cake. Vegas has lost its last six games, including one to these same Broncos by 16 points. Brock Bowers is the only joy in Raiders camp. Otherwise, we’ll wait until the team selects a worthy quarterback in the next draft.
Prediction: Broncos 31, Raiders 22
The surprise
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams (this Sunday 8:20 p.m.)
PHOTO KYUSUNG GONG, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
Los Angeles Rams receivers Cooper Kupp (10) and Puka Nacua (17)
A Rams win over the Eagles would be a statistical surprise, considering Los Angeles is barely playing for .500 and Philadelphia has lost just 2 of its 10 games. But in reality, the Rams have a much more talented roster than their record indicates. Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua returned to the lineup four games ago. Since then, the Rams have won three duels. With these two players in the lineup, the Rams can compete with almost any team. Even against the Eagles, who excel against the passing defense. The Eagles have won their last six games, but they still showed some signs of fragility. Nothing to cause concern, however. Since joining the Rams, Matthew Stafford has thrown 15 touchdown passes and had just 4 interceptions in prime time games.
Prediction: Rams 28, Eagles 23
The unmissable
San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers (this Sunday 4:25 p.m.)
PHOTO DAVID BANKS, ARCHIVES USA TODAY SPORTS
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs
It’s happening in the National this weekend! The 49ers are visiting Lambeau Field and the Packers have struggled at home this season. We remember, more recently, this setback against the Detroit Lions. The 49ers were eagerly awaiting the return of Christian McCaffrey to the lineup. For two games, the ball carrier has changed the dynamic of this already productive attack on the ground. Even through the air with his 10 passes captured. With an average of 9.5 yards per reception, Brock Purdy can finally breathe. But his Packers counterpart, Josh Jacobs, is not slowing down. We can’t talk enough about this gem in the Packers backfield. Another 1 touchdown and 18 carries last Sunday. He is 62 yards away from joining Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley in the 1,000-yard club. And the Niners’ defense is one of the five that allows the most rushing touchdowns. Matt LaFleur should find a way to win an eighth game.
Prediction: Packers 3149ers 23
