The Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens go at it on Sunday in Charm City with first place in the AFC North division on the line. The Steelers are 6-0 heading into this one while the Ravens (5-1) have only lost to the defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs back in Week Three.
The Steelers are the only undefeated team left in the NFL and you know the Ravens would love to put an end to that. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson hasn't been off to the awesome start like last season, but still has ten touchdown passes to just two interceptions and has averaged just under seven yards per carry while leading his team in rushing.
Both teams have played excellent defense through the first six games, so look for a lower scoring game unless both teams' offenses overwhelm in this game. The Steelers have averaged 30 points per game while giving up just under 20 points per game. The Ravens average 29.8 points a game and allow 17.3 points per game. Whichever team makes the big plays in the clutch and protects the football will determine the winner of this game.
The Las Vegas Raiders (3-3) play in Cleveland this Sunday against the Browns (5-2), who are coming off an exciting win on the road at Cincinnati. In that game, QB Baker Mayfield had five touchdown passes and the team pulled out a last second win. Meanwhile, the Raiders got spanked at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 45-20 in what could be called a fourth quarter collapse, getting outscored by a 21-0 count. Once again, whichever team has fewer turnovers should get the win here in a tight game.
The late window has two games featuring playoff contenders with the New Orleans Saints (4-2) playing at the Chicago Bears (5-2) in what is expected to be a very windy day with gusts expected to exceed 40 miles per hour, so that should be a definite factor in this one. The Saints rely on QB Drew Brees and the passing game and all purpose back Alvin Kamara, who has already scored seven touchdowns. The Bears rely on a tough defense as their offense has struggled so far with virtually no running game.
The San Francisco 49ers (4-3) face the Seattle Seahawks (5-1) at Century Link Field in Seattle in what should be another nail biter that comes down to the final possession. The 'Niners have played well in the past two weeks following a stinker loss against Miami in Week Five. The Seahawks suffered their first loss this season in Arizona last Sunday night, 37-34 in overtime with QB Russell Wilson throwing three interceptions, including one in OT that gave the Cardinals the ball back for the game winning kick.
The rest of the action for Week Eight is previewed in the capsule style format with the Heftyinfo picks following.
New England (2-4) at Buffalo (5-2) - There are some "experts" saying this game will be close . . . maybe, maybe not. Take the Bills at home in this one.
Tennessee (5-1) at Cincinnati (1-5-1) - Both teams are coming off tough losses at home, so look for a thriller in this game.
Las Vegas (3-3) at Cleveland (5-2) - The Raiders and the Browns playing in a meaningful game in Cleveland? That's the NFL in 2020.
Indianapolis (4-2) at Detroit (3-3) - The Lions have been getting some breaks lately, but the Colts play real good defense and that will be the difference in this game.
Minnesota (1-5) at Green Bay (5-1) - Packers roll again.
N.Y. Jets (0-7) at Kansas City (6-1) - Chiefs have no excuses to not win by at least 20 points or more in this game.
L.A. Rams (5-2) at Miami (3-3) - It's Tua time in Miami. Only problem is he is facing a solid defense with a great pass rush with the Rams.
Pittsburgh (6-0) at Baltimore (5-1) - The NFL game of the week for sure. Ravens pull it out in a close game, perhaps in overtime.
L.A. Chargers (2-4) at Denver (2-4) - The loser of this game will definitely be in a hole as far as playoff hopes are concerned. Toss up.
New Orleans (4-2) at Chicago (5-2) - The Saints blew the Bears out last season at Soldier Field, but this game will likely be much closer.
San Francisco (4-3) at Seattle (5-1) - Cannot see Seahawks QB Russell Wilson struggling for a second consecutive game, so take the 'Hawks in a close one as the 49ers defense keeps them in it.
Dallas (2-5) at Philadelphia (2-4-1) - The Sunday night game featuring two teams with losing records in the battle for first place in the NFC East division. Eagles get the nod.
Tampa Bay (5-2) at N.Y. Giants (1-6) - Monday Night Football with Tom Brady and the Bucs rolling over the hapless Giants.
The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Eight . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Atlanta over Carolina
Buffalo over New England
Tennessee over Cincinnati
Las Vegas over Cleveland
Indianapolis over Detroit
Green Bay over Minnesota
KANSAS CITY over N.Y. Jets
L.A. Rams over Miami
Baltimore over Pittsburgh
L.A. Chargers over Denver
New Orleans over Chicago
Seattle over San Francisco
Philadelphia over Dallas
Tampa Bay over N.Y. Giants
Last Week's Record - 11-3
SEASON RECORD - 71-33-1
Lock of the Week Record - 5-2
Get busy. Post that thurs.niter LATE.. WTH IS THAT...AOK
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