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
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers (this Sunday 4:25 p.m.)
It would be easy to target the Panthers game every week, because no matter who their opponents are, they have a legitimate chance of winning. However, it is really because of the way they have won their last two games that the Falcons are certain to win for the fourth time this season. Kirk Cousins has found his comfort in Georgia. Sometimes fragile, but often uncompromising in critical moments, the quarterback finds a way to win games at the limit. The Falcons found their man. Bijan Robinson is a bit of a disappointment, but the receiver group is doing great things. Drake London at the top of the list and Darnell Mooney, the newcomer. The Panthers’ defense, the weakest in the league, will do nothing against the depth and urgency of the Falcons.
Prediction: Falcons 33, Panthers 17
The surprise
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears (this Sunday 9:30 a.m.)
PHOTO GARY MCCULLOUGH, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Brian Thomas Jr., rookie wide receiver for the Jacksonville Jaguars
Have you watched a Jaguars game since the start of the season? If so, neophytes and connoisseurs alike will have noticed how disjointed their attack is. Trevor Lawrence is nowhere near playing up to his draft selection rank in 2021, when his name was named to start the ball rolling. At least one rookie who has gone under the radar, receiver Brian Thomas Jr., is amazing. Jacksonville won its first duel of the season last week against the Colts. In addition, the Jaguars will be able to continue their momentum in their second home, in London, where they will play for the 12e times. They are 6-5 in Beatles country. On the other side, Caleb Williams and D’Andre Swift are getting comfortable with the Bears, but they are too inconsistent. It’s all or nothing. And this overseas trip could affect them.
Prediction: Jaguars 26, Bears 18
The unmissable
Washington Commanders vs. Baltimore Ravens (this Sunday 1 p.m.)
PHOTO DANIEL KUCIN JR., ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Commanders players during a huddle last Sunday against the Cleveland Browns
Who would have thought six weeks ago that the Commanders would find themselves in this section? Jayden Daniels is confident in his cover art. He is fifth fastest among quarterbacks to throw passes with an average of 2.53 seconds. Coach Dan Quinn has built a system in which the rookie is capable of excelling, as he did at LSU. His opposite, Lamar Jackson, doesn’t give his place either. He has just won his last three games against the Cowboys, Bills and Bengals. But the duel to follow will be between the two running backs Brian Robinson Jr. for the Commanders and Derrick Henry for the Ravens. Washington is the most running team in the NFL and Baltimore comes in third. Henry has six touchdowns, while Robinson Jr. has five. Two players talented at running straight lines, breaking tackles and winning trench wars.
Prediction: Ravens 37, Commanders 28