The cold weather has officially rolled in, so grab a blanket and settle in for another full slate of NFL action. Here’s a look at every matchup, complete with odds, analysis, and score predictions.
Vikings (3–3) at Chargers (4–3)
Thursday, Oct. 23 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Chargers -3.5
The Vikings had plenty of chances to beat the Eagles last weekend, but sloppy execution cost them the game. Minnesota went just 1-for-6 in the red zone and settled for five field goals. That’s a tough hill to climb when the defense struggles to stop the pass.
The Chargers, wearing their mustard-yellow uniforms, were outplayed and outcoached in a lopsided loss to the Colts. Early mistakes forced them into comeback mode, and the run game vanished as fill-in back Kimani Vidal couldn’t carry over the spark he showed the week before against the Dolphins.
Prediction: Vikings 28, Chargers 24
Minnesota has the talent to pull off the upset on the road if the defense can rise to the occasion.
Dolphins (1–6) at Falcons (3–3)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 1 p.m. | Line: Falcons -7
The Dolphins have officially hit rock bottom. A coaching change looks inevitable, with Mike McDaniel’s days seemingly numbered. Tua Tagovailoa’s three-interception performance was another low point for a team that has unraveled quickly. What was once an MVP-caliber offense has turned into one that just got blown out by the Browns.
Atlanta’s typically strong ground game was shut down by the 49ers. The defense held up, but the offense struggled, and Michael Penix Jr. faced pressure all game behind a shaky line. Penix still has time to grow from game manager to playmaker, but it showed how far he has to go.
Prediction: Falcons 30, Dolphins 14
Miami’s porous run defense should give Atlanta a perfect opportunity to bounce back.
Bears (4–2) at Ravens (1–5)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 1 p.m. | Line: Ravens -6.5
The Bears handled business against the Saints behind another dominant rushing performance. Head coach Ben Johnson’s investment in the offensive line is paying off, giving Caleb Williams time to throw and creating space for D’Andre Swift, who has thrived behind the revamped front.
The Ravens, meanwhile, are running out of margin for error. At 1–5 and last in their division, their playoff hopes are fading fast. But the season isn’t over yet. They still have one of the best quarterbacks in football, a veteran roster that knows how to win, and a favorable schedule ahead.
Prediction: Ravens 31, Bears 27
Coming off a bye and with key players returning, Baltimore has the rest and desperation it needs to pull out a win to get back on track.
Jets (0–7) at Bengals (3–4)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 1 p.m. | Line: Bengals -7
Another strong defensive showing went to waste for the Jets, whose offense remains lifeless. Despite allowing only 13 points in back-to-back games, New York is still searching for its first win. Aaron Glenn has proven himself as a capable defensive coordinator, but his tenure as head coach is hanging by a thread.
Joe Flacco looked rejuvenated in Cincinnati’s win over the Steelers, leading a balanced attack that saw Ja’Marr Chase haul in 16 catches on 23 targets. The defense still has issues, but it made key stops when needed.
Prediction: Jets 21, Bengals 20
The Jets match up well defensively, and this feels like the kind of trap game where they finally break through to notch their first win.
Bills (4–2) at Panthers (4–3)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 1 p.m. | Line: Bills -7.5
The Bills return from their bye week in second place in the AFC South and fifth overall in the AFC. Their ground game remains the team’s backbone, averaging 151 rushing yards per game, but Buffalo still looks like the same group that has repeatedly fallen short in the postseason.
Carolina comes off an ugly win over the Jets but now sits just one game back in the NFC South. With Bryce Young sidelined by a high ankle sprain, Andy Dalton takes over at quarterback. Even so, this is the most competitive the Panthers have looked in years, giving fans reason for optimism.
Prediction: Bills 27, Panthers 21
Buffalo’s rest advantage and Carolina’s quarterback situation tilt this one toward the visitors.
49ers (5–2) at Texans (2–4)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 1 p.m. | Line: 49ers -1.5
The 49ers just keep winning. Kyle Shanahan deserves full credit for holding this roster together despite key injuries and offseason losses. Even without Nick Bosa and consistent quarterback health, San Francisco sits atop the NFC West at 5–2 and remains undefeated in divisional play.
Houston’s problem continues to be its offensive line. C.J. Stroud has been hit constantly, and the ground game mustered only 51 yards on Monday night. The Texans’ young defense is impressive, but the lack of protection could derail their season.
Prediction: Texans 23, 49ers 20
Houston pulls off the upset behind a fired-up defense that delivers when it matters most.
Browns (2–5) at Patriots (5–2)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 1 p.m. | Line: Patriots -7
Cleveland picked up its second win in dominant fashion, fueled by a defense that forced four turnovers, three leading to touchdowns. Quinshon Judkins continues to be the lone bright spot offensively, rushing for another strong outing, but Dillon Gabriel’s development remains a work in progress.
The Patriots continue to roll. Last week’s win over Tennessee put them atop the AFC East, thanks to another efficient performance from Drake Maye, who completed 91.3 percent of his passes. Mike Vrabel has this team disciplined and physical on both sides of the ball.
Prediction: Patriots 24, Browns 17
Cleveland’s defense can keep things close early, but New England’s balance and consistency should prevail.
Giants (2–5) at Eagles (5–2)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 1 p.m. | Line: Eagles -7
The Giants’ loss to the Broncos was crushing. Leading 19–0 in the fourth quarter, they collapsed in a 33–32 defeat. This is the kind of loss that exposes coaching flaws and tests morale, and Brian Daboll’s seat is getting warmer.
The Eagles took a step forward with a convincing win over the Vikings. Jalen Hurts threw for 326 yards and three touchdowns, finally finding rhythm with his receivers. The run game remains inconsistent, with Saquon Barkley failing to top 60 rushing yards for the fifth straight week.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Giants 21
Philadelphia avenges its earlier loss to New York and keeps pace atop the NFC East.
Buccaneers (5–2) at Saints (1–6)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 4:05 p.m. | Line: Buccaneers -4.5
Tampa Bay’s Monday night loss to the Colts was ugly, and the fallout was worse. Mike Evans suffered a collarbone injury that will sideline him for much of the season, leaving Baker Mayfield short on options. Throwing 50 times rarely leads to success, and it showed.
Despite the record, New Orleans shouldn’t be completely dismissed. Spencer Rattler has shown poise despite limited help, and while this season is lost, there’s enough young talent to build on.
Prediction: Saints 24, Buccaneers 23
Shocker of the week, as I like the Saints to take advantage of a depleted Tampa Bay roster and come away with the win at the Superdome.
Titans (1–6) at Colts (6–1)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Colts -14
Tennessee’s offensive issues continue. The Titans have scored 20 or fewer points in six of seven games, and the rebuild looks to be in full swing. The focus now should be on developing Cam Ward and identifying core pieces for the future.
Prediction: Colts 40, Titans 17
Indianapolis’ high-powered offense completely overwhelms Tennessee’s struggling defense.
Cowboys (3–3–1) at Broncos (5–2)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 4:25 p.m. | Line: Broncos -3
Dallas looked much improved defensively in its win over Washington. The Cowboys made key stops early, and the offense is beginning to click with George Pickens and CeeDee Lamb forming a dangerous duo.
Denver’s remarkable fourth-quarter comeback against the Giants could carry some momentum into this week. The Broncos’ defense is dominant, and the team looks confident across the board.
Prediction: Cowboys 34, Broncos 31
It will be a tight, back-and-forth game, but Dallas builds on last week’s performance, and Dak Prescott keeps his MVP campaign rolling.
Packers (4–1–1) at Steelers (4–2)
Sunday, Oct. 26 – 8:20 p.m. | Line: Packers -3
Green Bay eked out a close win over Arizona, rallying late behind a defense that remains elite against the run. Tucker Kraft continues to be Jordan Love’s most reliable target and a vital piece of the offense.
Pittsburgh’s defense faltered in its loss to Cincinnati, though the offense showed encouraging signs in the run game. The storyline here is Aaron Rodgers’ first matchup against his former team. A win would make him the fifth quarterback in NFL history to defeat all 32 franchises.
Prediction: Packers 27, Steelers 23
Rodgers falls short of revenge as Green Bay’s defense seals another close win.
Commanders (3–4) at Chiefs (4–3)
Sunday, Oct. 27 – 8:15 p.m. | Line: Chiefs -10
Washington’s rough season continued with another injury to Jayden Daniels, who has now hurt both legs. Marcus Mariota takes over again and has played admirably, but he’ll need to be flawless to compete in Kansas City.
The Chiefs looked dominant in a 31–0 win over the Raiders, with Patrick Mahomes back to MVP form and the defense pitching a shutout. When both units are humming, Kansas City looks like the best team in the AFC.
Prediction: Chiefs 31, Commanders 17
The Chiefs keep rolling and should have little trouble at home against an injury-riddled Washington team.
On Bye: Cardinals, Falcons, Jaguars, Raiders, Rams, Seahawks
Want more Sandman? Come connect with us here at sandmansports.com/onestopshop
Author
