The NFL season is already halfway done! It’s hard to believe considering the entire season was in doubt just weeks before opening up. We are at the point now where we know who has playoff potential and who is getting ready for an early offseason. There is still a lot of football to be played and a lot can change in these weeks.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers
After a decisive win against the hapless New York Jets, multiple NFL spreads are favoring Kansas City. Kansas City has to be looking forward to the playoffs and securing that all-important first-round bye. The Steelers have the best record in the AFC and Kansas City has to keep pace with them.
It’s no easy task to defend Kansas City’s high-powered offense. Look for Carolina to take away Mahomes’ favorite target Travis Kelce as they have defended tight ends well this season. They have really struggled with stopping the run which really favors the Chiefs. Rookie Clyde-Edwards Helaire will probably get a healthy number of carries.
Currently, Carolina is on a three-game losing streak. The Panthers got some good news this week, however. Running back Christian McCaffrey will be ready to return to action after missing multiple weeks with an ankle injury.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Indianapolis Colts
Last week the Steelers exposed Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense. Baltimore has to quickly bounce back before they lose any more ground to the undefeated Steelers. Unfortunately, Marlon Humphrey tested positive for COVID-19 and now seven additional defensive players have been placed on the COVID-19/reserve list. Those seven players will have to test negative in order to play on Sunday.
The Colts are looking for their third win in a row and some respect. Indianapolis is one of the least talked about teams in the AFC due to overshadowing by the Chiefs and the Ravens. This is likely because they lost to the Browns and Jaguars and barely beat the Bengals. They can force people to pay attention to them with a big win this weekend, but it won’t be easy. Despite the loss, Baltimore put up huge rushing numbers against the league’s best run defense. The Colts will have a long day if they are forced to try and match Baltimore’s offensive production.
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Saints were the first team to defeat Tom Brady on his new team. That was week one and both of these teams have trended in opposite directions. The Saints lost their best receiver Michael Thomas and have not been able to match the lost production. Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders could possibly rejoin New Orleans this week. They have narrowly won games to stay in the playoff race, but they are outmatched in this one.
The Bucs have dominated most of their opponents. Somehow Tom Brady is still undefeated against Father Time and has looked better than quarterbacks half his age. Since throwing two interceptions against the Saints, Brady has only thrown one. Brady also gets a new weapon this week as Antonio Brown will make his controversial debut for this NFL season.
