NFL Week 9: Keys To All Games

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3) at Baltimore Ravens (3-4)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore. TV: CBS, Ian Eagle, Rich Gannon, Evan Washburn.

SERIES HISTORY: 41st meeting. Steelers lead the series, 21-19. Baltimore won both games last season by a total of six points. The teams have also met in the playoffs four times. The Steelers won three of those games, including a 23-14 victory in the 2009 AFC Championship. The Ravens are 11-9 against the Steelers in Baltimore, winning the past three matchups.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Steelers want to shut down the Ravens’ running game and put quarterback Joe Flacco in situations where he has to beat them. Flacco is completing only 57 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and six interceptions.

Baltimore’s new offensive coordinator, Marty Mornhinweg, used the bye week to tweak the struggling offense. The Steelers are ranked 18th in the NFL in total defense and allow 390.1 yards per game. Baltimore will try to attack them with a more-balanced attack. The Ravens want to take some pressure off Flacco with an effective ground attack. This means rookie running back Kenneth Dixon could play a bigger role to provide a potential spark.

The Steelers have one of the most efficient offenses in the league and Baltimore will be challenged to contain the Steelers. Despite jabber to the contrary, the Ravens expect Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger to be back in the lineup after undergoing surgery Oct. 17 to repair a torn left meniscus.

Roethlisberger was listed as questionable for the game on Friday, with head coach Mike Tomlin unwilling to provide any more information on his availability.

The Ravens will look to keep him under pressure because of his potentially limited mobility. Baltimore’s secondary will be under pressure against the Steelers’ talented receivers, most notably Antonio Brown and Sammie Coates, who are capable of making quick, game-changing plays.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Ravens QB Joe Flacco vs. Steelers CBs William Gay and Ross Cockrell. Flacco has been hampered by an injury-plagued offensive line and ineffective running game. He is ranked 13th overall among all quarterbacks with 1,837 yards. Flacco has thrown for five touchdowns and six interceptions. His quarterback rating of 75.4 is ranked 29th in the league. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said his secondary needs to create more turnovers. Gay and Cockrell are expected to play a key role in that directive. The Steelers are tied for 27th in the league with just three interceptions — all from their linebackers.

–Ravens CB Jimmy Smith vs. Steelers WR Antonio Brown. Smith, who is returning from a concussion, has been effective when he is healthy. He has played well against other marquee receivers, including Washington’s DeSean Jackson and Odell Beckham of the New York Giants. It would be a huge boost for the Ravens if Smith can take Brown out of the game. Brown is ranked ninth in the NFL with 48 receptions for 592 yards and five touchdowns. He will look to get involved early to set the tone.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Ravens LT Ronnie Stanley. The sixth overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft has missed the past four weeks with a foot injury, which has coincided with the team’s current four-game losing streak. Stanley was back at practice last week and is expected back in the lineup. Stanley was solid in the games he was able to play, and the Ravens are hopeful there is no drop-off because of the injury. Stanley is the first rookie in franchise history to start at left tackle.

INJURY REPORT: Pittsburgh — Out: C Cody Wallace (knee). Questionable: CB William Gay (foot), QB Ben Roethlisberger (knee), RB DeAngelo Williams (knee). Baltimore — Out: LB Kamalei Correa (thigh), LB Elvis Dumervil (foot), TE Crockett Gillmore (thigh). Doubtful: CB Shareece Wright (thigh). Questionable: LB C.J. Mosley (thigh), WR Steve Smith (ankle), T Ronnie Stanley (foot), LB Terrell Suggs (biceps), CB Lardarius Webb (thigh), G Marshal Yanda (shoulder), CB Tavon Young (concussion).

FAST FACTS: Steelers RB Le’Veon Bell gained 100-plus yards from scrimmage and a TD in three of past four games vs. the Ravens. Since 2014, he has averaged 134.5 yards from scrimmage, most in NFL. … Steelers LB Lawrence Timmons has collected 66 tackles and two sacks in the past six meetings. LB Ryan Shazier has made 24 tackles in his last two games vs. the Ravens. … Ravens WR Mike Wallace caught 10 passes for 120 yards in Week 7, giving him more receiving yards this season (490) than he had for Minnesota in 16 games last year (473). … The Ravens managed only 11 yards rushing against the Jets in Week 7, the lowest total in that category in franchise history. The Ravens are averaging 86.3 yards rushing per game, second-lowest average in franchise history.

PREDICTION: The Ravens are certain Roethlisberger will return to action in this game, but that may not be good news for Baltimore.

OUR PICK: Steelers, 34-14.

–Frank Cooney

Dallas Cowboys (6-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-8)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland. TV: FOX, Thom Brennaman, Charles Davis, Chris Spielman, Peter Schrager.

SERIES HISTORY: 28th regular-season meeting. Browns lead series, 15-12. The Browns haven’t beaten the Cowboys since winning 19-14 in Dallas in 1994. It was a critical victory to help them clinch a playoff spot. They went on to beat the Patriots in a wild-card game and haven’t won a playoff game since.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: Some were pointing to this game, following a bye, to be the return of Dallas QB Tony Romo after his latest rehab from back problems. But surprise rookie Dak Prescott is doing so well that owner Jerry Jones says he feels good letting things continue as-is while hinting that Romo could benefit from more time to heal. But if Prescott maintains his pace, Romo may not regain his role as a starter, period.

Prescott is one win away from becoming the third rookie QB in the Super Bowl era to win seven straight starts (Ben Roethlisberger, 13 straight in 2004; Kyle Orton, eight straight in 2005). Prescott has passed for at least 225 yards in seven straight games, the longest streak by any rookie in the Super Bowl era.

Prescott has been helped immensely by rookie running back Ezekiel Elliot, who leads the NFL in rushing (799 yards) and is the focal point of everything the Cowboys do on offense.

The Browns are closing in on a part of history they want no part of. At 0-8, they are off to the worst start of the expansion era that began in 1999.

Browns coach Hue Jackson on Friday named rookie Cody Kessler, who was out last week with a concussion, starting quarterback for Sunday and the rest of the season. Kessler has been cleared and had full participation in practice Wednesday.

Terrelle Pryor, in his first full season as an NFL wide receiver, caught six passes for 101 yards against the Jets and leads the Browns with 41 catches for 532. He could be trouble for Dallas because rookie wide receiver Corey Coleman, out six weeks with a broken hand, is expected to play.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Cowboys RB Ezekiel Elliott vs. Browns LB Chris Kirksey. Elliott already rushed for 799 yards. Kirksey is the Browns’ leading tackler with 70 stops. He will need help from nose tackle Danny Shelton clearing traffic to have a clean path to Elliott.

–Browns RG John Greco vs. Cowboys DT Tyrone Crawford. Crawford leads the Cowboys with three sacks. Whether Cody Kessler or Josh McCown ends up starting at quarterback, protecting him from an inside pass rush is critical. Greco can help keep the pocket from collapsing.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Browns LB Jamie Collins. Now Collins really has something to prove after being traded to the Browns from the Patriots. He got the reputation of being a freelancer in New England. Normally that would not fit into the coaching style of Browns defensive coordinator Ray Horton. The Browns are hopeful Collins will put pressure on Prescott.

INJURY REPORT: Dallas — Out: S Barry Church (forearm), CB Morris Claiborne (groin), DE Ryan Davis (hamstring), T Chaz Green (foot), QB Tony Romo (back). Questionable: WR Dez Bryant (knee, back), DT Maliek Collins (knee), RB Lance Dunbar (knee), LB Anthony Hitchens (knee), DE Demarcus Lawrence (back, shoulder), T Tyron Smith (back). Cleveland — Questionable: LB Tank Carder (concussion), C Cameron Erving (shoulder), WR Ricardo Louis (hamstring), CB Jamar Taylor (groin).

FAST FACTS: Dallas WR Cole Beasley has three TDs in the past three games. … Dallas WR Dez Bryant had 113 receiving yards and a TD catch last week. Since 2011, Bryant ranks second in the NFL with 55 TD catches. … Browns QB Josh McCown returned last week after missing the previous five games and threw for 341 yards against the Jets. McCown has nine starts for the Browns and has totaled 2,661 passing yards, the most by any player in a nine-game span in franchise history.

PREDICTION: We keep thinking the Browns can’t lose every game; but, after missing on two upset picks, it may be time to think otherwise, especially this week.

OUR PICK: Cowboys, 35-21.

–Frank Cooney

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-5) at Kansas City Chiefs (5-2)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Mo. TV: CBS, Spero Dedes, Solomon Wilcots.

SERIES HISTORY: 11th regular-season meeting. The Jaguars lead the series, 6-4. The last time the teams met was the 2013 season opener. It was Andy Reid’s first game as Kansas City coach and the Chiefs rolled to a 28-2 victory in Florida. That was a follow-up to a 42-20 win over the Jaguars at Arrowhead Stadium in 2010. In Kansas City, the Jags have a 2-2 record, with their last victory coming in the 2007 season.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Chiefs will sit starting quarterback Alex Smith against Jacksonville because of “something” that happened to Smith’s head in last Sunday’s victory over the Indianapolis Colts. Nick Foles will start for the Chiefs when the Jaguars visit Arrowhead Stadium.

Smith passed concussion tests Sunday and the day after the game. Still, he is going through the NFL’s return-to-play protocol — although Wednesday he said he had no symptoms or problems from the two hits to the head against the Colts.

Foles will get the 37th start of his career, after opening 25 games with the Eagles (2012-14) and 11 for the Rams (2015). He is 19-17 as a starter. His last start came Dec. 6, 2015, when the Rams lost 27-3 to the Arizona Cardinals in St. Louis.

Something also happened to embattled Jaguars QB Blake Bortles in his last game. He was 33-for-54 for 337 yards and three touchdowns in a 36-22 loss to Tennessee. His 54 attempts tied the franchise record (Byron Leftwich, 2004 vs. Chargers). Bortles has attempted at least 30 passes in 16 consecutive games — the second-longest active streak in the NFL (Joe Flacco, 22).

The Jags could throw new wrinkles in the offensive game plan under new coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. That may include more throws downfield, something the Jags did often a year ago but have not done in 2016. They have relied on short throws to receivers and backs out of the backfield and too often have gotten five yards or fewer. That could change Sunday, although such an approach could literally play into the hands of Chiefs CB Marcus Peters (five interceptions).

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Chiefs CBs Marcus Peters and Phillip Gaines vs. Jaguars WRs Allen Robinson, Marqise Lee and Allen Hurns. Last week’s victory over Indianapolis was the first time this season that both Peters and Gaines played a full game. They held the Colts’ explosive WR trio of T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Phillip Dorsett to a combined 10 catches for 95 yards. Gaines grabbed an interception and it appears his bulky knee has improved. Peters leads the league with five interceptions. Robinson, Hurns and Lee are the best offensive weapons available to Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles. In seven games, they have 53 percent of the receptions (93) and 61 percent of the receiving yards (1,167).

–Chiefs RT Mitchell Schwartz vs. Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue. Schwartz has not been physically 100 percent for a month now because of a sprained ankle. He has dealt with the pain and has not missed an offensive play in seven games. At times, he has struggled in pass protection. He will see a lot of Ngakoue, a rookie out of Maryland. The 6-foot-2, 250-pound third-round rookie leads the Jaguars with four of the team’s 13 sacks. He also has forced three fumbles and grabbed an interception. Ngakoue is undersized, but what he gives up in girth he makes up for in speed, as he can fly around the corner of the pass protection. With a new passer in the pocket for the Chiefs, the pass protection needs to keep Foles clean.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Jaguars QB Blake Bortles. This will be Bortles’ first game under new OC Nathaniel Hackett and his first outing since working with his personal quarterbacks coach Adam Dedeaux. Bortles is under fire for erratic play. He has not looked comfortable, often throwing over receivers or behind them. He says he hasn’t lost confidence in his ability to be a top quarterback, but he needs to back that up.

INJURY REPORT: Jacksonville — Out: DE Jared Odrick (foot, ankle). Questionable: CB Aaron Colvin (calf). Kansas City — Out: G Parker Ehinger (knee), QB Alex Smith (head, ear), RB Spencer Ware (concussion), CB D.J. White (hand). Questionable: DE Jaye Howard (hip), WR Jeremy Maclin (groin).

FAST FACTS: Only four of the Jaguars’ kickoffs have been returned this season — fewest in the NFL. On the flip side, Jacksonville has returned 20 kickoffs, most in the league. … Since Oct. 17, there are eight new names on the Chiefs’ roster, as injuries and performance have forced alterations. They are missing star RB Jamaal Charles (right knee) and backup RB Spencer Ware (concussion). They traded RB Knile Davis to Green Bay and sent two starters to injured reserve, with more possible — OLG Parker Ehinger (knee), DE Allen Bailey (pectoral) and IILB Justin March-Lillard (hand). They released LBs Sio Moore and Sam Barrington and DE Nick Williams. The Chiefs added free agent DE Kendall Reyes, OL Mike Person, RB Bishop Sankey (from Patriots practice squad) and from their own practice squad they promoted DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches, LBs Ramik Wilson and Terrance Smith, and CB Terrance Mitchell.

PREDICTION: Bortles may be encouraged by new OC Nathaniel Hackett to go deep more often, but his receivers will need to outfight the Chiefs’ thieving DBs as often as not (KC is plus-9 in takeaways). Foles may prove his acquisition was a great insurance move by the Chiefs.

OUR PICK: Chiefs, 41-28.

–Frank Cooney

New York Jets (3-5) at Miami Dolphins (3-4)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Fla. TV: CBS, Greg Gumbel, Trent Green, Jamie Erdahl.

SERIES HISTORY: 102nd regular-season meeting. New York leads, 54-46-1. New York won the last meeting, 38-20. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick threw for three touchdowns and wide receiver Brandon Marshall had nine receptions for 131 yards and two touchdowns as the Jets routed Miami. Since 2012, the Jets have won five of eight games against the Dolphins.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: Although fan and media interest is on quarterbacks, as always, these defenses both must focus on the opposing running backs.

The Jets are winning when they feed RB Matt Forte, who has 85 carries for 282 yards and six touchdowns in three victories and 72 carries for 260 yards and no touchdowns in five losses. The signing this week of veteran RB C.J. Spiller could be an indication the Jets plan to go very run-heavy against the Dolphins, who are allowing 4.4 yards per carry.

Conversely, the Jets’ focus on defense is simple: Stop the hottest runner in the NFL and put the game on the overmatched shoulders of QB Ryan Tannehill. Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi has posted consecutive 200-yard rushing games — the first time a player has done that in 14 seasons — and is a cause for concern for the Jets, who were dominated by Arizona Cardinals RB David Johnson two weeks ago. If the Jets can at least slow down Ajayi, it may force Ryan Tannehill to go to the air, where the odds are good he’ll make a key mistake — even against a decimated secondary.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Dolphins DT Ndamukong Suh vs. Jets RG Brian Winters. Suh has been close to dominant again this season. His 32 tackles are on pace to equal or surpass his career-best total of 66 as a rookie (2010), and his team-best 3.5 sacks could be on the way to surpassing the 8.5 he had in 2014, the second-best total of his career. Suh’s 12-tackle game against New England this year was legendary. Winters will have his hands full.

–Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill vs. Jets pass defense. New York is ranked last in the NFL in pass defense, allowing 289 yards per game. Opposing QBs have a 98.6 passer rating, making New York sixth-worst in the NFL. Tannehill should have one-on-one opportunities on the outside if the Jets play lots of eight-man fronts, which is likely. It’s important for Tannehill to take advantage of these opportunities, even with Jets CB Darrelle Revis on the field, and it’s important for the WRs to catch the ball.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Dolphins RB Jay Ajayi. Coming off back-to-back 200-yard games, Ajayi carries the hopes of the team — literally. Ajayi’s bruising running style is conducive to the physical style of the offensive line and keeps pressure off QB Ryan Tannehill. It may be a bit much to think Ajayi will rush for 200 yards again this week, but a steady, clock-chewing, chain-moving running game could go a long way toward securing a victory against the Jets and their run-stuffing defense.

FAST FACTS: Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed merely 47.1 percent (16-for-34) in Week 8, his second game this season with at least 30 pass attempts and a completion percentage less than 50 percent. Fitzpatrick’s 56.1 completion percentage is the lowest in the NFL among qualifying QB’s. … When Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill hit WR Kenny Stills for a 66-yard TD pass touchdown pass in the fourth quarter in Week 7, it snapped a streak of 97 pass attempts without a scoring pass, third-longest drought in his career. Tannehill has only seven TD passes this season, tied with Fitzpatrick for the fourth-fewest among QBs with 200 pass attempts.

INJURY REPORT: New York Jets — Out: LB Bruce Carter (quadricep), TE Kellen Davis (elbow), LB Darron Lee (ankle). Doubtful: C Nick Mangold (ankle), T Brent Qvale (neck). Questionable: T Ryan Clady (shoulder), T Breno Giacomini (shoulder), T Brandon Shell (shoulder), DE Muhammad Wilkerson (ankle). Miami — Out: TE Jordan Cameron (concussion), CB Xavien Howard (knee), TE Dion Sims (concussion). Questionable: S Isa Abdul-Quddus (ankle), T Jermon Bushrod (shoulder), WR DeVante Parker (hamstring), T Laremy Tunsil (abdomen).

PREDICTION: In the era of NFL shootouts, this game is expected to be decided by the team with the better infantry. The Jets have won eight of their 10 road games at Miami since 2006, including the last four.

OUR PICK: Jets, 24-21.

–Frank Cooney

Detroit Lions (4-4) at Minnesota Vikings (5-2)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, U.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis. TV: FOX, Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin.

SERIES HISTORY: 110th regular-season meeting. Vikings lead series, 71-36-2. Vikings are 39-14-1 at home against Detroit heading into the first meeting at new U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings won both meetings last season, 28-19 at Detroit and 26-16 at home. The Vikings are 3-2 against the Lions in their last five home meetings after having won 13 straight at home against them.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: Two weeks ago, the Vikings were the NFL’s last unbeaten team at 5-0. QB Sam Bradford, who arrived via trade eight days before the season opener, was 4-0 on an injury-riddled, Norv Turner-led offense that was turnover-free and playing the perfect complementary role to Mike Zimmer’s dominating defense. Now the Vikings are riding a two-game losing streak and Turner resigned Wednesday, allegedly surprising coach Mike Zimmer. Scratch that midseason vote for Turner as the NFL’s top assistant coach.

Pat Shurmur, who worked with Bradford at St. Louis and Philadelphia, will call the offensive plays. He must call quicker-tempo passes and provide more help for his overmatched tackles.

The Lions have seen slow but steady improvement on their offensive line this year, particularly from left tackle Taylor Decker, but they need an A-plus effort from their front this week against the Vikings’ stingy defense.

Last year, QB Matthew Stafford was sacked eight times in two games against the Vikings and needed X-rays after being thrown around so much.

The Vikings need to shut down the run like they were doing before last week’s trip to Chicago, where they gave up a 69-yard run to Jordan Howard on the Bears’ third snap.

If Shurmur can strike more quickly and perhaps establish some sort of running game, that will help an offense that has allowed 11 sacks and 22 additional QB hits the past two weeks.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Lions WR Marvin Jones vs. Vikings CB Xavier Rhodes. Jones is a decent-sized receiver at 6-foot-2, 198 pounds. But he will look like a child compared to Calvin Johnson, the player Rhodes shadowed three times vs. the Lions. A long-framed DB, Rhodes grew into that shutdown corner the Vikings needed to shadow Johnson. Jones is about three inches shorter and roughly 40 pounds lighter than the departed Megatron, but the former Bengal was a deep threat in his first year with the Lions. His 18.2-yard average — seventh-best in the NFL — makes him the prime candidate for Rhodes to shadow. Jones has 36 catches and four touchdowns, including a 73-yarder. Rhodes did well against the Bears’ Alshon Jeffery on Monday, but he gave up a 34-yard completion on third-and-5.

–Vikings LT Jake Long and RT T.J. Clemmings vs. Lions DEs Ezekiel Ansah and Devin Taylor. Long and Clemmings have been the primary concern in Vikings circles during the two-game losing streak. Injuries landed starters Matt Kalil and Andre Smith on injured reserve, leading to Long being signed and starting his first game at Chicago on Monday night. That moved Clemmings back to the right side, where he should be more comfortable. But he was beaten multiple times at Chicago. Long is trying to get up to speed after playing only 11 snaps all last season. Ansah had big games while facing LT Kalil in past meetings, but has no sacks this year and missed three games earlier this season. Taylor has 3.5 sacks and could find some success if left alone against Clemmings.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Lions TE Eric Ebron. After a rollercoaster ride in his first three seasons, Ebron appears to be on the right track. He battled injuries all three years. But midway through his third season, the 23-year-old seems to be one of the Lions’ most effective offensive weapons. Ebron caught a career-high seven passes for 79 yards last week against the Texans and has 25 catches in five games. As good as the Vikings’ defense is, Ebron will be an important part of the Lions’ game plan.

FAST FACTS: Lions QB Matthew Stafford has nine TD passes, zero interceptions and a 115.0 rating in his last four games. Stafford has guided Detroit on four game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime this season, matching Eli Manning for the most by any quarterback. He passed for 256 yards and two TDs in the last meeting vs. the Vikes. … Minnesota RB Matt Asiata led the team with 42 yards rushing last week, averaging 3.0 yards on 14 carries. The Vikings are averaging only 2.66 yards per rush, on track for the lowest average of any NFL offense since the 1953 New York Giants managed only 2.64.

INJURY REPORT: Detroit — Out: LB DeAndre Levy (knee, quadricep). Questionable: DE Ezekiel Ansah (ankle), CB Adairius Barnes (hamstring), T Taylor Decker (ribs), DT Haloti Ngata (shoulder), T Riley Reiff (illness), RB Theo Riddick (ankle), CB Darius Slay (hamstring). Minnesota — Out: G Alex Boone (concussion, shoulder, knee), DT Sharrif Floyd (knee), LB Eric Kendricks (concussion), G Zac Kerin (hand). Questionable: DT Tom Johnson (concussion), RB Jerick McKinnon (ankle), S Andrew Sendejo (ankle).

PREDICTION: Minnesota has lost just two of the last 18 home games against the Lions since 1998 but may be in for a test Sunday. A feeling of desperation may play in the Vikings’ favor with the help of a home crowd in their new stadium.

OUR PICK: Vikings, 28-21.

–Frank Cooney

Philadelphia Eagles (4-3) at New York Giants (4-3)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. TV: FOX, Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews.

SERIES HISTORY: 163rd regular-season meeting. Giants lead series, 82-78-2. The Giants are 1-5 against the Eagles at home and have lost 11 of the last 14 dating to 2009. The Giants also have been swept in the season series by the Eagles the last two years. The two teams have met four times in the postseason, with that series split 2-2.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: After posting a 103.5 passer rating over the Eagles’ first four games, rookie QB Carson Wentz has dropped to a 76.4 mark in the team’s last three contests.

In the last two games, Wentz has completed 48 passes for 340 yards, an average of only 7.1 yards per completion. Wentz was sacked four times in Philadelphia’s four victories, compared to 11 in three defeats.

With the notable exception of slot receiver Jordan Matthews, who leads the team in just about every pertinent pass-catching category, the Eagles have realized little from their wide receivers.

Looking at the other side of Sunday’s matchups, the Eagles have blitzed on more than 30 percent of pass plays in the last two games, but that likely will change Sunday against the Giants.

Giants QB Eli Manning is a difficult guy to blitz because he gets the ball out so quickly. The Eagles want to shut down the Giants’ ground game and force Manning to throw the ball.

Manning is averaging 333.6 yards per game and has 10 TD passes in past five home games.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Eagles LT Jason Peters vs. Giants DE Olivier Vernon. Vernon, signed during the offseason to beef up the Giants’ pass rush, has just one sack and seven hurries. Eight-time Pro Bowler Peters is having a solid season at age 34.

–Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. and WR Victor Cruz vs. Eagles CBs Nolan Carroll and Leodis McKelvin. Beckham and Cruz have been targeted a combined 111 times but have just 64 catches. Carroll gave up a game-tying 22-yard TD catch to Dez Bryant Sunday night in Dallas.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Giants RB Paul Perkins. With the running game struggling, coach Ben McAdoo has not ruled out giving the fifth-round rookie more touches. He is averaging 3.9 yards on only 10 carries. The Giants may want to see him more often against an Eagles run defense that is yielding 114.7 rushing yards per game. Besides potentially adding a spark to the running game, the versatile Perkins can also be effective as a receiver out of the backfield. He has six receptions for 105 yards, including a long of 67 yards — the second longest catch by a Giants receiving target this season.

FAST FACTS: Eagles WR/KR Josh Huff was cited Tuesday in New Jersey for speeding and police found an unlicensed 9mm handgun, six hollow-point bullets and a small amount of marijuana in his car. Huff is licensed to carry the gun in his home state of Texas, but not in New Jersey. There is a hearing next week, but coach Doug Pederson plans no disciplinary action “right now.” … Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr. has 630 receiving yards this season. More than half — 343 yards — have come in home games against the Redskins and Ravens. Beckham is averaging 143 yards per game at MetLife Stadium and 50.3 on the road (the Giants’ London game was considered a road game). The Eagles limited Beckham to 115 yards in two games in the 2015 season.

INJURY REPORT: Philadelphia — Out: G Allen Barbre (hamstring), LB Kamu Grugier-Hill (hamstring). Questionable: DT Taylor Hart (ankle), DT Bennie Logan (groin). New York — Out: S Darian Thompson (foot), DE Kerry Wynn (concussion). Questionable: S Nat Berhe (concussion), QB Ryan Nassib (right elbow), T Marshall Newhouse (calf), RB Bobby Rainey (calf).

PREDICTION: In regular-season and playoff games between the Eagles and Giants since December 2006, the Eagles are 15-1 when scoring 17 points or more and 0-5 when held under 17 points. Neither offense has been impressive lately, however. Last month, Philadelphia averaged an NFL-low 278.8 yards per game, while the Giants ranked 28th at 306.8. We expect the Giants and Beckham to improve their numbers Sunday.

OUR PICK: Giants, 34-21.

–Frank Cooney

Carolina Panthers (2-5) at Los Angeles Rams (3-4)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Los Angeles. TV: FOX, Kevin Burkhardt, John Lynch, Pam Oliver.

SERIES HISTORY: 21st regular-season meeting. Panthers lead series, 11-8. Carolina has won five of the past six meetings, including a 29-23 double-overtime win at St. Louis in the 2003 playoffs.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: Nothing really changes for the Rams relative to game plans, this week included. They need to establish a running game with Todd Gurley, take some chances downfield with play-action pass, avoid too many penalties and turnovers and then put the game in the hands of their defense. The trick is putting all those components together over a 60-minute game rather than in spurts as they have done all season.

The Rams’ 30th-ranked offense doesn’t do anything all that well, but they do have the 2015 Rookie of the Year, RB Todd Gurley. The problem for Los Angeles is teams load the box since they aren’t scared of QB Case Keenum. Gurley’s 134 carries are the eighth-most in the league, but his 57.6 rushing yards per game ranks 26th. While the Panthers have one of the NFL’s weakest secondaries, Keenum doesn’t pose much of a threat. So the defense’s focus will be on shutting down Gurley, something the NFL’s third-best rush defense should be able to do.

The Rams have one of the league’s best front sevens, but that hasn’t translated into many sacks this season. Their 10 sacks tie the Saints at No. 29. DT Aaron Donald and DE Robert Quinn are more than capable of wreaking all sorts of havoc, though. The Panthers need to keep them off QB Cam Newton, who had a talk with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell this week about officials better protecting him from illegal hits. If he has time, Newton should be able to do some damage against a middle-of-the-pack pass defense, which will also open up room for RB Jonathan Stewart to impose his will on the ground.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Panthers C Ryan Kalil vs. Rams DT Aaron Donald. Kalil suffered a sprained shoulder in Week 8 and his status for Sunday is up in the air, but there’s a good chance the L.A. native will find a way to play in his homecoming. He will have his hands full with Donald, who leads the NFL with 19 quarterback hurries.

–Rams WR Tavon Austin vs. Panthers CB Leonard Johnson. Austin leads Los Angeles with 36 receptions. In his first game since offseason Achilles surgery, Johnson provided the Panthers with a big spark in the slot while playing his most snaps since 2013.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Rams WR Pharoh Cooper. Slowly but surely Cooper is working his way into better health and the opportunity to be a factor in the Rams’ passing game. The rookie from South Carolina began the season with a shoulder injury, but he is completely healthy now, and the Rams are incorporating him more into the offense during practice. This could be the week they give him a legitimate chance to make some plays with his dynamic athletic ability in the slot.

FAST FACTS: Panthers QB Cam Newton has 14 passing TDs and three interceptions in his past six road games. He completed 15 of 17 passes and threw for a TD in the last meeting. … Carolina RB Jonathan Stewart rushed for 95 yards and two scores in Week 8, the second straight week he ran for two touchdowns. … Carolina DT Star Lotulelei had a career-high three sacks last week as the Panthers notched eight. … Rams RB Todd Gurley has scored four TDs in the past five home games. … Rams DT Aaron Donald has three sacks and a forced fumble in the past four games. Since 2014, he leads NFL DTs with 23 sacks.

INJURY REPORT: Carolina — Out: DT Vernon Butler (ankle), T Michael Oher (concussion), LB Shaq Thompson (knee). Questionable: DE Mario Addison (groin), C Ryan Kalil (shoulder), LB Luke Kuechly (groin), CB Daryl Worley (elbow). Los Angeles — Out: WR Nelson Spruce (calf). Questionable: DT Michael Brockers (groin), G Jamon Brown (hand), DE William Hayes (ankle), CB Trumaine Johnson (ankle).

PREDICTION: The Panthers finally don’t have to contend with a high-flying offense on the road. After losing shootouts in Atlanta and New Orleans over the last month, Newton and crew should be able to follow up their win over Arizona with another victory against an NFC West foe.

OUR PICK: Panthers, 24-16.

–Chris Cluff

New Orleans Saints (3-4) at San Francisco 49ers (1-6)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara, Calif. TV: FOX, Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale.
SERIES HISTORY: 75th regular-season meeting. 49ers lead series 47-25-2. Since dropping 11 of 12 matchups with their old NFC West rivals from 1993 to 1999, the Saints have been very competitive when it comes to their series with the 49ers. New Orleans has claimed 10 of the last 14 meetings — including six in a row from 2002 to 2010 — since realignment split the two clubs up. The 49ers, however, have managed to win two of the last three games, with each played at the Superdome from 2012 to 2014. The 49ers also won the only postseason matchup, 36-32 in a 2011 NFC Divisional playoff game at Candlestick Park.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: While the Saints lead the NFL with 326.9 passing yards per game, they’ve worked the past few weeks to balance that aspect of the game with the running game. It paid off last Sunday with a season-high 123 yards in a win over the Seattle Seahawks and their rugged run defense, and it could be a factor this week against San Francisco.

The Saints, who are up to 24th in the league with 88.1 yards per game, will certainly want to run the ball against the 49ers’ 32nd-ranked run defense, which allows a whopping 185.1 yards per game. Naturally, the Saints will take their shots with the pass even though the 49ers are seventh in allowing just 222.4 yards a game through the air. But establishing the running game early will be a key.

Defensively, the Saints have been coming on and have allowed just 33 points in their last two games (Kansas City and Seattle each returned a takeaway for a touchdown) and have kept the yardage total down in giving up 326 and 359 yards in those outings.

Because the 49ers have been good at running the ball and rank fourth in the league with 128.6 yards per game, the Saints will have to be wary of the mobility of Colin Kaepernick. If they can keep Carlos Hyde and Kaepernick under control, the Saints could be in good shape because the 49ers are last with 161.4 passing yards per game and are also last in total yards (290).

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–49ers QB Colin Kaepernick vs. Saints front seven. The Saints have played the run well at times, especially in last Sunday’s game with the Seattle Seahawks when they gave up just three yards on the ground in the first half. They also did a decent job on Russell Wilson, who was limited somewhat by his injuries early in the season. This week, they get to go against Kaepernick, who is a bigger threat and is averaging 8.8 yards a carry while rushing for 66 and 84 yards in the two games since he regained his starting job.

–Saints RBs Tim Hightower and Mark Ingram vs. 49ers front seven. The 49ers are last in the NFL in allowing 185.1 rushing yards per game, which is good news for the Saints. Hightower is coming off a 102-yard game in which he replaced Ingram after his second fumble in two games, and Saints coach Sean Payton said Hightower could get more carries after making some tough yards against Seattle’s rugged run defense. Ingram and backups Daniel Lasco and Travaris Cadet could get some chances as well.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Saints LB Nate Stupar. Signed to primarily be a backup and play on special teams, Stupar has started four of the first seven games. He ranks sixth on the team with 35 tackles and came up with the first interception of his five-year career last Sunday in a 25-20 victory against the Seattle Seahawks. The takeaway led directly to a momentum-building touchdown just seconds before halftime. A seventh-round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in 2012, Stupar also has a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two passes defensed and has recorded five special teams tackles.

INJURY REPORT: New Orleans — Out: LB Dannell Ellerbe (quadricep), RB Daniel Lasco (hamstring), LB James Laurinaitis (quadricep). Questionable: LB Stephone Anthony (hamstring), T Terron Armstead (knee), CB Delvin Breaux (fibula), WR Jake Lampman (knee), CB Sterling Moore (abdomen). San Francisco — Out: LB Aaron Lynch (ankle), CB Rashard Robinson (knee). Questionable: RB Carlos Hyde (shoulder).

FAST FACTS: Saints K Wil Lutz, who booted a 53-yard field goal in going 4-for-4 against the Seahawks, was named NFC Special Teams Player of the Week. It was the second time Lutz has been recognized this season. … Saints WR Brandin Cooks has caught a TD pass in three straight games. He caught five passes for 90 yards and a score in the last meeting. … Saints DE Cameron Jordan has three sacks in the past four road games and has recorded a sack in the past two contests vs. the 49ers. … 49ers RB Carlos Hyde has scored six times in his past six games and has a three-game road streak with rushing touchdowns. … 49ers LB Ahmad Brooks has 4.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions in four games vs. the Saints.

PREDICTION: The Saints gained a lot of confidence by beating NFC West power Seattle with their running game and now face a lesser West foe. The newfound running game should flourish against the 49ers’ weak defense, allowing Drew Brees to score on play action.

OUR PICK: Saints, 34-17.

–Chris Cluff

Indianapolis Colts (3-5) at Green Bay Packers (4-3)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wis. TV: CBS, Jim Nantz, Phil Simms, Tracy Wolfson.

SERIES HISTORY: 43rd regular-season meeting. Colts lead series 21-20-1. The Colts have won two of the last three games between the interconference opponents going back to 2004, but both victories came at Indianapolis. The Packers have won the last three meetings in Wisconsin, including once at Milwaukee in 1991 and twice at Lambeau Field in Green Bay in 2000 and ’08. The Colts’ last road win was in 1988 at Lambeau. The teams’ only postseason encounter resulted in a 13-10 Packers overtime win at Green Bay in the 1965 Western Conference Championship when the Colts were in Baltimore.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Packers are smarting from a 33-32 loss in the last minute at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Fortunately for Green Bay, however, a return to Lambeau Field this weekend against a struggling Indianapolis Colts team could mean a nice bounce-back performance.

As the Packers reach the midway point of the season, Aaron Rodgers is finally flourishing, even in the midst of a slew of personnel and schematic changes brought on by losing top running backs Eddie Lacy and James Starks and starting receiver Randall Cobb and versatile wideout Ty Montgomery. Rodgers has thrown the football a lot — 94 times the last two games — but he has completed 71 percent of those passes for 572 yards and seven touchdowns without an interception. With Starks’ status up in the air with his surgically repaired knee, the liberal passing should continue for Rodgers on Sunday. After all, the Colts rank second from the bottom among the NFL’s 32 teams by allowing an average of 288 passing yards per game.

A week after Rodgers and the Packers fell just short in their shootout with Matt Ryan and the Falcons, the throwing expertise of Andrew Luck could keep Indianapolis in the game if the points keep piling up. Green Bay continues to deal with injury issues at cornerback, and its absence of an effective pass rush in recent weeks might allow a heavily sacked Luck to have the time to carve up the back end of the defense, particularly with game-breaking receiver T.Y. Hilton. Green Bay must find a way to dominate a dismal Colts offensive line and keep Luck from getting in a rhythm with Hilton, who has three games with more than 130 receiving yards this season.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Packers pass rush vs. Colts offensive line. Green Bay defensive coordinator Dom Capers has purposely eased up on blitzing opponents the last three games because he has been skittish about having the team’s injury-marred cornerback group get burned on quick throws out of the pocket. The Packers have only five sacks in those games after starting the season with 14 sacks in four outings. Perhaps Capers will get bolder Sunday, considering how porous Indianapolis is up front. Colts quarterback Andrew Luck has been sacked an NFL-high 31 times. The Packers’ pedestrian pass rush could receive a lift if outside linebacker Clay Matthews is able to play after missing a second game this season last Sunday at Atlanta because of a hamstring injury.

–Packers pass catchers vs. Colts secondary. An already suspect pass defense for Indianapolis could be in dire straits if top cornerback Vontae Davis doesn’t play. The former first-round draft pick sustained a concussion in the Colts’ home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Without the playmaking Davis, the Colts would be overmatched at every coverage position on the boundary and in the slot. The advantage would further be with the Packers against the league’s 31st-ranked pass defense should Randall Cobb and Ty Montgomery get the OK to play Sunday after the speedy receivers missed the last game because of a hamstring injury and illness. The Packers already have the league’s hottest wideout with Davante Adams, who has 25 catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns the last two games, and don’t forget about No. 1 receiver Jordy Nelson, who has a team-high six touchdown receptions.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Colts LB Edwin Jackson. Made his first NFL start in last week’s loss to Kansas City, coming up with four tackles, a sack and a quarterback hit. Jackson seems to have found a home with the Colts. After beginning his NFL career as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals last season, the former Georgia Southern linebacker was added to the Indianapolis practice squad in December. He spent the final three weeks of the season on the practice squad. Jackson had a good training camp and impressed the defensive coaching staff enough to earn a spot in the team’s inside linebacker rotation.

INJURY REPORT: Indianapolis — Out: S Mike Adams (groin), LB Chris Carter (hamstring), DE Kendall Langford (knee), G Jack Mewhort (tricep), T Joe Reitz (concussion). Questionable: TE Dwayne Allen (ankle), DT Henry Anderson (knee), CB Vontae Davis (concussion), G Denzelle Good (knee), LB Curt Maggitt (ankle). Green Bay — Out: TE Jared Cook (ankle), CB Damarious Randall (groin), RB James Starks (knee), C J.C. Tretter (knee). Questionable: WR Randall Cobb (hamstring), CB Demetri Goodson (concussion), LB Clay Matthews (hamstring), CB Quinten Rollins (groin).

FAST FACTS: Colts K Adam Vinatieri has a career 1-4 record against the Packers. Vinatieri has made 5 of 7 field goal attempts vs. Green Bay. He has never made a successful field goal attempt at Lambeau Field, going 0-for-1. … The Packers play their only home game in November on Sunday. They then have three straight road games to end the month. Their next game at Lambeau Field won’t be until Dec. 4 against the Houston Texans. … Packers WR Davante Adams set a team record with 25 catches the past two games. Adams also is the first player in team history to have at least 12 catches in back-to-back games. … The Indianapolis defense has allowed at least 20 points in eight games this season. The last time that occurred was in 2011, and it’s the second time in the past 35 years.

PREDICTION: For the second straight week, the Packers are staring at a classic shootout between two gunslinging passers. But this one is at home against a team giving up a lot of points.

OUR PICK: Packers, 34-31.

–Chris Cluff

Tennessee Titans (4-4) at San Diego Chargers (3-5)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego. TV: CBS, Kevin Harlan, Dan Fouts, Scott Kaplan.

SERIES HISTORY: 41st meeting. The Chargers lead the series, 25-14-1. The names have changed but these rivals go way back, to the AFL’s first season in 1960. The then-Houston Oilers defeated the then-Los Angeles Chargers, 38-28. The last matchup came at Tennessee when the Chargers fell 20-17 in 2013. That snapped a nine-game winning streak the Chargers had over the Oilers. Among the most painful losses in this series for the Chargers was in the 1979 playoffs when Oilers quarterback Dan Pastorini was injured but the Chargers couldn’t overcome quarterback Dan Fouts’ five interceptions in a 17-14 upset loss at home.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: Both the Titans and Chargers saw games get away from them in the fourth quarter this season. It is a major reason the Titans are just 4-4 and the Chargers sit at 3-5. That said, the team that plays its game and finishes late in the contest could be the one that comes out on top.

The Titans are good at stopping the run, the best thing their defense does. So that might mitigate one of the Chargers’ biggest weapons in running back Melvin Gordon. Tennessee can be had in the passing game, and that’s fine with Philip Rivers.

The Chargers are still smarting, of course, from throwing it four straight times on the goal line late in Sunday’s loss. But that’s the strength of the team and the Chargers won’t be shy about putting the game in Rivers’ hands once again. After being pestered by the Broncos’ defense, Rivers could have more time and will be able to do more damage against a secondary that has some blemishes, especially on deep routes.

The Titans aren’t dynamic on offense and could be demoralized if the Chargers break out to a quick lead and they are forced to play catch-up.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Chargers DE Joey Bosa vs. Titans OTs Taylor Lewan and Jack Conklin. Both Lewan (Michigan) and Conklin (Michigan State) have faced Bosa (Ohio State) before in the Big Ten, but familiarity alone won’t get the job done. The Chargers like to move Bosa around on the line and pick their spots, so both Titans tackles, who have been among the top-graded players in the league, will have to beware of what the Chargers are trying to do with their star rookie.

–Chargers TE Antonio Gates vs. Titans safeties. At age 36, Gates is more of a specialist now than he was in his prime. However, he is still dangerous, and the Titans haven’t exactly been great at stopping opposing tight ends over the years. Whether it is Rashad Johnson, Da’Norris Searcy, Kevin Byard or Daimion Stafford, someone will have to account for Gates.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Chargers LB Jatavis Brown. With starter Denzel Perryman dealing with a chronic shoulder injury, Brown has seen his snaps increase. Brown, a fifth-round pick, could get the start on Sunday. Brown has been productive as he has been thrust into a bigger role to fill in for Perryman and Manti Te’o.

INJURY REPORT: Tennessee — Out: G Quinton Spain (knee). Questionable: S Rashad Johnson (neck), TE Delanie Walker (groin), LB Aaron Wallace (shoulder). San Diego — Out: LB Jatavis Brown (knee), TE Hunter Henry (knee), CB Craig Mager (concussion). Doubtful: S Jahleel Addae (collarbone), LB Jeremiah Attaochu (ankle), LB Denzel Perryman (hamstring). Questionable: WR Travis Benjamin (knee), Tyrell Williams (knee).

FAST FACTS: Titans WR Andre Johnson retired this week as the NFL’s ninth-leading receiver of all time, with 1,062 catches. He also ranks 10th in receiving yards, with 14,185. … Titans RB DeMarco Murray is second in the NFL with 756 rushing yards. He has recorded 100 rushing yards or a rushing touchdown in six straight games. … Titans S Jason McCourty led the team with 11 tackles last week. He is tied for second in the NFL with 11 passes defensed. … Chargers QB Philip Rivers completed 20 of 24 passes with a TD in the last meeting. … Chargers RB Melvin Gordon has 276 scrimmage yards (179 rushing) and three TDs in the last two games. He leads the NFL with 10 TDs (eight rushing).

PREDICTION: The Chargers probably won’t be able to run against the Titans, who should be able to use their offensive balance to come away with the road win.

OUR PICK: Titans, 23-21.

–Chris Cluff

Denver Broncos (6-2) at Oakland Raiders (6-2)

KICKOFF: Sunday, 8:30 p.m. ET, O.Co Coliseum, Oakland, Calif. TV: NBC, Al Michaels, Cris Collinsworth, Michele Tafoya.

SERIES HISTORY: 112th regular-season meeting. Raiders lead series, 60-49-2. Broncos have won eight of the last nine. Most historic meeting between these two teams was on Jan. 1, 1978, when the Broncos defeated the defending champion Raiders 20-17 to win their first AFC championship.

GAMEDATE: 11/6/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Broncos have been able to reach 6-2 despite having the league’s worst first-quarter scoring margin — mainly because they are the league’s best fourth-quarter team, racking up a plus-67 tally that is 31 points better than the No. 2 team (Kansas City). If they start slowly and fall behind by multiple scores, as they did in losses to Atlanta and San Diego, they will be forced into pass-first mode. That would open the door for Khalil Mack to cause the same havoc he did last year, when he notched five sacks in the Raiders’ 15-12 win at Denver. But if the Broncos can stay within one score and can maintain offensive balance, their play-action game should be effective, and they should be able to keep pace with the Raiders’ explosive offense.

As much as Raider fans want the wild, wild West, expect the Raiders to play this one pretty close to the vest offensively. They’ll count on Derek Carr to not turn the ball over, avoid sacks and be judicious with his shots to Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree.

Defensively, the Raiders will look to cut off the Denver run and force Trevor Siemian to beat them through the air. It could be a low-scoring game similar to both last season (16-10 for the Broncos, 15-12 for the Raiders), with the field goal kickers deciding things.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Broncos OTs Donald Stephenson and Russell Okung vs. Raiders DE Khalil Mack. Mack blistered the Broncos for five sacks at Denver last December, a total that matches his half-season tally a year later. Four of the sacks came at the expense of Michael Schofield, who played right tackle last year but moved inside to right guard this season. Stephenson struggled in his return to the starting lineup against San Diego in Week 6, but has played better the last two games.

–Raiders QB Derek Carr vs. Broncos pass rush. In the past two years, Carr has been sacked once every 23.4 pass plays; but, against the Broncos, that rate spikes to once every 10.7 pass plays. Denver’s pressure also forces Carr to deliver the football sooner than he’d like, settling for more short passes, which holds down his yardage per attempt — 5.65 yards against the Broncos the last two seasons compared to 7.28 against all other opponents. With a full complement of edge rushers, Denver will try to disrupt Carr’s timing and force him into errant throws like the one he made late in their October 2015 meeting at Oakland that resulted in a Chris Harris Jr. pick-six.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Broncos CB Bradley Roby. He stepped into every-down work last Sunday when Aqib Talib sat out because of a lower-back issue and played so well that he earned AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors. Roby stepped in front of a Philip Rivers pass and returned it 49 yards for the touchdown that put the Broncos in front to stay, but it’s his abilities in man-to-man coverage that leave the Broncos able to withstand a Talib absence — and able to move their safeties around at will when they have their top three cornerbacks healthy.

FAST FACTS: First place in the AFC West is at stake as Denver’s No. 1 pass defense (183.9 yards per game) goes against Oakland’s high-powered pass offense, which leads the AFC (285.1 per game). … Denver LB Von Miller ranks second in the NFL with 8.5 sacks and aims for his fourth game in a row against Oakland with a sack. … Oakland QB Derek Carr passed for 513 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in the Raiders’ 30-24 overtime win at Tampa Bay last week. He is the third quarterback in NFL history to pass for at least 500 yards and four touchdowns without an interception.

PREDICTION: The Raiders are turning into a serious threat in the AFC West, and quarterback play should be the difference in this one, especially with the Broncos’ defense ailing. Carr should trump Siemian.

OUR PICK: Raiders, 20-16.

–Chris Cluff

Buffalo Bills (4-4) at Seattle Seahawks (4-2-1)

KICKOFF: Monday, 8:30 p.m. ET, CenturyLink Field, Seattle. TV: ESPN, Sean McDonough, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters.

SERIES HISTORY: 13th regular-season meeting. Seahawks lead series, 7-5. The Bills haven’t played in Seattle since 2004, and they were 38-6 winners. In the last meeting (2012), the game was played in Toronto as part of the defunct Bills Toronto Series, which had Buffalo playing one home game per season at Rogers Centre. The Seahawks embarrassed the Bills 50-17. The first meeting ever occurred in 1977, a 56-17 Seattle blowout that happened to be the final game O.J. Simpson played for the Bills.

GAMEDATE: 11/7/16

KEYS TO THE GAME: The Bills lead the NFL in sacks per pass attempt, as their pass rush has been exponentially more effective than it was in 2015. The Bills have 26 sacks in eight games after managing only 21 in 2015. Seattle’s offensive line is considered a weak spot on a very good team, and quarterback Russell Wilson continues to be hampered by ankle and knee injuries, so his escape-ability is compromised. If the Bills can generate pressure, they may be able to force a couple turnovers, something they absolutely must do to win in Seattle.

Offensively, the Bills have a major task in front of them playing in one of the most difficult venues in the league. Seattle has one of the best secondaries in the NFL — led by Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor. The Bills, even if Percy Harvin is active and plays, have one of the worst groups of wide receivers in the NFL. Seattle likely will stack the box looking to stop Buffalo’s running game; and, if it succeeds, the Bills have to get something from their wideouts or else they may not score in double digits.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH:

–Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham vs. Bills LB Zach Brown. Graham’s 442 receiving yards rank third among tight ends in the NFL behind Greg Olson and Rob Gronkowski. The Bills got torched by Gronkowski for 109 yards and a touchdown last week, and one of the issues is that he’s such a bad physical matchup. Brown needs to be more involved on Graham, and with his size and speed, he should be able to at least slow him down.

–Bills QB Tyrod Taylor vs. Seahawks linebackers. Buffalo’s receiving corps is painfully weak and, going against this Seattle secondary, it’s hard to imagine anyone is going to be open for Taylor. He’s going to have to be extremely efficient when he tries to pass; but, perhaps just as important, he might have to rely on his scrambling to make big plays in the passing game. In that case, he’ll have to beat athletic, three-down linebackers Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright when he breaks contain.

PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Bills CB Ronald Darby. His running mate across the field, Stephon Gilmore, has been an up-and-down player all season, but Darby, in his second season with the Bills, has been rock solid. Darby has been in on 35 tackles and he has eight pass breakups, and in recent weeks it looks as if teams are avoiding him and actually going at Gilmore, Buffalo’s alleged No. 1 corner. Darby, a second-round pick in 2015, had a great rookie season, as his 21 pass breakups were fifth in the NFL, and were only three off the team record for a Bills corner set in 1991 by Nate Odomes.

FAST FACTS: RB LeSean McCoy (hamstring), who might be able to play in Seattle, ranks fifth in the NFL in rushing with 598 yards despite missing a game and a half. … WR Percy Harvin joined the Bills on Tuesday. The Bills will decide late in the week whether he’s ready to play. … Buffalo LB Lorenzo Alexander leads the NFL with a career-high nine sacks. Alexander suffered a hamstring injury against the Patriots and his status will likely be questionable. … Seattle has won seven consecutive Monday night games at home. This season, the Seahawks are 3-0 at CenturyLink Field. Since 2012, Seattle has posted a 34-5 (.872) record at home (including the playoffs).

PREDICTION: With both offenses in disarray, this one shapes up to be a pretty low-scoring affair — unless Russell Wilson dominates the Bills like he did in 2012.

OUR PICK: Seahawks, 24-13.

–Chris Cluff