Minnesota Vikings (6-2) vs. Oakland Raiders (4-4)
Sunday, Nov. 15, 3:05 p.m. CST
O.co Coliseum, Oakland, California
The Vikings just keep finding ways to win. It isn’t pretty, but the W’s are adding up. In Sunday’s grinder against the St. Louis Rams, the Vikes pulled off an overtime win but lost quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to a concussion along the way. Looking at Bridgewater’s stats (149 of 232, six touchdowns, six interceptions), some may think that’s not a big loss. But the only stat that matters is the number of wins. And with Sunday’s victory and Green Bay’s two recent losses, the Vikings are now tied for the lead in the NFC North division.
The Oakland Raiders, while currently in second in the AFC West behind the Denver Broncos, still have possibilities ahead of them with eyes on a wildcard spot. Their offense has performed well with quarterback Derek Carr (174 of 273, 19 touchdowns, four interceptions) and Latavius Murray (630 yards on 132 carries), but Murray’s concussion on Sunday in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers is certainly a concern. One of many.
Expect the Vikings to win in Oakland.
Detroit Lions (1-7) vs. Green Bay Packers (6-2)
Sunday, Nov. 15, noon CST
Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
If the Green Bay Packers ever needed a win to get the swagger back, this is it. And what better team to put a beating on than the hapless Detroit Lions?
After a 6-0 start, the Packers were dealt back-to-back losses against the then-undefeated Denver Broncos and the still-undefeated Carolina Panthers. That’s a tough stretch for any team, even one as talented as Green Bay. But have no doubt, Aaron Rodgers and the Pack will be back in a big way at Lambeau.
As for the Lions, what do you say about a team with one win on the season that is averaging less than 70 rushing yards per game and was spanked by the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday? Four words. Bring back Barry Sanders.
Kansas City Chiefs (4-4) vs. Denver Broncos (7-1)
Sunday, Nov. 15, 3:25 p.m. CST
Sports Authority Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado
This AFC West showdown has resulted in some entertaining games through the years, but the Denver Broncos have had the best of the Kansas City Chiefs recently, winning each of the last three games by a combined score of 84-57. With the Broncos at Mile High on Sunday, we will likely see more of the same.
The Chiefs put on beautiful show on Sunday in a 45-10 win over the Detroit Lions with quarterback Alex Smith nearly flawless, compiling 78 rushing yards and 145 passing yards with two touchdown passes. But that was the Lions.
The previously undefeated Broncos suffered its first loss on Sunday against quarterback Peyton Manning’s former team, the Indianapolis Colts. Manning has not been a shining star this season (188 of 302 with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions), but the rest of the team has carried Denver to victories. With one loss now, the Broncos will either continue to slide or come back with a vengeance. Expect the latter. CV
