Preview: N.Y. Giants at Los Angeles.
When: 9:30 AM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Twickenham Stadium, London
Odell Beckham Jr. finally had a performance to match the headlines and the New York Giants came out of it with a win, though it was not without further controversy. Beckham will take his show across the Atlantic on Sunday, when the Giants face the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium in London.
New York was facing questions about its offense before breaking out in a 27-23 win over Baltimore last week, but Beckham's 222-yard, two-touchdown performance was somewhat marred by the 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he drew for removing his helmet after scoring the go-ahead TD. "We can't have (penalties)," Giants coach Ben McAdoo told reporters. "(Beckham) knows that and he wanted to fire up our kick coverage team and defense. He knows we can't have it. We need to keep our focus on the ballgame." The Rams are coming off back-to-back losses and facing questions about their defense after surrendering a total of 61 points in the setbacks. Defensive end Robert Quinn sat out the last two games with a shoulder injury and was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but Los Angeles is optimistic he can return on Sunday to help the pass rush.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network. LINE: Giants -3 O/U: 44.5
ABOUT THE GIANTS (3-3): Beckham suffered a hip pointer in the win over the Ravens and was able to return to the game and score the final TD, but he has been receiving treatment for the injury this week and sat out practice on Wednesday. Eli Manning threw for 403 yards and three scores last week, but New York's rushing attack was limited to 38 yards on 17 carries despite the return of Rashad Jennings, who missed a month with a thumb injury. Shane Vereen has not played since Week 3 and is on injured reserve with a triceps injury but still leads the Giants with 147 rushing yards.
ABOUT THE RAMS (3-3): Los Angeles' big problem at the beginning of the season was the offense, but quarterback Case Keenum and company have been doing more than enough to win of late. Keenum threw for 321 yards and completed 19 straight passes at one point against Detroit last week, but the defense failed to hold a late lead in a 31-28 loss. The Rams' defense could have a tough time covering Beckham on Sunday if top cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle) is forced to miss a second straight game.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Rams DT Michael Brockers (thigh) did not practice on Wednesday and is day-to-day.
2. New York S Nat Behre (concussion) had to be removed from practice on Wednesday and remains in the league's protocol.
3. Los Angeles RB Todd Gurley averaged a season-high 4.1 yards per carry last week but has yet to record a 100-yard performance.
When: 9:30 AM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Twickenham Stadium, London
Odell Beckham Jr. finally had a performance to match the headlines and the New York Giants came out of it with a win, though it was not without further controversy. Beckham will take his show across the Atlantic on Sunday, when the Giants face the Los Angeles Rams at Twickenham Stadium in London.
New York was facing questions about its offense before breaking out in a 27-23 win over Baltimore last week, but Beckham's 222-yard, two-touchdown performance was somewhat marred by the 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty he drew for removing his helmet after scoring the go-ahead TD. "We can't have (penalties)," Giants coach Ben McAdoo told reporters. "(Beckham) knows that and he wanted to fire up our kick coverage team and defense. He knows we can't have it. We need to keep our focus on the ballgame." The Rams are coming off back-to-back losses and facing questions about their defense after surrendering a total of 61 points in the setbacks. Defensive end Robert Quinn sat out the last two games with a shoulder injury and was a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but Los Angeles is optimistic he can return on Sunday to help the pass rush.
TV: 9:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network. LINE: Giants -3 O/U: 44.5
ABOUT THE GIANTS (3-3): Beckham suffered a hip pointer in the win over the Ravens and was able to return to the game and score the final TD, but he has been receiving treatment for the injury this week and sat out practice on Wednesday. Eli Manning threw for 403 yards and three scores last week, but New York's rushing attack was limited to 38 yards on 17 carries despite the return of Rashad Jennings, who missed a month with a thumb injury. Shane Vereen has not played since Week 3 and is on injured reserve with a triceps injury but still leads the Giants with 147 rushing yards.
ABOUT THE RAMS (3-3): Los Angeles' big problem at the beginning of the season was the offense, but quarterback Case Keenum and company have been doing more than enough to win of late. Keenum threw for 321 yards and completed 19 straight passes at one point against Detroit last week, but the defense failed to hold a late lead in a 31-28 loss. The Rams' defense could have a tough time covering Beckham on Sunday if top cornerback Trumaine Johnson (ankle) is forced to miss a second straight game.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Rams DT Michael Brockers (thigh) did not practice on Wednesday and is day-to-day.
2. New York S Nat Behre (concussion) had to be removed from practice on Wednesday and remains in the league's protocol.
3. Los Angeles RB Todd Gurley averaged a season-high 4.1 yards per carry last week but has yet to record a 100-yard performance.
Preview: Cleveland at Cincinnati.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Desperate to avoid falling too far back in the AFC North playoff chase, the Cincinnati Bengals will face a division opponent they have dominated of late when the Cleveland Browns pay a visit on Sunday. Cincinnati has lost four of five since a season-opening victory and is coming off back-to-back defeats by double-digit margins.
"We're kind of behind right now, with the way this season has gone, and we've got to get it back on track," Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton said in the wake of road losses to Dallas (28-14) and New England (35-17). Cincinnati has met little resistance from the Browns during a three-game winning streak in the series, outscoring its intrastate rivals 98-13. Cleveland features the reigning NBA champions and a baseball team that has advanced to the World Series, but the city's good vibes have not filtered down to its NFL entry. The Browns are the league's only winless team at 0-6 and already have been forced to play five quarterbacks due to injuries.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -10.5 O/U: 44.5
ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-6): Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler, who inherited the starting job following injuries to Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown, threw for 336 yards and a pair of touchdowns in last week's 28-26 loss at Tennessee. Both scoring passes went to converted quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who leads the team with 33 receptions and four touchdowns while also lining up in the backfield and under center. Injuries are also piling up on the other side of the ball. Safety Jordan Poyer was placed on injured reserve with a lacerated kidney while top cornerback Joe Haden (groin) did not practice Thursday.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (2-4): One of the biggest issues for Cincinnati has been its struggles in the end zone, a problem that could be rectified with the potential season debut of tight end Tyler Eifert, who hauled in 13 touchdown passes last season -- three coming in one game versus Cleveland. Dalton has a passer rating of over 100 in each of the last three games, throwing for four touchdowns and zero interceptions, but the running game continues to sputter and is ranked 24th with an average of 89.8 yards per game. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict returned to practice Thursday after he was carted off the field one day earlier.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Dalton had a 142.8 rating with five touchdowns and zero picks in the series sweep of the Browns last season.
2. Another loss will match the Browns' first start since returning to Cleveland in the 1999 season.
3. Bengals WR A.J. Green has six TD receptions in his last six home games, including the postseason.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
Desperate to avoid falling too far back in the AFC North playoff chase, the Cincinnati Bengals will face a division opponent they have dominated of late when the Cleveland Browns pay a visit on Sunday. Cincinnati has lost four of five since a season-opening victory and is coming off back-to-back defeats by double-digit margins.
"We're kind of behind right now, with the way this season has gone, and we've got to get it back on track," Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton said in the wake of road losses to Dallas (28-14) and New England (35-17). Cincinnati has met little resistance from the Browns during a three-game winning streak in the series, outscoring its intrastate rivals 98-13. Cleveland features the reigning NBA champions and a baseball team that has advanced to the World Series, but the city's good vibes have not filtered down to its NFL entry. The Browns are the league's only winless team at 0-6 and already have been forced to play five quarterbacks due to injuries.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bengals -10.5 O/U: 44.5
ABOUT THE BROWNS (0-6): Rookie quarterback Cody Kessler, who inherited the starting job following injuries to Robert Griffin III and Josh McCown, threw for 336 yards and a pair of touchdowns in last week's 28-26 loss at Tennessee. Both scoring passes went to converted quarterback Terrelle Pryor, who leads the team with 33 receptions and four touchdowns while also lining up in the backfield and under center. Injuries are also piling up on the other side of the ball. Safety Jordan Poyer was placed on injured reserve with a lacerated kidney while top cornerback Joe Haden (groin) did not practice Thursday.
ABOUT THE BENGALS (2-4): One of the biggest issues for Cincinnati has been its struggles in the end zone, a problem that could be rectified with the potential season debut of tight end Tyler Eifert, who hauled in 13 touchdown passes last season -- three coming in one game versus Cleveland. Dalton has a passer rating of over 100 in each of the last three games, throwing for four touchdowns and zero interceptions, but the running game continues to sputter and is ranked 24th with an average of 89.8 yards per game. Linebacker Vontaze Burfict returned to practice Thursday after he was carted off the field one day earlier.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Dalton had a 142.8 rating with five touchdowns and zero picks in the series sweep of the Browns last season.
2. Another loss will match the Browns' first start since returning to Cleveland in the 1999 season.
3. Bengals WR A.J. Green has six TD receptions in his last six home games, including the postseason.
Preview: Washington at Detroit.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
The Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions rebounded from early-season missteps to regain their footing in a big way of late. The Redskins vie for their fifth consecutive victory on Sunday when they visit the Detroit Lions, who have won two in a row to even their record.
Michigan-born Kirk Cousins returns to his home state for the first time as an NFL starter, and he does so after finding the end zone twice in a 27-20 victory over Philadelphia last Sunday and eight times during Washington's winning streak. Cousins once again will likely be without tight end Jordan Reed, who was held out of practice on Thursday as he works his way through his fifth diagnosed concussion. While Cousins is at the helm of the league's fifth-ranked scoring offense, Detroit's Matthew Stafford is doing quite nicely in his own right with a 68.9 completion percentage and an NFL third-best 14 touchdowns heading into his 100th career regular-season game. The 28-year-old recorded his 10th four-touchdown performance in a 31-28 victory over Los Angeles last week, but faces a Redskins defense that has surrendered only six touchdown passes this season.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Lions -1. O/U: 49.5
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (4-2): Cousins will look to Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder to exploit Detroit's 23rd-ranked pass defense, although fellow wideout DeSean Jackson's involvement in Sunday's game is in question. Jackson missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday with a sore shoulder, sustained in the second half against the Eagles. "I want to play and I think I'll be able to, so I'll be all right," Jackson said. "It's nothing too serious, but still enough to hold me back from practicing. They're giving me the time I need to get it right, so hopefully I'll be ready for Sunday."
ABOUT THE LIONS (3-3): Wide receiver Marvin Jones has cooled down from his hot start, but still found the end zone in back-to-back weeks despite reeling in just six total receptions for 47 yards. The 26-year-old is expected to see a healthy dose of cornerback Josh Norman on Sunday, so perhaps Stafford will shift his focus toward veteran Anquan Boldin or Golden Tate. The 36-year-old Boldin collected his third touchdown this season last Sunday and has eight scores in his last five encounters with Washington while Tate erupted after a sputtering start to haul in eight catches for 165 yards and a touchdown versus Philadelphia last week.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Washington RB Matt Jones has sandwiched two strong outings around a stinker, highlighted by rushing for a career-high 135 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia.
2. Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah has 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in his last eight home games and two sacks and a forced fumble in his last encounter with the Redskins.
3. Washington LB Su'a Cravens (concussion) was a full participant in practice on Thursday, but is expected to visit an independent doctor prior to being cleared to face Detroit.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Ford Field, Detroit, Michigan
The Washington Redskins and Detroit Lions rebounded from early-season missteps to regain their footing in a big way of late. The Redskins vie for their fifth consecutive victory on Sunday when they visit the Detroit Lions, who have won two in a row to even their record.
Michigan-born Kirk Cousins returns to his home state for the first time as an NFL starter, and he does so after finding the end zone twice in a 27-20 victory over Philadelphia last Sunday and eight times during Washington's winning streak. Cousins once again will likely be without tight end Jordan Reed, who was held out of practice on Thursday as he works his way through his fifth diagnosed concussion. While Cousins is at the helm of the league's fifth-ranked scoring offense, Detroit's Matthew Stafford is doing quite nicely in his own right with a 68.9 completion percentage and an NFL third-best 14 touchdowns heading into his 100th career regular-season game. The 28-year-old recorded his 10th four-touchdown performance in a 31-28 victory over Los Angeles last week, but faces a Redskins defense that has surrendered only six touchdown passes this season.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Lions -1. O/U: 49.5
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (4-2): Cousins will look to Pierre Garcon and Jamison Crowder to exploit Detroit's 23rd-ranked pass defense, although fellow wideout DeSean Jackson's involvement in Sunday's game is in question. Jackson missed practice on both Wednesday and Thursday with a sore shoulder, sustained in the second half against the Eagles. "I want to play and I think I'll be able to, so I'll be all right," Jackson said. "It's nothing too serious, but still enough to hold me back from practicing. They're giving me the time I need to get it right, so hopefully I'll be ready for Sunday."
ABOUT THE LIONS (3-3): Wide receiver Marvin Jones has cooled down from his hot start, but still found the end zone in back-to-back weeks despite reeling in just six total receptions for 47 yards. The 26-year-old is expected to see a healthy dose of cornerback Josh Norman on Sunday, so perhaps Stafford will shift his focus toward veteran Anquan Boldin or Golden Tate. The 36-year-old Boldin collected his third touchdown this season last Sunday and has eight scores in his last five encounters with Washington while Tate erupted after a sputtering start to haul in eight catches for 165 yards and a touchdown versus Philadelphia last week.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Washington RB Matt Jones has sandwiched two strong outings around a stinker, highlighted by rushing for a career-high 135 yards and a touchdown against Philadelphia.
2. Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah has 7.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in his last eight home games and two sacks and a forced fumble in his last encounter with the Redskins.
3. Washington LB Su'a Cravens (concussion) was a full participant in practice on Thursday, but is expected to visit an independent doctor prior to being cleared to face Detroit.
Preview: Oakland at Jacksonville.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
The Oakland Raiders put their perfect road record on the line when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. While struggling at home with losses in two of its three contests, Oakland has won all three of its games on the road - defeating New Orleans, Tennessee and Baltimore by a total of nine points.
The Raiders are coming off a 26-10 setback against visiting Kansas City that prevented them from moving ahead of Denver atop the AFC West. Jacksonville hopes to extend its winning streak to three games after it opened the season with three consecutive losses, including two at home. The Jaguars held off a fourth-quarter rally by Indianapolis in London in Week 4 and, after their bye week, entered the final period against Chicago last Sunday with a 13-point deficit before emerging with a 17-16 victory. Jacksonville holds a 4-3 edge in the all-time series and posted a 38-31 triumph in its last home meeting with Oakland on Dec. 12, 2010.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jaguars -1.5. O/U: 47
ABOUT THE RAIDERS (4-2): The trio of Derek Carr, Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper continue to carry Oakland offensively. The quarterback enters Week 7 tied for fifth in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and has thrown only three interceptions - a league-low among signal-callers with at least 225 passing attempts, Crabtree shares the league lead with five receiving TDs and Cooper is averaging 16.3 yards per catch while ranking fourth with 585 overall. The team's problems have been on the other side of the ball, as it ranks last in total defense (444.8 yards allowed) and 24th in scoring defense (27.2 points).
ABOUT THE JAGUARS (2-3): While Blake Bortles hasn't put up the numbers to match fellow 2014 draft pick Carr, he also has a big-time receiver to target in Allen Robinson. The 23-year-old Robinson has made 15 touchdown catches in his last 17 games and 10 in his last 10 contests at home. Jacksonville has taken a step backward in the scoring department, entering Week 7 ranked 21st (20.2 points) after finishing 14th (23.5) in the league last season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Raiders DE Khalil Mack has registered eight sacks in his last six road games while Cooper is seeking his third straight overall contest with at least 100 receiving yards.
2. Jacksonville DE Yannick Ngakoue is one of two players (Terrell Suggs) in NFL history to record at least four sacks and an interception over the first five games of his career.
3. Oakland's Jack Del Rio is returning to Jacksonville for the first time since being fired as the Jaguars' coach in 2011.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
The Oakland Raiders put their perfect road record on the line when they visit the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. While struggling at home with losses in two of its three contests, Oakland has won all three of its games on the road - defeating New Orleans, Tennessee and Baltimore by a total of nine points.
The Raiders are coming off a 26-10 setback against visiting Kansas City that prevented them from moving ahead of Denver atop the AFC West. Jacksonville hopes to extend its winning streak to three games after it opened the season with three consecutive losses, including two at home. The Jaguars held off a fourth-quarter rally by Indianapolis in London in Week 4 and, after their bye week, entered the final period against Chicago last Sunday with a 13-point deficit before emerging with a 17-16 victory. Jacksonville holds a 4-3 edge in the all-time series and posted a 38-31 triumph in its last home meeting with Oakland on Dec. 12, 2010.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jaguars -1.5. O/U: 47
ABOUT THE RAIDERS (4-2): The trio of Derek Carr, Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper continue to carry Oakland offensively. The quarterback enters Week 7 tied for fifth in the NFL with 12 touchdown passes and has thrown only three interceptions - a league-low among signal-callers with at least 225 passing attempts, Crabtree shares the league lead with five receiving TDs and Cooper is averaging 16.3 yards per catch while ranking fourth with 585 overall. The team's problems have been on the other side of the ball, as it ranks last in total defense (444.8 yards allowed) and 24th in scoring defense (27.2 points).
ABOUT THE JAGUARS (2-3): While Blake Bortles hasn't put up the numbers to match fellow 2014 draft pick Carr, he also has a big-time receiver to target in Allen Robinson. The 23-year-old Robinson has made 15 touchdown catches in his last 17 games and 10 in his last 10 contests at home. Jacksonville has taken a step backward in the scoring department, entering Week 7 ranked 21st (20.2 points) after finishing 14th (23.5) in the league last season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Raiders DE Khalil Mack has registered eight sacks in his last six road games while Cooper is seeking his third straight overall contest with at least 100 receiving yards.
2. Jacksonville DE Yannick Ngakoue is one of two players (Terrell Suggs) in NFL history to record at least four sacks and an interception over the first five games of his career.
3. Oakland's Jack Del Rio is returning to Jacksonville for the first time since being fired as the Jaguars' coach in 2011.
Preview: New Orleans at Kansas City.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
The Kansas City Chiefs looked like a different team coming out of their bye week, and they hope the same dominant squad shows up when they try for a ninth consecutive home win Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are aiming for their third straight victory as they attempt to climb back into the race in the NFC South.
Kansas City turned in a clunker in a 43-14 loss at Pittsburgh in Week 4 but returned after the bye week to post a 26-10 victory at Oakland on Sunday. The Chiefs have been wildly inconsistent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. “What we’re trying to do is not be that yo-yo team that plays great, and then they don’t play too good,” Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson told reporters. “We have a personality, and that’s fear nothing and attack everything. That’s how we should play every game.” The Saints have been on a wild ride of their own with four of their five games decided by three points or fewer, including one- and three-point victories in their last two contests.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Chiefs -6. O/U: 50.5
ABOUT THE SAINTS (2-3): Some things never seem to change in New Orleans, with one being the productivity of Brees and the passing game. New Orleans ranks second in the league in total offense (413.4 yards) and leads the NFL in passing (335.4 yards). Unfortunately for the Saints, the defense has characteristically struggled, allowing 419.4 yards and 33.3 points per contest.
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (3-2): Kansas City’s defense drastically improved after the bye week, as the team gave up a season-low 286 total yards and held Oakland to 65 on the ground. The team’s biggest weakness had been its run defense, but that’s not likely to be a big factor against the Saints’ punchless ground game. The Chiefs’ passing game isn’t especially dynamic, but the running attack took off last week with a season-high 183 yards - including 131 from Spencer Ware.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Chiefs have forced 10 turnovers in their three wins and two in their two losses.
2. New Orleans WR Michael Thomas has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games.
3. Kansas City CB Marcus Peters has made 10 interceptions in his last 12 games, including the playoffs, and has recorded three in his last four home contests.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
The Kansas City Chiefs looked like a different team coming out of their bye week, and they hope the same dominant squad shows up when they try for a ninth consecutive home win Sunday against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are aiming for their third straight victory as they attempt to climb back into the race in the NFC South.
Kansas City turned in a clunker in a 43-14 loss at Pittsburgh in Week 4 but returned after the bye week to post a 26-10 victory at Oakland on Sunday. The Chiefs have been wildly inconsistent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. “What we’re trying to do is not be that yo-yo team that plays great, and then they don’t play too good,” Chiefs linebacker Derrick Johnson told reporters. “We have a personality, and that’s fear nothing and attack everything. That’s how we should play every game.” The Saints have been on a wild ride of their own with four of their five games decided by three points or fewer, including one- and three-point victories in their last two contests.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Chiefs -6. O/U: 50.5
ABOUT THE SAINTS (2-3): Some things never seem to change in New Orleans, with one being the productivity of Brees and the passing game. New Orleans ranks second in the league in total offense (413.4 yards) and leads the NFL in passing (335.4 yards). Unfortunately for the Saints, the defense has characteristically struggled, allowing 419.4 yards and 33.3 points per contest.
ABOUT THE CHIEFS (3-2): Kansas City’s defense drastically improved after the bye week, as the team gave up a season-low 286 total yards and held Oakland to 65 on the ground. The team’s biggest weakness had been its run defense, but that’s not likely to be a big factor against the Saints’ punchless ground game. The Chiefs’ passing game isn’t especially dynamic, but the running attack took off last week with a season-high 183 yards - including 131 from Spencer Ware.
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Chiefs have forced 10 turnovers in their three wins and two in their two losses.
2. New Orleans WR Michael Thomas has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games.
3. Kansas City CB Marcus Peters has made 10 interceptions in his last 12 games, including the playoffs, and has recorded three in his last four home contests.
Preview: Buffalo at Miami.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
The Buffalo Bills have run roughshod over the NFL during their four-game winning streak, but the key cog in the backfield may be held out of Sunday's road contest with the Miami Dolphins. LeSean McCoy (NFL second-best 587 yards, league-high 5.6 yards per carry) sustained a hamstring injury in practice on Wednesday, three days removed from rolling up 140 yards and a career high-tying three touchdowns in Buffalo's 45-16 rout over San Francisco.
"It wasn't like it was full blown or anything like that. But we'll just see," coach Rex Ryan said Thursday of the injury that ESPN's Josina Anderson reported could sideline McCoy for several weeks. "They're giving him treatment and we're hopeful that he'll play Sunday." Mike Gillislee would see an uptick in workload should McCoy be out for Buffalo, which looks to exploit Miami's 31st-ranked rushing defense. On the other side of the ball, Jay Ajayi ran for 204 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday's 30-15 victory over Pittsburgh to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. "You got to keep working. Just continue to build off it," the 23-year-old Ajayi said. "It was good to have a performance like that, but you definitely don’t want to be satisfied."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bills -3. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE BILLS (4-2): Quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw two touchdown passes in each of his last two contests for Buffalo, which is looking to secure its first five-game winning streak since 2004. The Miami native is 2-0 with four touchdowns, no interceptions and a 145.0 QB rating against the Dolphins, but his receiving corps could take a different look on Sunday. Wideout Robert Woods was in a walking boot and missed practice on Thursday to put his availability in jeopardy, while Marquise Goodwin and Justin Hunter would expect to take the majority of snaps at receiver if he cannot play.
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (2-4): Ryan Tannehill enjoyed a rare occurrence last week as the 28-year-old wasn't sacked and was pressured on just six percent of dropbacks versus the Steelers -- a far cry from the 32 percent in his previous five. Tannehill continues to rely on trusted wideout Jarvis Landry (NFL second-best 41 receptions), who leads the league in market share of his team's passing game with 31.3 percent of Miami's targets. The 23-year-old Landry reeled in nine catches in both outings versus Buffalo last season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Buffalo DE Lorenzo Alexander has a league-best eight sacks playing in the same position as Miami's Mario Williams, who has just six tackles and one sack this season.
2. Tannehill has been sacked 17 times, tied for fourth-most in the league.
3. Bills rookie LB Shaq Lawson (shoulder), who is a first-round pick, is expected to be activated from the PUP list and make his season debut on Sunday.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida
The Buffalo Bills have run roughshod over the NFL during their four-game winning streak, but the key cog in the backfield may be held out of Sunday's road contest with the Miami Dolphins. LeSean McCoy (NFL second-best 587 yards, league-high 5.6 yards per carry) sustained a hamstring injury in practice on Wednesday, three days removed from rolling up 140 yards and a career high-tying three touchdowns in Buffalo's 45-16 rout over San Francisco.
"It wasn't like it was full blown or anything like that. But we'll just see," coach Rex Ryan said Thursday of the injury that ESPN's Josina Anderson reported could sideline McCoy for several weeks. "They're giving him treatment and we're hopeful that he'll play Sunday." Mike Gillislee would see an uptick in workload should McCoy be out for Buffalo, which looks to exploit Miami's 31st-ranked rushing defense. On the other side of the ball, Jay Ajayi ran for 204 yards and two touchdowns in last Sunday's 30-15 victory over Pittsburgh to earn AFC Offensive Player of the Week honors. "You got to keep working. Just continue to build off it," the 23-year-old Ajayi said. "It was good to have a performance like that, but you definitely don’t want to be satisfied."
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Bills -3. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE BILLS (4-2): Quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw two touchdown passes in each of his last two contests for Buffalo, which is looking to secure its first five-game winning streak since 2004. The Miami native is 2-0 with four touchdowns, no interceptions and a 145.0 QB rating against the Dolphins, but his receiving corps could take a different look on Sunday. Wideout Robert Woods was in a walking boot and missed practice on Thursday to put his availability in jeopardy, while Marquise Goodwin and Justin Hunter would expect to take the majority of snaps at receiver if he cannot play.
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (2-4): Ryan Tannehill enjoyed a rare occurrence last week as the 28-year-old wasn't sacked and was pressured on just six percent of dropbacks versus the Steelers -- a far cry from the 32 percent in his previous five. Tannehill continues to rely on trusted wideout Jarvis Landry (NFL second-best 41 receptions), who leads the league in market share of his team's passing game with 31.3 percent of Miami's targets. The 23-year-old Landry reeled in nine catches in both outings versus Buffalo last season.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Buffalo DE Lorenzo Alexander has a league-best eight sacks playing in the same position as Miami's Mario Williams, who has just six tackles and one sack this season.
2. Tannehill has been sacked 17 times, tied for fourth-most in the league.
3. Bills rookie LB Shaq Lawson (shoulder), who is a first-round pick, is expected to be activated from the PUP list and make his season debut on Sunday.
Preview: Baltimore at N.Y. Jets.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
A 1-5 start may or may not have cost the New York Jets a playoff berth but it certainly cost quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick his starting role. The Jets will turn to Geno Smith, making his first start since 2014, in an attempt to turn their season around when they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
New York figured to get off to a rough start playing a brutally difficult schedule, but Fitzpatrick didn't help things by leading the league in interceptions (11) by a wide margin. The loss of wide receiver Eric Decker to a season-ending shoulder injury and the poor play of their secondary, including All-Pro Darrelle Revis, haven't helped the cause and prompted coach Todd Bowles to make the switch to Smith this week. This is the second straight week the Ravens will play at the MetLife Stadium, having lost to the Giants in the game's final minute last week. Close games are nothing new for Baltimore, which has had all six games decided by one possession.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jets -2. O/U: 41
ABOUT THE RAVENS (3-3): Besieged by injuries on its offensive line Baltimore has lost three straight games and quarterback Joe Flacco has paid the price by getting pressured a league-high 52 times during the stretch. To no surprise, Flacco missed practice time during the week with a shoulder injury. Terrance West has seized the role of No. 1 running back, rushing for 295 yards and three scores in his three starts on the season. The Ravens have won eight straight in the series but won't have star linebackers Terrell Suggs (biceps) and Elvis Dumervil (foot).
ABOUT THE JETS (1-5): Smith lost his job in the preseason last year after an altercation with a teammate left him with a broken jaw. Smith is 11-18 as a starter with 27 touchdowns and 36 interceptions but made just one appearance last season. The Jets rank 29th in the league against the pass and are last in the league in scoring, averaging just 15.8 points a game. New York has managed little from its ground game as the duo of Matt Forte and Bilal Powell head a unit ranked 19th in the league, averaging 92.5 yards a game. Forte hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 2.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Flacco is expected to play but if he doesn't and the game evolves into a contest of backup quarterbacks, Ryan Mallett would get the start for the Ravens.
2. New York is second in the league with 15 turnovers.
3. The Ravens lead the league in rushing defense, allowing 69.7 yards a game.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
A 1-5 start may or may not have cost the New York Jets a playoff berth but it certainly cost quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick his starting role. The Jets will turn to Geno Smith, making his first start since 2014, in an attempt to turn their season around when they host the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday.
New York figured to get off to a rough start playing a brutally difficult schedule, but Fitzpatrick didn't help things by leading the league in interceptions (11) by a wide margin. The loss of wide receiver Eric Decker to a season-ending shoulder injury and the poor play of their secondary, including All-Pro Darrelle Revis, haven't helped the cause and prompted coach Todd Bowles to make the switch to Smith this week. This is the second straight week the Ravens will play at the MetLife Stadium, having lost to the Giants in the game's final minute last week. Close games are nothing new for Baltimore, which has had all six games decided by one possession.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Jets -2. O/U: 41
ABOUT THE RAVENS (3-3): Besieged by injuries on its offensive line Baltimore has lost three straight games and quarterback Joe Flacco has paid the price by getting pressured a league-high 52 times during the stretch. To no surprise, Flacco missed practice time during the week with a shoulder injury. Terrance West has seized the role of No. 1 running back, rushing for 295 yards and three scores in his three starts on the season. The Ravens have won eight straight in the series but won't have star linebackers Terrell Suggs (biceps) and Elvis Dumervil (foot).
ABOUT THE JETS (1-5): Smith lost his job in the preseason last year after an altercation with a teammate left him with a broken jaw. Smith is 11-18 as a starter with 27 touchdowns and 36 interceptions but made just one appearance last season. The Jets rank 29th in the league against the pass and are last in the league in scoring, averaging just 15.8 points a game. New York has managed little from its ground game as the duo of Matt Forte and Bilal Powell head a unit ranked 19th in the league, averaging 92.5 yards a game. Forte hasn't scored a touchdown since Week 2.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Flacco is expected to play but if he doesn't and the game evolves into a contest of backup quarterbacks, Ryan Mallett would get the start for the Ravens.
2. New York is second in the league with 15 turnovers.
3. The Ravens lead the league in rushing defense, allowing 69.7 yards a game.
Preview: Minnesota at Philadelphia.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sam Bradford's days in the City of Brotherly Love were numbered the moment the Philadelphia Eagles maneuvered their way to select Carson Wentz with the second overall pick of the 2016 draft. A trade to the Minnesota Vikings followed fellow quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's preseason knee injury, and Bradford's return to Philadelphia on Sunday provides the major storyline as the undefeated Vikings visit the Eagles.
"They (the Eagles) didn't want to trade me in the spring, so I figured they weren't going to trade me a week before the season," said the 28-year-old Bradford (league-best 70.4 percent completion percentage), reflecting on his asking for a trade following the draft and holdout from voluntary offseason workouts. The Wentz bandwagon began to gain national attention after Philadelphia won its first three games, only to lose steam as the Eagles yielded 21 first-half points in back-to-back setbacks. Wentz was sacked five times and hit on 11 occasions in a 27-20 loss to Washington and faces the top-ranked defense of Minnesota, which is averaging league bests in sacks per game (3.8), points allowed per contest (12.6) and a plus-11 turnover differential.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Vikings -3. O/U: 40
ABOUT THE VIKINGS (5-0): Jerick McKinnon, who is averaging only 3.1 yards per carry behind a suspect offensive line, "erupted" for 85 yards versus the New York Giants on Oct. 3 and faces an Eagles squad that permitted 230 on the ground to the Redskins. Fellow running back Matt Asiata rolled up 101 yards from scrimmage (55 rushing, 46 receiving) and a touchdown in a 31-13 victory over Houston on Oct. 9 and had three scores in a 48-30 triumph over Philadelphia on Dec. 15, 2013. Adam Thielen reeled in a career-high seven receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown versus the Texans, but leading receiver Stefon Diggs (groin) and fellow wideouts Jarius Wright (ankle) and Laquon Treadwell (thumb) were limited in practice this week.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (3-2): Protecting Wentz became a much harder task after veteran tackle Lane Johnson began serving his 10-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai endured an afternoon to forget in his place, highlighted by allowing two first-half sacks to Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. "He had a couple missed assignments early and felt like he settled into the game as the game wore on," coach Doug Pederson said. "He'll learn from it and be ready for (Minnesota)."
EXTRA POINTS
1. Philadelphia WR Jordan Matthews has been limited to just seven receptions over his last two games, but has found the end zone in four consecutive home contests and amassed 100-plus yards receiving in three of those tilts.
2. Minnesota TE Kyle Rudolph scored a touchdown in three straight games before being limited to just two catches for 15 yards in his last contest.
3. The Eagles have committed 27 penalties for 225 yards in their last two games.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Sam Bradford's days in the City of Brotherly Love were numbered the moment the Philadelphia Eagles maneuvered their way to select Carson Wentz with the second overall pick of the 2016 draft. A trade to the Minnesota Vikings followed fellow quarterback Teddy Bridgewater's preseason knee injury, and Bradford's return to Philadelphia on Sunday provides the major storyline as the undefeated Vikings visit the Eagles.
"They (the Eagles) didn't want to trade me in the spring, so I figured they weren't going to trade me a week before the season," said the 28-year-old Bradford (league-best 70.4 percent completion percentage), reflecting on his asking for a trade following the draft and holdout from voluntary offseason workouts. The Wentz bandwagon began to gain national attention after Philadelphia won its first three games, only to lose steam as the Eagles yielded 21 first-half points in back-to-back setbacks. Wentz was sacked five times and hit on 11 occasions in a 27-20 loss to Washington and faces the top-ranked defense of Minnesota, which is averaging league bests in sacks per game (3.8), points allowed per contest (12.6) and a plus-11 turnover differential.
TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Vikings -3. O/U: 40
ABOUT THE VIKINGS (5-0): Jerick McKinnon, who is averaging only 3.1 yards per carry behind a suspect offensive line, "erupted" for 85 yards versus the New York Giants on Oct. 3 and faces an Eagles squad that permitted 230 on the ground to the Redskins. Fellow running back Matt Asiata rolled up 101 yards from scrimmage (55 rushing, 46 receiving) and a touchdown in a 31-13 victory over Houston on Oct. 9 and had three scores in a 48-30 triumph over Philadelphia on Dec. 15, 2013. Adam Thielen reeled in a career-high seven receptions for 127 yards and a touchdown versus the Texans, but leading receiver Stefon Diggs (groin) and fellow wideouts Jarius Wright (ankle) and Laquon Treadwell (thumb) were limited in practice this week.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (3-2): Protecting Wentz became a much harder task after veteran tackle Lane Johnson began serving his 10-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. Rookie Halapoulivaati Vaitai endured an afternoon to forget in his place, highlighted by allowing two first-half sacks to Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan. "He had a couple missed assignments early and felt like he settled into the game as the game wore on," coach Doug Pederson said. "He'll learn from it and be ready for (Minnesota)."
EXTRA POINTS
1. Philadelphia WR Jordan Matthews has been limited to just seven receptions over his last two games, but has found the end zone in four consecutive home contests and amassed 100-plus yards receiving in three of those tilts.
2. Minnesota TE Kyle Rudolph scored a touchdown in three straight games before being limited to just two catches for 15 yards in his last contest.
3. The Eagles have committed 27 penalties for 225 yards in their last two games.
Preview: Indianapolis at Tennessee.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
Marcus Mariota, who has thrown for three touchdowns in back-to-back games, carries his hot hand into Sunday's divisional contest as the Tennessee Titans host the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans enter the game on a rare two-game winning streak and, if they win, would be over the .500 mark for the first time since Week 5 of the 2013 season.
Indianapolis has never lost to Tennessee in the Andrew Luck era but will need to protect its star signal-caller -- sacked a league-high 23 times -- much better if it hopes to make a push for a playoff berth. Feeling the heat from his team's 2-4 start, Colts coach Chuck Pagano got a vote of confidence from owner Jim Irsay after his team blew a 14-point lead in the final three minutes of last week's overtime loss to the Houston Texans. The Titans haven't been to the playoffs since 2008, but with Mariota on a roll they should move the ball against the Colts, who rank 30th in the league in total defense and have allowed 29 points a game. DeMarco Murray is also off to a strong start, ranking fourth in the NFL with 526 yards rushing.
TV: 1 p.m. CBS. LINE: Titans -3. O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE COLTS (2-4): The Colts have not only won nine straight in the series but they've scored at least 27 points in six of the games. Things may not be as easy this week, however, as the Titans run a ball-control offense and Indianapolis will be without wide receiver Donte Moncrief (shoulder) and tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle). Running back Frank Gore rushed for 106 yards in last week's game, marking the first time in 55 contests that the Colts had a 100-yard rusher.
ABOUT THE TITANS (3-3): Mariota still has a tendency to turn the ball over as he has thrown six picks and lost two fumbles for the Titans, who haven't won three straight games since the 2011 season. Tennessee has six sacks in each of the last two games and will certainly attempt to pressure Luck, led by Brian Orakpo, who has at least one sack in five straight games. Titans coach Mike Mularkey gave the credit to veteran defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau for their recent success in attacking the quarterback. "There's a lot of moving parts. There's a lot of pre-snap disguising. That's the beauty of coach LeBeau," he said.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Colts K Adam Vinatieri has made 41 straight field goals, one shy of the all-time NFL record held by another Colt, Mike Vanderjagt.
2. Titans WR Kendall Wright has emerged as a strong vertical threat and caught eight passes for 133 yards and a touchdown last week.
3. Luck has thrown for 1,721 passing yards (262.3 per game) with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.
When: 1:00 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
Marcus Mariota, who has thrown for three touchdowns in back-to-back games, carries his hot hand into Sunday's divisional contest as the Tennessee Titans host the Indianapolis Colts. The Titans enter the game on a rare two-game winning streak and, if they win, would be over the .500 mark for the first time since Week 5 of the 2013 season.
Indianapolis has never lost to Tennessee in the Andrew Luck era but will need to protect its star signal-caller -- sacked a league-high 23 times -- much better if it hopes to make a push for a playoff berth. Feeling the heat from his team's 2-4 start, Colts coach Chuck Pagano got a vote of confidence from owner Jim Irsay after his team blew a 14-point lead in the final three minutes of last week's overtime loss to the Houston Texans. The Titans haven't been to the playoffs since 2008, but with Mariota on a roll they should move the ball against the Colts, who rank 30th in the league in total defense and have allowed 29 points a game. DeMarco Murray is also off to a strong start, ranking fourth in the NFL with 526 yards rushing.
TV: 1 p.m. CBS. LINE: Titans -3. O/U: 47.5
ABOUT THE COLTS (2-4): The Colts have not only won nine straight in the series but they've scored at least 27 points in six of the games. Things may not be as easy this week, however, as the Titans run a ball-control offense and Indianapolis will be without wide receiver Donte Moncrief (shoulder) and tight end Dwayne Allen (ankle). Running back Frank Gore rushed for 106 yards in last week's game, marking the first time in 55 contests that the Colts had a 100-yard rusher.
ABOUT THE TITANS (3-3): Mariota still has a tendency to turn the ball over as he has thrown six picks and lost two fumbles for the Titans, who haven't won three straight games since the 2011 season. Tennessee has six sacks in each of the last two games and will certainly attempt to pressure Luck, led by Brian Orakpo, who has at least one sack in five straight games. Titans coach Mike Mularkey gave the credit to veteran defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau for their recent success in attacking the quarterback. "There's a lot of moving parts. There's a lot of pre-snap disguising. That's the beauty of coach LeBeau," he said.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Colts K Adam Vinatieri has made 41 straight field goals, one shy of the all-time NFL record held by another Colt, Mike Vanderjagt.
2. Titans WR Kendall Wright has emerged as a strong vertical threat and caught eight passes for 133 yards and a touchdown last week.
3. Luck has thrown for 1,721 passing yards (262.3 per game) with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.
Preview: San Diego at Atlanta.
When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons hope to put last week’s disappointing finish behind them and cushion their lead in the NFC South when they host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The Chargers, coming off a victory over Denver last Thursday, are trying to win consecutive games for the first time since 2014.
Atlanta appeared to be on its way to a fifth consecutive win last week at Seattle before Matt Ryan threw a late interception that led to a game-winning field goal by the Seahawks. The Falcons look to bounce back against a San Diego team that has won just one of its last 12 road contests but snapped a three-game skid with a 21-13 win over defending Super Bowl champion Denver. “You know how I feel about momentum – week to week,” Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers told reporters. “But we’re now like, ‘Guys, that’s how you beat a good team. That’s what it feels like.'" The Falcons have won their last six meetings with the Chargers – and eight of nine all-time – but the teams have met just once in the past 12 seasons, with Atlanta winning 27-3 at San Diego in 2012.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Falcons -6. O/U: 51
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (2-4): Despite numerous injuries, San Diego has the league’s No. 3 scoring offense largely on the strength of Rivers and the passing game. Turnovers are a concern, though, as the Chargers have 13 giveaways – including an NFL-high 10 lost fumbles – and have committed at least two turnovers in four straight games. The defense struggled early in the season but was stout against Denver and has yet to allow 100 yards rushing in a contest.
ABOUT THE FALCONS (4-2): Atlanta boasts the league’s top offense, averaging 441.5 total yards and 33.2 points, but has failed to hit either mark in the last two games. Ryan and Julio Jones have developed into the league’s most prolific passing duo, but it was a drop by Jones that resulted in the game-turning interception against the Seahawks. The Falcons have been tough on the run, but the young secondary has faced rough patches and will have a difficult assignment versus Rivers and the Chargers.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Ryan has averaged 369.3 passing yards and thrown nine touchdown passes over his last four home games.
2. Atlanta rookie S Keanu Neal has forced a fumble in each of the Falcons’ last two contests.
3. San Diego TE Hunter Henry has caught a touchdown pass in three consecutive games.
When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Georgia Dome, Atlanta, Georgia
The Atlanta Falcons hope to put last week’s disappointing finish behind them and cushion their lead in the NFC South when they host the San Diego Chargers on Sunday. The Chargers, coming off a victory over Denver last Thursday, are trying to win consecutive games for the first time since 2014.
Atlanta appeared to be on its way to a fifth consecutive win last week at Seattle before Matt Ryan threw a late interception that led to a game-winning field goal by the Seahawks. The Falcons look to bounce back against a San Diego team that has won just one of its last 12 road contests but snapped a three-game skid with a 21-13 win over defending Super Bowl champion Denver. “You know how I feel about momentum – week to week,” Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers told reporters. “But we’re now like, ‘Guys, that’s how you beat a good team. That’s what it feels like.'" The Falcons have won their last six meetings with the Chargers – and eight of nine all-time – but the teams have met just once in the past 12 seasons, with Atlanta winning 27-3 at San Diego in 2012.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Falcons -6. O/U: 51
ABOUT THE CHARGERS (2-4): Despite numerous injuries, San Diego has the league’s No. 3 scoring offense largely on the strength of Rivers and the passing game. Turnovers are a concern, though, as the Chargers have 13 giveaways – including an NFL-high 10 lost fumbles – and have committed at least two turnovers in four straight games. The defense struggled early in the season but was stout against Denver and has yet to allow 100 yards rushing in a contest.
ABOUT THE FALCONS (4-2): Atlanta boasts the league’s top offense, averaging 441.5 total yards and 33.2 points, but has failed to hit either mark in the last two games. Ryan and Julio Jones have developed into the league’s most prolific passing duo, but it was a drop by Jones that resulted in the game-turning interception against the Seahawks. The Falcons have been tough on the run, but the young secondary has faced rough patches and will have a difficult assignment versus Rivers and the Chargers.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Ryan has averaged 369.3 passing yards and thrown nine touchdown passes over his last four home games.
2. Atlanta rookie S Keanu Neal has forced a fumble in each of the Falcons’ last two contests.
3. San Diego TE Hunter Henry has caught a touchdown pass in three consecutive games.
Preview: Tampa Bay at San Francisco.
When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to exploit the league's worst run defense without their top rusher when they visit the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Tampa Bay again will call upon Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran for 101 yards in last week's victory over Carolina, as Doug Martin suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained hamstring.
The Buccaneers also will be without veteran receiver Vincent Jackson, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ACL injury in Monday's triumph. Rodgers very well could have another big game against San Francisco, which has allowed an average of 174.5 yards on the ground. The 49ers also have been quite generous in the scoring department, yielding a league-worst 185 points - and at least 33 four times during their five-game losing streak. San Francisco also is likely to be without its top running back in Carlos Hyde, who injured his shoulder in last week's loss to Buffalo.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Buccaneers -1. O/U: 45
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (2-3): With Jackson on the shelf, Tampa Bay will be hoping for someone to step up from a group that consists of Cecil Shorts, Adam Humphries, Donteea Dye and Russell Shepard. Shorts returned to practice this week after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2 and Dye was just added to the active roster after being signed to the practice squad on Monday. Mike Evans, the Buccaneers' other starting receiver, has made a touchdown catch in each of his last three road games.
ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-5): With Hyde unlikely to play, Shaun Draughn and Mike Davis will handle the rushing duties for San Francisco, which enters Week 7 ranked fifth in the league with an average of 123.3 yards on the ground. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick also is a threat, as he gained a team-high 66 rushing yards versus the Bills in his first start of the season. The 49ers' defense could receive a boost Sunday as cornerback Jimmie Ward hopes to play for the first time since suffering a quadriceps injury in a Week 3 loss to Seattle.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy (calf), who missed last week's victory, has been practicing on a limited basis and could return to the lineup.
2. The 49ers signed DeAndre Smelter to the practice squad and released fellow WR Dres Anderson.
3. San Francisco has dominated Tampa Bay, winning four of the last five meetings to improve to 17-4 in the all-time series.
When: 4:05 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Levi's Stadium, Santa Clara, California
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers look to exploit the league's worst run defense without their top rusher when they visit the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday. Tampa Bay again will call upon Jacquizz Rodgers, who ran for 101 yards in last week's victory over Carolina, as Doug Martin suffered a setback in his recovery from a strained hamstring.
The Buccaneers also will be without veteran receiver Vincent Jackson, who was placed on injured reserve after suffering an ACL injury in Monday's triumph. Rodgers very well could have another big game against San Francisco, which has allowed an average of 174.5 yards on the ground. The 49ers also have been quite generous in the scoring department, yielding a league-worst 185 points - and at least 33 four times during their five-game losing streak. San Francisco also is likely to be without its top running back in Carlos Hyde, who injured his shoulder in last week's loss to Buffalo.
TV: 4:05 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Buccaneers -1. O/U: 45
ABOUT THE BUCCANEERS (2-3): With Jackson on the shelf, Tampa Bay will be hoping for someone to step up from a group that consists of Cecil Shorts, Adam Humphries, Donteea Dye and Russell Shepard. Shorts returned to practice this week after suffering a hamstring injury in Week 2 and Dye was just added to the active roster after being signed to the practice squad on Monday. Mike Evans, the Buccaneers' other starting receiver, has made a touchdown catch in each of his last three road games.
ABOUT THE 49ERS (1-5): With Hyde unlikely to play, Shaun Draughn and Mike Davis will handle the rushing duties for San Francisco, which enters Week 7 ranked fifth in the league with an average of 123.3 yards on the ground. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick also is a threat, as he gained a team-high 66 rushing yards versus the Bills in his first start of the season. The 49ers' defense could receive a boost Sunday as cornerback Jimmie Ward hopes to play for the first time since suffering a quadriceps injury in a Week 3 loss to Seattle.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Buccaneers DT Gerald McCoy (calf), who missed last week's victory, has been practicing on a limited basis and could return to the lineup.
2. The 49ers signed DeAndre Smelter to the practice squad and released fellow WR Dres Anderson.
3. San Francisco has dominated Tampa Bay, winning four of the last five meetings to improve to 17-4 in the all-time series.
Preview: New England at Pittsburgh.
When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What was shaping up as one of the marquee matchups of the season lost some of its luster when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a torn meniscus last weekend. With Roethlisberger sidelined after undergoing surgery, the Steelers will host the New England Patriots in a matchup of division leaders on Sunday.
The Patriots weathered a four-game suspension to quarterback Tom Brady, so they realize Pittsburgh still presents an imposing obstacle. "It's tough to see any injury for any player, and he's obviously dealing with a significant one, but I'm sure they'll still be ready to go," Brady said of Roethlisberger's injury. "We're playing them at home where they've won them all, so it's going to be a big challenge for us." New England is playing its third consecutive AFC North opponent, having dispatched Cincinnati and Cleveland by a combined 68-30 over the past two weeks. Likewise, the Steelers are facing a third straight team from the AFC East, following a rout of the New York Jets with a 30-15 loss at Miami last weekend.
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -7. O/U: 47
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (5-1): Sitting out the first month had no apparent negative effect on Brady, who has thrown for 782 yards with six touchdowns and zero interceptions while completing 76 percent of his passes in the first two games. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, hobbled by a hamstring injury that forced him to sit out two games, has come alive with a pair of 100-yard games since the return of Brady, including seven receptions for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown in last week's 35-17 win over Cincinnati. New England's linebacker corps is riddled with injuries, although Dont’a Hightower was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
ABOUT THE STEELERS (4-2): Backup quarterback Landry Jones, who appeared in seven games last season and struggled in a start at Kansas City, is surrounded by plenty of talent -- namely star wideout Antonio Brown and do-everything running back Le'Veon Bell. Brown tied for the league lead with 136 receptions last season and has 376 catches from 2013-15, but he has failed to find the end zone in 11 games without Roethlisberger. Bell is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has 20 receptions in his three games since returning from suspension and will likely carry a heavy workload. Pittsburgh's defense ranks 30th against the pass (293.7 yards per game).
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Steelers have won seven in a row at home.
2. Brady is 6-2 against Pittsburgh with 22 scoring passes and three interceptions.
3. Brown had a touchdown catch in all three meetings against New England.
When: 4:25 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: Heinz Field, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
What was shaping up as one of the marquee matchups of the season lost some of its luster when Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger suffered a torn meniscus last weekend. With Roethlisberger sidelined after undergoing surgery, the Steelers will host the New England Patriots in a matchup of division leaders on Sunday.
The Patriots weathered a four-game suspension to quarterback Tom Brady, so they realize Pittsburgh still presents an imposing obstacle. "It's tough to see any injury for any player, and he's obviously dealing with a significant one, but I'm sure they'll still be ready to go," Brady said of Roethlisberger's injury. "We're playing them at home where they've won them all, so it's going to be a big challenge for us." New England is playing its third consecutive AFC North opponent, having dispatched Cincinnati and Cleveland by a combined 68-30 over the past two weeks. Likewise, the Steelers are facing a third straight team from the AFC East, following a rout of the New York Jets with a 30-15 loss at Miami last weekend.
TV: 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS. LINE: Patriots -7. O/U: 47
ABOUT THE PATRIOTS (5-1): Sitting out the first month had no apparent negative effect on Brady, who has thrown for 782 yards with six touchdowns and zero interceptions while completing 76 percent of his passes in the first two games. Tight end Rob Gronkowski, hobbled by a hamstring injury that forced him to sit out two games, has come alive with a pair of 100-yard games since the return of Brady, including seven receptions for a career-high 162 yards and a touchdown in last week's 35-17 win over Cincinnati. New England's linebacker corps is riddled with injuries, although Dont’a Hightower was named the AFC Defensive Player of the Week.
ABOUT THE STEELERS (4-2): Backup quarterback Landry Jones, who appeared in seven games last season and struggled in a start at Kansas City, is surrounded by plenty of talent -- namely star wideout Antonio Brown and do-everything running back Le'Veon Bell. Brown tied for the league lead with 136 receptions last season and has 376 catches from 2013-15, but he has failed to find the end zone in 11 games without Roethlisberger. Bell is averaging 5.5 yards per carry and has 20 receptions in his three games since returning from suspension and will likely carry a heavy workload. Pittsburgh's defense ranks 30th against the pass (293.7 yards per game).
EXTRA POINTS
1. The Steelers have won seven in a row at home.
2. Brady is 6-2 against Pittsburgh with 22 scoring passes and three interceptions.
3. Brown had a touchdown catch in all three meetings against New England.
Preview: Seattle at Arizona.
When: 8:30 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Carson Palmer's health is a question mark for the second time in three weeks as the Arizona Cardinals prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks on in a crucial NFC West matchup. Palmer, who sat out a Week 5 victory at San Francisco due to a concussion, did not practice Thursday after suffering cramping in his hamstring in Monday's 28-3 win over the New York Jets.
Arizona, which stumbled to a 1-3 start, moved back to the .500 mark with the dominant victory over the Jets but still trail division-leading Seattle by 1 1/2 games. "We did not play well in September, surprising to me, but we did play very well the last two weeks, and hopefully we can continue that," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. The Seahawks have ripped off three straight victories since a 9-3 loss at Los Angeles, capped by last week's come-from-behind win over Atlanta. Seattle has won three of the past four meetings in the series, including the last three trips to Arizona by a whopping 105-34 margin.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Cardinals -2. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (4-1): Despite getting blitzed for three touchdowns in an 11-minute span by Atlanta's top-ranked offense last week, Seattle owns the league's No. 1 defense and is third in points (15.6) and rushing yards (74.6) allowed. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who has a passer rating of at least 121.9 in three of the last four meetings with the Cardinals, guided Seattle to a 36-6 rout at Arizona in the regular-season finale in January. Tight end Jimmy Graham continues to be the top target for Wilson with six receptions in each of the last three games for a combined 302 yards.
ABOUT THE CARDINALS (3-3): Arizona featured one of the league's top passing attacks last season, but second-year running back David Johnson has altered the team's offensive identity by rushing for 268 yards and five touchdowns over the past two games, giving him a league-best eight scores on the ground. Johnson could be in for a heavy workload if the Cardinals have to turn to Drew Stanton, who threw for 124 yards on 11-of-28 passing in place of Palmer in a Week 5 win at San Francisco. Arizona's defense is tied for fourth in the league (295.0 yards allowed) and tied for third in sacks (19).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Johnson is the first player in franchise history with at least 100 yards from scrimmage in the season's first six games.
2. Seahawks DE Cliff Avril has four sacks and a forced fumble in the last four games versus Arizona.
3. Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald has a team-high 37 catches and had 16 receptions in the two matchups versus Seattle last season.
When: 8:30 PM ET, Sunday, October 23, 2016
Where: University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Arizona
Carson Palmer's health is a question mark for the second time in three weeks as the Arizona Cardinals prepare to host the Seattle Seahawks on in a crucial NFC West matchup. Palmer, who sat out a Week 5 victory at San Francisco due to a concussion, did not practice Thursday after suffering cramping in his hamstring in Monday's 28-3 win over the New York Jets.
Arizona, which stumbled to a 1-3 start, moved back to the .500 mark with the dominant victory over the Jets but still trail division-leading Seattle by 1 1/2 games. "We did not play well in September, surprising to me, but we did play very well the last two weeks, and hopefully we can continue that," Cardinals coach Bruce Arians said. The Seahawks have ripped off three straight victories since a 9-3 loss at Los Angeles, capped by last week's come-from-behind win over Atlanta. Seattle has won three of the past four meetings in the series, including the last three trips to Arizona by a whopping 105-34 margin.
TV: 8:30 p.m. ET, NBC. LINE: Cardinals -2. O/U: 43.5
ABOUT THE SEAHAWKS (4-1): Despite getting blitzed for three touchdowns in an 11-minute span by Atlanta's top-ranked offense last week, Seattle owns the league's No. 1 defense and is third in points (15.6) and rushing yards (74.6) allowed. Quarterback Russell Wilson, who has a passer rating of at least 121.9 in three of the last four meetings with the Cardinals, guided Seattle to a 36-6 rout at Arizona in the regular-season finale in January. Tight end Jimmy Graham continues to be the top target for Wilson with six receptions in each of the last three games for a combined 302 yards.
ABOUT THE CARDINALS (3-3): Arizona featured one of the league's top passing attacks last season, but second-year running back David Johnson has altered the team's offensive identity by rushing for 268 yards and five touchdowns over the past two games, giving him a league-best eight scores on the ground. Johnson could be in for a heavy workload if the Cardinals have to turn to Drew Stanton, who threw for 124 yards on 11-of-28 passing in place of Palmer in a Week 5 win at San Francisco. Arizona's defense is tied for fourth in the league (295.0 yards allowed) and tied for third in sacks (19).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Johnson is the first player in franchise history with at least 100 yards from scrimmage in the season's first six games.
2. Seahawks DE Cliff Avril has four sacks and a forced fumble in the last four games versus Arizona.
3. Cardinals Larry Fitzgerald has a team-high 37 catches and had 16 receptions in the two matchups versus Seattle last season.
Week 7 fantasy football matchups, starts and sits.
New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams (in London): 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network
Giants
Eli Manning, QB -- START: Strong passing attacks have been able to put up points against the Rams (Detroit, Tampa Bay). Eli is on the lower end of the starting spectrum, though.
Giants RBs -- SIT: This backfield is a mess. Don't let it sully your fantasy lineups.
Odell Beckham Jr., -- START: Don't get cute.
Sterling Shepard & Victor Cruz, WRs -- SIT: While both are good players, they too often cannibalize each other's targets and production to be viable starters from a fantasy perspective.
Rams
Case Keenum, QB -- SIT: Keenum performed excellently for fantasy in Week 6, but do not chase the points. The Giants have a much better secondary than the Lions.
Todd Gurley, RB -- START: His expanding role in the passing game is helping him remain a safe floor play even in bad matchups. He's looking like a low-end RB1 again.
Kenny Britt, WR -- FLEX: Britt exploded last week, but is likely to come crashing back down to Earth. Still, he's had four-plus catches and 67-plus yards in five of six games so far, making him a fine floor play.
Tavon Austin, WR -- SIT: Is this one of Austin's random 20-point games? We don't think so, but if you do, by all means start him.
Lance Kendricks, TE -- START: Kendricks found the end zone last week and is in another decent streaming spot against a Giants secondary and linebacking corps that has had issues defending the position over the past few years.
Rams D/ST -- START: The Giants offense remains a work in progress, and the ferocious front seven should get home at least a few times to sack Eli Manning.
New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Saints
Drew Brees, QB -- START: Brees is simply a different quarterback when not in the Superdome. That being said, his bevy of talented receivers should keep him afloat as a low-end starter.
Mark Ingram, RB -- FLEX: Ingram is the lead back in this offense, but sometimes that means he's just out there watching as Brees throws the ball all over the yard. On the road, Ingram could see a few more touches though and is a solid flex play.
Brandin Cooks, WR -- FLEX: Cooks, like Brees, doesn't perform as well on the road. Working in Cooks' favor is that he'll dodge Marcus Peters a fair amount, making him a decent flex play.
Willie Snead, WR -- FLEX: Snead looked good coming out of the bye after suffering a toe injury. Brees' penchant for spreading around the ball limits his upside, though.
Michael Thomas, WR -- FLEX: Thomas has been the team's most consistent pass-catcher over the last three weeks, leading the team in targets, catches and touchdowns. That's worth chasing for one more week at least.
Coby Fleener, TE -- START: We know he's prone to disappearing acts, but he's still a mistmatch and seeing nearly eight targets per game over his last three. That volume can't be ignored in fantasy.
Chiefs
Alex Smith, QB -- SIT: We played with fire last week streaming Smith and got burned. This team relies too heavily on the run, even in positive game scripts, lowering Smith's ceiling.
Spencer Ware, RB -- START: Ware remains the featured back while Jamaal Charles gets back to full strength. Start him and don't look back.
Jamaal Charles, RB -- FLEX: Charles is seeing limited touches, but should be able to produce on them against a Saints defense allowing over 4.5 yards per carry and 11 total touchdowns to backs on the year.
Jeremy Maclin, WR -- FLEX: The Chiefs passing attack isn't as concentrated as in years past, but Maclin is still the No. 1 wideout facing a dreadful Saints secondary.
Travis Kelce, TE -- START: Great tight end in a great matchup. What more could you want?
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Colts
Andrew Luck, QB -- START: He's still the most talented player on the field and will find ways to score fantasy points against a tough Titans defense.
Frank Gore, RB -- FLEX: Gore's volume has made him a viable flex option thus far (his three touchdowns have helped, too), but heading into a game against a Titans defense allowing 3.85 yards per carry, expectations may need to be tempered.
T.Y. Hilton, WR -- START: Hilton is battling a minor hip injury and typically doesn't perform as well on the road, but he only trails Antonio Brown in targets. That volume can't be ignored.
Jack Doyle, TE -- START: With Dwayne Allen a longshot to play, Doyle enters the fringe TE1 discussion. He caught four passes for 53 yards and a score last week with Allen missing most of the game.
Titans
Marcus Mariota, QB -- START: Mariota is finally rushing the football with regularity, carrying the rock seven times in each of the last two games. That added avenue for fantasy scoring makes Mariota a strong start against a poor Colts defense.
DeMarco Murray, RB -- START: Murray's 12.5 fantasy points in Week 6 was his smallest output of the year. Set him as your RB1 and move on to tougher decisions.
Titans WRs -- SIT: This is a frustrating and puzzling wide receiving corps for fantasy. Rishard Matthews might be the safest flier to start, but we need to let this play out for awhile before trusty any of these pass-catchers on a weekly basis.
Delanie Walker, TE -- START: Walker disappeared last week, but remains one of Mariota's favorite targets. A big overcorrection could be on the horizon.
Titans D/ST -- START: The Colts are the ninth-most generous offense in points allowed to opposing defenses. At home, the Titans make for a fine streaming play, as Andrew Luck is currently the league's most-sacked quarterback.
New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams (in London): 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network
Giants
Eli Manning, QB -- START: Strong passing attacks have been able to put up points against the Rams (Detroit, Tampa Bay). Eli is on the lower end of the starting spectrum, though.
Giants RBs -- SIT: This backfield is a mess. Don't let it sully your fantasy lineups.
Odell Beckham Jr., -- START: Don't get cute.
Sterling Shepard & Victor Cruz, WRs -- SIT: While both are good players, they too often cannibalize each other's targets and production to be viable starters from a fantasy perspective.
Rams
Case Keenum, QB -- SIT: Keenum performed excellently for fantasy in Week 6, but do not chase the points. The Giants have a much better secondary than the Lions.
Todd Gurley, RB -- START: His expanding role in the passing game is helping him remain a safe floor play even in bad matchups. He's looking like a low-end RB1 again.
Kenny Britt, WR -- FLEX: Britt exploded last week, but is likely to come crashing back down to Earth. Still, he's had four-plus catches and 67-plus yards in five of six games so far, making him a fine floor play.
Tavon Austin, WR -- SIT: Is this one of Austin's random 20-point games? We don't think so, but if you do, by all means start him.
Lance Kendricks, TE -- START: Kendricks found the end zone last week and is in another decent streaming spot against a Giants secondary and linebacking corps that has had issues defending the position over the past few years.
Rams D/ST -- START: The Giants offense remains a work in progress, and the ferocious front seven should get home at least a few times to sack Eli Manning.
New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Saints
Drew Brees, QB -- START: Brees is simply a different quarterback when not in the Superdome. That being said, his bevy of talented receivers should keep him afloat as a low-end starter.
Mark Ingram, RB -- FLEX: Ingram is the lead back in this offense, but sometimes that means he's just out there watching as Brees throws the ball all over the yard. On the road, Ingram could see a few more touches though and is a solid flex play.
Brandin Cooks, WR -- FLEX: Cooks, like Brees, doesn't perform as well on the road. Working in Cooks' favor is that he'll dodge Marcus Peters a fair amount, making him a decent flex play.
Willie Snead, WR -- FLEX: Snead looked good coming out of the bye after suffering a toe injury. Brees' penchant for spreading around the ball limits his upside, though.
Michael Thomas, WR -- FLEX: Thomas has been the team's most consistent pass-catcher over the last three weeks, leading the team in targets, catches and touchdowns. That's worth chasing for one more week at least.
Coby Fleener, TE -- START: We know he's prone to disappearing acts, but he's still a mistmatch and seeing nearly eight targets per game over his last three. That volume can't be ignored in fantasy.
Chiefs
Alex Smith, QB -- SIT: We played with fire last week streaming Smith and got burned. This team relies too heavily on the run, even in positive game scripts, lowering Smith's ceiling.
Spencer Ware, RB -- START: Ware remains the featured back while Jamaal Charles gets back to full strength. Start him and don't look back.
Jamaal Charles, RB -- FLEX: Charles is seeing limited touches, but should be able to produce on them against a Saints defense allowing over 4.5 yards per carry and 11 total touchdowns to backs on the year.
Jeremy Maclin, WR -- FLEX: The Chiefs passing attack isn't as concentrated as in years past, but Maclin is still the No. 1 wideout facing a dreadful Saints secondary.
Travis Kelce, TE -- START: Great tight end in a great matchup. What more could you want?
Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Colts
Andrew Luck, QB -- START: He's still the most talented player on the field and will find ways to score fantasy points against a tough Titans defense.
Frank Gore, RB -- FLEX: Gore's volume has made him a viable flex option thus far (his three touchdowns have helped, too), but heading into a game against a Titans defense allowing 3.85 yards per carry, expectations may need to be tempered.
T.Y. Hilton, WR -- START: Hilton is battling a minor hip injury and typically doesn't perform as well on the road, but he only trails Antonio Brown in targets. That volume can't be ignored.
Jack Doyle, TE -- START: With Dwayne Allen a longshot to play, Doyle enters the fringe TE1 discussion. He caught four passes for 53 yards and a score last week with Allen missing most of the game.
Titans
Marcus Mariota, QB -- START: Mariota is finally rushing the football with regularity, carrying the rock seven times in each of the last two games. That added avenue for fantasy scoring makes Mariota a strong start against a poor Colts defense.
DeMarco Murray, RB -- START: Murray's 12.5 fantasy points in Week 6 was his smallest output of the year. Set him as your RB1 and move on to tougher decisions.
Titans WRs -- SIT: This is a frustrating and puzzling wide receiving corps for fantasy. Rishard Matthews might be the safest flier to start, but we need to let this play out for awhile before trusty any of these pass-catchers on a weekly basis.
Delanie Walker, TE -- START: Walker disappeared last week, but remains one of Mariota's favorite targets. A big overcorrection could be on the horizon.
Titans D/ST -- START: The Colts are the ninth-most generous offense in points allowed to opposing defenses. At home, the Titans make for a fine streaming play, as Andrew Luck is currently the league's most-sacked quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Vikings
Sam Bradford, QB -- SIT: Bradford's done a good job quarterbacking the Vikings, but hasn't been frisky enough for fantasy owners to consider starting him against the Eagles.
Jerick McKinnon, RB -- FLEX: The Eagles run defense has been middle of the road. McKinnon's value will ultimately depend on whether he's able to get goal-line touches.
Matt Asiata, RB -- SIT: Asiata is almost entirely touchdown-dependent, which is bad news against a defense that's allowed three rushing scores to running backs.
Stefon Diggs, WR -- FLEX: The good news: Diggs is healthy and should see lots of targets. The bad news: the Eagles allow the fourth-fewest fantasy points to WRs.
Kyle Rudolph, TE -- SIT: Philadelphia has completely neutralized tight ends all season (93 rec yards allowed). This is going to be tough sledding for Rudolph.
Vikings D/ST -- START: Carson Wentz looked human last week against an attacking Washington defense. Look for Minnesota to humble the rookie yet again.
Eagles
Carson Wentz, QB -- SIT: Did Washington give the rest of the league a blueprint to shut down Wentz? Doesn't matter. The Vikings are just plain good.
Ryan Mathews, RB -- SIT: Mathews is quite touchdown-dependent. The Vikings have allowed one rushing score. You can figure out the rest.
Darren Sproles, RB -- SIT: Pass-catching running backs fare slightly better against Minnesota. But it's just a matter of degrees. Don't fool with this matchup.
Jordan Matthews, WR -- SIT: The Vikings have allowed the third-fewest catches to receivers this season. Matthews isn't a good enough WR to overcome this.
Zach Ertz, TE -- SIT: Ertz couldn't prosper against the Lions, who are terrible vs. TEs. Why would he prosper this week?
Eagles D/ST -- START: Even in a loss, the Eagles were still the top scoring defense. They'll be fine against a much less potent offense.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Browns
Cody Kessler, QB -- SIT: The Bengals haven't been great against quarterbacks, but do you trust Kessler to be good enough to post a big number? You shouldn't.
Isaiah Crowell, RB -- FLEX: After a couple of bad weeks, Crowell finally has a positive matchup. It's time for the Browns to #FeedTheCrow.
Duke Johnson, RB -- SIT: Cincinnati gives up a fair amount of receiving yards to RBs. But we've yet to see both Crowell and Johnson eat in the same game.
Terrelle Pryor, WR -- FLEX: Keep an eye on Pryor's hamstring issue. If he plays, he's worth a flex spot as Cleveland's most productive pass-catcher.
Gary Barnidge, TE -- START: Barnidge has yet to score a touchdown, but he's still seeing plenty of looks. That's good news against a defense that struggles vs. TEs.
Bengals
Andy Dalton, QB -- START: The Browns are allowing 285 pass yards per game and 16 touchdown throws (second-most in the NFL). Dalton should feast.
Giovani Bernard, RB -- FLEX: If Bernard will succeed, it'll be as a runner. The Browns are bottom half of the league in receiving yards allowed to RBs.
Jeremy Hill, RB -- START: As the designated between-the-tackles runner, Hill should be productive against a defense allowing nearly four yards per carry.
A.J. Green, WR -- START: Cleveland's secondary has offered only a modicum of resistance this season. That won't be enough to slow down Green.
Tyler Eifert, TE -- START: Consider this a START*. Keep an eye on Eifert's progress during Bengals' practices as the weekend approaches.
Bengals D/ST -- START: Browns quarterbacks have been sacked 19 times this season. Look for Cincinnati to bring plenty of pressure.
Vikings
Sam Bradford, QB -- SIT: Bradford's done a good job quarterbacking the Vikings, but hasn't been frisky enough for fantasy owners to consider starting him against the Eagles.
Jerick McKinnon, RB -- FLEX: The Eagles run defense has been middle of the road. McKinnon's value will ultimately depend on whether he's able to get goal-line touches.
Matt Asiata, RB -- SIT: Asiata is almost entirely touchdown-dependent, which is bad news against a defense that's allowed three rushing scores to running backs.
Stefon Diggs, WR -- FLEX: The good news: Diggs is healthy and should see lots of targets. The bad news: the Eagles allow the fourth-fewest fantasy points to WRs.
Kyle Rudolph, TE -- SIT: Philadelphia has completely neutralized tight ends all season (93 rec yards allowed). This is going to be tough sledding for Rudolph.
Vikings D/ST -- START: Carson Wentz looked human last week against an attacking Washington defense. Look for Minnesota to humble the rookie yet again.
Eagles
Carson Wentz, QB -- SIT: Did Washington give the rest of the league a blueprint to shut down Wentz? Doesn't matter. The Vikings are just plain good.
Ryan Mathews, RB -- SIT: Mathews is quite touchdown-dependent. The Vikings have allowed one rushing score. You can figure out the rest.
Darren Sproles, RB -- SIT: Pass-catching running backs fare slightly better against Minnesota. But it's just a matter of degrees. Don't fool with this matchup.
Jordan Matthews, WR -- SIT: The Vikings have allowed the third-fewest catches to receivers this season. Matthews isn't a good enough WR to overcome this.
Zach Ertz, TE -- SIT: Ertz couldn't prosper against the Lions, who are terrible vs. TEs. Why would he prosper this week?
Eagles D/ST -- START: Even in a loss, the Eagles were still the top scoring defense. They'll be fine against a much less potent offense.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Browns
Cody Kessler, QB -- SIT: The Bengals haven't been great against quarterbacks, but do you trust Kessler to be good enough to post a big number? You shouldn't.
Isaiah Crowell, RB -- FLEX: After a couple of bad weeks, Crowell finally has a positive matchup. It's time for the Browns to #FeedTheCrow.
Duke Johnson, RB -- SIT: Cincinnati gives up a fair amount of receiving yards to RBs. But we've yet to see both Crowell and Johnson eat in the same game.
Terrelle Pryor, WR -- FLEX: Keep an eye on Pryor's hamstring issue. If he plays, he's worth a flex spot as Cleveland's most productive pass-catcher.
Gary Barnidge, TE -- START: Barnidge has yet to score a touchdown, but he's still seeing plenty of looks. That's good news against a defense that struggles vs. TEs.
Bengals
Andy Dalton, QB -- START: The Browns are allowing 285 pass yards per game and 16 touchdown throws (second-most in the NFL). Dalton should feast.
Giovani Bernard, RB -- FLEX: If Bernard will succeed, it'll be as a runner. The Browns are bottom half of the league in receiving yards allowed to RBs.
Jeremy Hill, RB -- START: As the designated between-the-tackles runner, Hill should be productive against a defense allowing nearly four yards per carry.
A.J. Green, WR -- START: Cleveland's secondary has offered only a modicum of resistance this season. That won't be enough to slow down Green.
Tyler Eifert, TE -- START: Consider this a START*. Keep an eye on Eifert's progress during Bengals' practices as the weekend approaches.
Bengals D/ST -- START: Browns quarterbacks have been sacked 19 times this season. Look for Cincinnati to bring plenty of pressure.
Washington Redskins at Detroit Lions: 1:00 p.m. ET on FOX
Redskins
Kirk Cousins, QB -- START: The Lions pass defense is one of the worst in the league, and Cousins has a multitude of weapons to distribute the ball to. He should be a solid fantasy starting quarterback this week.
Matt Jones, RB -- FLEX: Jones has had a "Whack-a-Mole" kind of fantasy season with high highs and very low lows. Throw him into the flex against the 21st ranked rush defense and hope for another high.
DeSean Jackson -- FLEX: Jackson has not been a great fantasy option over the last three weeks with just 95 receiving yards combined.
Jordan Reed -- SIT: As of Wednesday, Reed (concussion) practiced on a limited basis and had not been ruled out. He doesn't seem likely to play given it's the sixth concussion of his career, but it's a situation to monitor because if he suits up, he's a must-start.
Jamison Crowder -- FLEX: Crowder seems to have more of a role when Jordan Reed is out, like last week when he had 52 yards and a score. He's worth a flex against the Lions if Reed sits again.
Pierre Garcon -- FLEX: Last week, Garcon led the Redskins in targets (11), receptions (six) and 77 receiving yards. He should be able to find ways to produce against a soft Lions pass defense.
Lions
Matthew Stafford, QB -- START: Stafford is one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy right now. He's posted 25 fantasy points in three of six games, and has seven touchdown passes in his last two outings. He's a must-start.
Lions RBs -- SIT: This backfield is quite a mess with Theo Riddick still not practicing and Zach Zenner ineffectively playing the role of a lead back. It's a situation to avoid if possible.
Marvin Jones, WR -- START: Jones has scored in each of his last two games which has kept him afloat as a viable fantasy option despite his lack of yardage. He's a low-end WR2 as Stafford's favorite option this year (47 targets).
Golden Tate, WR -- FLEX: Can he repeat last week's 165-yard explosion? Probably not. Should you flex him in hopes of another solid outing? Well, do you feel lucky? Is that enough questions?
Anquan Boldin, WR -- FLEX: Boldin has just as many receptions as Marvin Jones (29) and just one fewer touchdown (three). With Eric Ebron likely out again, Boldin is a low-end flex option in deeper leagues.
Oakland Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Raiders
Derek Carr, QB -- START: Despite his rough outing last week, Carr is a safe low-end QB1 with four games of 20-plus fantasy points already this season. Between Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Seth Roberts and others, he'll find his way into a few touchdown passes.
Amari Cooper, WR -- START: Cooper posted over 100 yards receiving for the third game last week, and second in a row. He's a low-end WR1 against the Jaguars, just know that he's not very likely to score, so his fantasy production will have to be yardage-based.
Michael Crabtree, WR -- START: Crabtree had just 10 yards last week thanks in part to star cornerback Marcus Peters shadowing him for much of the game. He should bounce back nicely this week, and is startable as a low-end WR2 with touchdown upside.
Raiders RBs -- FLEX: Latavius Murray practiced this week, so he'll probably be a go on Sunday. His role, however, may be limited so proceed with caution. The roles of DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard would be scaled back if Murray does indeed start.
Jaguars
Blake Bortles, QB -- SIT: The Jaguars quarterback is nothing like what he was last year in terms of fantasy production. He's committed more turnovers than he's thrown touchdown passes and needs to remain on the bench until he shows more promise.
Allen Robinson, WR -- START: Robinson is averaging a solid 9.4 targets per game and should be able to find some room to manufacture fantasy points amidst a questionable Raiders secondary. He's a low-end WR1 for Week 7.
Chris Ivory, RB -- FLEX: If you're struggling at running back, it seems like Ivory is finally healthy and scored his first touchdown of the season last week. He might not have a huge ceiling but if he manages to fall into the end zone he's worth a shot as a flex.
T.J. Yeldon, RB -- SIT: With Ivory back in the mix, Yeldon is nothing more than a third-down option in Jacksonville. He should be benched even in a good matchup.
Julius Thomas, TE -- SIT: Something just isn't right yet with Thomas. Coming off an elbow injury last week, he didn't have a single catch until the fourth quarter. Keep him on the bench until we see that he's more involved in the offense.
Redskins
Kirk Cousins, QB -- START: The Lions pass defense is one of the worst in the league, and Cousins has a multitude of weapons to distribute the ball to. He should be a solid fantasy starting quarterback this week.
Matt Jones, RB -- FLEX: Jones has had a "Whack-a-Mole" kind of fantasy season with high highs and very low lows. Throw him into the flex against the 21st ranked rush defense and hope for another high.
DeSean Jackson -- FLEX: Jackson has not been a great fantasy option over the last three weeks with just 95 receiving yards combined.
Jordan Reed -- SIT: As of Wednesday, Reed (concussion) practiced on a limited basis and had not been ruled out. He doesn't seem likely to play given it's the sixth concussion of his career, but it's a situation to monitor because if he suits up, he's a must-start.
Jamison Crowder -- FLEX: Crowder seems to have more of a role when Jordan Reed is out, like last week when he had 52 yards and a score. He's worth a flex against the Lions if Reed sits again.
Pierre Garcon -- FLEX: Last week, Garcon led the Redskins in targets (11), receptions (six) and 77 receiving yards. He should be able to find ways to produce against a soft Lions pass defense.
Lions
Matthew Stafford, QB -- START: Stafford is one of the best quarterbacks in fantasy right now. He's posted 25 fantasy points in three of six games, and has seven touchdown passes in his last two outings. He's a must-start.
Lions RBs -- SIT: This backfield is quite a mess with Theo Riddick still not practicing and Zach Zenner ineffectively playing the role of a lead back. It's a situation to avoid if possible.
Marvin Jones, WR -- START: Jones has scored in each of his last two games which has kept him afloat as a viable fantasy option despite his lack of yardage. He's a low-end WR2 as Stafford's favorite option this year (47 targets).
Golden Tate, WR -- FLEX: Can he repeat last week's 165-yard explosion? Probably not. Should you flex him in hopes of another solid outing? Well, do you feel lucky? Is that enough questions?
Anquan Boldin, WR -- FLEX: Boldin has just as many receptions as Marvin Jones (29) and just one fewer touchdown (three). With Eric Ebron likely out again, Boldin is a low-end flex option in deeper leagues.
Oakland Raiders at Jacksonville Jaguars: 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Raiders
Derek Carr, QB -- START: Despite his rough outing last week, Carr is a safe low-end QB1 with four games of 20-plus fantasy points already this season. Between Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Seth Roberts and others, he'll find his way into a few touchdown passes.
Amari Cooper, WR -- START: Cooper posted over 100 yards receiving for the third game last week, and second in a row. He's a low-end WR1 against the Jaguars, just know that he's not very likely to score, so his fantasy production will have to be yardage-based.
Michael Crabtree, WR -- START: Crabtree had just 10 yards last week thanks in part to star cornerback Marcus Peters shadowing him for much of the game. He should bounce back nicely this week, and is startable as a low-end WR2 with touchdown upside.
Raiders RBs -- FLEX: Latavius Murray practiced this week, so he'll probably be a go on Sunday. His role, however, may be limited so proceed with caution. The roles of DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard would be scaled back if Murray does indeed start.
Jaguars
Blake Bortles, QB -- SIT: The Jaguars quarterback is nothing like what he was last year in terms of fantasy production. He's committed more turnovers than he's thrown touchdown passes and needs to remain on the bench until he shows more promise.
Allen Robinson, WR -- START: Robinson is averaging a solid 9.4 targets per game and should be able to find some room to manufacture fantasy points amidst a questionable Raiders secondary. He's a low-end WR1 for Week 7.
Chris Ivory, RB -- FLEX: If you're struggling at running back, it seems like Ivory is finally healthy and scored his first touchdown of the season last week. He might not have a huge ceiling but if he manages to fall into the end zone he's worth a shot as a flex.
T.J. Yeldon, RB -- SIT: With Ivory back in the mix, Yeldon is nothing more than a third-down option in Jacksonville. He should be benched even in a good matchup.
Julius Thomas, TE -- SIT: Something just isn't right yet with Thomas. Coming off an elbow injury last week, he didn't have a single catch until the fourth quarter. Keep him on the bench until we see that he's more involved in the offense.
