For the first time in franchise history, the Steelers are 8-0 after their gutsy win at Dallas last week. That makes 14 straight non-losing seasons for Head Coach Mike Tomlin, tied for the longest streak for a coach to start his career in NFL History.

Article by Dave Nguyen, AKSM Sports

News and Notes

McCaffrey Back … on the Injured List: After playing in his first game since Week 2, Christian McCaffrey had a stellar performance against the Chiefs despite a 33-31 loss. Afterwards it was reported that McCaffrey injured his shoulder and will not be able to play this Sunday against the Buccaneers.
Bad Stat for the Jets: After the Patriots erased a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, ultimately winning on a game winning field goal as time expired, the Jets fell to 0-9 for the first time in franchise history.
Steelers Continue to Make History, Ben is Risky: For the first time in franchise history, the Steelers are 8-0 after their gutsy win at Dallas last week. That makes 14 straight non-losing seasons for Head Coach Mike Tomlin, tied for the longest streak for a coach to start his career in NFL History. Later on it was reported that Ben Rothlisberger is one of four players on the Steelers on the COVID-19 list. If Ben were to pass multiple COVID tests this week, he will be eligible to play against the Bengals on Sunday.
Pete Carrol Extended: The Seahawks announced last Sunday that they and Pete Carrol agreed to a five-year contract extension through the 2025 season. He is the winningest coach in Seahawks history with a current record of 106-61-1.
Dalvin Cook-ing: In the Vikings victory against the Lions, running back Dalvin Cook scored two more rushing touchdowns, giving him a total of 12 this season. His 12 scores on the ground are tied for fourth most by a player in his first seven games of a season. Only three other running backs had more touchdowns in their first seven games in a season: Jim Brown, Emmit Smith, and Pries Holmes.
Rivers Makes History: In the Colts 34-17 win on Thursday Night, Phillip Rivers passed Dan Marino for 5th most passing’s yards in NFL History. Only Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees have more passing yards than the 17-year veteran.
Kyler Murray is Ridiculous: Despite their loss to the Dolphins at home, Kyler Murray has become the first player in NFL history with 2,000 + pass yards and 500+ rush yards through eight games. With his dynamic play-,making ability along with a balanced offensive attack, defenses need to respect on how much his legs ( in addition to his arm) can impact a game.

Sunday 1 pm

• Eagles (3-4-1) at Giants (2-7): This will be the second time these two teams have faced each other in the last two weeks. The first time these two teams faced off, the Giants had a 21-10 lead with about five minutes left in the fourth quarter, only to blow it by a comeback from Carson Wentz touchdown pass to Boston Scott in the last seconds of the fourth quarter. If Evan Ingram catches a crucial first down in the fourth quarter, the game is over. The Eagles have won eight straight games against the Giants and are looking to make it nine. Carson Wentz needs to play better, because his defensive line has kept him in a majority of the games as Brandon Graham is tied for fourth in the league in sacks with seven. Daniel Jones is still undefeated against Washington, but has a losing record against every other team he has faced in his young career. Prediction: Eagles: 24-21.

• Texans (2-6) at Browns (5-3): The Texans lone two wins this season are against the Jaguars, including last week in Jacksonville. While there might be a problem in Houston, the Browns are still in the thick of the AFC playoff picture and need as many non-division wins as possible. Nick Chubb returned to practice this week, which can only help the fifth best rushing team in the league. Baker Mayfield has been activated from the COVID-19 list, which are good signs for Cleveland heading into this matchup. Prediction: Browns 30-14.

• Washington (2-6) at Lions (3-5): Both teams are trending downward, as the Lions have allowed 75 points in their past two games. Washington has not won a game since October 25th when they dismantled the Cowboys. The only positive about Washington was that Alex Smith had the best performance of his career since coming off his injury, throwing for 325 yards while completing 24 of 32 passes. With this game in Detroit, expect the Lions to use their three running backs effectively to earn a victory. Prediction: Lions 23-17.

• Jaguars (1-7) at Packers (6-2): This won’t even be a contest. Rodgers and the Packers are trying to earn home field advantage in the NFC playoffs. Additionally, Davonte Adams is ridiculously good. Prediction: Packers: 30-3.

• Buccaneers (6-3) at Panthers (3-6): The Panthers had a hard fought game against the Chiefs while the Buccaneers were dismantled by the Saints on Sunday Night Football. This game will be closer than people think, as the Panthers have had only one game this season that was decided by more than one score. That game happened to be in Week two against the Bucs, when Tampa jumped to a 21-0 lead at halftime to win 31-17. Matt Rhule’s bunch never shoes quit, which may bring out the best for Brady and the Bucs. Prediction: Buccaneers 31-28.

4:05 PM

• Broncos (3-5) at Raiders (5-3): The Raiders survived a scare last week against the Chargers, as a touchdown pass in the waning seconds of the game by LA was overturned. With key wins over the Chargers and Browns, Gruden needs his squad to rack up more wins to stay in the AFC playoff hunt. The Broncos, on the other hand, need more consistency from Drew Locke to have a chance in this game. Prediction: Raiders 28-20.

• Chargers (2-6) at Dauphins (5-3): The Chargers continue to fight hard, but ultimately lose by one score, a trend that has been happening since 2015. Nine games last season were lost by one score, and so are all six of their losses. It’s a tough break for Justin Herbert, who continues to have a stellar rookie campaign. The Dolphins, on the other hand, look like a playoff team after their road win at Arizona last week. Head Coach Brian Flores has a defense that is playing well, tied for fourth in turnovers and fourth in points allowed per game. Tua looks to build off his 20-28, 248 yards, two touchdown performance last week in a battle between two rookie quarterbacks. Prediction: Dolphins 28-27.

• Bills (7-2) at Cardinals (5-3): What might be one of the best games this week as the Bills, coming off an impressive performance against the Seahawks, take on the Cardinals, who mismanaged a game at home against the Dolphins. Kyler Murray and Josh Allen are two dynamic dual threat quarterbacks who are having stellar seasons, as they both have combined for 5,501 yards and 48 touchdowns through the air and ground. If I were a betting man, I’d hammer the over in this one. Prediction: Cardinals 31-28.

4:25 PM

• Seahawks (6-2) at Rams (5-3): A clash of NFC West Rivals in Los Angeles with major NFC playoff implications as the Seahawks take on the Rams. Russel Wilson is playing lights out this season as he is top five in passing yards, completion percentage, and a league leading 28 touchdown passes. While Sean McVay is known for his offensive mind, the Rams defense is one of the best in the league as they are second in yards allowed, fifth in sacks, and have the league’s leader in that category, Aaron Donald. It will be a classic battle between these two teams, as three of their last four matchups have been decided by three or less points. Prediction: Seahawks 28-27.

• 49ers (4-5) at Saints (6-2): The Saints are coming off a blowout win against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, controlling their own destiny in the NFC South, eying for the top spot in the NFC playoff picture. While Drew Brees doesn’t have the same arm strength he’s had in recent years, he has the weapons that can play in space and rack up lots of yards after the catch (YAC), so he doesn’t have to throw more than 20 yards for a completion. The 49ers have so many injuries, headlined by George Kittle and Jimmy Garoppolo placed on injured reserve. Nick Mullens will try his best, but the Saints will have this game over by halftime. Prediction: Saints: 31-14.

• Bengals (2-5-1) at Steelers (8-0): The Steelers are off to their best start in franchise history, but the status of Ben Rothlisberger will be monitored for Sunday. Between the amount of injures and recently placed on the COVID-19 list, his status will play a big part in the outcome of this game. While Joe Burrow isn’t afraid to sling the ball around, he’ll have his hands full with the Steelers defense who lead the league in sacks with 32. If Ben can play, the Steelers will continue on their best start in franchise history. Prediction: Steelers 28-10.

Sunday Night

• Ravens (6-2) at Patriots (3-5): It will be old school vs new school in this quarterback matchup between the older Cam Newton and the younger Lamar Jackson when the Ravens and Patriots square off on Sunday Night Football. The Patriots needed the last seconds of the game to defeat the Jets last Monday, while the Ravens were able to get back in the win column on the road in Indianapolis. Cam Newton has not played his best football in the last few weeks, but his never quit mentality helped the Patriots secure a road win against the winless Jets. Baltimore’s offense is not as explosive as it was a year ago, and defenses are slowly figuring out how to contain Jackson, who relies a lot on his legs. If the Ravens score more than 24 points, they have the best chance to win, as they have had that point total in five of their six wins this season. Prediction: Ravens 28-24.

Monday Night

• Vikings (3-5) at Bears (5-4): The Vikings are on a two-game win streak thanks in large part to Dalvin Cook tearing up the Packers and Lions defenses. Despite the poor offensive play of Nick Foles, the Bears defense has played great all season, and plan on neutralizing Cook’s ground attack. Roquan Smith, who is top five in the league with 82 total tackles, and Kahlil Mack, who is eighth in sacks with 6.5, will lead the charge against the league’s second leading rusher and leader in rushing touchdowns. Expect a low scoring defensive battle between these two NFC North foes as they try to keep pace with the Packers sitting atop the division. Prediction: Bears 23-20.