The races are tightening across the NFL, making each game all the more important.
This weekend, there’s a host of key games which began with the Bengals and Ravens on Thursday night. On Sunday, the other two AFC North members clash in Cleveland, with the Steelers and Browns meeting for the second time this year.
In the late window, the Bills are trying to keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot while the Jets hope to do the same, looking to sweep Buffalo in the season series.
Finally, there’s the best matchup of the season, with the Eagles visiting the Chiefs on Monday night.
So which matchups are quietly key for every game? Let’s dive in.
Pittsburgh Steelers (6–3) at Cleveland Browns (6–3)
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Key matchup: Jerome Ford vs. Steelers’ run defense
If the Browns are going to survive with Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center against the Steelers’ defense, they must run the ball well. Over the past four weeks, Ford is averaging 3.7 yards per carry with only a single touchdown.
He’ll need to be better for Cleveland, and Ford might have daylight as Pittsburgh is tied for 25th in yards per carry against (4.5).
Chicago Bears (3–7) at Detroit Lions (7–2)
Key matchup: Lions’ receivers vs. Bears’ secondary
The Lions have one of the league’s most prolific offenses under coordinator Ben Johnson. One of the reasons is yards after catch, which Detroit ranks seventh in with 1,166.
This is bad news for the Bears, who have surrendered a league-worst 1,292 yards after the catch.
Los Angeles Chargers (4–5) at Green Bay Packers (3–6)
Key matchup: Jordan Love’s protection vs. Chargers’ pass rush
The Packers have an inconsistent passing attack, but they’ve done a nice job protecting Love. The first-year starter has only been hit 21 times, ranking 10th-best among quarterbacks who have started the majority of their team’s games.
However, the Chargers get after the passer, tied for third with the Chiefs at 31 sacks. Interestingly, though, Los Angeles only ranks 25th in pressure rate (19.1%).
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Las Vegas Raiders (5–5) at Miami Dolphins (6–3)
Key matchup: Tua Tagovailoa vs. Raiders’ secondary
Tagovailoa and the Dolphins have thrown the ball for chunk plays all year. Miami ranks third in yards per completion (12.4), led by speedster Tyreek Hill.
However, the Raiders have surprisingly been stingy against the pass, holding teams to only 9.9 yards per completion, ranking fourth.
New York Giants (2–8) at Washington Commanders (4–6)
Key matchup: Sam Howell and Tommy DeVito vs. pressure
The Giants and Commanders have both struggled to protect their quarterbacks all season. New York has allowed the most sacks with 54, while Washington is second-worst at 47.
Conversely, the Giants’ defense rank 31st in sacks (17) while the Commanders are a respectable 13th with 26.
Dallas Cowboys (6–3) at Carolina Panthers (1–8)
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Key matchup: Bryce Young vs. Cowboys’ secondary
The Panthers have no passing game in Young’s rookie year. They rank last in yards per attempt at 5.5, while also being tied for last at 8.9 yards per completion.
Defensively, the Cowboys are tied for sixth in yards per attempt allowed (6.6), led by a unit featuring edge rusher Micah Parsons and corner Stephon Gilmore.
Tennessee Titans (3–6) at Jacksonville Jaguars (6–3)
Key matchup: Jaguars’ red-zone offense vs. Titans inside 20
The Titans have struggled to find a winning formula, but their defense has been fantastic inside the red zone. Tennessee is permitting just 34.4% of trips to result in touchdowns.
This could be a problem for the Jaguars, who are only 29th offensively in the red zone at 43.5% in 2023.
Arizona Cardinals (2–8) at Houston Texans (5–4)
Key matchup: Cardinals’ run game vs. Texans’ rushing defense
Arizona has struggled this season with only two wins, but the Cardinals are proficient at running the ball. This should only improve with the return of Kyler Murray, one of the league’s top scrambling quarterbacks.
This year, Arizona ranks tied for second with 4.8 yards per carry. That success will be tested Sunday, with the Texans checking in third at 3.5 yards per carry against.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4–5) at San Francisco 49ers (6–3)
Key matchup: 49ers’ third-down offense vs. Bucs’ defense
San Francisco has been one of the best offenses in the league on third down, ranking fifth at 44.8%.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have been brutal at getting off the field. Tampa Bay is dead last defensively on third down, allowing a 47.2% conversion rate.
New York Jets (4–5) at Buffalo Bills (5–5)
Key matchup: Josh Allen vs. Jets’ flooded secondary
The Jets have one of the best defenses in the league. They’re terrific up front, notching the league’s best pressure rate (29.6%) while blitzing only 17.2% of the time, ranking 31st in football.
It’ll be fascinating to see how Allen deals with a good rush and seven men in coverage, considering he leads the league with 11 interceptions.
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Seattle Seahawks (6–3) at Los Angeles Rams (3–6)
Key matchup: Seahawks’ third-down offense vs. Rams defense
The Seahawks lost to the Rams in Week 1, and now go to SoFi Stadium in hopes of redemption. If they’re going to get it, Seattle must improve on third down, where it ranks 30th (31.5%), only ahead of the Giants and Jets.
Meanwhile, the Rams have struggled getting off the field, checking in 21st (41.0%) on the most important down.
Minnesota Vikings (6–4) at Denver Broncos (4–5)
Key matchup: Broncos’ pass defense vs. Joshua Dobbs
Dobbs has been one of the best stories in football this season. After being traded from Arizona to Minnesota, Dobbs has won two games for the Vikings, and now he gets a primetime stage.
The Broncos have struggled to force incompletions, ranking 32nd by allowing a 72.2% completion rate. Conversely, Dobbs ranks 24th in completion percentage at 63.6%.
Philadelphia Eagles (8–1) at Kansas City Chiefs (7–2)
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Key matchup: Eagles’ offensive line vs. Chiefs’ pass rush
The Eagles have an elite offensive front led by All-Pros in center Jason Kelce and right tackle Lane Johnson. This season, the unit surprisingly ranks 18th in sack percentage at 6.7%.
Defensively, Kansas City has been a menace up front. The Chiefs rank second in pressure rate (28.2%) while being tied for third in sacks (31).
