Matchup Mashup is OFD’s look at what we think are the best games of the upcoming NFL weekend.
Panthers v. Packers
Sunday, November 10th, 4:25 pm
This should be a fun matchup between two playoff contenders in the NFC. With Cam Newton officially going on IR and being out for the rest of the season, the Panthers are now Kyle Allen’s ship to captain; though his first mate Christian McCaffery will really be the engine of the offense. On the other side of the field, the Packers are coming off a baffling loss to the Chargers. The offense, which looked great throughout October, had a power outage, with no points in the first half and only 11 total. With a defense led by Luke Kuechly, getting back on track will not be the easiest task for Rodgers. The dynamic talent on both sides should lead to a close 4th quarter game.
Vikings v. Cowboys
Sunday, November 10th, 8:20 pm
This is the second of three games highlighted today between NFC contenders. Kirk Cousins recovered from an atrocious start to the season with a great October, but after last week, worries remain, especially because of his proclivity to struggle in primetime games (he’s 6-13 in his career). However, Dallas’ defense has had more bark than bite this year, so look for the Vikings to try to establish Dalvin Cook and keep the explosive Dallas offense off the field. Look for Zeke and Dak to try to turn this into a shootout, though look at Amari Cooper’s injury status before the game. Because of the challenge of their upcoming schedule, Dallas may need to win this game to remain favorites in the NFC East.
Seahawks v. Niners
Monday, November 11th, 8:15 pm
The third game between NFC contenders this NFL week, the Monday night game represents one of the crown jewels of the NFL schedule so far. With Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the Death Star losing to Lamar Jackson and his band of rebel Ravens, the Niners are the sole remaining undefeated team in the NFL, and this game against MVP favorite Russell Wilson and the Seahawks seems to constitute their toughest test yet. Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had his best game of the season against the Arizona Cardinals, and he will look to carve up a weaker than expected Seattle defense. On the other side, if Wilson can beat his former teammate Richard Sherman and avoid the pass-rush of star rookie Nick Bosa, he will cement his place as the front-runner for his first MVP award. The NFC West may just be on the line.
Honorable Mention:
Rams v. Steelers
Sunday, November 10th, 4:25 pm
While I may be a bit biased, I’m happy to get to include a Steelers game here without it being a complete farce. With 6 teams on bye this week, this is only the 4th matchup (other than the three above) to feature two .500 or better teams. Jared Goff and the Rams offense has slowed this year, as teams watched tape of what the Patriots defense did in the Super Bowl and adapted, but Cooper Kupp has somehow come back better after his ACL tear, giving the Rams a variable they didn’t have down the stretch last year. Compared to the Steelers offense, however, the Rams offense is downright explosive. Mason Rudolph has been mediocre at best, but the Steelers defense has been incredible since trading for Minkah Fitzpatrick, with young talent like Fitzpatrick, Devin Bush, T.J. Watt, and Terrell Edmunds at all levels of the defense. This will be a test for both teams – whoever loses will have a serious climb to the playoffs.
