Matchup Mashup is OFD’s look at what we think are the best games of the upcoming NFL weekend.
Texans v. Ravens
Sunday, November 17th, 1:05 pm
This may be a sub-par slate, but this game is anything but. Sorry to Seahawks fans, but in my opinion, Deshaun Watson and Lamar Jackson are the two most exciting quarterbacks in the league to watch. Both teams are leading their divisions – if the season ended today the Ravens would be the second seed and the Texans the third, meaning that this matchup could be a potential playoff preview. The two teams are led by their offenses, with the Ravens defense having regressed this season, and the Texans missing their leader, J.J. Watt, for the rest of the season. After Lamar’s insane spin move against the Bengals last week, it is hard to believe that he could have more of a MVP moment, but the Texans are an actual pro football team, so anything he does on Sunday will be more impressive due to the competition. On the other side, Deshaun Watson got to rest his myriad of injuries during the Texans’ bye week, and so I look for him to be at full strength for what I expect will be a shootout.
Pats v. Eagles
Sunday, November 17th, 4:25 pm
The last time these two teams played, Nick Foles became the nickname “Big Dick Nick”, the Philly Special became iconic, and the NFC East continued to be the kryptonite for Brady and Belichick in the Super Bowl, falling to 1-3 against that division in the big game. Two years later, the Pats remain the class of the league, tied with the Niners for the best record in the league and looking down at a still-weak AFC East. Meanwhile, the Eagles, expected to be part of the class of the NFC have struggled greatly, but still remain in the center of the race for the playoffs due to the struggles of the Cowboys in their division. Look for a ton of coverage of the Super Bowl and a probable easy Pats victory.
Chargers v. Chiefs
Monday, November 18th, 8:15 pm
After last year’s failure in placing a game in Mexico City (there were safety issues with the condition of the field), the NFL will try again, sending two of the best QBs in the NFL to display to the legions of potential new fans. Mahomes came back from his kneecap injury last week and looked like the reigning MVP, with over 400 yards passing and a highlight jump pass to rookie Mecole Hardman. However, when Harrison Butker’s kick was blocked by the Titans, the Chiefs had lost, dropping to only a half-game ahead of the surging Raiders (hi, Michael). This game is his chance to assert that dominance in the division, but the Chargers may have something to say, with Rivers facing the frankly awful Chiefs defense. Look for a close one and a late Mahomes drive to win.
Dishonorable Mention:
NFL Scheduling
I wanted to have another game here, but the first two games on this list are literally the only games between teams that are at least .500 on the year. Instead, we get thrillers like Jets-Redskins, Dolphins-Bills, and a prime-time matchup of Mitch Trubisky and Jared Goff. Now, I’m not mad, since I have a take-home exam, so avoiding the NFL should be easier than ever (especially because my Steelers play Thursday night). Stay sucky NFL???
