Matchup Mashup is OFD’s look at what we think are the best games of the upcoming NFL weekend.
Patriots v Cowboys
Sunday, November 24th, 4:25 pm
The number one statistical offense in the league versus the number one statistical defense in the league should lead to an awesome matchup. Dak Prescott has been extraordinarily underrated – both the stats and the eye test have him in the MVP race with Wilson and Jackson – but the rest of the Cowboys have been disappointing, especially Zeke Elliott. Worse, star linebacker Leighton Vander Esch may be done for the season with a horrific seeming neck injury. On the other side of the ball, Tom Brady has had his worse season in more than a decade but it hasn’t matted – as Bill Belichick’s defense has been absolutely dominant. Jason Garrett vs. Bill Belichick… we all know where the smart money is.
Packers v 49ers
Sunday, November 24th, 8:20 pm
This game could determine where the NFC Conference Championship is held, with the Niners and Packers as the top two seeds in the NFC right now. The Packers have somehow gone under the radar in getting to 8-2, perhaps because Aaron Rodgers hasn’t put up insane numbers and because the Vikings are nearly as good in the same division. Meanwhile, the Niners have been the surprise of the season, with an emerging Jimmy G at quarterback and a dominant defense led by Richard Sherman and rookie wunderkind Nick Bosa. I think this game will be lower scoring than consensus and I see a close GB win off a Rodgers drive – look for the Packers to make a run for home-field advantage. In a fun side note, this will be the most expensive quarterback matchup ever.
Ravens v Rams
Monday, November 25th, 8:15 pm
In a game between last year’s “fun team” and this year’s “fun team”, John Harbaugh and Sean McVay will look to respectively keep their teams in position for a bye and for a shot at the playoffs at all. Jared Goff has definitely struggled this year, but his offensive line is healthier than it’s been in weeks. However, since acquiring former Ram Marcus Peters, the Ravens’ defense has been frankly awesome – and I don’t expect Goff to get much going, not to mention the ever-disappearing Todd Gurley. On the other side of the ball, Lamar Jackson has vaulted to the top odds spot in the MVP race, with his deep ball and athleticism winning over fans each and every week. The Rams defense has also come on strong in the second half of the season, but they will face their greatest challenge yet in Lamar and his offense. Look for this also to be an emotional game for Ram Eric Weddle, one of the leaders of the Ravens defense the last three season before his release for salary reasons this offseason.
Honorable Mention:
Seahawks v Eagles
Sunday, November 24th, 1:05 pm
In the battle of birds, these two second place teams in the NFC will try to solidify their position in the divisions, with the Niners facing the Packers and the Cowboys the Patriots, allowing both to potentially gain in the standings. Russell Wilson will attempt to burgeon his MVP credentials against a bad Eagles secondary. If Lane Johnson is indeed out for the game, Jadaveon Clowney will make Carson Wentz wish he were back in North Dakota. Look for a close game (because it’s the Seahawks) with a crucial Nelson Agholor drop making the difference.
