By Zach Alvira
Head of Content
It's hard to believe we're already coming up on three weeks since the NFL season has started. Time truly does fly by when you're having fun.
Well, some people are having fun.
This week offers some great matchups that could have playoff implications already. I know, it's early. But trust me.
Here's a look at the top five NFL games I plan to enjoy from my couch -- or stadium (more on that below) -- this week.
Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings -- Sunday, 10 a.m.
We immediately jump to Sunday this week. If Rex Ryan still coached the Jets and Tom Brady quarterbacked the Patriots, maybe the Thursday Nigh Football game would be enticing to me. But it isn't.
What is enticing is how good the Vikings have been early on this season. They knocked off the 49ers in convincing fashion last week as Sam Darnold looks to be in his prime so far. Justin Jefferson continues to do Justin Jefferson things while the Vikings defense looks to be one of the better units -- at least right now -- in the NFC.
On the other side, the Texans didn't look impressive in the win over the Bears. C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell have no chemistry at the moment. Though now that I write that they'll probably do great Sunday. Stefon Diggs appears to be an afterthought, too, with only Nico Collins getting considerable targets in the passing game. Houston is still one of the best teams in the AFC, in my opinion. But they have some kinks to work out.
Best Bet: Vikings ML
Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints -- Sunday, 10 a.m.
Who had the Saints being really good on their bingo card this season? I sure didn't.
Derek Carr has looked like a star alongside Alvin Kamara. The defense of the Saints has been stellar and the big-name stars on both sides of the ball have lived up to the hype. Remember, all pre-season Saints fans were gushing over Spencer Rattler and the thought of him taking over at quarterback this season. Now, I don't know if that is necessary.
The Eagles limp into this matchup after having given up a game they should've won to the Falcons on Monday night. No A.J. Brown definitely hurt the passing game, but so did Saquon Barkley's inability to haul in a game-sealing pass inside the red zone. The Eagles are still good, just maybe not as good as advertised. It'll be interesting to see if they bounce back or if the Saint continue to make an impression on the rest of the league.
Best Bet: Saints -2.5
Carolina Panthers at Las Vegas Raiders -- Sunday 1 p.m.
Look, the Panthers are a dumpster fire. Let's be honest. Bryce Young has regressed significantly and the rest of the supporting cast around him hasn't done much to help this team win a football game.
Now, Andy Dalton steps in to lead the Carolina offense. Yes, that Andy Dalton. This game could get ugly as the Raiders are playing a very good brand of football right now. But I personally want to see if this train wreck continues to crash and burn or if they make some improvement.
Best Bet: Raiders -5.5
Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals -- Sunday 1p.m.
So, I need to be honest. I won't be on my couch for this game. I'll be in the lower bowl of State Farm Stadium ... shoutout Cody Cameron.
I get goosebumps thinking about this matchup for many reasons. For one, I get to see my hometown Lions in person. Which is rare. But perhaps even more than that, I get to see two great offenses at work. Sure, the Lions haven't had the fireworks they had last season. But it's still a very good offense with Jared Goff leading the way.
As for the Cardinals, seeing Kyler Murray work his magic isn't something that will be new for me. I've covered the Cardinals for two seasons now. But seeing Marvin Harrison Jr. in person may be the highlight of the day. Special is an understatement, and we saw that first-hand last week.
Best Bet: No bet. Attending.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills -- Monday, 4:30 p.m.
The first of a double-header on Monday nigh, the Jaguars are making the trip to Orchard Park to take on the Bills. Jacksonville hasn't looked great so far this season. Trevor Lawrence has been underwhelming at best.
But if there's ever a time to get things turned around, it's in front of a national audience against Josh Allen and the Bills. Now, will this happen? Who knows. But I'll be watching. The Bills don't seem to have skipped a beat from last year. They squeaked out a victory against the Cardinals and dominated the Dolphins last Thursday. Let's see if they can keep it going.
Best Bet: Bills -4.5
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