Welcome to another NFL preview by Brian’s Deductions. For this article, the games will be broken down into three categories: the Thursday Night Football game, key games, and “the others.” Without further ado, let’s get started!

Thursday Night Football

New England Patriots vs. New York Jets

Like most NFL divisional matchups, this game will be closely contested. While I believe Rhamondre Stevenson (46 carries, 201 yards, 2 TD in two games for New England) will match Breece Hall (42 touches, 207 total yards, 2 total TD in two games for New York) in production, I also believe that the Jets have more offensive weapons than the Patriots do, and they will do just enough to eke out a win on Thursday night.

Prediction: Jets 19, Patriots 13

Key Games

Stat of the Week: Since 1990, only 4/162 (2.5%) teams that have started 0-3 have made the playoffs.

Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys

Question: Will Dallas manage to run the ball effectively?

Coming into this game, Dallas is 25th in rushing offense, averaging 85 yards per game (YPG). They face a Baltimore defense that is currently first in rushing defense, with 49.5 YPG allowed.

Analysis: While Baltimore will manage to make Dallas one-dimensional, Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb will still make plays against Baltimore’s defense, who has allowed 257 passing YPG (last in the NFL) so far. However, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry prove to be too tough to contain on the ground, and Baltimore picks up a much needed win on the road.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Cowboys 24

Philadelphia Eagles vs. New Orleans Saints

Key Stat: Regarding turnover margin, New Orleans is +3 (T-3rd), while Philadelphia is -3 (T-28th).

Analysis: With the addition of offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, New Orleans has arguably been the top offense in the NFL this season (first in points per game (PPG), third in rushing and total YPG, 11th in passing YPG), and Derek Carr has arguably played at an elite level (30/39 (76.9%), 443 yards, 5 TD, INT in two games).

While New Orleans will continue to flourish offensively this week, Philadelphia’s propensity for close games, coupled with their urgency to redeem themselves after last week’s debacle, leads Philly to a nail-biting upset in the Superdome.

Prediction: Eagles 31, Saints 30

Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals

In what will likely be a candidate for the highest scoring matchup and “underrated game of the week,” Jared Goff rebounds from last week’s performance (34/55 (61.8%), 307 yards, 2 INT), plays mistake-free football and leads his team to a win, despite Kyler Murray and Marvin Harrison Jr.’s stellar play in this game.

Prediction: Lions 28, Cardinals 20

Houston Texans vs. Minnesota Vikings

In a game that features two of the NFL’s brilliant defensive minds in DeMeco Ryans (Texans head coach) and Brian Flores (Vikings defensive coordinator), C.J. Stroud and the Texans make enough plays (with the help of an interception from Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold) to come out with the victory.

Prediction: Texans 24, Vikings 23

The Others

Chicago Bears vs. Indianapolis Colts

While I believe Anthony Richardson will play better this week, the key to this game is how well Indianapolis stops the run. Given their current standing (last in the NFL with 237 rushing YPG allowed), I think Chicago’s offense will impose their will, and the defense will make a couple of key stops to pull off the upset.

Prediction: Bears 24, Colts 20

Denver Broncos vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Baker Mayfield continues his revival arc in Tampa, and Todd Bowles makes it a long day for Bo Nix and the Broncos offense.

Prediction: Buccaneers 23, Broncos 13

Green Bay Packers vs. Tennessee Titans

In what will likely be Malik Willis’ second start, Green Bay follows the “run and play great defense” formula for the second straight week, helping them to outlast Tennessee’s efforts.

Prediction: Packers 20, Titans 17

Los Angeles Chargers vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

While the health of Justin Herbert could affect this game, this will likely be a defensive struggle. Despite a “vintage” performance from Khalil Mack, T.J. Watt and the Steelers defense steal the show with a late defensive TD to win the game.

Prediction: Steelers 17, Chargers 14

New York Giants vs. Cleveland Browns

Behind the efforts of Myles Garrett and defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Cleveland’s defense applies constant pressure to Daniel Jones and dominates this game.

Prediction: Browns 23, Giants 7

Carolina Panthers vs. Las Vegas Raiders

With Andy Dalton taking over for Bryce Young, Carolina’s offense gets a boost. However, the loss of Derrick Brown proves costly, as Vegas controls the time of possession battle and improves to 2-1.

Prediction: Raiders 26, Panthers 16

Miami Dolphins vs. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle’s second-ranked pass defense (128.5 YPG allowed) makes life tough for Skylar Thompson and the Miami offense, and they stay undefeated.

Prediction: Seahawks 23, Dolphins 14

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams

While both teams are missing key players, San Francisco leans on Jordan Mason and wins an offensive shootout.

Prediction: 49ers 34, Rams 24

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Atlanta Falcons

On Sunday Night Football, Kansas City starts out slowly in the first half. But, Atlanta is unable to convert their early trips in the red zone into touchdowns, and Kansas City capitalizes in the second half to improve to 3-0.

Prediction: Chiefs 27, Falcons 19

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills

In the first game of the Monday Night Football (MNF) doubleheader, Trevor Lawrence and Jacksonville play well, but Josh Allen continues to build his resume for MVP consideration and keeps both teams trending in opposite directions (Buffalo to 3-0, Jacksonville to 0-3).

Prediction: Bills 31, Jaguars 23

Washington Commanders vs. Cincinnati Bengals

In the second game of the MNF doubleheader, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase use it as their “get right game,” helping Cincinnati improve to 2-1.

Prediction: Bengals 24, Commanders 18

Who do you have winning this week? Share your thoughts in the comments below!