For the duration of the NFL season, The Press will suggest three duels to follow each week. The match sealed in advance, where a team’s victory is almost assured. The most surprising duel, where a team could beat a seemingly more powerful rival. Then the part not to be missed, where popcorn and cold drink will be necessary to accompany the action.
Posted at 2:00 a.m.
Updated at 7:00 a.m.
The certainty
Kansas City Chiefs c. Los Angeles Chargers (daytime, 1 p.m.)
If the trend continues, five starting players could be absent for the Chargers, including quarterback Justin Herbert, already physically fragile since the start of the season. And even if he plays the game, Herbert will be limited because of his sore ankle. To add insult to injury for Chargers fans, their favorites face the Chiefs, reigning Super Bowl champions and the only team in the American West division to claim a perfect record after three weeks. Patrick Mahomes’ team hasn’t broken anything so far, but they find a way to win close duels. Plus, Travis Kelce is invisible. If he blooms on Sunday, it will be a long day for the Chargers’ stout defense. Otherwise, Mahomes will still have the pleasure of exploiting his other resources, like Rashee Rice, the receiver with the most receptions in the NFL after the first three games.
Prediction: 24-16 Chiefs
The surprise
Pittsburgh Steelers c. Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, 1 p.m.)
PHOTO ZACH BOLINGER, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Indianapolis Colts could well cause an upset in their game against the Steelers this Sunday.
A priori, a Steelers defeat against a team with a negative record would not be highlighted in this exercise. However, the Steelers have won their first three games of the season and are ahead of the Baltimore Ravens and the Cincinnati Bengals in their division. It is inevitable, therefore, to present Mike Tomlin’s troop as favorites in the North of America. On the other hand, after two frustrating defeats, the Colts finally found the path to victory against the Chicago Bears last week, even if quarterback Anthony Richardson played his worst game of the season. Jonathan Taylor has returned to being the player he was in 2021. Few teams can have the upper hand on the Steelers’ efficient defense, but the explosiveness of the Colts offense will know how to find the gaps.
Prediction: 21-13 Colts
The unmissable
Buffalo Bills c. Baltimore Ravens (dimanche, 8:20 p.m.)
PHOTO ADRIAN KRAUS, ARCHIVES ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Buffalo Bills are playing better and better, week after week, according to our journalist.
A lot of things don’t work in Baltimore. Lamar Jackson’s reads, the use of his receivers and the quality of the defensive game against the pass, among others. This is why this team with immense potential has a negative record after three weeks. On the other hand, the Bills are playing better and better. Josh Allen is leading the charge in Buffalo. With much fewer resources than at one time, the 28-year-old quarterback is working miracles. But for the first time in his career, he doesn’t have to be the team’s best player on the floor. James Cook excels in the backfield. However, even if the duel seems unequal, it remains a Sunday evening clash between two rival teams that are both spectacular and unpredictable. The two quarterbacks alone can change the course of a game. But because they have the wind in their sails, Bills advantage.
Prediction: 27-24 Bills
