As the NFL season approaches its own halftime, fans and oddsmakers alike are still attempting to gain a better grasp of which teams are for real.
However, this could be the week where some questions get answered with some key divisional matchups.
One real contender? Perennial juggernaut New England Patriots, who continue to steamroll opponents, just as they have for most of this century. The 4-3 Buffalo Bills, fresh off a disappointing loss at the hands of the Miami Dolphins, will try to keep within arm’s reach of an AFC East crown when they play host to Brady, Gronk and company.
One real resurgence? The 5-2 Oakland Raiders, who sit atop the AFC West and will face off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a Super Bowl XXXVIII rematch. However, a win for the Bucs can signal a resurgence of their own, as it will give them a winning record this late in the season for the first time in years.
One real rivalry? The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles, who have both exceeded expectations with star rookie quarterbacks Dak Prescott and Carson Wentz. They arguably face their biggest test yet in front of a national Sunday Night audience. Regardless of records, there is never any love lost here, but the fact that they’ll be playing with first place on the line certainly helps!
Other key divisional battles this week: The Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans, the San Diego Chargers against the Denver Broncos and the Minnesota Vikings battle the Chicago Bears.
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Here are how the early odds break down, with lines courtesy of SportsBookReview.com:
Thursday October 27
- 8:25 ET Tennessee (-3.5) vs. Jacksonville
Sunday, October 16
- 9:30 a.m. ET Cincinnati (-2.5) vs. Washington
- 1:00 ET Houston (-2.5) vs. Detroit
- 1:00 ET Seattle (-3) at New Orleans
- 1:00 ET New England (-6.5) at Buffalo
- 1:00 ET NY Jets (-2.5) at Cleveland
- 1:00 ET Tampa Bay (-1) vs. Oakland
- 1:00 ET Kansas City (-2.5) vs. Indianapolis
- 1:00 ET Carolina (-2.5) vs. Arizona
- 4:05 ET Denver (-5.5) vs. San Diego
- 4:25 ET Atlanta (-2.5) vs. Green Bay
- 8:30 ET Dallas (-4.5) vs. Philadelphia
Monday Night Football
- 8:30 ET Minnesota (-5.5) vs. Chicago