NFL Previews

Starter to third-string quarterback and back again in a span of three weeks, Zach Wilson is QB1 for the New York Jets. Coach Robert Saleh declared Wilson “gives us the best chance to win” when the Jets try to pull out of a five-game losing streak Sunday against the Houston Texans in East Rutherford, N.J. Wilson, benched for ineffective play three times in the past two seasons, was demoted last month after the Jets (4-8)

Atlanta finds itself in the driver’s seat in the division and the Falcons get the chance to distance themselves from the pack on Sunday. With a slim lead over the Buccaneers (5-7) and New Orleans Saints (5-7), Atlanta (6-6) can accelerate its march toward its first playoff game since 2017 by sweeping Tampa Bay. The Falcons already own a win over the Bucs — 16-13 on Oct. 22 — who understand the gravity of this

Warning labels are unnecessary for coach Dan Campbell and the Lions when it comes to the obstacles presented by the last-place Chicago Bears on Detroit’s desired path to its first division title since 1993. The Lions scored two touchdowns in the last three minutes to defeat the Bears 31-26 last month, and the rematch is Sunday in Chicago. “We were fortunate to come out with a win,” Campbell said of the first meeting this season

From first in the draft to first eliminated from playoff contention, the Carolina Panthers are chasing their second win of the season entering Week 14. Meanwhile, three consecutive losses have bumped New Orleans down the NFC South standings. The Saints will attempt to renew their playoff hopes when they host the Panthers on Sunday afternoon. The Saints (5-7) were in sole possession of first place in the NFC South before losing to the Atlanta Falcons

Rarely have the Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves sporting a more impressive offense than their opponent this season, but that very well could be the case on Thursday night when they face the visiting New England Patriots. New England (2-10) has been anemic over its past three games, scoring a total of 13 points. It was shut out for the second time this season in a 6-0 home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

The Kansas City Chiefs would love to see history repeat itself when they visit Jordan Love and the Green Bay Packers on Sunday night. Love, however, is feeling much more confident these days. So, too, are the rejuvenated Packers (5-6) as they prepare to host the high-powered Chiefs (8-3). Love’s first NFL start came against the Chiefs on Nov. 7, 2021. He posted a 69.5 passer rating as he threw for 190 yards, one touchdown

Banged up but unbowed, the Cleveland Browns will try to improve their positioning in the AFC playoff picture when they visit the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. Cleveland remained out west following its 29-12 loss at Denver last Sunday. Now the Browns hope to stay healthy after injuries forced defensive end Myles Garrett (left shoulder), quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson (concussion), wide receiver Amari Cooper (rib) and defensive end Jordan Elliott (ankle) from the game. In addition,

The San Francisco 49ers return to the scene of last season’s NFC Championship Game, and Sunday’s rematch with the host Philadelphia Eagles should include many fireworks. Last year’s matchup was marred by an elbow injury to 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy as the Eagles cruised to the 31-7 win that elevated them into the Super Bowl. Come Sunday, Purdy is healthy and teammate Christian McCaffrey is flourishing, while Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is once again enjoying

Perhaps the most surprising aspect behind the unexpected rise of Houston Texans rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been the resilient play of his offensive line, a patchwork unit besieged by injury from the start of this season. Despite operating behind a makeshift group, Stroud has performed at a level on par with the greatest campaigns ever for a rookie signal-caller. Stroud certainly is deserving of a lion’s share of the credit for his development, but