Sunday, September 13th
Chicago Bears @ Chicago Bears, 1:00 PM ET
While Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was the hot topic of the offseason, Chicago's running game could be more impactful in this game vs. the Carolina Panthers. Chicago's rushing offense was excellent last season, finishing fourth in EPA per rush, third in yards per carry, and first in rushing success rate. Williams and his incredible playmaking ability got the attention during Chicago's run to the NFC Divisional game, but Chicago's running game, led by running backs D'Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, was the team's biggest strength throughout the season.
While Chicago's running game is a strength, Carolina's run defense was mediocre last year, finishing 22nd in yards per carry allowed. This sets the stage for the matchup: a strong running attack vs. a mediocre run defense. Specifically, Chicago's offense excelled when running from under center, finishing second in the league last year in EPA per rush on those plays, while Carolina finished 30th in EPA per rush on under-center runs.
Carolina added edge defender Jaelan Phillips this offseason to strengthen that unit, but lost second-year Nic Scourton to a season-ending ACL injury. How this defensive front fares against Chicago's elite rushing attack will be one of the key matchups to watch.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 PM ET
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will take on the Cincinnati Bengals with uncertainty surrounding their secondary after Jamel Dean left for the Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency after seven years with the team. While the Tampa Bay safety duo of Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith is among the best in the league, what's left of this cornerback group after Dean's departure is concerning, especially considering Cincinnati's Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins are on the other side of the line in this matchup.
Recently extended veteran Zyon McCollum leads this group, with second-year players Jacob Parrish and Benjamin Morrison beside him. While this is a high-upside group, the inexperience is worrisome against Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow and the potent weapons he has at his disposal, especially since Tampa Bay played the eighth-most man coverage in the league under Todd Bowles last season. The performance of the young Tampa Bay cornerbacks will be worth paying attention to in this matchup, as they could be asked to hold up in one-on-one situations against Chase and Higgins.
New Orleans Saints @ Detroit Lions, 1:00 PM ET
New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough is entering his first year as the full-time starter, and Saints fans are hoping to see their potential franchise quarterback lead New Orleans to a victory over the Detroit Lions on Sunday. But establishing the run game will be crucial to the offense's success in this game. The Saints signed former Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne this offseason, looking to improve upon a rushing attack that ranked 31st in both yards per carry and EPA per rush.
Shough and this offense will need an effective ground game vs. Detroit, as New Orleans will be without rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson for the first two months of the season, leaving Shough with a somewhat vulnerable group of weapons. With a Lions defense that will be without star safety Brian Branch for the beginning of the season, there could be an opportunity for New Orleans to be effective on the ground in this game.
Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans, 1:00 PM ET
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is one of the best running threats at the position, running for a league-leading 579 yards and 14 touchdowns in the 2025 season. Theoretically, Allen will have opportunities to run in this matchup. This Houston Texans defense was awesome in 2025, but they allowed the 6th-most scramble yards.
It's possible that improvement in that category will come for Houston, considering the offseason additions of edge defender Jadeveon Clowney and rookie defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. But keep an eye on Allen's threat to scramble in this one.
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