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SALT LAKE CITY -- There are only 13 games on the schedule this weekend in the NFL, but hopefully you'll still be able to find a game to fill your time.
Jets @ Patriots - 9.5
The hatred between these two teams becomes more intense each year. Surprisingly though, the two teams are vying for second place in the AFC East, but that won't take anything away from the game. Tom Brady and the Patriots lead the league in passing offense, but the Jets tout the league's second best passing defense. Someone must try to defend Wes Welker who has 40 catches for 616 yards and five touchdowns only four games into the season. Compare that to the Jets leading receiver, Dustin Keller, who has 18 receptions for 261 yards and two touchdowns. The Jets look to get their offense back on track after two poor performances both ending in losses, but it won't be an easy challenge on the road in Foxboro. This game in an example of what makes the NFL great.
Bears @ Lions - 9.2
This NFC North rivalry matchup on Monday night has the city of Detroit excited as ever. The Lions come into the game in first place in the division and sporting a 4-0 record. They have come from behind in the last two games. Last week against Dallas the Lions outscored the Cowboys 31-10 in the second half. The comeback was sparked by back-to-back interceptions returned for touchdowns in the 3rd quarter. The Bears won last week behind 205 rushing yards from Matt Forte, who leads the Bears offense in rushing and receiving yards this season. Also, Devin Hester set an NFL record returning his 11th career punt for a touchdown. A lot is at stake on Monday night as the Lions look to keep their winning ways.
Saints @ Panthers - 8.8
The Panthers have scored over 20 points in each of their losses and only 16 points in the lone win of the year. Cam Newton makes Carolina one of the most exciting teams to watch no matter whom they're playing or how bad they are. The Panthers have one of the league's best offenses but haven't been able to put in a complete game on defense. New Orleans has won three straight after dropping their season opener. Drew Brees has the Saints offense rolling and he has already passed for 10 touchdowns. Rookie Mark Ingram leads the Saints in rushing with 184 yards on the season and Jimmy Graham leads the receiving corps with 367 yards and three touchdowns so far. You can expect a fun game in Charlotte.
Buccaneers @ 49ers - 8.3
Both teams have surprisingly identical 3-1 records heading into this week's meeting. San Francisco is ranked in the bottom five of league when it comes to total offense but they still find a way to score and win games. Last week the 49ers came back from 20 points down in the second half to beat the Eagles. Tampa Bay rallied in the fourth quarter last week to beat the Colts and keep them winless on the year. LaGarrette Blount has become a force on offense and Josh Freeman is fast becoming one of league's best up-and-coming young quarterbacks. Both teams were very close to being undefeated but both teams blew leads otherwise this game would be even more intriguing.
Packers @ Falcons - 8.0
Green Bay is picking up right where they left off to end last year. Aaron Rodgers is proving that he may be the greatest Packers quarterback ever. He's averaging over 331 ypg and has thrown for 12 touchdowns already. The Falcons are disappointed at 2-2 and it was expected that the schedule was going to get easier after the first few weeks but it doesn't look like it will. It's time for Matt Ryan to prove his worth and lead the Falcons to a revenge victory. Michael Turner leads the Atlanta rushing attack and rookie wide receiver Julio Jones leads the team in receptions. This is a big game for the Falcons who can make a statement and get some momentum heading into the thick of the season.
Titans @ Steelers - 7.8
The Titans have a surprising 3-1 record thus far, but what's more surprisingly is that they've accomplished this without much help from start running back Chris Johnson. Matt Hasselbeck is averaging 288 ypg this season and threw three touchdowns in last week's game to lead Tennessee past Cleveland. The Steelers remain calm and poised at 2-2 so far but a loss to the Titans could cause some to panic in Pittsburgh. Ben Roethlisberger will play Sunday despite being in a walking boot all week, which may be bad news for the Titans because of Roethlisberger's history of performing well while in pain. A win for Tennessee would solidify the Titans as a serious contender in the AFC.
Eagles @ Bills - 7.3
If this game were played last week the interest level would be much higher. Regardless this game is still very appealing. The Bills lost their first game of the season last week, as they weren't able to hold on to a late fourth quarter leader. They only accumulated 273 yards of total offense and it was clear that the offense wasn't clicking. Philadelphia was supposed to be the "dream team" this year but the season has turned into more of a nightmare of sorts. The Eagles are losers of three straight despite having one of the league's top offenses. Many still think of the Eagles as a contender but if they can't pull out a win against Buffalo expect those believers to turn to doubters.
Raiders @ Texans - 6.9
Two of the league's best rushing offenses will face off in Houston Sunday. Raider Darren McFadden leads the league in rushing so far this year, but Ben Tate and Texans have a formidable rushing attack that is ranked in the top five of the league. Both teams seem to be right on the edge of greatness this year through the first four games. A win for either team would help build a nice resume and confidence heading into the middle of the season. Both teams feature offenses capable of turning out big games, but the outcome will be decided by whichever team wins the battle in the trenches on defense.
Chargers @ Broncos - 6.7
The struggling Broncos' road doesn't get any easier as they welcome the Chargers. Denver running back Willis McGahee had a nice game in week three as he ran for 103 yards and Eric Decker continued to impress as he caught two touchdowns. Rookie linebacker Von Miller recorded two sacks as well. So you can see that the Broncos have the talent, but they just can't seem to put it all together. On the other hand, the Chargers have it together. Last week Phillip Rivers threw for 307 yards and Vincent Jackson had 108 yards receiving to lead San Diego to victory. This AFC West rivalry is always an exciting, physical game, but if you're a Broncos fan, be forewarned, it could get ugly.
Bengals @ Jaguars - 5.6
Cincinnati had put in an impressive performance last week to give Buffalo their first lost of the season. Rookie quarterback Andy Dalton threw for 298 yards and a touchdown, and rookie wide receiver A.J. Green brought in four receptions for 118 yards to lead the Bengals last week. This week they're looking to continue their good luck against Jacksonville and rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert. Maurice Jones-Drew has been playing well and is averaging just under 100-ypg rushing. However, the Jaguars haven't been able to get their passing attack on track and are currently ranked last in the league in passing offense. Gabbert is getting more comfortable behind center, and, if things work out right, could have a breakout game any week.
Cardinals @ Vikings - 4.3
Many think that Minnesota is losing on purpose in order to win the first draft pick and select Andrew Luck. The theory makes sense because no team and lose like they have without trying, right? Donavan McNabb looks like he should be coaching high school football instead of quarterbacking the Vikings, and you can see the frustration in Adrian Peterson's body language. Maybe she should take some advice from Keyshawn Johnson and just demand the * ball. The Cardinals beat Cam Newton in his NFL debut but haven't won since, losing three straight. However, Larry Fitzgerald is still amazing. Thus, you have a chance to win any game. If the Vikings can get some offense going this could be an exciting game, but don't hold your breath.
Seahawks @ Giants - 3.1
Eli Manning has been red-hot the last three weeks leading the Giants to three victories. Last week he threw for 321 yards and two touchdowns as he led New York to a fourth quarter come-from-behind victory. Meanwhile, Seattle is coming off of a close loss to Atlanta in which they couldn't quite make a comeback after getting down early. Tavaris Jackson threw for 319 yards and three touchdowns but the Seahawks gained only 53 yards rushing on the night. Despite Jackson's big night passing Seattle still has the lowest rated total offense in the league. The cross-country trip won't help the Seahawks either as the Giants host them in the Meadowlands.
Chiefs @ Colts - 0.6
Once again the Chiefs find themselves in the most undesirable game of the week. The winless Colts host the one win Chiefs in a game that isn't really worth tuning in to. However, if this game was taking place in the early 1970's, and the matchup was between quarterbacks Len Dawson and Johnny Unitas, it would be a can't miss. However, this matchup features Curtis Painter and Matt Cassel. If you don't know who either one is, don't bother watching.
