Primetime Games
49ers @ Rams (Thursday Night)
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Key Matchup: Puka Nacua & Davante Adams vs. San Francisco’s banged-up secondary.
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Storyline: The Rams have been a top-5 offense so far, while the 49ers’ defense is adjusting after losing Nick Bosa for the season.
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Fantasy Watch: Stafford and Rams’ WRs are must-starts; 49ers’ RBs could be solid volume plays.
Bills @ Patriots (Sunday Night)
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Key Matchup: Josh Allen vs. Patriots D. New England has played close games but lacks explosiveness.
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Storyline: Buffalo is the AFC’s lone unbeaten. Patriots will try to slow pace with Rhamondre Stevenson and ball control.
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Fantasy Watch: James Cook has been quietly consistent; Pats WRs still tough to trust weekly.
Chiefs @ Jaguars (Monday Night #1)
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Key Matchup: Patrick Mahomes vs. Jacksonville’s pass rush.
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Storyline: Chiefs stumbled out of the gate but still dangerous; Jacksonville is trying to prove it belongs in the AFC’s elite tier.
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Fantasy Watch: Travis Kelce remains reliable, but KC’s WR rotation is risky.
Key Sunday Matchups
Vikings vs. Browns (London Game)
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Key Matchup: Justin Jefferson vs. Denzel Ward (if healthy).
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Storyline: Both teams at 2-2 (projected). The Browns’ offensive line has struggled, which could make this a big day for Danielle Hunter & Minnesota’s pass rush.
Texans @ Ravens
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Key Matchup: Houston’s front seven vs. Ravens’ backup QB.
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Storyline: With Lamar Jackson out, Baltimore needs to run heavy and play defense. Houston has a golden chance for a statement win.
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Fantasy Watch: Dameon Pierce could be worth flexing; Mark Andrews’ usage will spike without Lamar scrambling.
Eagles vs. Broncos
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Key Matchup: Jalen Hurts vs. Denver’s linebackers in the run game.
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Storyline: Philly looks dominant in trenches but has given up big passing plays. Broncos may test them deep with Jerry Jeudy.
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Fantasy Watch: Eagles RB rotation is frustrating — monitor touches. Courtland Sutton is a potential WR2 here.
Dark-Horse Games That Could Surprise
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Panthers vs. Dolphins
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Why it matters: Miami lost Tyreek Hill for the season — how they adjust without him will define their offense.
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X-Factor: Carolina’s young defense has been opportunistic; Bryce Young could get his first “signature win.”
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Big Themes for Week 5
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Quarterback injuries — Lamar Jackson out, others banged up, backup QB play will swing outcomes.
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Undefeated teams under pressure — Buffalo, Chargers, Tampa Bay need to prove staying power.
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Defensive tests — Browns, Eagles, and Commanders’ defenses face big tests that could re-shape divisional races.
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Travel games — Vikings vs. Browns in London means jet lag and neutral-field weirdness could create chaos.
