After defeating the Patriots, the Giants get the week off, while the other NFC East teams face challenging home games against victorious teams.
Dallas Cowboys (8-3) vs. Seattle Seahawks (6-5):
The Cowboys have won their last three games and outscored their opponents 127-37. When playing against division rivals, the Seahawks have lost two games in a row, and quarterback Geno Smith doesn’t resemble the 2022 AP Comeback Player of the Year.
Despite taking six sacks and throwing for 180 yards without a touchdown against the 49ers, Smith has only scored three touchdowns in his previous four games. Dak Prescott has completed his last three games (all victories) with 10 touchdowns and 924 yards.
It may depend on running back Kenneth Walker III’s availability whether Seattle has the best chance of winning the game. Walker is doubtful for Thursday’s game after missing the previous week’s due to an oblique injury. If the team is to have any chance of defeating the Cowboys, Zach Charbonnet, the rookie, will need to perform better than 47 yards.
Dallas is 5-0 at home this year, but they haven’t defeated a winning club. Expect the Cowboys to snap the first winning streak and push the other one to six home victories.
PREDICTION: Cowboys 31-17
Miami Dolphins (8-3) at Washington Commanders (4-8):
Following last week’s loss to Dallas, the Commanders continued their defensive purge by cutting defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer. The Commanders had traded the team’s top two pass rushers at the deadline.
This won’t help at all against the top-ranked offense in Miami. Although the Dolphins have yet to defeat a winning squad, they should have no issues against the Washington defense, which gives up a league-high 29.2 points per game. The Commanders have only scored 10 points against the Cowboys and have lost their last three games. Although Miami’s defense isn’t as strong, it’s still in the top 10.
Miami needs to get Mike White, their backup quarterback, ready because Tua Tagovailoa won’t play in the fourth quarter. If De’Von Achane plays, the same holds true for Raheem Mostert, the running back.
PREDICTION: Dolphins 34–14
San Francisco 49ers (8-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (10-1)
Following the 49ers’ NFC Championship Game loss in Philadelphia last year and the early elbow injury that sidelined quarterback Brock Purdy, players, and coaches had nothing but negative things to say about the city and football team.
In a game that could decide home field in the NFC playoffs, San Francisco, which is confident that it is the superior team, will go into Lincoln Financial Field with a chip on its shoulder. The NFL’s top rusher, Christian McCaffrey, and a defense that gives up a league-low 15.5 points per game will also be brought by the 49ers.
As two-point favorites against Philadelphia to start the week, the Niners may have inspired a 10-1 Eagles team that hasn’t played its best football yet. Philadelphia has lost its way running the ball and frequently forgets that D’Andre Swift is the fourth-best rusher in the NFL.
Swift’s 14 carries against the Bills, including three in the first half, tied quarterback Jalen Hurts, which may help to explain why Philadelphia needed overtime to win. The game might come down to a single reception from any of the game’s three top-20 wide receivers or San Francisco’s Pro Bowl tight end, of course, as both teams are formidable against the run.
Philadelphia would like nothing more than to get to 11-1 and put some distance between themselves and the 49ers, but after emotional comeback wins against the Chiefs and Bills, the Eagles are due to let one slip. With a game against the rival Cowboys up next, this will be the one that gets away from Philly.
The Eagles are due to lose one game after thrilling comeback victories against the Chiefs and Bills. Philadelphia would prefer nothing more than to move to 11-1 and put some distance between themselves and the 49ers. This will be the one that escapes Philadelphia, especially with a game against the rival Cowboys coming up next.
PREDICTION: 49ERS 24–20