In the heart of the bye week seasons, there are fewer games to watch. Last week provided a couple particularly intriguing games that offset the lower volume. Though none of the games this week comes close to Broncos-Patriots as a headliner, there are still plenty of interesting matchups.
1. Saints DE Cameron Jordan vs. 49ers LT Joe Staley
Jordan does not lead the Saints in sacks-Junior Galette is ahead of him this year-but he remains New Orleans’ best, most versatile defensive lineman. Nominally a right defensive end who would matchup with Staley the most, he can in fact line up anywhere on the line and is a force against both the run and the pass. Colin Kaepernick remains a work in progress as a polished pocket passer. The 49ers must keep him comfortable in the passing game, which means accounting for Jordan on every play yet not paying too much attention to him and opening them up to Rob Ryan’s creative blitzing.
2. Lions DE Ziggy Ansah vs. Dolphins LT Brandon Albert
The Dolphins have turned over their entire pretty much their entire offensive line from last year, and it has been one of the big keys to their offensive success in new coordinator Bill Lazor’s scheme. Ex-Chiefs first-round pick Albert was their biggest offseason import. Games like this are precisely why teams want that sort of premium left tackle. Detroit, particularly their defense, has been a staple of this column because they have so many interesting, highly talented players. Former top five pick Ansah leads them in sacks and is doing a better job of translating his enormous physical gifts into impressive production in his second season. With Calvin Johnson back in the lineup, the Dolphins must be able to move that ball and score points of their own. To do that, they’ll have to block Ansah and the rest of the Lions’ fearsome line.
3. Giants WR Odell Beckham vs. Seahawks CB Richard Sherman?
Anybody who saw the Monday night loss to the Colts knows New York is not always an easy or pleasant team to watch. That they haven’t played any close games this year (no games decided by less than ten points either way) makes them even less compelling. But if you stuck with Monday night’s game, you got a glimpse of Beckham’s ridiculous athleticism and ability to catch the ball. Going up against a secondary that, even with all their injuries, is still pretty good will be a good test for the rookie.
4. Chiefs RB Jamaal Charles vs. Bills OLB Preston Brown
Kansas City’s offense is not explosive, but it’s been effective enough lately. Charles is their best player and most consistent one. He can run inside the tackles, but does his best work on the perimeter, at the second level, and in the passing game. Brown has been a three-down player for the Bills and is a much more effective space player than middle linebacker Brandon Spikes, serving as a key part of a pass defense that has been efficient against opposing backs and tight ends. He’ll need another strong effort to limit Charles and force Alex Smith to throw to an unimposing group of outside receivers.
5. Falcons WR Roddy White vs. Buccaneers CB Johnthan Banks?
Come to this game for Lovie Smith’s inexplicable infatuation with Josh McCown. Stay for what White and Julio Jones can do against a Buccaneers secondary that has struggled in their first year under Lovie. That group may not include big free agent acquisition Alterraun Verner, who got burned in Atlanta’s blowout on Thursday Night Football earlier in the season. Matt Ryan should be able to throw if that offensive line can successfully keep Gerald McCoy off him for more than 2.2 seconds. It could happen.
