Baltimore Ravens @ New York Jets
Two teams that started the season with playoff aspirations will face off in a de facto elimination game as the Baltimore Ravens travel to take on the New York Jets.
The Jets have played better of late, but with the competitiveness within their own division, a fifth loss so early in the season could sink their championship dreams.
"The way I see it, every game is the National Championship for us now," rookie wide receiver Braxton Miller said. "I'm not used to losing and I see it now like another turn at Ohio State for me - we win everything moving forward - no excuses."
Miller has been a revelation for New York fans (and Sam Bradford) with his big plays and sure-hands catching the football.
The Ravens have been pedestrian on offense all year and have also struggled to keep teams off the board.
"It's been turnovers for us," John Harbaugh said. "We have got to take care of the football."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: The youthful and energetic Jets seem to like Miller's call to get back to their college roots as players had a spirited practice wearing their own 'throwback' jerseys mid-week.
PREDICTION: Jets win 28-17
Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins
Not since Jim Kelly and Dan Marino were locking horns has a Buffalo/Miami matchup been so widely anticipated throughout the country.
"This is great for our league," commissioner Roger Goodell said. "I love that those two fanbases are getting some time to shine."
After last year's unexpected run to the Super Bowl 50 championship, many around the league looked for a huge drop for Miami in 2016. With New England, New York, and Buffalo all stocked with talent, it was an easy assumption.
But, after a 6-0 start heading into their clash with Aaron Rodgers and the Bills, the Dolphins could be here to stay.
"We've been disrespected every day since playing in that game (Super Bowl)," Earl Thomas said. "We don't need extra motivation, but I see them (Buffalo) trying to get in on that trash-talking game too - that's not a good move for them."
In their last meeting, the Bills completely shut down the Miami rushing attack. The only points scored by the Dolphins were on defense (three turnovers returned for touchdowns) in Buffalo's 28-21 victory.
"They are a little bit sensitive over there," Rodgers said. "Any time we answer a question about Miami, the next day one of them is talking about 'disrespect' and 'being angry.' I'm not one to gush and fawn over opponents. They are a good squad and great at being one-dimensional - I'm confident our defense can shut down their single dimension again."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Fist fights and ejections. No, seriously.
PREDICTION: Bills win 24-23