NFL KEY MATCHUPS – WEEK 8

Will DeShaun Watson lead his team to victory against the Seahawks?

Week 8 is here. The Browns are still searching for their first win and they will be playing in London against Minnesota to find it. Deshaun Watson and Houston will go up to the Pacific Northwest to take on Seattle and Dallas travels to Washington for a showdown of two NFC East teams. Here’s a Remarkable! note for each and every team that is playing on Sunday…

Minnesota @ Cleveland (London)

The Vikings defense has pressured opposing QBs on 27.5% of dropbacks on plays in the red zone this season (best in NFL; League Avg: 10.3%).

The Browns defense has tackled opponents for a loss on 40 of 192 rushing attempts (20.8% TFL%) this season (2nd best in NFL; League Avg: 13.3%).

Atlanta @ New York (AFC)

The Atlanta Falcons have converted first downs on 121 of 361 plays (33.5%) this season (best in NFL; League Avg: 27.6%).

Austin Seferian-Jenkins (NYJ) has 26 receptions on 34 targets (76.5% Reception Pct) this season (tied for 4th best of 33 Qualified TEs in NFL; League Avg: 65.9%)

Carolina @ Tampa Bay

The Panthers defense has tackled opponents for a loss on 28 of 150 rushing attempts (18.7% TFL%) this season (3rd best in NFL; League Avg: 13.3%).

Jameis Winston (TB) has a passer rating of 125.3 in close and late situations (44 Pass Attempts) this season (2nd best of 29 Qualified QBs in NFL; League Avg: 86.6).

San Francisco @ Philadelphia

The 49ers defense has created pressure against opposing QBs 30 times on 3rd down this season (most in NFL).

Carson Wentz (PHI) has a passer rating of 133.1 on 3rd down (68 Pass Attempts) this season (best of 32 Qualified QBs in NFL; League Avg: 83.5).

Chicago @ New Orleans

The Bears defense has allowed a passer rating of just 49.3 on 3rd and long (30 Pass Attempts) this season (4th best in NFL; League Avg: 79.6).

Drew Brees (NO) has completed passes for 20+ yards on 26 of his 221 total passing attempts (11.8%) this season (4th best of 34 Qualified QBs in NFL; League Avg: 8.7%).

Los Angeles (AFC) @ New England

Hunter Henry (LAC) has averaged 14.3 Yards per Reception (301 yards/21 catches) this season (4th best of 33 Qualified TEs in NFL; League Avg: 11.3).

The New England Patriots have converted first downs on 36 of 49 plays (73.5%) in short yardage situations since Week 4 of this season (best in NFL; League Avg: 57.6%).

Oakland @ Buffalo

Michael Crabtree (OAK) has averaged a touchdown every 4.7 receptions (28 Rec/6 TDs) this season (2nd best of 73 Qualified WRs in NFL; League Avg: 13.0).

Zay Jones (BUF) has just 7 receptions on 32 targets (21.9% Reception Pct) this season (worst of 73 Qualified WRs in NFL; League Avg: 59.0%).

Indianapolis @ Cincinnati

T.Y. Hilton (IND) has averaged 25.4 Yards per Reception (229 yards/9 catches) on 1st down this season (best of 69 Qualified WRs in NFL; League Avg: 13.1).

Tyler Kroft (CIN) has 18 receptions on 21 targets (85.7% Reception Pct) this season (best of 33 Qualified TEs in NFL; League Avg: 65.9%).

Houston @ Seattle

Houston Texans WRs have averaged a touchdown every 4.8 receptions (62 Rec/13 TDs) this season (best in NFL; League Avg: 13.0).

The Seahawks defense has allowed just 15.3 points per game to opposing offenses (92 points / 6 games) this season (3rd best in NFL; League Avg: 20.3).

Dallas @ Washington

Dak Prescott (DAL) has thrown 11 TDs on just 143 pass attempts (one TD every 13.0 Pass Attempts) when not under pressure since Week 4 of this season (4th best of 35 Qualified QBs in NFL; League Avg: 21.5).

Chris Thompson (WAS) has averaged 5.2 yards before contact per carry (40 carries) since Week 4 of this season (3rd best of 45 Qualified RBs in NFL; League Avg: 3.5).

Pittsburgh @ Detroit

Antonio Brown (PIT) has averaged 4.9 first down receptions per game (34/7) this season (best of 73 Qualified WRs in NFL; League Avg: 1.6).

Golden Tate (DET) has 33 receptions on 41 targets (80.5% Reception Pct) when his QB is not been under pressure this season (best of 70 Qualified WRs in NFL; League Avg: 61.7%).