Sunday is a measuring stick day for some of the NFL’s top contenders. The Broncos get another shot at the Chiefs team that embarrassed them in Week 1, Lamar Jackson is expected to return against a Bills team that has beaten Baltimore twice in a row, and the Vikings, the league's last unbeaten team, visit Detroit as underdogs.

Elsewhere, Georgia and Florida meet in Atlanta, the NBA Cup tips off Friday, and the Valkyries are one win from a WNBA title.

The stakes: In Week 1, Kansas City beat Denver 31-10 and Kenneth Walker ran for 173 yards. Sean Payton took the loss personally and had some choice words for his team following that outing. Fast forward to this week, the Chiefs are 5-1, the Broncos are 5-2, and first place in the AFC West is on the line. A Chiefs win gives them the season sweep and the tiebreaker over the Broncos, putting them firmly in control of the division. A Denver win raises their chances to about 50%.

This is also a measuring stick game for the Broncos. Last season they ended Kansas City’s run of nine straight division titles. If they want to repeat or make a deep playoff run, they’ll have to beat the Chiefs at some point, and after Week 1, Sunday is their shot at redemption.

What to watch for: Whether Denver's offense has turned a corner. It's been one of the least efficient in the league this year, but last week they finally broke out. Bo Nix ran for a 62-yard touchdown and the Broncos had three plays of 40-plus yards in a 30-16 win at Arizona. I’m taking this with a grain of salt given Arizona’s porous defense, so the real test is this week against a team that limited them to only 10 points earlier this year.

Skin in the Game: I’m doing something a little different this week. Let’s get a little creative and take a six-point teaser: Broncos +7.5 and Under 47.5. A teaser moves each line six points in your favor, but both picks have to hit. The Under has hit in five of the Broncos’ seven games and seven of the last 10 meetings between these teams. I expect a close, low scoring game, and this gives Denver room to lose by up to a touchdown. Remember this is for fun, not your rent money.

The stakes: Lamar Jackson is expected to play after missing three games with a high ankle sprain, and Baltimore needs him. The Ravens are 4-3, last in the AFC North Division. As I mentioned in last week’s newsletter Jackson was expected to play, but then sat out last minute. But don’t blame my intel, he doesn’t have an agent, so there’s less reliable news on his health than for almost any other star and fans and media alike have taken notice.

Buffalo has beaten Baltimore in their last two meetings, both in heartbreaking fashion including a 27-25 playoff win in January 2025 and a 41-40 comeback in last year's opener.

What to watch for: The defenses, or the lack of them. Buffalo has the highest scoring offense in football at 32.8 points per game, but its defense ranks 30th in points allowed and 31st against the pass. Baltimore's defense has been underwhelming as they’re sitting middle of the pack in most metrics. If Lamar suits up for this one, whichever team is able to get more stops against these explosive offenses likely wins.

Skin in the Game: I'm taking the Over 52.5. Buffalo has the best offense in football behind Josh Allen, Jackson faces a pass defense ranked 31st, and neither defense has been reliable. Remember this is for fun, not your rent money.

The stakes: Minnesota is 6-0, its first unbeaten start since 2009, and it's doing it with defense. The Vikings allow a league low 12.3 points per game. Detroit has the second highest scoring offense in the league at 30.7 points per game, is coming off a walk-off win over Green Bay, and is favored at home in this key divisional matchup.

What to watch for: Jared Goff against the blitz. Minnesota blitzes on about 70% of opponents' dropbacks, the most in the NFL. Pressure has been Goff’s kryptonite for years, but this year he's been the best quarterback in the league against the blitz, completing 74% of his passes with no interceptions. Whichever side wins this matchup likely wins the game.

Skin in the Game: I’m taking the Lions -3. As I mentioned above, Goff has handled the blitz better than anyone this year, and that takes away Minnesota’s biggest strengths. Aside from that, the Vikings’ last three wins came against the Dolphins, Saints, and Colts, all teams with losing records, so this is their first real test in weeks. Remember this is for fun, not your rent money.

Florida vs. Georgia | Sat 3:30 PM (ABC): No. 3 Georgia comes off a bye after losing 27-24 at home to unranked Auburn while ranked No. 1. Gunner Stockton got banged up early on and uncharacteristically turned it over three times. Georgia has beaten Florida five straight times and rarely loses twice in a row under coach Kirby Smart, but No. 17 Florida has already beaten ranked Texas and Ole Miss teams. Expect Georgia to bounce back but Florida won’t make it easy.

WNBA Finals | Today 12:30 PM (Peacock): Golden State leads 3-2 and is one win from a championship. The WNBA took some heat for scheduling the first Game 6 in Finals history for 12:30 PM on a Thursday after the league was warned about this scheduling conflict months ago. If the Dream win, Game 7 is Saturday at 8 PM in San Francisco.

NBA Cup | Fri (Prime Video): The NBA’s in-season tournament starts Friday with Knicks vs. 76ers at 7:30 PM and Lakers vs. Warriors at 10 PM. The Knicks are the defending Cup champions, and this year's final is Dec. 11 in Indianapolis. New to the NBA Cup? Here’s how it works.

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— Zach Blumenstein

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