15 predictions for this weekend's NFL games: We picked upsets, sleepers, TD scorers and more — SkimNews
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- Pamela Maldonado picked two underdogs to win outright: the Broncos (+2.5) over the Rams, leaning on Pat Surtain II shadowing Davante Adams with Puka Nacua likely sidelined, and the Cowboys (+3.5) over the Ravens in Rio de Janeiro, citing Dak Prescott's passing attack pressuring Lamar Jackson early.
- Seth Walder projected Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter for 2.0 sacks against Titans QB Cam Ward, whose 8.8% sack rate since last season ranks third-worst among qualifying quarterbacks.
- Walder also projected Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy for a touchdown against Miami, noting Worthy has converted only 11% of air yards into completions (due for positive regression) while facing a Dolphins defense that plays more single-high coverage than any team but the Browns.
- Eric Moody flagged C.J. Stroud as a fantasy sleeper despite Nico Collins (hamstring) being out, citing 16-plus fantasy points in each of his first two games and a Colts defense allowing the third-most fantasy points per game to quarterbacks; Stroud is rostered in just 33.8% of ESPN leagues.
- Matt Bowen predicted Kenneth Walker III would find the end zone against Miami, noting his 23.5 carries and 4.5 receptions per game average against a Dolphins defense that has already surrendered eight touchdowns this season.
- Ben Solak predicted Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. would return from a two-game absence (back injury, possibly contract-related on the final year of his deal) and play a key role against the Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, framing the matchup as a stage for Porter's extension push.
- Solak also called Raiders-Saints the game of the week, projecting a 23-21 Raiders win on a game-ending kick, with Kirk Cousins facing his toughest defense yet in the absence of tight end Brock Bowers.
Why it matters: Fantasy managers get a concrete streamer menu: C.J. Stroud (33.8% rostered) faces the third-most generous QB defense, while Dontayvion Wicks (37.5%) and Adonai Mitchell (28.4%) sit under 40% rostered with expanded target shares. Bettors also get two specific dog picks — Denver +2.5 and Dallas +3.5 — ahead of Sunday's 15-game slate, with Joey Porter Jr.'s potential return carrying contract-extension stakes for the Steelers' star cornerback.
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