Ravens (2-2) vs. Bengals (1-3)

This is a big clash to start the season in the AFC North. After starting 0-3, the Bengals would move ahead of Baltimore in the division standings with a win. A Ravens win wouldn’t really be a knockout blow, but it would send Cincinnati to the mat in early October.

Cardinals (1-3) at 49ers (2-2)

The 49ers’ offense took a hit but bounced back with a win over New England last week. The Cardinals are now 1-3 and desperately need this win to stay competitive in the NFC West.

Packers (2-2) at Rams (1-3)

Jordan Love struggled in his return to action last week, throwing three interceptions in a Packers loss – his first game back since spraining his MCL in Week 1. The Rams are 1-3 and two of those losses came in one-possession games. Green Bay will need a healthier love against a Rams team that is banged up but lively.

Saints (2-2) vs. Chiefs (4-0)

The Saints offense has come back down to earth after two big games to start the season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs didn’t score their usual goals at the start of the season and are now without receiver Rashee Rice (knee) and running back Isiah Pacheco (calf). If New Orleans is truly a contender — and more like the team we saw in the first two weeks of the season — then beating an undefeated Kansas City team would be the right way to make that statement.

Bills (3-1) at Texans (3-1)

The only game in Week 5 between teams with winning records. This matchup is the “Stefon Diggs Bowl,” where the Texans wideout plays against his former team for the first time. During his time in Buffalo, Diggs was an NFL All-Pro four years in a row and averaged a career-low 9.3 yards per catch in Houston.

The bigger question is how the Bills respond after losing control early in their first loss last week in Baltimore. In this game, their attacking defense was shattered; However, the Texans will present a much different defensive challenge. Behind QB CJ Stroud, Houston has attempted 152 passes, ranking second in the league. All the attention focused on the addition of Diggs has resulted in teammate Nico Collins averaging a league-leading 16.3 yards per touch and 122.3 receiving yards. He is the only pass catcher in the NFL to have averaged more than 100 yards.

Colts (2-2) at Jaguars (0-4)

It’s been so long since the Colts won in Jacksonville that the last time current Indianapolis quarterback Anthony Richardson did so was in the sixth grade in 2014. Their nine-game losing streak in Jacksonville could continue if the Colts’ offense is missing its playmakers, including Richardson, who was limited in practice after a hard hit near his hip last week. Meanwhile, running back Jonathan Taylor is dealing with an ankle sprain and is expected to miss this weekend’s game.

In a year where the passing game has declined across the league, these teams have particularly struggled. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence completes just 53.3% of his passes, which explains why Jacksonville has the fourth-lowest rate of accurate passes in the league. Indianapolis is now in last place in this metric.

Panthers (1-3) at Bears (2-2)

With Bryce Young still on the bench in Carolina, this won’t be a matchup of quarterbacks at No. 1 overall as originally thought. If ever there was a matchup that would allow Caleb Williams to shake off his rookie growth issues and show the promise that led the Bears to select him first overall last spring, it would be the Panthers.

Carolina’s defense has allowed 15 touchdowns and 32.3 points per game, both worst in the league. And while Chicago’s offense still leads the NFL in bad throws, it has shown gradual improvement. After scoring a total of three offensive touchdowns in the first three weeks, the Bears scored three alone last week without committing a turnover, a first this season.

Raiders (2-2) vs. Broncos (2-2)

Star receiver Davante Adams is not expected to play for the Raiders due to trade rumors. Maxx Crosby, the top defender, did not participate in midweek practice because of his ankle. With Adams in limbo, how often will Gardner Minshew target Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders’ new No. 1 receiver? The questions also surround Denver’s offense after rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw for just 60 yards while completing less than half of his attempts in last week’s win over the Jets. At least Nix hasn’t thrown an interception in his last two games.

Giants (1-3) vs. Seahawks (3-1)

The Giants have excelled in a few areas this season, but one of them is sacks – and their ability to pressure Geno Smith will play a role in whether they can stop the NFL’s most pass-heavy offense. Advanced stats estimate Seattle has the fourth-best offense in the league, and Smith set career highs in passes completed, attempts and yards in a loss to Detroit last week.

If Seattle takes a quick lead, it will be up to Giants quarterback Daniel Jones to make plays, as New York’s ground game averaged a league-worst 3.4 yards per carry. That won’t be easy for Jones, however, as star rookie receiver Malik Nabers, who leads the NFL with 35 catches, is still in the league’s concussion protocol.

Cowboys (2-2) vs. Steelers (3-1)

These franchises don’t play often, but when they do, the final round matters. Their last five meetings have been decided by seven points or fewer. Pittsburgh quarterback Justin Fields, promoted to starter after Russell Wilson suffered a preseason calf injury, played well; his pass rating this season is 16 points above his career average. But how long will the Steelers stick with him if he struggles?

It’s worth watching as Wilson practiced 11-on-11 scenarios in Thursday’s practice for the first time since his injury. Fields should have time to throw against Dallas’ weakened pass rush. DeMarcus Lawrence (injured reserve) is out and Micah Parsons (sprained ankle) also has yet to practice this week. That’s not a good sign for a defense that allowed 26.0 points per game, the fifth-highest average.