What to watch in Texans-Bills and Sam Darnold matchup with New York

Ravens (2-2) at Bengals (1-3)

This is a big early-season matchup in the AFC North. After starting 0-3, a win by the Bengals would put them ahead of Baltimore in the division standings. A Ravens victory wouldn’t quite be a knockout blow, but it would send Cincinnati to the mat early in October. 

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

The 49ers’ offense has been banged up, but it rebounded last week in a win over New England. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are 1-3 and desperately need this win to stay close in the NFC West.

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

Jordan Love struggled last week in his return to action, throwing three interceptions in a Packers loss — his first game back after spraining his MCL in Week 1. The Rams are 1-3 and two of those losses have been in one-possession games. Green Bay will need a healthier Love against a Rams team that’s battered but feisty.  

Saints (2-2) at Chiefs (4-0)

The Saints offense has come down to earth after two huge games to start the season. Meanwhile, the Chiefs haven’t scored to their standard to start the season, and will now be without receiver Rashee Rice (knee) in addition to running back Isiah Pacheco (fibula). If New Orleans is really a contender — and more like the team we saw in the first two weeks of the season — beating an undefeated Kansas City team would be the 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,” as the Texans’ wideout plays his former team for the first time. An NFL All-Pro four consecutive years while in Buffalo, Diggs is averaging a career-low 9.3 yards per catch in Houston.

The bigger question is how the Bills respond after losing control early during their first loss last week in Baltimore. In that game, their rush defense was gashed; the Texans, however, will present a totally different defensive challenge. Behind QB C.J. Stroud, Houston has attempted 152 passes, tied for second-most in the league. All the attention focused on the addition of Diggs has freed teammate Nico Collins to average a league-high 16.3 yards per touch and 122.3 receiving yards, making him the only pass-catcher in the NFL to average more than 100 yards thus far.

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

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

In a year in which passing is down across the league, these teams have especially struggled. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence is completing only 53.3% of his passes, which explains why Jacksonville has the league’s fourth-lowest rate of on-target passes. Indianapolis, meanwhile, ranks last in that metric.

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

With Bryce Young still benched in Carolina, this won’t be the matchup of dueling quarterbacks drafted No. 1 overall, as initially thought. If there were ever a matchup that might allow Caleb Williams to shake off his rookie growing pains and show the promise that led the Bears to select him first last spring, it’s the Panthers.

Carolina’s defense has allowed 15 touchdowns and 32.3 points per game, both worst in the league. And though Chicago’s offense still leads the NFL in poor throws, it has shown gradual improvement. After scoring three total offensive touchdowns through the first three weeks, the Bears scored three last week alone, while also not committing a turnover, a first this season.

Raiders (2-2) at Broncos (2-2)

It isn’t just star receiver Davante Adams who isn’t expected to play for the Raiders, amid trade rumors. Maxx Crosby, the top defensive end, didn’t participate in midweek practices because of his ankle. With Adams in limbo, how often will Gardner Minshew target Jakobi Meyers, the Raiders’ new No. 1 receiver? The questions are on offense for Denver, as well, after rookie quarterback Bo Nix threw for only 60 yards while completing less than half of his attempts in last week’s win against the Jets. Nix, at the very least, hasn’t thrown an interception in his last two games. 

Giants (1-3) at Seahawks (3-1)

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

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

Cowboys (2-2) at Steelers (3-1)

These franchises don’t play often, but when they do it comes down to the final drive. Their last five matchups have been decided by seven or fewer points. Pittsburgh quarterback Justin Fields, elevated to starter after a preseason calf injury to Russell Wilson, has played well; his passer rating this season is 16 points higher than his career average. But how long will the Steelers stick with him if he struggles?

It’s worth watching, as Wilson practiced in 11-on-11 scenarios in practice Thursday 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 (high-ankle sprain) has yet to practice this week, as well. That’s not a good sign for a defense that has allowed 26.0 points per game, the fifth-highest average.