Teams coming back from the bye in Week Ten; who is best placed?

The Browns have endured an underwhelming season so far, although four of their five losses have been one possession games by a combined total of nine points.

A blowout loss to the Patriots and a late collapse against the Jets (both at home) has highlighted poor situational football, with the defense so far disappointing significantly.

However, Nick Chubb is second in the league with rushing yards, and on the back of a blowout 32-13 win over the Bengals in Week 8 on MNF, fans are hoping for some consistency before Deshaun Watson is eligble to return in Week 13, against his former Texans.

The Browns head to an in-form Miami to try and slow down the elite Dolphin’s passing attack. Keeping them off the field with Nick Chubb will be key, as the Brown’s poor defense is not reliable.

Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys are on course to make the postseason, led by a suffocating defense and strong running game which leaves them at 6-2 heading into the second half of the season.

Despite the injury to Dak Prescott in the Week 1 loss to the Buccaneers, the team rallied around back up QB Cooper Rush, who more than held his own to help lead Dallas to wins against the Bengals, Giants, Commanders and Rams.

Dallas fans will feel the division crown is realistic, as they pushed the Eagles close in a Week 6, 26-17 loss, so with a healthy Dak Prescott can win the return fixture.

A trip to face the desperate Green Bay Packers could prove to be another classic game. Micah Parsons will enjoy his chances against a weak Packers offensive line, although the 22nd ranked run defense will be an area the Packers will look to exploit. Tony Pollard will hope to have a good day on the ground against a Packers defense allowing 4.8 YPC.

Denver Broncos

It’s certainly been a ride for the Bronco Nation so far. Russell Wilson has not proved worthy of his massive contract, with his poor play and leadership hotly criticised by in the media.

The defense is arguably the best in the league, keeping the team competitive amidst the disfunction on offense.

However, trading Bradley Chubb away to the Dolphins before the Dolphins is sending an unclear message on whether the staff believe the season is lost or the defense is still more than capable to carry the team. Denver is hoping to build on their Week 8, 21-17 victory in London over the Jaguars, which saw signs of life for the offense.

Nathaniel Hackett’s job is safe for now, but a tough trip to Nashville to face Tennessee will be a great test. Shutting down Derrick Henry with a defense that allows 5 YPC to running backs will be a tall order, but pivotal in stopping an otherwise league worst Titans offense.

New York Giants

Brian Daboll is likely to be Coach of the Year as it stands, with the Giants looking efficient and organised, adjusting well to snatch close games and return from their bye at 6-2 in a very competitive NFC East.

The story is the defense, which has continually clamped down situationally to limit and upset arguably superior opponents in the Titans and Ravens.

The offense has a lot left to be desired but Daniel Jones has cut down on the turnovers and has led vital scoring drives with Saquon Barkley, who has returned to form.

Defense and running game will travel well and be tough to stop in the later stretch of games, although the 27-13 loss at the Seahawks highlights the lack of quality offensive personnel to compete in shootouts.

A home game against the lowly Texans is a great chance to rebound, but it’s likely to be a close game as per usual with these teams. With Saquon Barkley averaging nearly 5 YPC and 100 YPG, the Giants should see success in a low scoring affair against a weak Houston offense and rush defense. An elite Giants secondary will likely shutdown Davis Mills enough to focus on Dameon Pierce and the Texan’s run game.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The good news for the Steelers is that TJ Watt returns this weekend to play the New Orleans Saints.

The defense will significantly improve because of his presence, but in terms of the season it seems too little too late in terms of the playoffs.

There are winnable games in the next few weeks, but in a crowded AFC, the Steelers won’t be able to keep up it seems. Kenny Pickett has shown glimpses of his playmaking ability, an upgrade on Mitchell Trubisky’s poor play.

With Chase Claypool traded away to the Bears however, the offense will go through some growing pains. Mike Tomlin’s elite coaching will allow the Steelers to stay competitive, but his first losing season beckons.

Both the Steelers and the Saints will look to their running games to ignite their attacks, so a low scoring affair is likely with plenty of turnovers.

San Francisco 49ers

Despite being 4-4, the 49ers are still highly regarded as one of the best in the NFC, and a certain Super bowl contender to many.

The Trey Lance experiment will have to be put on hold for another season, but it looks like a blessing in disguise as the 49ers have the personnel and coaching to win now.

While Garoppolo may not be the mobile, big armed quarterback the 49ers desire long term, in the short-term his experience will be vital to managing a run heavy offense that will be even harder to stop now with the acquisition of Christian McCaffrey.

Consistency with results has been issue, although it seems like this is the case for many teams this year. The 49ers will be confident of going on a run and catching the Seahawks in the division.

Next up, a MNF home game against the Chargers, who own the worst rushing defence in the league in YPC. Conversely, the 49ers have the best rush defense at 3.4 YPC. A crucial win to get above .500 the prize.