Go here for this week's Passing Matchups.
Top 5 Rushing Matchups
Pittsburgh at Indianapolis
The Pittsburgh Steelers head into their matchup against the Indianapolis Colts with significant changes in their backfield. Jaylen Warren appears likely to miss the game due to a knee injury, leaving Najee Harris to handle the bulk of the carries. Harris has been a volume-heavy back through three weeks, averaging 18.3 carries per game, but he has struggled with efficiency, posting just 3.8 yards per carry. The Steelers' offensive line has also faced adversity, losing right tackle Troy Fautanu for the season. However, they will get a boost this week with the return of left guard Isaac Seumalo, who missed the first three games. The Steelers' offense is built on a ball-control approach, relying heavily on Harris and veteran Cordarrelle Patterson, with quarterback Justin Fields contributing sparingly to the ground game, totaling just 33 rushing yards over the last two games.
Despite last week's success against Chicago, the Colts' run defense remains vulnerable. They held the Bears to just 59 yards on 25 carries, but this one-game performance does not mask the broader issues within the unit. In their first two games, the Colts allowed over 150 rushing yards to Joe Mixon and Josh Jacobs, highlighting persistent struggles against the run. The defensive scheme under coordinator Gus Bradley typically features just two linebackers on the field, a setup that has not been ideal given the limitations of starters E.J. Speed and Zaire Franklin, who have consistently underperformed as run-stoppers. Further complicating matters for the Colts is that their defensive line is without star lineman DeForest Buckner, who is on injured reserve. The absence of Buckner has left a noticeable void, and the unit is still in search of a new identity. Additionally, the potential absence of Kwity Paye, who missed Wednesday's practice due to a quad injury, could further weaken an already struggling defensive line.
Cleveland at Las Vegas
Cleveland's offense is currently struggling significantly, largely due to the absence of star running back Nick Chubb, who is eligible to return from IR next week but is not expected back until around Week 8. Without Chubb, the Browns have been unable to establish a consistent running game between Jerome Ford and D'Onta Foreman. Ford, who missed practice on Wednesday, is averaging just 9.6 carries per game and is seen more as a change-of-pace back rather than an every-down ball carrier. This leaves Cleveland without a reliable primary rusher, which is evident from the erratic usage of Foreman, who had 14 carries in Week 2 but only 2 in Week 3. The Browns' offensive issues are compounded by injuries along the offensive line. Key tackles Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills did not practice on Wednesday, while backup tackles James Hudson and Dawand Jones were limited. The return of Conklin and Wills would be crucial in stabilizing the line, but until they are back, expectations for Cleveland's offense remain low.
Defensively, the Las Vegas Raiders are struggling against the run, allowing an average of 133 rushing yards per game through three weeks. The main issue lies with the linebackers and safeties. Divine Deablo, one of the league's worst run-stoppers in recent seasons, may return from injury this week, but his performance history does not inspire confidence. His replacement, Luke Masterson, has also failed to provide much improvement. The Raiders' secondary took a further hit with the loss of safety Marcus Epps to a torn ACL. Undrafted safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, who has just one career start, is set to replace Epps, leaving the team vulnerable at the second level. The Raiders' defensive line, led by Christian Wilkins and Maxx Crosby, remains the strength of the unit, often able to contain runs at the line of scrimmage. However, if opposing offenses can break through to the second level, they find significant success against this defense. Crosby's status is currently in question as he did not practice on Wednesday; his absence would further weaken an already vulnerable run defense.
Carolina vs Cincinnati
The Carolina Panthers' offense has undergone a noticeable transformation since shifting from rookie Bryce Young to veteran Andy Dalton at quarterback. Dalton's leadership has immediately made the offense appear more cohesive, leading to their most competent performance in two seasons. This change has significantly benefited running back Chuba Hubbard, who put together an impressive game last week, rushing for 114 yards and adding 55 receiving yards. With Jonathan Brooks potentially returning as soon as next week, this is a crucial window for Hubbard to establish himself as a reliable contributor. Depending on the team's performance moving forward, Hubbard could either solidify his role or increase his trade value, with rumors swirling about his potential availability.
The Cincinnati Bengals are facing considerable challenges, particularly along their defensive line. While the Bengals rank ninth in the NFL, allowing 107 rushing yards per game, their run defense is on shaky ground due to a slew of injuries. Key defensive tackles B.J. Hill and Sheldon Rankins are both likely to miss this week's game, while defensive end Trey Hendrickson, a cornerstone of their defensive line, is questionable after missing practice with an illness. This situation leaves the Bengals with a thin defensive line, relying on backups like Zach Carter and Jay Tufele, who have struggled in limited action. Cincinnati's run defense has been inconsistent this season, showing vulnerability in the early weeks. They allowed 120 rushing yards to Rhamondre Stevenson and 90 yards to Isiah Pacheco, although they did manage to tighten up against Washington last week. However, with their front line depleted, the Bengals could find it challenging to maintain that level of performance, particularly against a rejuvenated Panthers offense. Hubbard's recent surge and the potential return of Brooks could spell trouble for a Bengals defense lacking depth and stability. The matchup sets up well for Carolina to exploit Cincinnati's weakened defensive front, making the ground game a focal point as they look to build on their recent offensive improvement.
Tennessee at Miami
The Tennessee Titans delivered a disappointing performance against the Green Bay Packers last week, failing to capitalize on a favorable matchup against backup quarterback Malik Willis. Falling behind early, the Titans completely abandoned their running game, with Tony Pollard managing just six carries and Tyjae Spears adding only two. This marked a stark deviation from their game plan over the first two weeks, where Pollard and Spears combined for an average of 21.5 carries per game. The Titans' offensive struggles are further compounded by ongoing issues with their offensive line, which is ranked 28th in the NFL, according to Matt Bitonti. Rookie JC Latham has been a bright spot, showing promise in his first season, but significant problems remain. Peter Skoronski continues to struggle even after being shifted to guard, and right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, while improved from his disastrous 2023 campaign, still lacks the consistency needed from a reliable starter.
Miami is a unit that is designed to dominate against the pass with talents like Zach Sieler and Calais Campbell rushing the quarterback. However, the Dolphins' run defense has been a glaring weakness through three weeks. They have allowed 70 or more rushing yards to Zach Charbonnet, Tank Bigsby, and James Cook, showcasing their vulnerability on the ground. The losses of Christian Wilkins and Jerome Baker have been keenly felt, with David Long Jr struggling to fill the void at linebacker. In the secondary, safety Jevon Holland has been inconsistent, following a strong season last year with a shaky start to 2024. Veteran Jordan Poyer, now in his 12th NFL season, has shown signs of decline, creating a noticeable drop-off in performance compared to his predecessor, DeShon Elliott. Despite the talent on paper, Miami's defense has been one of the NFL's worst through the early part of the season. The unit's struggles against the run, coupled with inconsistent play at key positions, have hampered their effectiveness. However, with the talent and experience they possess, there remains hope for a turnaround as the season progresses. For now, though, both the Titans and Dolphins are units searching for answers in critical areas, leaving them vulnerable in matchups that play against their current weaknesses.
Dallas at New York Giants
Dallas' running game has been among the league's worst through the first three weeks of the season. The Cowboys brought back veteran Ezekiel Elliott, but his role has steadily diminished, with his carries dropping from 10 in Week 1 to just 3 in Week 3. While Elliott's workload has decreased, Dallas still lacks a reliable primary running back. Rico Dowdle's usage has remained consistent, with 8, 7, and 8 carries in the first three games, respectively, but he hasn't shown the ability to take over games. Meanwhile, Deuce Vaughn has yet to see more than four carries in any game this season. Despite their running back struggles, Dallas boasts one of the league's top run-blocking offensive lines. According to Footballguys offensive line expert Matt Bitonti, their unit is ranked in the top five, thanks in large part to standout guards Tyler Smith and Zach Martin, who excel in creating running lanes.
The New York Giants' run defense showed signs of improvement last week, holding Cleveland's Jerome Ford to just 37 yards on 10 carries. However, this remains a unit that has struggled at times, allowing 133 rushing yards to Brian Robinson Jr and 94 yards to Aaron Jones over the first two weeks. The Giants' defensive line is a standout group, anchored by Dexter Lawrence II and Brian Burns, making it one of the best in the NFL. Despite the talent up front, the team faces significant issues at linebacker and safety. Linebacker Micah McFadden, who was benched in Week 1, has responded positively over the last two weeks, recording 19 tackles, including 13 solo stops. McFadden's play has been much improved compared to last season, where he led the NFL in missed tackle rate. While his early-season benching seems to have motivated him, consistency will be key to maintaining this level of play. The Giants' safety play remains a concern, with rookie Tyler Nubin struggling as a run-stopper and Jason Pinnock excelling more as a blitzer than a reliable run defender. Overall, this Giants defense is still a work in progress. Last week's improvement against Cleveland was a step in the right direction, but this week's home divisional matchup against the 1-2 Cowboys will serve as a crucial test. It will provide more clarity on whether the defense has truly turned a corner or if the inconsistencies will continue to be an issue throughout the season.
Bottom 5 Rushing Matchups
Buffalo at Baltimore
The Buffalo Bills' rushing game, led by James Cook, has been effective but somewhat limited by game scripts in recent weeks. The Bills' blowout victories—by 21 and 37 points in their last two games—have kept Cook's carries down to an average of just 11 per game. In these situations, the team has leaned more on backup Ray Davis, who has averaged eight carries per game but hasn't been particularly effective, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. With Cook remaining the clear primary option, his workload should increase in tighter matchups like this week's game against Baltimore. Notably, the Bills' offensive line has been a strong point, avoiding the injury bug that has plagued many teams this season, which will be crucial as they face one of the league's best run defenses.
The Baltimore Ravens have been exceptional against the run, creating a perfect storm of elite run-stopping ability and forcing teams to abandon the run due to their own defensive struggles against the pass. Through three weeks, the Ravens have allowed only 39 rushing yards per game, with opponents attempting just 15 carries per contest—neither of which have topped 45 rushing yards in a game. The Ravens' defensive line, anchored by rotational player Michael Pierce and starter Travis Jones, has been critical in occupying blockers and freeing up space for back-to-back First-Team All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith thrives when allowed to flow freely to the ball without having to shed blockers, making him one of the most effective linebackers in the NFL. This matchup will be a significant test for Cook and the Bills' offensive line, as the Ravens' defensive front excels at clogging running lanes and maintaining discipline at the second level. With Pierce likely sidelined due to a shoulder injury, Baltimore will rely heavily on Jones and their ability to keep blockers at bay to allow Smith to make plays. The game's outcome may hinge on whether the Bills can find success on the ground against one of the stingiest run defenses in the league.
Jacksonville at Houston
The Jacksonville Jaguars are off to a rough start this season, sitting at 0-3 following a blowout loss of 47-10 in Week 3. Despite the team's struggles, running back Travis Etienne Jr. has been a bright spot, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. However, his impact has been limited by a lack of volume, as he is averaging just 12 carries per game. Tank Bigsby, who had an impressive 73-yard performance in Week 1, has been sidelined due to an injury suffered in Week 2. As of Wednesday, Bigsby was a limited participant in practice, and his return could be crucial in helping the Jaguars balance their offense and take some pressure off quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The offensive line, however, has been a significant disappointment. Veteran players Brandon Scherff and Cam Robinson have underperformed, and 2023 first-round pick Anton Harrison has struggled to prove himself as a reliable right tackle, contributing to the team's overall offensive woes.
The Houston Texans have been a force against the run over the past two seasons, allowing just 3.2 yards per carry and 63 rushing yards per game this season. However, they have occasionally been vulnerable to big performances, as seen in last week's game against Aaron Jones, who ran for 102 yards, and last season when Jonathan Taylor gashed them for 188 yards and a touchdown. The Texans' defensive line, which often features a unique setup with four defensive ends—Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter, Derek Barnett, and Mario Edwards Jr—relies heavily on their linebackers and safeties to plug any gaps. Despite lacking a true anchor defensive tackle besides Tim Settle Jr., who is the only defensive lineman over 300 pounds in the rotation, they've managed to cover their deficiencies with strong linebacker play, especially from Azeez Al-Shaair. Al-Shaair, who is well-acquainted with head coach DeMeco Ryans' defensive system from their time in San Francisco, continues to be a critical run-stopper. Given the Jaguars' struggles in pass protection and the inconsistency of their offense, there may be a shift toward a more run-heavy approach to better support Lawrence.
Seattle at Detroit
Last week, Zach Charbonnet delivered his best performance as an NFL running back, stepping up for the injured Ken Walker III. Charbonnet made the most of a favorable matchup against the Miami Dolphins, carrying the ball 18 times for 91 yards and finding the end zone twice. Despite this impressive showing, the Seahawks are still better suited with Walker as their primary back moving forward. Charbonnet has struggled in tougher matchups, averaging just 2.3 yards per carry before this breakout game. Walker, with his explosive burst and ability to quickly find and hit gaps, offers a much higher upside, consistently turning minimal gains into significant plays. Seattle's offensive line, ranked 31st by Matt Bitonti, further complicates matters for Charbonnet, whose lack of elusiveness is exposed behind a line that struggles to create running lanes.
Detroit's run defense has been formidable over the past two weeks, virtually shutting down opposing rushing attacks. Arizona ran the ball just 13 times for 32 yards last week, while Tampa Bay managed only 17 carries for 40 yards the week before. This defensive line, anchored by Aidan Hutchinson, a rising star and potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate, has quickly become one of the NFL's best units. Hutchinson's relentless pressure is complemented by elite run-stoppers D.J. Reader and Alim McNeil, making it tough for any running game to find success. The Lions' linebacking corps, which could get Alex Anzalone back this week after missing last week due to a concussion, is bolstered by Jack Campbell, who is starting to show his potential in his second year, and Malcolm Rodriguez, a dependable run-stopper. The safety duo of Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph adds another layer of security, particularly against long runs, making this one of the most complete and difficult-to-crack defenses in the league.
Indianapolis vs Pittsburgh
After a slow start in Week 1 against Houston, Jonathan Taylor has quickly re-established himself as one of the NFL's elite running backs, bouncing back impressively from a disappointing 2022 and 2023. Health has been a significant issue for Taylor, who appeared in just 21 games over the last two seasons, but his recent performances suggest he's regaining his form. Last week, in a tough matchup against a solid Chicago run defense, Taylor rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 23 carries, including a highlight-reel 29-yard touchdown run. This was his second consecutive game with over 100 yards, following a 103-yard performance on just 12 carries against Green Bay in Week 2. Taylor's workload is clearly secure, with Trey Sermon as the only other running back to carry the ball for the Colts this season, totaling just four carries.
Pittsburgh's defense, however, poses a formidable challenge. The Steelers have allowed just 60 rushing yards per game through three weeks, with only Bijan Robinson surpassing the 50-yard mark. Pittsburgh's defensive line is among the league's best, anchored by T.J. Watt, a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, and Cameron Heyward, a four-time All-Pro. The emergence of 2023 fourth-round pick Nick Herbig adds to the depth and talent of this defensive front. However, there is a potential weakness at the linebacker position, where Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts have struggled against the run. These shortcomings have been masked by outstanding safety play from DeShon Elliott and Minkah Fitzpatrick, both of whom excel in run support. Rookie linebacker Payton Wilson, who has been playing about 40% of the snaps, is a player to watch as he could eventually supplant Roberts in the lineup as the season progresses.
LA Chargers vs Kansas City
In last week's game, J.K. Dobbins' impressive 100-yard rushing streak came to an end after he managed to hit the milestone in each of his first two games. With Chargers' quarterback Justin Herbert still limited, expect Los Angeles to continue to lean on the dynamic Dobbins, hoping he can break a big play—something he's already done twice this season with two rushes of over 40 yards. Dobbins has clearly established himself as the primary back, out-touching Gus Edwards 15-3 in the latest game. Although Edwards had more carries in Week 2, that was mainly due to the Chargers' dominant lead against Carolina, allowing Edwards to grind out the clock in the second half after Dobbins had already compiled 131 yards and a touchdown. Edwards remains a reliable downhill runner who rarely gets tackled for a loss, but he lacks big-play potential, averaging just 3.2 yards per carry over the last two weeks without a run longer than six yards.
The Chiefs have faced some of the NFL's best-rushing offenses this season and have performed exceptionally well. They've managed to shut down Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson, holding them to just 46 and 31 yards, respectively, while also limiting Chase Brown and Zack Moss in Week 2. Their only real challenge came in Week 1 against Lamar Jackson, who rushed for 122 yards, but they won't have to deal with a similar threat from the Chargers' backfield this week. Kansas City's run defense is anchored by All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones and rising star linebacker Leo Chenal, who continues to build on his breakout season from last year. Safeties Justin Reid and Bryan Cook also contribute significantly to the run defense, making this a well-rounded and formidable unit. Additionally, the Chiefs often play with the lead, which forces opposing offenses to shift away from the run, further bolstering Kansas City's run-stopping effectiveness.
