5. Denver Broncos (6)
Last we saw the Broncos, their defense had looked far more like the defense that won a Super Bowl this past February, not the one getting smacked around by the Raiders. Add in a healthy Aqib Talib and bring back Derek Wolfe should return them to the form they were at early on. The Chiefs come to town for a huge battle of 7-3 teams on Sunday Night Football. The rested, healthy Broncos will have a chance to flex their defensive muscles in front of the entire country. Should be a fun game to say the least.
6. Kansas City Chiefs (6)
The Chiefs did not have a good day Sunday, losing at home to the sub .500 Bucs. This was a bad loss, at a bad time as the Chiefs were trying to keep pace with the Raiders, and now have to travel to Denver to take on a rested Broncos team that is healthier than they’ve been in weeks. The Chiefs could very well be a turning point in the Cheifs season. Win and it could propel them towards a division title; lose and it could send them into a season ending tailspin.
7. Atlanta Falcons (8)
The Falcons went in to their bye with a shaky performance against the Eagles. Perhaps some R&R was needed to get themselves back on track. The Bucs are now only a game back, so a fast start out of the bye is going to be needed for the Falcons.
8. Washington Redskins (11)
How you like me now? The weekly soundbite from Kirk Cousins is becoming must-see TV. If Cousins has done one thing this year, he has earned himself a lot of money. Cousins will get a very rich contract this offseason, whether it’s from the Redskins, or from someone else.