Sunday’s late-afternoon games include a marquee interconference matchup in New England and a Bay Area contest featuring the 49ers and Raiders. Green Bay and New England are both 5-3, while San Francisco returns from its bye at 6-1 to face 4-4 Las Vegas.
The 49ers have been among the league’s most efficient offenses, converting 86.4% of their trips to the red zone into touchdowns, the NFL’s best rate. They’ll meet a Raiders team coming off a 38-33 win over the Jets. Las Vegas can put points on the board, though it has allowed more than it has scored this season. The Raiders have a bye next week.
Pick: Brock Purdy passing touchdowns, over. San Francisco has been unusually good at finishing drives with touchdowns instead of field goals. The Raiders just surrendered 33 points to the Jets, and with the 49ers rested, Purdy could get several chances to throw for a score.
Green Bay and New England arrive with matching 5-3 records but different strengths. The Packers have thrown for a league-high 2,168 yards through eight games, while their running game has been a struggle. They also have extra rest after beating Carolina 27-19 on Thursday night in Week 8.
The Patriots have won all three of their home games at Gillette Stadium, averaging more than 30 points while giving up just 13. They’re coming off a 24-19 win in Miami. Tight end Hunter Henry has been a dependable option in an offense that has scored 22 touchdowns.
Pick: Jordan Love passing yards, over. Green Bay has leaned heavily on its passing game as the run game has faltered. If New England’s home offense keeps the pressure on, Love may need to throw often to keep pace.
Pick: Hunter Henry receptions, over. Henry has been a consistent target for New England. Green Bay’s focus on limiting big plays could leave opportunities underneath, particularly on third down.
Sunday’s schedule also features Bengals-Falcons in Madrid, Giants-Eagles in the early window and Buccaneers-Bears on Sunday Night Football.
