More importantly, Maye is starting to emerge as the dual-threat weapon the Patriots desperately need. Not only did he lead the team in rushing with 95 yards against the Titans, but he also ran for 46 yards and a touchdown against the Jets in Week 8.
Maye’s running stats aside, no team has gained fewer yards per game (264.8) than New England, but Chicago isn’t much better with 294.6 yards per contest, the fifth-lowest number in the league.
Losers of two straight games, the Bears just aren’t playing good football right now. Williams twisted his ankle on Chicago’s final play against the Cardinals, and although the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, the Bears could easily lose this game if he continues to struggle.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Commanders (-3)
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is 3-1 against Washington in his career and currently has the team on a three-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 95-46 in Weeks 6-8. The Commanders have also won three straight games, outscoring their opponents 85-44.
With an average of 29.2 points per game, Washington has the league’s third-best scoring offense, but things won’t be so easy against a Steelers team allowing 14.9 points per contest, the second-best number in the NFL.
By allowing just 90.5 yards per game on the ground, the fourth-best number in the league, Pittsburgh should have no problem stopping Washington running back Brian Robinson Jr., assuming he plays after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury.
In other words, Washington’s Jayden Daniels will need more than the 22 pass attempts it took to beat the Giants in Week 9, and that’s where Pittsburgh has a real advantage. With 10 interceptions in eight games, the Steelers could easily hand Daniels his fourth and fifth pick of the season.
By comparison, the Commanders’ three interceptions are tied for the third-fewest in the league. They did trade for Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, but the four-time Pro Bowler missed last week’s game against the Panthers with a hamstring injury and is questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Steelers.
The same can’t be said for Mike Williams, who just arrived in Pittsburgh after a trade from the Jets. Williams was the odd man out once New York traded for Davante Adams, but he has a pair of 1,000-yard seasons on his resume.
If the 30-year-old receiver has anything left, he’ll give George Pickens some much-needed help and could put up big numbers catching passes from a resurgent Russell Wilson.
