The N.F.L.’s first game in Germany kicks off at 6:30 a.m. Pacific, so set your alarm. The Seahawks have won four straight games, all by double digits, and sit atop the N.F.C. West. Their improving defense is a major factor in their success: Over their last three games, they’ve allowed only 4.2 yards per play, the fewest in the N.F.L. in that span, and the third-year linebacker Jordyn Brooks is currently the top tackler in the league.
The Buccaneers also lead their division, though it’s a dubious honor: No team in the N.F.C. South has a winning record. Tom Brady is now the only quarterback to reach 100,000 career passing yards (regular season and postseason combined), hitting the milestone in a come-from-behind victory on Sunday against the Los Angeles Rams. Brady is only as good as the players who block for him and catch his passes, however, and he is still trying to find his rhythm with a different offensive line and receiving corps than the ones that he took to the Super Bowl two seasons ago. Pick: Seahawks +2.5
Minnesota Vikings (7-1) at Buffalo Bills (6-2)
1 p.m., Fox
Line: Bills -3.5 | Total: 43.5
The Bills hope to avenge a loss to the Jets by defeating a quality opponent at home. The Vikings hope to prove their doubters wrong and cement their place in the Super Bowl conversation. For the Bills, injuries on defense continue to mount: They’re missing linebacker Matt Milano, safety Jordan Poyer, defensive end Greg Rousseau and cornerback Tre’Davious White.
Meanwhile, Minnesota’s defense is improving. Linebacker Za’Darius Smith is tied for the league lead in tackles for loss, and he has 8.5 sacks. Tight end T.J. Hockenson made a huge difference in his first game with the Vikings last week after arriving from Detroit through a trade. He caught all nine of his targets for a total of 70 yards in Minnesota’s win against the Commanders. Josh Allen is day to day, and the point spread of 3.5 assumes he won’t play. We think the Bills are capable of covering this number with Case Keenum, but it’s close. Pick: Bills -3.5
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-6) at Kansas City (6-3)
1 p.m., CBS
Line: Kansas City -10 | Total: 50.5
Kansas City has the top scoring offense in the N.F.L., and it’s hosting a solidly average Jacksonville team. The Jaguars snapped a five-game losing streak against the Raiders last week, but they were within one score in every one of those losses.
Since Travis Etienne got the top running back job after James Robinson was demoted and then traded to the Jets, he has been sensational, with 515 yards and four touchdowns in four starts. Etienne could be a difference maker for a team still in the hunt to win the A.F.C. South. Kansas City has taken heavy money early, moving the line to double digits. Pick: Jaguars +10