2. New Orleans vs. 15. Chicago
How New Orleans can win: All eyes will be on Peyton Manning’s connection with wide receivers Reggie Wayne, Odell Beckham Jr. and Hall of Famer Charlie Joiner, but the New Orleans defense gives them an edge over everyone else. The secondary is anchored with CBs Aeneas Williams and Albert Lewis, with Ed Reed hanging back as the last line of defense. That’s a combination that can handle any group of receivers you could throw at them, and it’s helped by a pair of sack masters in Fred Dean and Neil Smith. Oh, and by the way: Manning can check down to Marshall Faulk, one of the greatest pass-catching RBs in history, whenever he feels like it. — John Sigler, Saints Wire
How Chicago can win: When looking at Chicago’s legends, it’s going to be the defense that gives the Bears the best chance to overcome New Orleans’ high-powered offense. It’s difficult not to focus on Chicago’s talent at the linebacker position. Led by Hall of Famers Dick Butkus, Ray Nitschke and George Connor, they’re some of the best to ever play their position — and certainly are the strength of this team. Chicago isn’t a slouch on offense either, and the Bears are going to need Hall of Famers Otto Graham, Red Grange and Paddy Driscoll, along with Kenny Golladay to have huge games if they hope to keep up with New Orleans. — Alyssa Barbieri, Bears Wire
[opinary poll=”which-team-wins-this-matchup_usatodayhss-Z3z0Rf” customer=”usatoday”]
Other matchups:
Hou vs Den / LAC vs Buf / Jax vs KC / Cin vs Ten / Pit vs Bal / Cle vs Ind / NYJ vs LV / Mia vs NE // Dal vs Min / Was vs NYG / Atl vs TB / SF vs Sea / Car vs Ari / LAR vs GB / Phi vs Det
AFC rosters:
Buf / Mia / NE / NYJ // Bal / Cin / Cle / Pit // Hou / Ind / Jax / Ten // Den / KC / LV / LAC
NFC rosters:
Dal / NYG / Phi / Was // Chi / Det / GB / Min // Atl / Car / NO / TB // Ari / LAR / SF / Sea
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