Early morning tip off before we start the work day. Last season, these were two of the slower teams in the country in terms of tempo and yes, it’s a new season and new players. But, the one thing we all know is this Merrimack defense and their zone. The Mountaineers have the size advantage and should be able to control the boards but Joe Gallo and Merrimack will make this into a slow, grind it out contest.

Two of slower offenses in the league. Denver looks more towards their run game and controlling the clock since their offense hasn’t shown that ability to create consistent scoring drives. The Broncos have one of the top pass rushes to disrupt Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs have limited options with their receivers, despite getting Rashee Rice back as they’ll also look to establish the run. The last eight times these two have met the game has gone under the total in seven of them.

The Chargers average a league worst 15 points per game but are coming off a bye. The Rams are struggling with injuries in their defensive front and not 100% Puka Nacua so we can expect a heavy rushing attack. The Chargers defense comes in healthy and match up well with the Rams to keep this one competitive in an inner-city rivalry.

High total for a reason. Each team can put up points on offense and their defenses are very capable of allowing big plays, especially Buffalo who allows 30 points per game. Lamar Jackson is back for the Ravens as he’s averaged 10.1 yards per pass this season and faces a Buffalo defense that has allowed 15 passing touchdowns this season. The last time these two squared off it was 81 combined points.

Last week, Detroit’s offense has struggled to produce explosive plays against an above average Packers defense. They now face one of the league’s best in Minnesota. The Lions are averaging 30.7 points per game and take one a blitz-heavy Brian Flores and his defensive schemes that could their limit big play ability. Even though Detroit’s defense isn’t good, the Vikings inability to consistently put up points with a defense first mentality should keep this low scoring.

Indiana’s defense is the much better unit team this year as compared to their offense. The Hoosiers are holding their opponents to 14 points per game at home and Minnesota is just south of 295 yards of total offense per game this season. Neither teams play with pace, Josh Hoover has struggled offensively the past three games, and the Gophers have had a tough time converting on third down all season, except more of that to come against one of the best defenses in the country.

This could be a classic Big10 battle of field position with two good defenses. Neither team plays with a lot of pace as Iowa should look to establish the run and control the clock at some. A lot of field goals incoming.

The only game that KAT hasn’t cleared this number was on banner night, a loss to the Sixers. No other center has went over their PRA against Philly this season. KAT had 32 in the first meeting while only playing 23 minutes due to foul trouble. He’s been on a tear recently and as long as he stays out of foul trouble, he should be able to continue controlling the boards especially since Joel Embiid can’t keep up with his speed.

This total is wild but it’s high for a reason. North Texas has the second best offense in the country, averaging over 43 points per game. The Owls defense hasn’t been able to stop anyone as their allowing 34 points per game. The pace and big plays will be there as this game could end up being like playing a video game.

New York is currently tied for last in the league in points per game with 104. Their offense showed progress last night, scoring 111, against one of the better defenses in the East. Chicago is not a good defensive team as no team has scored lower than 120 points in their first four games, averaging 129.5. This seems like a good spot, with a high total, for the Knicks offense to build some momentum despite being on a back-to-back.

Jalen Brunson cleared 25 points in the late minutes of the fourth quarter for us last game so we’ll go right back to him. He’s cleared this number in nine of his last 11 against Detroit. As a Knick, Brunson is averaging 26.7 points against the Pistons and we all know the shooting volume will be there and always has the ability to create something to get to the free throw line.

Jalen Brunson hasn’t played great so far this season. This could be a good spot to get him going as he’s averaged 31 points over his last five games against Orlando. He’s also gone over this mark in eight of his last 10 against the Magic.

The number has gone up but it’s still going over. Detroit is tied for the number one scoring offense in the league with the Bills at 32.8 points per game while their defense is allowing just south of 30. Even below-average offense like the Cardinals and Saints were able to put up points on this defense. Josh Jacobs is back for Green Bay which will open up their passing game even more to take advantage of this vulnerable defense.

Even with JJ McCarthy behind center, the Giants shown they can still put up points. Houston is finally coming into form and welcome back Tank Dell on Sunday. New York has scored 27, or more, points in three straight games and will let it rip if playing from behind, like the last three weeks. The Texans have scored 26, or more, points in three straight as well and shouldn’t have a problem picking apart a vulnerable New York secondary that has shown, at times, to be susceptible to big plays. Their running game isn’t great, one of the worst in the league, but Saints run game was also bad, so wouldn’t be surprised if they find some success too.

Colts just fired their GM and on the verge of a possible fire sale. The Vikings have one of the best defenses in the league but they're due to a letdown at some point. When Daniel Jones has turned back into the Giants Daniel Jones, their offense is still capable of putting up some points as long as they limit the turnovers. Their defense isn’t great but neither is the Minnesota offense. Wouldn’t be surprised with a backdoor cover.