We’ve reached the mid-point of the NFL Season, with Sunday’s games beginning November football. We have four teams on a bye, which leaves 12 games on the Sunday slate. That includes some of the most anticipated matchups of the year. Below are the five games on the Sunday slate I’m most excited to see.

Early Games:

Minnesota Vikings (3-5) at Detroit Lions (5-2)
About: The Vikings and Lions had two epic battles in 2024. This feels like a different kind of matchup. After more than a month away, J.J. McCarthy is set to come back for the Vikings. But he still has little starting experience and will face a huge test against the Vikings. The Lions, meanwhile, are rolling along right behind the Packers. They want a win to keep the pressure on Green Bay.

Atlanta Falcons (3-4) at New England Patriots (6-2)
About: The Falcons had a big stumble at home in Week 8, dropping the game by 24 points to the one-win Dolphins. That was without Michael Penix, Jr., who is battling a knee injury. He’s day-to-day but could be in the lineup Sunday. Either way, the Falcons face a tough road test against a red-hot Patriots team that leads the AFC East.

Indianapolis Colts (7-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-3)
About: Once upon a time the Steelers had a massive lead in the AFC North. Now, after back-to-back losses, the team has seen that lead dwindle. The Colts, meanwhile, keep rolling. They have the best record in the NFL and one of the best offensive attacks in the league. Can the Steelers get it together on defense to stop the skid, or will they be sitting at .500 and hoping to find a way to hang on in their division.

Denver Broncos (6-2) at Houston Texans (3-4)
About: The Texans came up with a massive home win over the 49ers in Week 8. They still have a long way to go if they want to get close to the Colts. The Broncos, meanwhile, are red-hot. They’ve won five games in a row and enter Week 9 on top in the AFC West. They’ll now be without reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II for a few weeks. Can that defense hold up against a resurgent Texans’ offense.

Late Games:

Kansas City Chiefs (5-3) at Buffalo Bills (5-2)
About: This is the game of the week and possibly the game of the season. Whenever Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen battle, it’s big. This could have big stakes in the AFC, especially as both these teams trail in their division heading into Week 9. This is must see football!

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.