1. Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions

Sunday • 4:25 p.m. ET

This is my kind of football game: two NFC North rivals who know one another well and have plenty of motivation to grab a division victory.

Green Bay needs to protect the football and avoid giving Detroit extra possessions. The Lions, playing at Ford Field, will want to get their offense moving early and make the Packers play catch-up.

Doc's pick: Green Bay Packers. I expect a tight, physical game, and I lean toward the Packers to make enough plays late. Detroit at home is a dangerous opponent, though, so this is no easy call.

2. Kansas City Chiefs at Seattle Seahawks

Sunday Night Football • 8:20 p.m. ET

This is the game I would save a little energy for. Kansas City brings its reputation for making crucial plays, while Seattle gets the advantage of a loud home crowd.

The big question is whether Seattle can keep the Chiefs from controlling the tempo. Against Kansas City, a defense can play well for most of the night and still lose because of two or three crucial breakdowns.

Doc's pick: Kansas City Chiefs. I trust Kansas City in a close fourth quarter, but I would not be surprised if Seattle makes this one go down to the wire.

3. Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens

Sunday • 1:00 p.m. ET

Division games are different animals. These teams know each other's tendencies, and neither side can afford to give away easy points.

Cincinnati will need to capitalize on its passing opportunities, while Baltimore will look to make life uncomfortable for the Bengals' offense. Turnovers and third-down conversions could determine the winner.

Doc's pick: Baltimore Ravens. The home-field edge and the pressure of a division matchup tip my prediction toward Baltimore. Cincinnati has the offensive potential to spoil that plan.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers at New Orleans Saints

Sunday • 9:30 a.m. ET • Paris, France

An international game gives this matchup a special atmosphere, but the football fundamentals remain the same. Pittsburgh will want to impose its physical style, while New Orleans needs to make the most of its chances.

I expect the Steelers to lean on defensive pressure and disciplined football. The Saints cannot afford to fall behind and become one-dimensional.

Doc's pick: Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh looks like the safer choice to me, provided it protects the ball and doesn't let the unusual travel circumstances become a distraction.

The Colts will want to establish their offensive rhythm, while Minnesota needs to make the home crowd count. I see a competitive game, but Indianapolis gets my nod.

Pick: Colts

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets — 1:00 p.m.

This could get scrappy. Miami needs to turn its speed into points, while the Jets must avoid costly mistakes and keep the pressure on.

Pick: Dolphins

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans — 1:00 p.m.

I expect Cleveland to try to make this a physical contest and force Tennessee into difficult passing situations. If the Browns take care of the football, they should have the edge.

Pick: Browns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers — 1:00 p.m.

Tampa Bay needs to play with urgency and avoid allowing Carolina to hang around. The Panthers could make this uncomfortable if they win the turnover battle.

Pick: Buccaneers

San Francisco 49ers at Atlanta Falcons — 1:00 p.m.

San Francisco is the side I'd trust to execute consistently. Atlanta needs explosive plays and a strong defensive performance to turn the tables.

Pick: 49ers

Houston has the home-field advantage, and the Giants will need to make the most of every scoring opportunity. I lean toward the Texans in a game where defensive pressure could be decisive.

Pick: Texans

Denver's best route is to control the tempo and make Arizona work for every first down. The Cardinals need to take advantage of home conditions and generate a few momentum-changing plays.

Pick: Broncos

Los Angeles Rams at Las Vegas Raiders — 4:25 p.m.

This is a tricky road test for Los Angeles. The Raiders will try to use their home crowd to build momentum, but the Rams get my vote if they stay balanced offensively and avoid turnovers.

Pick: Rams