NFL Teams Face Pivotal Remaining Schedules
Dallas is 4-5 ahead of its matchup with NFC-leading San Francisco, with a win seen as a chance to restore confidence and revive the season under Brian Schottenheimer. The Raiders remain in playoff contention but face a difficult closing schedule, though they have potential opportunities against struggling teams; rookie Fernando Mendoza is set to take over at quarterback. Cincinnati has rebounded to 6-2 and is tied atop the AFC North, but defensive vulnerabilities and a demanding December slate could affect its playoff prospects. Kansas City is also 6-2, trailing Denver by half a game in the AFC West, and faces a mix of manageable games and tougher tests against Buffalo, San Francisco and the Rams. Houston has climbed to 3-5 after a 0-4 start, beating Tennessee and the Chargers, but must keep its recovery going through upcoming divisional and road games.





