The Japan Times - Rams-Bucs and Steelers-Bears match NFL division leaders

A pivotal week of the 2025 campaign features the Rams trying to extend a five-game win streak and the Chicago Bears hoping for their fourth triumph in a row.

"We feel good with where we're at but we understand things can turn," Bears quarterback Caleb Williams said.

"We have seven games left. It's us understanding where we can be and focusing on where we are. If we go 1-0 each week, we'll be exactly where we want to be."

The NFC North-leading Bears (7-3), who have not reached the playoffs since 2020 and have not won a post-season game since 2010, welcome back a familiar foe in Pittsburgh quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who visited every year in his heyday at Green Bay.

Rodgers, who turns 42 on December 2, said his fractured left wrist "feels better than it did Sunday" and he hopes not to be seen as a villain when he arrives with the AFC North-leading Steelers (6-4).

"I'd rather not be," Rodgers said. "I'm not in Green Bay anymore. I feel like we can let bygones be bygones. Maybe. I can. I guess."

Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield hopes for good feelings when he returns to Los Angeles with the NFC South-leading Buccaneers (6-4) to face the NFC West-leading Rams (8-2).

In 2022, Baker Mayfield went 2-3 for the Rams after Matthew Stafford suffered a spinal cord injury, a stint Mayfield credited with reviving his playing spirit.

"It was pivotal in my career," Mayfield said. "It helped me find the fun in football again. Getting to learn from those guys... they helped me out and helped me discover what offense I really want to play in.

"It was instrumental in my career, something I'm forever grateful for, and it will be fun to go back and see some familiar faces."

The NFL-best Patriots (9-2) carry an eight-game win streak into Cincinnati (3-7) with quarterback Drake Maye passing around credit for the team's sensational start.

"A lot of people are doing great things on this team to help me, the defense is playing great and we've just got to keep going," Maye said.

"I don't think it matters who is on the other side, we're trying to win."

- Colts visit Chiefs -

Another crucial contest features AFC South leader Indianapolis (8-2) at Kansas City (5-5), with the host Chiefs fighting to climb into playoff position.

The Chiefs, seeking a third Super Bowl crown in four seasons, have not failed to reach the AFC Championship game since 2017 but are currently one game behind Jacksonville for the last AFC wildcard playoff spot.

The Baltimore Ravens (5-5), one game out of the wildcard spot and one game behind the Steelers in the AFC North, seek their fifth consecutive triumph when they play host to the New York Jets (2-8).

The reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), also on a four-game win streak, will try to stretch their NFC East lead when they visit Dallas (4-5-1).

Sunday's other games find the New York Giants at Detroit, Minnesota at Green Bay, Jacksonville at Arizona, Seattle at Tennessee, Cleveland at Las Vegas and Atlanta at New Orleans. Carolina will visit San Francisco on Monday.

S.Yamada--JT