The Slate Sheet: NFL Matchup Research for October 18, 2026
NFL matchup context with league ranks, rushing usage and the exact recent-game samples behind each observation.
This is the 2026-10-18 pregame edition. Figures describe the sample at publication; roles, lineups and game conditions can change.
NFL matchup research for Sunday, October 18, 2026. Start with the league context, then check the underlying sample and the current personnel.
- Derrick Henry: 19 of 24 carries inside the 20
- Texans rushing attack vs Jaguars run defense
- Raiders passing attack vs Bills pass defense
- Kenneth Walker III: 19 of 25 carries inside the 20
- Rams passing attack vs Cardinals pass defense
- Javonte Williams: 17 of 23 carries inside the 20
- Jets rushing attack vs Patriots run defense
- Colts run game walks into a wall
- Panthers passing attack vs Eagles pass defense
- 21 mph wind forecast for Steelers at Buccaneers
- Cam Skattebo: 10 of 21 carries inside the 20
- Ground-game edge: Falcons run game vs Bears run D
- Bills rushing attack vs Raiders run defense
NFL · Rushing work inside the 20
Derrick Henry: 19 of 24 carries inside the 20
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Derrick Henry had 19 of 24 Ravens carries inside the 20. When they get close, it's his ball.
| Measure | Recent result | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Player carries | 19 carries | Inside opponent's 20-yard line |
| Team carries | 24 carries | Same area · 4 team games |
| Share of carries | 79.2% | 19 of 24 |
Over the 4 team games in this report, Derrick Henry took 19 of Baltimore Ravens' 24 carries inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The 79.2% share identifies who received those rushing opportunities. It does not measure how many carries came at the goal line or establish a touchdown probability.
Sample: Last 4 team games before this slate. 4 team games · 24 team carries · 19 player carries
Recent usage can change with personnel and game situation. Carries do not equal touchdowns.
Slatery red-zone report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing attack and run defense
Texans rushing attack vs Jaguars run defense
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars · Kickoff 9:30 AM EDT
Texans: 31st rushing attack. Jaguars: 1st run defense. A bottom-quarter attack meets a top defense.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texans: rushing attack | 68 yards/game | 31st of 32 | Most run yards gained |
| Jaguars: run defense | 58 yards/game | 1st of 32 | Fewest run yards allowed |
The Houston Texans averaged 67.8 run yards per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 31st. The Jacksonville Jaguars allowed 58.0 per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 1st for the fewest allowed. These are separate opponent samples; their averages should not be subtracted or treated as a projected total.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Different opponents shaped these averages. They describe recent form, not a forecast for this game.
Slatery offense vs defense report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Passing attack and pass defense
Raiders passing attack vs Bills pass defense
Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders · Kickoff 4:25 PM EDT
Raiders: 5th passing attack. Bills: 32nd pass defense. A top attack meets a bottom-quarter defense.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raiders: passing attack | 289 yards/game | 5th of 32 | Most pass yards gained |
| Bills: pass defense | 301 yards/game | 32nd of 32 | Fewest pass yards allowed |
The Las Vegas Raiders averaged 289.2 pass yards per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 5th. The Buffalo Bills allowed 301.2 per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 32nd for the fewest allowed. These are separate opponent samples; their averages should not be subtracted or treated as a projected total. Supporting pocket context: Raiders allowed 5.3 sacks per 100 pass attempts; Bills generated 4.9 per 100 opposing attempts.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Different opponents shaped these averages. They describe recent form, not a forecast for this game.
Slatery offense vs defense report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing work inside the 20
Kenneth Walker III: 19 of 25 carries inside the 20
Los Angeles Chargers at Kansas City Chiefs · Kickoff 4:25 PM EDT
Kenneth Walker III had 19 of 25 Chiefs carries inside the 20. When they get close, it's his ball.
| Measure | Recent result | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Player carries | 19 carries | Inside opponent's 20-yard line |
| Team carries | 25 carries | Same area · 4 team games |
| Share of carries | 76.0% | 19 of 25 |
Over the 4 team games in this report, Kenneth Walker III took 19 of Kansas City Chiefs' 25 carries inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The 76.0% share identifies who received those rushing opportunities. It does not measure how many carries came at the goal line or establish a touchdown probability.
Sample: Last 4 team games before this slate. 4 team games · 25 team carries · 19 player carries
Recent usage can change with personnel and game situation. Carries do not equal touchdowns.
Slatery red-zone report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Passing attack and pass defense
Rams passing attack vs Cardinals pass defense
Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams · Kickoff 4:05 PM EDT
Rams: 1st passing attack. Cardinals: 26th pass defense. A top attack meets a bottom-quarter defense.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rams: passing attack | 354 yards/game | 1st of 32 | Most pass yards gained |
| Cardinals: pass defense | 263 yards/game | 26th of 32 | Fewest pass yards allowed |
The Los Angeles Rams averaged 354.2 pass yards per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 1st. The Arizona Cardinals allowed 263.2 per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 26th for the fewest allowed. These are separate opponent samples; their averages should not be subtracted or treated as a projected total. Supporting pocket context: Rams allowed 3.7 sacks per 100 pass attempts; Cardinals generated 7.1 per 100 opposing attempts.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Different opponents shaped these averages. They describe recent form, not a forecast for this game.
Slatery offense vs defense report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing work inside the 20
Javonte Williams: 17 of 23 carries inside the 20
Dallas Cowboys at Green Bay Packers · Kickoff 8:20 PM EDT
Javonte Williams had 17 of 23 Cowboys carries inside the 20. When they get close, it's his ball.
| Measure | Recent result | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Player carries | 17 carries | Inside opponent's 20-yard line |
| Team carries | 23 carries | Same area · 4 team games |
| Share of carries | 73.9% | 17 of 23 |
Over the 4 team games in this report, Javonte Williams took 17 of Dallas Cowboys' 23 carries inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The 73.9% share identifies who received those rushing opportunities. It does not measure how many carries came at the goal line or establish a touchdown probability.
Sample: Last 4 team games before this slate. 4 team games · 23 team carries · 17 player carries
Recent usage can change with personnel and game situation. Carries do not equal touchdowns.
Slatery red-zone report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing attack and run defense
Jets rushing attack vs Patriots run defense
New York Jets at New England Patriots · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Jets: 27th rushing attack. Patriots: 7th run defense. A bottom-quarter attack meets a top defense.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jets: rushing attack | 80 yards/game | 27th of 32 | Most run yards gained |
| Patriots: run defense | 89 yards/game | 7th of 32 | Fewest run yards allowed |
The New York Jets averaged 79.5 run yards per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 27th. The New England Patriots allowed 89.2 per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 7th for the fewest allowed. These are separate opponent samples; their averages should not be subtracted or treated as a projected total.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Different opponents shaped these averages. They describe recent form, not a forecast for this game.
Slatery offense vs defense report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing efficiency and run defense
Colts run game walks into a wall
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Colts: 28th in rushing efficiency. Titans: 4th in limiting it. A run game that's been stuck meets a defense that's been stuffing it.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colts: rushing offense | 3.44 yards/carry | 28th of 32 | Most rushing yards per carry |
| Titans: run defense | 3.43 yards/carry | 4th of 32 | Fewest rushing yards allowed per carry |
The Indianapolis Colts averaged 3.44 rushing yards per carry, 28th among NFL offenses in this sample. The Tennessee Titans allowed 3.43 yards per carry, 4th for the fewest allowed. The league ranks explain the contrast: the run defense has the better standing relative to its peers. Watch the yardage gained on early rushing downs: repeated short gains could leave longer passing downs. The samples contain different opponents and do not forecast this game's average.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
These rates came against different opponents. They are context, not a forecast for this matchup.
Slatery trench report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Passing attack and pass defense
Panthers passing attack vs Eagles pass defense
Carolina Panthers at Philadelphia Eagles · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Panthers: 3rd passing attack. Eagles: 27th pass defense. A top attack meets a bottom-quarter defense.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Panthers: passing attack | 317 yards/game | 3rd of 32 | Most pass yards gained |
| Eagles: pass defense | 270 yards/game | 27th of 32 | Fewest pass yards allowed |
The Carolina Panthers averaged 317.0 pass yards per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 3rd. The Philadelphia Eagles allowed 269.5 per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 27th for the fewest allowed. These are separate opponent samples; their averages should not be subtracted or treated as a projected total. Supporting pocket context: Panthers allowed 6.1 sacks per 100 pass attempts; Eagles generated 3.5 per 100 opposing attempts.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Different opponents shaped these averages. They describe recent form, not a forecast for this game.
Slatery offense vs defense report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Game conditions
21 mph wind forecast for Steelers at Buccaneers
Pittsburgh Steelers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Strong wind can affect deep passes and kicks. Check direction and gusts near kickoff; the forecast does not establish a scoring total.
| Measure | Recent result | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Wind speed | 20.6 mph | Game-window forecast |
| Temperature | 76°F | Game-window forecast |
| Rain chance | 1% | Probability, not rainfall amount |
Strong wind can affect deep passes and kicks. Check direction and gusts near kickoff; the forecast does not establish a scoring total.
Sample: Game-window forecast.
Forecasts change. Recheck conditions near kickoff.
Slatery weather report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing work inside the 20
Cam Skattebo: 10 of 21 carries inside the 20
New Orleans Saints at New York Giants · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Cam Skattebo had 10 of 21 Giants carries inside the 20. He's getting the bulk of the work near the end zone.
| Measure | Recent result | How to read it |
|---|---|---|
| Player carries | 10 carries | Inside opponent's 20-yard line |
| Team carries | 21 carries | Same area · 5 team games |
| Share of carries | 47.6% | 10 of 21 |
Over the 5 team games in this report, Cam Skattebo took 10 of New York Giants' 21 carries inside the opponent's 20-yard line. The 47.6% share identifies who received those rushing opportunities. It does not measure how many carries came at the goal line or establish a touchdown probability.
Sample: Last 5 team games before this slate. 5 team games · 21 team carries · 10 player carries
Recent usage can change with personnel and game situation. Carries do not equal touchdowns.
Slatery red-zone report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing efficiency and run defense
Ground-game edge: Falcons run game vs Bears run D
Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons · Kickoff 1:00 PM EDT
Falcons: 3rd in rushing efficiency. Bears: 16th in limiting it. The rushing efficiency ranks ahead of this run defense.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcons: rushing offense | 5.33 yards/carry | 3rd of 32 | Most rushing yards per carry |
| Bears: run defense | 4.08 yards/carry | 16th of 32 | Fewest rushing yards allowed per carry |
The Atlanta Falcons averaged 5.33 rushing yards per carry, 3rd among NFL offenses in this sample. The Chicago Bears allowed 4.08 yards per carry, 16th for the fewest allowed. The league ranks explain the contrast: the offense has the better standing relative to its peers. Watch the yardage gained on early rushing downs: repeated short gains could leave longer passing downs. The samples contain different opponents and do not forecast this game's average.
Sample: Last 5 / 4 team games before slate. 5 offense games · 4 defense games
These rates came against different opponents. They are context, not a forecast for this matchup.
Slatery trench report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
NFL · Rushing attack and run defense
Bills rushing attack vs Raiders run defense
Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders · Kickoff 4:25 PM EDT
Bills: 2nd rushing attack. Raiders: 31st run defense. A top attack meets a bottom-quarter defense.
| Measure | Recent result | NFL rank | How to read it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bills: rushing attack | 176 yards/game | 2nd of 32 | Most run yards gained |
| Raiders: run defense | 157 yards/game | 31st of 32 | Fewest run yards allowed |
The Buffalo Bills averaged 176.0 run yards per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 2nd. The Las Vegas Raiders allowed 157.2 per game over 4 completed team games, ranking 31st for the fewest allowed. These are separate opponent samples; their averages should not be subtracted or treated as a projected total.
Sample: Last 4 / 4 team games before slate. 4 offense games · 4 defense games
Different opponents shaped these averages. They describe recent form, not a forecast for this game.
Slatery offense vs defense report · source slate 2026-10-18. Open the supporting NFL report
What these numbers mean
League ranks describe the exact recent-game window shown with each observation. First is the strongest rank: fewer sacks or rushing yards allowed for a defense/protection measure, and more sacks generated or rushing yards gained for a production measure.
At the start of the season, a four-game window can include the previous season. Changes in personnel and opponents matter. Red-zone carries describe past usage, not touchdown probabilities.
Each observation keeps its original evidence and source date. Earlier observations remain readable after kickoff; they are records of the pregame research, not live game updates.
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