Post by atpnfl on Oct 10, 2013 18:22:19 GMT
Before the season began, few would have believed that two of the most storied franchises in the NFL would be winless, the Jets would be the better team in New York and that Peyton Manning, after the debacle last January, would be scoring at will. But heading into week 6, this is where the NFL finds itself, in one of the most compelling seasons in recent memory.
Beginning of Thursday Night with a classic match up with the New York Football Giants heading to Chicago to face the Bears, week 6 has a number of interesting games that will have wide ranging impacts on the playoff picture come January.
Each week, we plan to do a full preview of the upcoming games, as well as a prediction for the winner, and a short look at the teams going into their bye weeks.
Giants @ Bears
0-5 3-2
Working on a short week, the Giants go into Chicago playing for the future of the season with another “must win” game against a suddenly struggling Bears. Eli Manning leads the league in interceptions and his Giants are a distant memory from the Superbowl Champions of 2012. Jay Cutler appears to be regressing into his previous turnover prone ways, but is on a vastly superior team and if they feed the ball to Matt Forte they can easily walk away with the W.
Bears Win
Panthers @ Vikings
1-3 1-3
At 1-3 of these teams are far from where they want to be, but look for the key match up to be Adrian Peterson going up against a very talented Carolina defence. As talented as Cam Newton is, there is a distinct lack of talent around him, and as a result the offence has stalled since dropping 38 points on the Giants. If the Vikings can get the run game going, and get the ball to play makers like Cordarrelle Patterson and Greg Jennings then this will be a much easier game than it might appear.
Vikings Win
Eagles @ Buccaneers
2-3 0-4
Coming off a far less then calm bye week, the Buccaneers are desperate for a win to save both their season, and possibly their coaches job. Greg Schiano is at real risk of losing the locker room after the unceremoniously kicking Josh Freeman out of Tampa. As for the Eagles, it will be interesting to see how differently Nick Foles will run this Chip Kelly offence, and whether Mike Glennon can keep up.
Eagles Win
Raiders @ Chiefs
2-3 5-0
The Chiefs are looking to remain undefeated against a surprisingly skilled Oakland team. If Terrelle Pryor can maintain the level he was playing at against San Diego on Sunday Night then Oakland could easily win this game. However the Chiefs’ defence is the largest strength of this team, and Alex Smith is a more than adequate hand off machine for Jamaal Charles.
Chiefs Win
Steelers @ Jets
0-4 3-2
One of the more shocking story lines of the year, the New York Jets enter week 6 a surprising 3-2, having knocked off the Falcons on Monday Night Football. Hosting an equally surprising Pittsburgh Steelers who at 0-4 are playing far worse than anyone could have imagined, Rex Ryan looks to play with the swagger he entered New York with and possibly save his job, as well as, result depending, equal the record of division leaders New England. It’s hard to imagine one of the most successful franchises in NFL history going 0-6, but if Geno Smith plays like he did on Monday, it will be surprising if the Jets Lose.
Jets Win
Rams @ Texans
2-3 2-3
When the NFL scheduled this match up, they probably believed this would be a very interesting meeting of two highly talented teams. Yet at this point, disappointing is an understatement of how both teams have preformed through 5 weeks.
Having just lost TE Owen Daniels to short term IR, the Texans will look to remove responsibility from beleaguered QB Matt Schaub’s shoulders, lest he throw a pick six for the fifth week running. While the Rams struggled to get their offence going, and their defence are much worse than expected, this is still a very talented team. If Jeff Fischer find a way to creatively use rookie Tavon Austin, then this could be an interesting game, but after two difficult losses, look for JJ Watt to cause havoc in the backfield.
Texans Win (barely)
Packers @ Ravens
2-2 3-2
This game will probably be more about whose defence can play better rather than what the offences can produce. Joe Flacco has failed to live up to the promise he showed in the post-season last year, and we know what to expect from this Packers offence. But with the lose of Clay Matthews the packers defence is much weakened, and while the Ravens defence is as stout as ever, will they be able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the up-tempo high powered offence?
Packers Win
Bengals @ Bills
3-2 2-3
Without EJ Manuel, it is hard to imagine the Bills winning any games, especially against this Bengal’s defence. Andy Dalton will continue to regress, but look for rookie Giovanni Bernard to have a big day against this suspect run defence of the Bills.
Bengals Win
Lions @ Browns
3-2 3-2
Who wins this match up is very simple. If Calvin Johnson plays, the Lions win. If he doesn’t, they won’t. The lions offence is a non-starter without Megatron, and this Browns team is very talent, though the loss of Brain Hoyer drastically reduces their ceiling.
Tentative-Lions Win
Titans @ Seahawks
3-2 4-1
The Titans face an uphill battle to try and win this game heading into the home of the Twelfth Man, probably the greatest home field advantage in the league. Ryan Fitzpatrick is facing up against the Legion of Boom, and Russell Wilson, despite playing behind an injury depleted offensive line, is a difference maker that makes it almost impossible for the Seahawks to lose at home. This game will be no different.
Seahawks Win
Jaguars @ Broncos
This isn’t a question of who will win, but by what margin. The Jaguars are the worst team in the league, and despite the bright sport of Justin Blackmon, this will be the easiest victory this season for the Broncos.
Broncos Win
Saints @ Patriots
5-0 4-1
Probably the most interesting match up of the week, the undefeated Saints march into Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. The Saints, looking as competent on offence as ever, are one the most improved teams in the league with their worst to first defence thanks to DC Rob Ryan. The Patriots are lucky to be at 4-1, with their offence having real problems, but they should see the return of Rob Gronkowski meaning they should at least be more explosive in the red zone. The Saints are facing the first real test on defence, and the winner of this game will be placed in the driving seat for a bye week in the playoffs.
Saints Win
Cardinals @ 49ers
3-2 3-2
This game will have dramatic consequences on the future of the division. Both have a loss in division already, but a win for Arizona would place them a game ahead in division, while a win for San Francisco would place them closer to division leader Seattle, and position themselves well for wild card spots later in the season. Look for Frank Gore to play with continued vigour, and for fantasy owners, hope Carson Palmer feeds the ball to Larry Fitzgerald continuously.
49ers Win
Redskins @ Cowboys
1-3 2-3
Romopologists Beware! Despite playing one of the greatest games at the Quarterback position ever, and out-dueling one of the greatest QBs of all time in Peyton Manning, one costly interceptions will make the previous game remembered for all the wrong reasons. The bye week will have helped RGIII recover and be more like himself, however the Redskins defence is awful, and if Romo plays like he did Sunday, this will be an easy win for the Cowboys.
Cowboys Win
Colts @ Chargers
4-1 2-3
The final game of the week features two rather talented rosters, with the Chargers playing far better then their record suggests. Philip Rivers is playing at an MVP level, and if it weren’t for a certain Bronco’s QB, he would be the front runner for the award. The Colts can take full possession of the AFC South with a win, and Andrew Luck, with weapons WR TY Hilton and RB Trent Richardson, is a true difference maker that could win any game regardless of circumstance.
Colts Win
Bye Weeks
Miami Dolphins
Well placed in some respects, the Dolphins can attempt to shore up their offensive line woes, and Tannehill will attempt to create more chemistry with Mike Wallace. Cameron Wake now has an extra week to get completely healthy and the coaching staff can take stock and prepare for the long season ahead.
Atlanta Falcons
With the devastating loss of Julio Jones, this week will be one for collective reflection in Atlanta. Coach Mike Smith must hope that the rest of his offensive weapons will get healthy, and that they can fix their red zone problems, otherwise this season could easily be lost.
Beginning of Thursday Night with a classic match up with the New York Football Giants heading to Chicago to face the Bears, week 6 has a number of interesting games that will have wide ranging impacts on the playoff picture come January.
Each week, we plan to do a full preview of the upcoming games, as well as a prediction for the winner, and a short look at the teams going into their bye weeks.
Giants @ Bears
0-5 3-2
Working on a short week, the Giants go into Chicago playing for the future of the season with another “must win” game against a suddenly struggling Bears. Eli Manning leads the league in interceptions and his Giants are a distant memory from the Superbowl Champions of 2012. Jay Cutler appears to be regressing into his previous turnover prone ways, but is on a vastly superior team and if they feed the ball to Matt Forte they can easily walk away with the W.
Bears Win
Panthers @ Vikings
1-3 1-3
At 1-3 of these teams are far from where they want to be, but look for the key match up to be Adrian Peterson going up against a very talented Carolina defence. As talented as Cam Newton is, there is a distinct lack of talent around him, and as a result the offence has stalled since dropping 38 points on the Giants. If the Vikings can get the run game going, and get the ball to play makers like Cordarrelle Patterson and Greg Jennings then this will be a much easier game than it might appear.
Vikings Win
Eagles @ Buccaneers
2-3 0-4
Coming off a far less then calm bye week, the Buccaneers are desperate for a win to save both their season, and possibly their coaches job. Greg Schiano is at real risk of losing the locker room after the unceremoniously kicking Josh Freeman out of Tampa. As for the Eagles, it will be interesting to see how differently Nick Foles will run this Chip Kelly offence, and whether Mike Glennon can keep up.
Eagles Win
Raiders @ Chiefs
2-3 5-0
The Chiefs are looking to remain undefeated against a surprisingly skilled Oakland team. If Terrelle Pryor can maintain the level he was playing at against San Diego on Sunday Night then Oakland could easily win this game. However the Chiefs’ defence is the largest strength of this team, and Alex Smith is a more than adequate hand off machine for Jamaal Charles.
Chiefs Win
Steelers @ Jets
0-4 3-2
One of the more shocking story lines of the year, the New York Jets enter week 6 a surprising 3-2, having knocked off the Falcons on Monday Night Football. Hosting an equally surprising Pittsburgh Steelers who at 0-4 are playing far worse than anyone could have imagined, Rex Ryan looks to play with the swagger he entered New York with and possibly save his job, as well as, result depending, equal the record of division leaders New England. It’s hard to imagine one of the most successful franchises in NFL history going 0-6, but if Geno Smith plays like he did on Monday, it will be surprising if the Jets Lose.
Jets Win
Rams @ Texans
2-3 2-3
When the NFL scheduled this match up, they probably believed this would be a very interesting meeting of two highly talented teams. Yet at this point, disappointing is an understatement of how both teams have preformed through 5 weeks.
Having just lost TE Owen Daniels to short term IR, the Texans will look to remove responsibility from beleaguered QB Matt Schaub’s shoulders, lest he throw a pick six for the fifth week running. While the Rams struggled to get their offence going, and their defence are much worse than expected, this is still a very talented team. If Jeff Fischer find a way to creatively use rookie Tavon Austin, then this could be an interesting game, but after two difficult losses, look for JJ Watt to cause havoc in the backfield.
Texans Win (barely)
Packers @ Ravens
2-2 3-2
This game will probably be more about whose defence can play better rather than what the offences can produce. Joe Flacco has failed to live up to the promise he showed in the post-season last year, and we know what to expect from this Packers offence. But with the lose of Clay Matthews the packers defence is much weakened, and while the Ravens defence is as stout as ever, will they be able to stop Aaron Rodgers and the up-tempo high powered offence?
Packers Win
Bengals @ Bills
3-2 2-3
Without EJ Manuel, it is hard to imagine the Bills winning any games, especially against this Bengal’s defence. Andy Dalton will continue to regress, but look for rookie Giovanni Bernard to have a big day against this suspect run defence of the Bills.
Bengals Win
Lions @ Browns
3-2 3-2
Who wins this match up is very simple. If Calvin Johnson plays, the Lions win. If he doesn’t, they won’t. The lions offence is a non-starter without Megatron, and this Browns team is very talent, though the loss of Brain Hoyer drastically reduces their ceiling.
Tentative-Lions Win
Titans @ Seahawks
3-2 4-1
The Titans face an uphill battle to try and win this game heading into the home of the Twelfth Man, probably the greatest home field advantage in the league. Ryan Fitzpatrick is facing up against the Legion of Boom, and Russell Wilson, despite playing behind an injury depleted offensive line, is a difference maker that makes it almost impossible for the Seahawks to lose at home. This game will be no different.
Seahawks Win
Jaguars @ Broncos
This isn’t a question of who will win, but by what margin. The Jaguars are the worst team in the league, and despite the bright sport of Justin Blackmon, this will be the easiest victory this season for the Broncos.
Broncos Win
Saints @ Patriots
5-0 4-1
Probably the most interesting match up of the week, the undefeated Saints march into Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots. The Saints, looking as competent on offence as ever, are one the most improved teams in the league with their worst to first defence thanks to DC Rob Ryan. The Patriots are lucky to be at 4-1, with their offence having real problems, but they should see the return of Rob Gronkowski meaning they should at least be more explosive in the red zone. The Saints are facing the first real test on defence, and the winner of this game will be placed in the driving seat for a bye week in the playoffs.
Saints Win
Cardinals @ 49ers
3-2 3-2
This game will have dramatic consequences on the future of the division. Both have a loss in division already, but a win for Arizona would place them a game ahead in division, while a win for San Francisco would place them closer to division leader Seattle, and position themselves well for wild card spots later in the season. Look for Frank Gore to play with continued vigour, and for fantasy owners, hope Carson Palmer feeds the ball to Larry Fitzgerald continuously.
49ers Win
Redskins @ Cowboys
1-3 2-3
Romopologists Beware! Despite playing one of the greatest games at the Quarterback position ever, and out-dueling one of the greatest QBs of all time in Peyton Manning, one costly interceptions will make the previous game remembered for all the wrong reasons. The bye week will have helped RGIII recover and be more like himself, however the Redskins defence is awful, and if Romo plays like he did Sunday, this will be an easy win for the Cowboys.
Cowboys Win
Colts @ Chargers
4-1 2-3
The final game of the week features two rather talented rosters, with the Chargers playing far better then their record suggests. Philip Rivers is playing at an MVP level, and if it weren’t for a certain Bronco’s QB, he would be the front runner for the award. The Colts can take full possession of the AFC South with a win, and Andrew Luck, with weapons WR TY Hilton and RB Trent Richardson, is a true difference maker that could win any game regardless of circumstance.
Colts Win
Bye Weeks
Miami Dolphins
Well placed in some respects, the Dolphins can attempt to shore up their offensive line woes, and Tannehill will attempt to create more chemistry with Mike Wallace. Cameron Wake now has an extra week to get completely healthy and the coaching staff can take stock and prepare for the long season ahead.
Atlanta Falcons
With the devastating loss of Julio Jones, this week will be one for collective reflection in Atlanta. Coach Mike Smith must hope that the rest of his offensive weapons will get healthy, and that they can fix their red zone problems, otherwise this season could easily be lost.
