MY NFL MADDEN 19

MY WEEK 5 NFL SIMULATION RESULTS

After going 12-3 in Week 4 My Madden 19 looks to continue its hot streak as I head into the second quarter of the 2018 NFL Season.

Now past the quarter mark of the 2018 NFL season, the honeymoon phase is over. As the wise Bill Parcells once proclaimed, “You are what your record says you are.” Still, I’m not entirely convinced of that.

There are some teams, like the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers, that I believe are better than their record indicates. Or they are at least capable of turning it around. Then there are some, like the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants that I fully believe are as bad as their record says they are. And then there are teams where the jury is still out on them, like the inconsistent Miami Dolphins who show flashes of brilliance at times only come crashing down to Earth in a big game against the New England Patriots.

The point is, the 2018 NFL season has been pretty unpredictable, yet Madden 19 has been surprisingly accurate with its predictions thus far. So once again, we turn to Madden 19 to simulate the Week 5 NFL matchups and determine this week’s winners and losers. It should be noted that this simulation was performed after the Thursday Night Football game between the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts.

ATLANTA FALCONS 29, PITTSBURGH STEELERS 26

Both the Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers have underachieved this season and both teams find themselves at the bottom of their respective divisions as a result. Still, this game has all of the elements to be an exciting matchup, starting with two high-powered offensive units.

Surprisingly, both teams got off to a slow start. Just part of the inconsistency, I suppose. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Falcons trailed 13 to 7. But as has been the story all season long for the Steelers, their defense has completely fallen apart in the fourth quarter.

The Steelers defense gave up a whopping 22 points in the fourth quarter. When they needed him most, Matt Ryan (23-31, 319 yds. 3 TDs) showed up. He threw all three of those touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including the game-winning 51-yard pass to Julio Jones (3 rec., 70 yds. 1 TD). Mohamed Sanu Sr. actually led the team with 120 yards and a touchdown.

As has been the Steelers problem all season long, the team showed tremendous inconsistency. When the defense was on, the offense failed to muster points. When the offense finally scored 13 points in the fourth quarter, the defense gave up 22. Roethlisberger threw for 359 yards and a touchdown, while James Conner added another 82 on the ground (5 rec., 96 yds. receiving). Roethlisberger seemingly has no problem spreading the ball around but something is off with this Steelers team and dare I say it might be a lack of Le’Veon Bell?

With the loss, the Steelers find themselves in a very precarious position at 1-3-1. The Falcons can hopefully build upon this win as the close games tend to slip away from them.

DENVER BRONCOS 38, NEW YORK JETS 24

Following their heartbreaking loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football last week, the Broncos look to rebound against the lowly Jets, led by rookie quarterback Sam Darnold.

If not for last week’s late collapse, the Broncos would be an impressive 3-1. Instead, they are sitting at 2-2 and find themselves in what is almost a must-win game if they wish to keep pace with the red-hot Chiefs in the AFC West. The Jets, who haven’t won a game since week one, are the best medicine.

The Broncos found themselves in a 14-0 hole after the first quarter, but this is the Jets we’re talking about and the Broncos scored 17 unanswered points to close out the first half.

RELATED PRODUCT

Star Wars CHEWIE PAL

Star Wars CHEWIE PAL

Buy Now!

A second-half pick-six by Broncos safety Justin Simmons extended the lead 24-14 and the Broncos never took their foot off the gas. They scored another 14 points in the fourth quarter – a 37-yard touchdown pass from Case Keenum (18-31, 259 yds., 2 TDs, 1 Int) to Emanuel Sanders (5 rec., 93 yds., 2 TDs), and a one-yard touchdown run by Philip Lindsay (21 car., 84 yds., 2 TDs).

The Broncos offense showed some signs of life, but make no mistake, this is a team that will be carried by its defense. As for the Jets, well, it continues to be a learning process for Sam Darnold who went 23-48 with 250 yards, two touchdowns and an interception.

GREEN BAY PACKERS 41, DETROIT LIONS 29

Coming off a 22-point win over the Buffalo Bills, which quarterback Aaron Rodgers called “disappointing,” the Packers head to Detroit where they face a Lions team that’s struggling mightily on defense. Despite an unexpected victory over the Patriots, the 1-3 Lions haven’t looked good at all this season. The Packers, meanwhile, probably haven’t played up to their potential yet.

That changed against the Lions. The Packers offense found its rhythm, scoring 41 points. Sure, it comes against one of the worst defenses in the league, but Rodgers will be happy with three touchdowns and 300-plus passing yards.

Interestingly, the running game struggled, which is odd since the Lions have one of the worst run defenses in the league. Aaron Jones, whom many believe is ready to take over lead running back duties, managed just 46 yards on 17 carries. He did have a touchdown though.

The Lions threw the ball 58 times, which is never a good sign because it usually means your defense can’t stop anyone. Stafford threw for a whopping 497 yards and three touchdowns with two interceptions. On the receiving end of that was Kenny Golladay (12 rec., 83 yds.), Golden Tate III (9 rec., 182 yds. 1 TD) and Theo Riddick (6 rec., 82 yds. 2 TDs).

CAROLINA PANTHERS 20, NEW YORK GIANTS 6

I can’t think of anything scarier than Eli Manning looking past his so-called offensive line and staring at a Carolina Panthers defense that is among the best in the league. The result was about what you’d expect.

The Giants, unable to muster any offense, failed to score a touchdown the entire game. Eli Manning had a very Eli Manning day, completing 55 percent of his passes for 225 yards and one interception. He didn’t receive much help from the run game though, as star rookie running back Saquon Barkley was limited to just 12 carries (65 yds. 5.4 avg.) for some odd reason. Odell Beckham Jr., who signed a record contract this offseason, had just six receptions for 56 yards.

On the bright side, the Giants defense continued to play well. Cam Newton threw for 200 yards and two touchdowns. Christian McCaffrey added another 80 yards on the ground.

With the win, the Panthers would move to 3-1 and keep pace with the New Orleans Saints who host the Washington Redskins for Monday Night Football.

TENNESSEE TITANS 45, BUFFALO BILLS 17

The Titans and Bills are on complete opposite ends of the spectrum. Following a week one loss to the Dolphins, the Titans have rattled off three straight wins against some pretty stiff competition and currently sit atop the AFC South (tied with the Jaguars). The Bills, led by rookie quarterback Josh Allen, stink.

Following their surprise win over the Vikings, I guess you never really know if the Bills will show up on Sunday. This wasn’t one of those days. They got outplayed in every facet of the game.

Marcus Mariota had a career day (32-39, 319 yds. 4 TDs). Josh Allen had a… decent game. He completed 62 percent of his passes while throwing for 279 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. At this point, the Bills are simply looking for improvement with their rookie quarterback which is what he showed after that atrocious game versus the Packers last week.

Dion Lewis added another 165 yards on the ground for the Titans while also scoring a touchdown. Derrick Henry also had 42 rushing yards and a touchdown. In the passing game, second-year receiver Corey Davis led the Titans in receptions (11) and yards (91) and had two touchdown catches. Tight end Jonnu Smith also had two touchdown receptions.

CLEVELAND BROWNS 38, BALTIMORE RAVENS 13

The Browns may be in third place in their division but things are exciting in Cleveland thanks to rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield. The Ravens, meanwhile, find themselves atop the AFC North and are coming off of a dominant win over the rival Steelers. Regardless of records, this is an intriguing matchup.

This one played out completely different than expected as the Browns continue to surprise us on a weekly basis. Baker Mayfield absolutely dominated the game, throwing for 315 yards and five – yes, five – touchdown passes. Veteran receiver Jarvis Landry caught three of them (7 rec., 99 yds.)

The Ravens defense, which has been pretty consistent this season, couldn’t do anything to stop the Browns, who jumped out to a 14-0 lead by halftime. They extended the lead to 21 before the Ravens finally got on the board with a 60-yard touchdown run by Alex Collins (7 car., 80 yds. 1 TD). That was about the only offense the Ravens would muster all game.

It wasn’t turnovers that doomed the Ravens offense, but rather consistent pressure by the Browns defense, which racked up seven sacks. LOLB Genard Avery led the team with 2.5 sacks. That consistent harassment led to a very pedestrian game for Joe Flacco (21-37, 289 yds. 1 TD).

The win puts the Browns right in the thick of the AFC North race which is something I never thought I would be saying in week five. Maybe Baker Mayfield is the real deal after all

CINCINNATI BENGALS 20, MIAMI DOLPHINS 17

In what is the weirdest matchup of the week, the first place Miami Dolphins visit the first place Cincinnati Bengals. Seriously, who would’ve thought prior to the season that these teams would be atop their respective divisions five weeks in?

But that’s where we are right now and despite their 3-1 records, the jury is still out on both teams. That’s especially true of Miami who did the most Dolphins-esque thing and got walloped by the Patriots last week.

Well, this week’s matchup didn’t do much to quell those doubts. The Bengals won with a solid performance from quarterback Andy Dalton (297 yds. 2 TDs). Both touchdowns went to tight end C.J. Uzomah.

Tannehill, meanwhile, struggled again, completing less than 50 percent of his passes (13-31, 170 yds. 1 TD). This type of inconsistent performance is the reason so many continue to doubt him.

So are the Bengals good? Are the Dolphins bad? Do both teams just have really strong defenses? Still so many questions.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 34, JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 20

A battle of first-place teams, this is undoubtedly the game to watch this weekend. The Jacksonville Jaguars bring their No. 1 defense to Kansas City where they face a Chiefs team with a perfect 4-0 record led by “Showtime” Patrick Mahomes II.

They say defense wins championships and while the Jaguars are believed to be one of the better ones in the NFL this year, they were no match for Andy Reid’s offensive bunch.

Mahomes continued to work his magic, throwing for 359 yards and four touchdowns. On just five catches, star receiver Tyreek Hill caught three of those touchdowns while racking up 166 yards. He had a long of 70 yards. Tight end Travis Kelce added another 74 yards and a touchdown on nine receptions. Kareem Hunt also had a stellar performance with 124 yards on 27 carries.

Let’s face it, the Chiefs are for real. Barring injury, I’m hard-pressed to find a team that can stop this offense. Typically defense wins these kinds of matchups, but it’s clear the Chiefs have something special going right now.

OAKLAND RAIDERS 45, LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 35

The Jon Gruden-led Oakland Raiders finally got their first win last week in a shocking overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns. Looking to build on their success, they face a division rival in the Los Angeles Chargers, who are also coming off a close win over the 49ers.

For the second week in a row, the Raiders scored 45 points on offense. Leading the way was quarterback Derek Carr who threw for 385 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. Seth Roberts caught all three of the touchdowns while also tallying 134 yards. Marshawn Lynch added another 70 yards and two touchdowns on the ground.

Looking at the score, it’s easy to blame the Chargers defense for the loss, but Philip Rivers put them in some bad positions with three touchdowns. Sure, the veteran quarterback threw for nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns, but the turnovers continue to haunt the Chargers. It doesn’t help that he received no help in the run game as Melvin Gordon III was limited to 54 yards on 19 carries. On the bright side, Tyrell Williams (8 rec., 117 yds. 2 TDs) and Keenan Allen (8 rec., 139 yds. 1 TD) both had fantastic days.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 28, MINNESOTA VIKINGS 24

I honestly don’t know what to make of these two teams which have had their share of ups and downs in the early part of the season. With the honeymoon period over, it’s time to see if these teams are contenders or pretenders and it starts with this pivotal matchup.

Carson Wentz continued to improve as he makes his way back from injury to his stellar 2017 form. The third-year quarterback threw for 270 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions. His main target was tight end Zach Ertz, who caught seven passes for 65 yards and a touchdown.

The Vikings, once again, could not fire on all cylinders. The offense mustered just seven points in the first half while giving up 21. Down 28-10, the Vikings offense finally found some life in the fourth quarter, outscoring the Eagles 14 to 0. It was too little, too late, though and the Vikings fall to 1-3-1. Kirk Cousins finished the game 21-32 with 276 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Dalvin Cook finished with 69 rushing yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.

LOS ANGELES RAMS 30, SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 25

A few years ago, I’d have marked this game as a definite “must-watch.” But we’ve come a long way since then and the Seahawks don’t nearly resemble the team they once were – especially on defense. It doesn’t help that they lost Earl Thomas to injury last week.

The Rams, who have scored more than 30 points in each of their first four games, visit CenturyLink Field, which is typically a tough place to play for visiting offenses. But the Rams are playing on a whole other level right now and are clicking on both sides of the ball.

The shorthanded Seahawks defense held Jared Goff in check for most of the day, limiting him to just 244 yards and one touchdown. But this Rams offense features multiple weapons and Todd Gurley rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns.

Doug Baldwin continued to be a stable weapon for Russell Wilson (27-36, 342 yds. 2 TDs, 1 Int), catching eight passes for 123 yards.

The Seahawks actually had a chance to tie the game late in the fourth quarter on a Russell Wilson touchdown pass, but a failed two-point conversion left them down 27-25. The Rams tacked on another field goal for some safety, and it turns out they would hold on to the lead. With a 30 to 25 victory, the Rams improve to a perfect 5-0, while the Seahawks drop to 2-3.

ARIZONA CARDINALS 24, SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 21

Still searching for their first win, Arizona Cardinals, led by rookie quarterback Josh Rosen; head west to visit the San Francisco 49ers, who are without star quarterback Jimmy Graoppolo.

C.J. Beathard had a pedestrian start against the Chargers last week, but he kept things close, and gave 49ers fans some hope. Let’s be honest, neither of these teams are making the playoffs so any interest in this game is based purely on if you have players from either team on your fantasy roster.

If you do, hopefully, it’s David Johnson. The Cardinals running back put the team on his shoulders, scoring two touchdowns while rushing for 106 yards.

As for the quarterback play, well, there was nothing to write home about. Josh Rosen threw for 207 yards and one touchdown, while C.J. Beathard again threw for two touchdowns and 272 yards along with an interception. If you’re relying on either of these players to get you points, you’re probably in trouble.

As for the game, it was close. The third quarter ended with the Cardinals up 14-13. They pulled away 24-13, but a three-yard touchdown pass from Beathard to George Kittle with a converted two-pointer as time expired made the score closer than it really was.

HOUSTON TEXANS 37, DALLAS COWBOYS 34

What better way to wrap up a Sunday than with a showdown in Texas? Neither the Cowboys nor Texans have put lit the league on fire with their play, but when it comes to bragging rights for Texas, you know they’ll play each other tough despite what the records say.

And ya know what? The game didn’t disappoint.

The Cowboys jumped out to a quick lead, scoring 14 unanswered points. But the Texans battled back and the two teams continued to trade scores. Ahead 31 to 28 late in the fourth, the Texans kicked a game-tying field goal with 30 seconds remaining.

A thrilling back-and-forth game needed overtime to determine a winner. Cowboys kicker Brett Maher nailed a 45-yard field goal, but under the updated overtime rules meant the Texans would get a chance to answer. They did just that, driving downfield and scoring a game-winning touchdown on an 11-yard pass from Deshun Watson (37-48, 458 yards, 2 TDs, 2 INTs) to Keke Coutee (10 Rec., 163 Yds. 1 TD).

For a Cowboys defense that has been pretty solid through the first four games, it was surprising to see them give up 542 total yards of offense to the Texans. On the bright side, the Cowboys offense – which has struggled through four games – continued their momentum from last week. They rode Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 130 yards and one touchdown, while Dak Prescott (25-40, 351 yds. 2 TDs) found his rhythm in the passing game.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 20, WASHINGTON REDSKINS 10

A battle featuring two teams atop their respective divisions, the Washington Redskins visit the New Orleans Saints for Monday Night Football. A primetime game in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome is always an electrifying atmosphere making it difficult for opposing teams. Add in the fact that the Saints have one of the top offenses in the league and things probably don’t look too good for the Redskins chances.

As expected, the Saints came away with the win, but it was a much lower-scoring game than anticipated.  The Saints got off to their usual slow start, falling behind 10-0 early on. But a 75-yard touchdown drive – capped off by a seven-yard touchdown pass from Brees to Ted Gin Jr. to close out the first half – brought the Saints to within three points.

Surprisingly, it was the Saints defense that was in control for the second half. The Saints scored 13 unanswered points in the second half and relied mostly on Alvin Kamara (27 car., 104 yds, 1 TD).

Give the Redskins credit; they held the Saints to just 20 points at home. But give the Saints’ defense even more credit as they absolutely dominated the Redskins offense. Alex Smith threw three interceptions while Chris Thompson was held to just 44 yards on 14 carries. Saints RE Alex Okafor racked up three sacks in the game. Marshon Lattimore, Ken Crawley and Marcus Williams each recorded an interception.

There you have it, Madden 19‘s Week 5 predictions. Be sure to check back next week to see how accurate the game was in simulating the outcomes.