FALCONS (1-3) AT
STEELERS (1-2-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Heinz Field, Pittsburgh
TV: Fox
Falcons’ keys to victory: If the Falcons want to
get out of their 1-3 holes, they must get WRs Julio Jones and Calvin
Ridley involved against a struggling Pittsburgh defense that has given up
449, 455 and 451 yards in its last three games. Atlanta has plenty of weapons,
but the game could come down to sustaining drives with RBs Devonta Freeman and Tevin
Coleman and keeping the Steelers offense off the field. The Atlanta
defense has to find a way to slow down the Steelers passing offense and not let
this game turn into a shootout.
Steelers’ keys to victory: Pittsburgh should
have no problem putting points on the board, but will it be able to slow down
the Falcons? This defense is littered with top draft picks, but guys like LBs T.J.
Watt and Bud Dupree, DT Cam Heyward and
CB Artie Burns aren’t playing like it. The best weapon for a
struggling defense is a consistent run game, but Pittsburgh seems to have given
up on RB James Conner as a featured back in this offense.
Matchup to watch: Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger vs.
Falcons QB Matt Ryan. Two of the best quarterbacks in the league will
square off, and the one who can throw his team on his back is going to win.
Both have elite weapons and will be going against a secondary that has raised
more questions than answers thus far this season.
Who wins? Both of these teams are reeling, but
Pittsburgh seems to be coming unglued. I think Coach Mike Tomlin is starting to
slowly lose control of this team. Defensibly, the Steelers seem like they can’t
stop anyone. I’m a huge Steelers fan and I cover the Steelers as a reporter for
33 years. However, I think the Falcons will find a way to outscore the
Steelers. Falcons, 35-28
TITANS (3-1) AT
BILLS (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, New Era Field, Orchard Park, New York
TV: CBS
Titans’ keys to victory: QB Marcus Mariota
must have time to pick apart a suspect Bills defense through the air. Buffalo’s
only win this season came when its defensive line got into the backfield
against the Minnesota Vikings and hurried quarterback Kirk Cousins constantly.
Outside of that performance in Week 3, the defense has been shaky. OTs Jack
Conklin and Taylor Lewan will be big factors against
DEs Jerry Hughes and Trent Murphy. Defensively,
the Titans have to put pressure on QB Josh Allen. The rookie’s offensive line
allowed him to get sacked seven times in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers.
When hurried, Allen made the big mistakes, too. He’s fresh off a three-turnover
game (two interceptions, one fumble).
Bills’ keys to victory: The offensive line has to
play better in front of QB Josh Allen, but the wide receivers
have been an issue, too — they haven’t found a way to get separation through
the first quarter of the season. Kelvin Benjamin hasn’t looked like
a No. 1 wideout, and Zay Jones has only been involved in the
offensive game plan only when the Bills have trailed late. RB LeSean
McCoy has yet to rush for more than 39 yards in a game this season.
Matchup to watch: Titans LT Taylor Lewan vs. Bills DE
Jerry Hughes. In Week 3, Hughes had the best game of his career. In
Week 4 against the Packers, David Bakhtiari shut him down. How will Lewan fare?
Who wins? The Bills returned to reality against
the Packers and will stay there against the Titans. Titans, 24-10
BRONCOS (2-2) AT
JETS (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: CBS
Jets’ keys to victory: “Play a clean game that’s
competently coached” seems a little too on the nose, so let’s stick with
protecting QB Sam Darnold. It seems as if the rookie is always
on the run thanks to an offensive line made of Swiss cheese. While Darnold is
mobile and can make plays with his feet, he surely would benefit from more time
in the pocket. That will be hard to come by against Denver, though, especially
with Von Miller rushing the inexperienced quarterback. New York really needs
its line to step up in Week 5 if the team hopes to end its losing streak.
Broncos’ keys to victory: Denver’s key is
pretty much the opposite of New York’s. If the Broncos can bring
the heat, which should be easy against the Jets’ line, then
they’re in business. Pressuring Darnold has worked wonders for
the Jets’ previous opponents — the rookie can only run for his life so many
times in a game before he starts to get flustered. Another way to make life
tough on Darnold is to stifle New York’s running game.
Matchup to watch: Jets CB Trumaine Johnson vs. Broncos WR
Demaryius Thomas. Johnson hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations thus
far. He has a chance to turn the tide on his first year in New York with a
shutdown performance against Thomas. Both are physical, so this should be a fun
matchup.
Who wins? The Jets will squeak by, but not
without Darnold getting knocked down a few times. New York’s secondary will
make life tough for Broncos QB Case Keenum. Jets, 21-17
JAGUARS (3-1) AT
CHIEFS (4-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City,
Missouri
TV: CBS
Jaguars’ keys to victory: QB Blake Bortles, coming
off a big day against the New York Jets (29for-38 for 388 yards), needs to help
the Jacksonville defense. In Bortles’ last 13 road games (including playoffs),
he has completed more than 20 passes only twice, and both times the Jaguars
still lost. The bread and butter of this Jaguars team is running the ball and
playing good defense, but activating those two strengths still might not be enough
to pull out a win at Arrowhead. Bortles will have to fight through the crowd
noise and help put together long and successful scoring drives to keep the
Chiefs offense off the field.
Chiefs’ keys to victory: Stop the run.
Jaguars RBs Leonard Fournette and T.J. Yeldon are a big threat
in this game — if they get rolling, it helps keep Kansas
City’s high-scoring offense off the field. The Chiefs defense needs
to prove it can stop them. General manager Brett Veach spent money
and draft capital during the 2018 offseason to improve the run defense for
exactly this reason. If the Chiefs can stop Fournette and Yeldon, it will force
Bortles to beat them on third down.
Matchup to watch: Jaguars CB Jalen Ramsey vs. Chiefs WR
Tyreek Hill. The most elusive receiver in the NFL takes on the best
cover corner in the NFL. Both players are famed for their speed and technical
skills at their respective positions. This matchup feels like one that could
shift the outcome of the game.
Who wins? This
is chance for the Jaguars to make a real statement with a win over the
Chiefs. Beating the Patriots and the Chiefs would tell the AFC that the Jaguars
are for real and hungry. However, Kansas City finds a way to grind out a tough
win in the comforts of Arrowhead. Chiefs, 28-20
PACKERS (2-1-1) AT
LIONS (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Ford Field, Detroit
TV: Fox
Packers’ keys to victory: Winning the battles on
both the offensive and defensive lines is critical. QB Aaron Rodgers needs
time to survey the defense and not have to worry about his gimpy left knee when
passing. Detroit’s pass rush comes from all angles. Getting Rodgers in rhythm
and establishing some offensive balance will soften the defense and allow shots
down the field. The Packers’ defensive front must snuff out the improved Lions
run game and disrupt the timing in the passing game.
Lions’ keys to victory: Detroit must improve in
the red zone, where the Lions rank dead last in converting possessions into
touchdowns. QB Matthew Stafford has struggled to throw strikes
in the short-field situations. Detroit needs more touchdowns and fewer PK Matt
Prater 35-yard field goals. Impressive rookie RB Kerryon Johnson needs
more touches, and the Lions offense must take more advantage of speedy WR Golden
Tate in the middle of the field. The Lions’ run defense remains
vulnerable to big plays. LB Jarrad Davis and the defensive linemen
need to stay responsible to their gap assignments and make sure they don’t
leave the back door open for cutbacks.
Matchup to watch: Packers WR Davante Adams vs. Lions CB
Darius Slay. Adams is one of the most prolific wideouts and a big play
threat, but Big Play Slay has earned his All-Pro status as a
shutdown cover man.
Who wins? The visiting Packers have more ways to
win and more margin for error than the sputtering Lions. Packers, 30-20
RAVENS (3-1) AT
BROWNS (1-2-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FirstEnergy Stadium, Cleveland
TV: CBS
Ravens’ keys to victory: Baltimore has newfound
speed at the offensive skill positions with WRs Michael Crabtree, John Brown
and Willie Snead, who can take advantage of the gambling
nature of the Cleveland defense. The line will need to protect QB Joe
Flacco from the pass rush and create some running room for RB Alex
Collins to provide balance. Mixing in first-round rookie weapon
Lamar Jackson can provide more firepower. The run defense needs to be
ready for a diverse Browns backfield that can grind out tough yards but also
break free for long runs.
Browns’ keys to victory: The offensive formula
of QB Baker Mayfield as the master distributor of a
balanced and skilled attack is working well. Mayfield makes great decisions
with the ball for a rookie, throwing crisp and accurate passes all over the
field. He’ll need to identify favorable matchups against an aggressive and deep
Ravens defense. RBs Carlos Hyde and Nick Chubb can
offer big-play punch and red-zone proficiency. The blocking on the return units
is unimpressive, and the coverage assignment responsibilities continue to be a
work in progress.
Matchup to watch: Ravens LB Terrell Suggs vs. Browns LT
Desmond Harrison. The savvy Suggs remains one of the most productive pass
rushers in the league and gets to match up with Cleveland's undrafted rookie
starter, who has had positive moments but needs to be more consistent.
Who wins? The Browns are still figuring out how
to win. Baltimore knows already. Ravens, 31-23
GIANTS (1-3) AT
PANTHERS (2-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte,
North Carolina
TV: Fox
Giants’ keys to victory: It has been a long time
since QB Eli Manning won his Super Bowls, and his game has
fallen off over the years. Manning can’t lead an offense the way he used to,
but if he can avoid throwing interceptions, New York can at least keep it
competitive. Coach Pat Shurmur can help him out by hiding RT Ereck
Flowers, the weak link in the offensive line. On defense, the Giants
will have to do a better job tackling Panthers RB Christian McCaffrey than they
did Saints RB Alvin Kamara last week.
Panthers’ keys to victory: The Panthers should
have fresh legs coming off their early bye week. Look for them
to re-establish their dominance as a run-first team. Going into
Week 4, Carolina led the NFL in rushing yards per game and total
rushing yards before contact. C Ryan Kalil deserves great
credit for keeping the offensive line intact despite several injuries to
starters. LT Chris Clark is playing well, but RT Taylor
Moto appears to be a revelation. If the offensive line can open lanes for
RB Christian McCaffrey and keep QB Cam Newton clean
in the pocket, the Panthers should score.
Matchup to watch: Panthers LB Luke Kuechly vs. Giants RB
Saquon Barkley. Kuechly might be the best linebacker in football, but he
has a difficult matchup against this year’s No. 2 overall draft pick. Newly
signed SS Eric Reid has to be prepared to help contain
Barkley.
Who wins? The Giants need this win more than the
Panthers. So far thru 4 weeks the NFC East looks up for grabs. A win by the
Giants would put in the thick of things. However, in a battle of two teams that
like to run the ball, the Panthers have a little more oomph. Panthers, 27-21
DOLPHINS (3-1) AT
BENGALS (3-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Paul Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
TV: CBS
Dolphins’ keys to victory: QB Ryan Tannehill’s offense
loves to dink and dunk with various weapons, which is the perfect recipe to
beating a Bengals defense that struggles to defend intermediate routes. Through
three games, five targets had eight or more catches, a trend the Dolphins
should be able to lean on, especially if their receivers can create big plays
after the catch. They need to erase the memory of their Week 4 debacle against
the New England Patriots, who held them to only 116 yards passing and 172
total.
Bengals’ keys to victory: Respecting the run is
critical. On paper, the Cincinnati pass rush has a chance of disrupting QB Ryan
Tannehill's timing, mainly thanks to DT Geno Atkins. But the
Bengals got torched by Carolina because Cam Newton was a threat to take
off and go. Tannehill is underrated in this regard, so the return of LB Vontaze
Burfict and continued strong play from LB Preston Brown in
defending the run could decide the game outright.
Matchup to watch: Bengals WR Tyler Boyd vs. Dolphins LB
Jerome Baker. Cincinnati will look to move its X-factor around and exploit
a rookie linebacker while the rest of the Miami defense focuses on WRA.J.
Green and the speed of WR John Ross. Boyd has had at
least 100 yards in receptions each of the last two games and was targeted 15
times last week.
Who wins? Who would have predicted that after 4
weeks the Dolphins and Bengals would be leading their divisions. Miami got
exposed on the road at New England in Week 4, and the Bengals have the right
blend of pass rush and big play ability offensively to pull away in a game
likely lacking in defense. Bengals, 35-28
RAIDERS (1-3) AT
CHARGERS (2-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Stub-Hub Center, Carson, California
TV: CBS
Raiders’ keys to victory: The Raiders need to
eliminate the major mistakes they make a couple of times a game. They routinely
shoot themselves in the foot. Against the Cleveland Browns in Week 4, QB Derek
Carr threw another one of his boneheaded interceptions, but his
receivers did him zero favors. One had a pass turn into an interception when it
went off his pads; the other dropped a wide-open touchdown pass. On defense, they
have to force turnovers. The Raiders made the Browns and a rookie quarterback
look like juggernauts, but they've struggled to stop anyone all year.
Chargers’ keys to victory: The offense has been
humming pretty much all year. If the Chargers take care of the
ball, they shouldn’t have any issues scoring. They are getting contributions
from everywhere, and QB Philip Rivers is doing a good job of
spreading the ball out and not trying to do too much. RBs Melvin Gordon
and Austin Ekeler both should be heavy targets in the passing
game. On defense, the Chargers have to find a way to get after the quarterback.
They haven't stopped anyone this year, and the lack of pass rush is hurting
them. The secondary is able to be more aggressive when the pass rush gets home.
Matchup to watch: Raiders OT Kolton Miller vs. Chargers
DE Melvin Ingram. With Joey Bosa out, Ingram becomes the key to the
Chargers’ pass rush. He has averaged 10 sacks a year over the last three
seasons.
Who wins? This is a must win for both teams if they’re
going to stay in the hunt for the AFC West Title. The Raiders need this win
more than the Chargers because there 3 games behind the Chiefs. However, the
Chargers will get off to a rare fast start and hold off Oakland’s strong
comeback. Chargers, 33-27
CARDINALS (0-4) AT
49ERS (1-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara,
California
TV: Fox
Cardinals’ keys to victory: Arizona has to find
ways to get the ball to RB David Johnson, and maybe Week 4 was
a start (22 carries, four targets, three receptions, 112 total yards). It’s
clear rookie QB Josh Rosen is still getting acclimated going into
his second start, and the Cardinals can make life easier on him by getting
Johnson the football to take advantage of a porous San Francisco defense. On defense,
they have to stop the 49ers’ rushing attack. Nullifying their run game stops a
lot of what they do in play action, which is one of the foundations of their
offense.
49ers’ keys to victory: The 49ers have to
protect QB C.J. Beathard. He did a nice job against the
Chargers when he had protection, completing 23 of 37 passes for
298 yards and two touchdowns, but the pass blocking dissolved too often
for him to be consistently effective. Their defense has to tackle. An inability
to put ball carriers on the turf has been the demise of the 49ers’ defense this
season. If they clean that up, they’ll clean up a lot of their woes on that
side of the ball.
Matchup to watch: Cardinals RB David Johnson vs. 49ers LB
Reuben Foster. Foster is the centerpiece of the 49ers’ front seven. If the
49ers are going to stop the Cardinals’ best offensive player, it’s going to
start with him.
Who wins? The 49ers did just enough against the
Los Angeles Chargers to instill some confidence that they can slow down the
Cardinals. If the 49ers’ defense can get after Rosen and protect Beathard, they
should come away with a victory. 49ers, 27-17
VIKINGS (1-2-1) AT
EAGLES (2-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Lincoln Financial Field,
Philadelphia
TV: Fox
Eagles’ keys to victory: Coming off a heartbreaking
26-23 overtime loss at Tennessee, the Eagles must slow down a Vikings offense
that’s rolling. QB Carson Wentz has looked more than comfortable in
his return from ACL surgery. The return of his top weapon, WR Alshon Jeffery, should
enable the Eagles to score on the Vikings and often. The defense is a different
story after the secondary’s embarrassing performance against the Titans. The
Eagles will have to tackle, communicate in the secondary and get pressure up
front.
Vikings’ keys to victory: QB Kirk Cousins
and the Vikings find themselves in a bit of a hole after the Thursday
Night loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. But the franchise
quarterback and the potent offense are not to blame for the Vikings’
slow start. A team that had minimal injuries last season is dealing with key
losses on both sides of the ball. Minnesota will need to follow the recipe the
Titans and Tampa Bay Buccaneers employed to beat the defending Super Bowl
champions: Attacking the Eagles’ cornerbacks at every turn. The Vikings’ best
chance for success is to turn this NFC Championship rematch into a shootout.
Matchup to watch: Vikings WRs Adam Thielen/Stefon Diggs
vs. Eagles CBs Jalen Mills. Thielen has gotten off to a blistering start
this season, hauling in 40 passes for 473 yards and one touchdown. Expect the
Vikings to test Mills early and often.
Who wins? Who would have thought that the Eagles
and the Vikings would be struggling going into week 5. Let its true! The Eagles
play better defense at home. Look for a shootout early with the Philly defense
clamping down late. Eagles, 35-31
RAMS (4-0) AT
SEAHAWKS (2-2)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Century-Link Field, Seattle
TV: Fox
Rams’ keys to victory: The Rams are on a roll
and control not only the NFC West but also the NFC. While the Seahawks have
been notoriously difficult to beat at home, this Rams team has the talent to do
just that. QB Jared Goff has a firm command of L.A.’s offense, and
RB Todd Gurley — on track for a monster season — needs to set
the tone. If the Rams can master the run, their defense can help make it a
repeat of their 42-7 victory at Seattle last year.
Seahawks’ keys to victory: Seattle has gotten off to
a slow start and now has lost S Earl Thomas for the season to
a leg injury, but rarely loses in front of its home crowd. WR Doug
Baldwin is back from injury, but the Seahawks will need RB Chris
Carson (hip) if they are to more consistently turn
drives into points. Converting on third downs, which has been a struggle
this season, will be critical for the Seahawks against a Rams defense that has
been stifling opponents on game days. If Seattle can contain L.A.’s rushing
attack and produce one of its own, it has a fighting chance.
Matchup to watch: Rams RB Todd Gurley vs. Seahawks
defense.
Gurley has been virtually unstoppable this season and shows
no signs of wearing down. Seattle’s banged-up defense must corral him, and not
only on rushing plays— has he factored heavily into the Rams’ passing game
as well.
Who wins? Coming off a long week following their
Thursday night game, the Rams will be well rested and will ultimately prove too
much for the Seahawks and the 12th Man at CenturyLink. Rams, 34-21
COWBOYS (2-2) AT
TEXANS (1-3)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NRG Stadium, Houston
TV: NBC
Cowboys’ keys to victory: Contrary to the trend in
the modern NFL, the Cowboys’ offense is built around execution and not scheme.
If Dallas gets behind the chains with penalties or sacks, it eliminates RB Ezekiel
Elliott as an option and puts the game into the hands of QB Dak
Prescott, who hadn’t passed for more than 170 yards this season before he
threw for 255 in Week 4. The offense must eliminate negative plays and stay on
schedule. The Cowboys’ pass rush, led by DE DeMarcus Lawrence and
his 5.5 sacks, has to keep generating the pressure.
Texans’ keys to victory: Three of QB DeShaun Watson’s four
interceptions have come inside enemy territory, costing the Texans
nine to 21 points. Against the Colts, while still throwing a
pick, Watson was effective on the Colts’ side of the field as Houston converted
three of its six red zone trips into touchdowns. Watson has the arm to connect
on big plays but is still working on the professional discernment to know when
to live for another down. DE J.J. Watt has five sacks in the
past two games.
Matchup to watch: Texans DE J.J. Watt vs. Cowboys LT
Tyron Smith. Both were first-round picks in 2011. But while Watt has
shown that his prime is no longer interrupted, Smith appears to be exiting his
prime because of injuries.
Who wins? Both teams have disruptive defenses,
but the Texans’ offense features downfield throws while the Cowboys do not. The
only time Houston has beaten Dallas in the team’s four meetings was in its
inaugural game on Sept. 8, 2002, also a Sunday night. However that’s going to
change as the Texans win the battle of the Lone Star State. Texans, 27-13
REDSKINS (2-1) AT
SAINTS (3-1)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, Mercedes- Benz Superdome, New
Orleans
TV: ESPN
Redskins’ keys to victory: Washington must bully the
Saints’ defensive backs. Whoever matches up against Saints CB Ken Crawley is in
for a treat; even No. 2 receivers, such as the New York Giants’ Sterling
Shepard and Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin, have caught 25 of 27 targets in
Crawley’s coverage so far. But the Saints’ defense has not allowed a 100-yard
rusher since RB Samaje Perine put up 117 yards on 23 attempts
in Washington’s visit to New Orleans last November. How will RB Adrian
Peterson do?
Saints’ keys to victory: The Saints must get RB Mark
Ingram up to speed. RB Alvin Kamara has stepped up in
Ingram’s absence, but they’re better together. Kamara has touched the
ball 55 times the last two weeks, so the more Ingram can take
on to keep Kamara fresh, the better. But all eyes will be on QB Drew
Brees, who needs just 201 passing yards to break Peyton Manning’s
all-time record.
Matchup to watch: Saints RBs. vs. Washington defense.
Washington is allowing 90.1 rushing yards per game, and the Saints finally have
all five offensive linemen and both Pro Bowl running backs together.
Who wins? The Saints turned a corner against the
New York Giants, playing complementary football on offense and defense with
some nice special teams work thrown in. They get a huge reinforcement in Ingram
and just have to handle their business going into the bye week. There’s too
much for New Orleans to buy into with another Brees record on the line. Saints,
30-20
No comments:
Post a Comment