I’m sure many of you (like me) held your breath the entire game for the Patriots-Texans showdown this past Sunday. Luckily, the Patriots managed to come from behind and avoid the upset, which also saved me in the second and only remaining Survivor Pool.
Five weeks into the season, let’s roll out our best picks for Week 6:
Buccaneers over Eagles
Jalen Hurts led Philadelphia in a nice comeback win against the Panthers in Week 5, but now the Eagles will have to face the defending Super Bowl Champions on a short week this Thursday. Fresh off a 45-17 defeat of the Dolphins, the Buccaneers should have no trouble putting the Eagles away early, especially given Philadelphia’s offensive struggles this season.
With a lack of a run game and a bonafide No. 1 receiver, the Eagles will have trouble keeping up with the explosive Tampa Bay offense led by the G.O.A.T. himself, Tom Brady, and his weapons which include wideouts Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Antonio Brown. This one could get out of hand before halftime.
Rams over Giants
Even as a diehard Giants fan, I know we have a slim to zero chance of remaining competitive in this contest. After losing QB Daniel Jones, RB Saquon Barkley, and WR Kenny Golladay to injury in the first half against the Cowboys this past Sunday, their status remains up in the air for this weekend. This includes injuries to No. 2 & 3 wideouts Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton, ruled out before the Week 5 showdown.
The Rams, on the other hand, fresh off a win against Seattle, will have plenty of offensive firepower behind QB Matt Stafford and WRs Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods. Though their defense has been suspect at times this season, they still possess elite defenders, including Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey. I hate to say it, but this will be a long afternoon in New York.
Packers over Bears
It seemed as if both teams were trying to lose in last Sunday’s Packers vs. Bengals matchup. Usually Mr. Reliable for Green Bay, Mason Crosby missed three consecutive, potential game-winning field goals before connecting on a 49-yarder in O.T. He wasn’t alone. However, Bengals K Evan McPherson also missed back-to-back potential game-winners – one with 26 seconds remaining in regulation and another in O.T. Still, Green Bay managed to pull out a 25-22 road victory against the surprisingly good Bengals and escape with a win.
The Packers should have a more favorable opponent this Sunday when they travel to Chicago to take on the division-rival Bears, who are coming off a 20-9 road win against the Raiders. Still, one must consider that Las Vegas may have been distracted in the contest, given the controversy surrounding former head coach Jon Gruden, who resigned from his duties late Monday.
Aaron Rodgers is no stranger to Soldier Field and won’t mind playing in the cold weather. The Rodgers-Davante Adams tandem has been unstoppable since their Week 1 loss to the Saints, and that should continue this weekend. Look for the Packers to cruise against rookie QB Justin Fields and the anemic Bears offense.
Bengals over Lions
As mentioned above, the Bengals could quickly be sporting a 4-1 record had their kicker not missed two potential game-winning field goals. Still, don’t discount that Cincinnati was close to upsetting arguably the best team in the N.F.C. Now, they have the opportunity to take on arguably the worst team in the N.F.C. in the 0-5 Detroit Lions.
The Lions had their hearts crushed again after rallying in Minnesota to take a late lead in the 4th quarter, only to watch the Vikings kick a game-winning field goal as time expired. It was the second time in 3 weeks that the Lions were close to capturing their first win of the season, only to watch it shattered in the game’s closing moments.
It may be challenging for the Lions to rebound after another devastating defeat, especially against a Bengals squad that has rallied behind the tandem of former L.S.U. teammates Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase, who have terrorized opposing defenses all season. Look for the Bengals to get past their heartbreaking loss and right the ship against an inferior Lions team.
Steelers over Seahawks
Pittsburgh finally got back to its winning ways, defeating the Denver Broncos 27-19 on Sunday. With Seattle QB Russell Wilson sidelined for the next 4-6 weeks due to a finger injury, the Steelers should be able to continue their win streak against backup QB Geno Smith under center for the Seahawks.
Had Wilson not been injured last Thursday night, the Seahawks may have successfully pulled off the upset of their division foe, the Los Angeles Rams. However, a costly interception last in the 4th by Smith ended any chance of walking away with a victory. Now, Seattle must travel cross-country to play in front of a loud and boisterous Heinz Field crowd. Look for Pittsburgh to capitalize on Seattle having to play without their former Super Bowl-winning QB and come out again with a win.
