This week’s games look like a much more exciting slate, including some tasty mid-season divisional battles. First off, let’s look at the Thursday night game, which spells bad omens for one of the early NFC favourites.
Ravens 27 over Bucs 22
With the news dropping about the divorce between Tom Brady and Gisele, added to the first three game losing streak in 20 years for the GOAT, and it is looking dark in Tampa right now. Their vaunted defence held the Ravens at bay early, but poor discipline, conservative calls and some poor execution by the Bucs offence saw Lamar lead Baltimore to the victory. It is officially panic time for the Buccaneers, where the wide open NFC has a log-jam of teams hovering around .500. If they do not clean up their game on both sides of the ball, any of the Falcons, Panthers or Saints could find themselves in the hunt for the division.
Now for the rest of the weeks' games preview!
Denver Broncos v Jacksonville Jaguars
The London games are always unpredictable, with the changes to routine and long travel making for messy matchups. Neither team is playing great right now, but it the pressure is on the Broncos and Russell Wilson. The Denver defence continues to dominate, but the offense cannot get out its own way. I see a long Etienne catch and run being the difference in a sloppy offensive performance for both teams. I am also interested in Trevor Lawrence’s game, as his up and down play has questions being asked about his potential.
Jags 17 over Broncos 12
Arizona Cardinals v Minnesota Vikings
The Cards offense has some much needed reinforcements as Nuk Hopkins and newly acquired Robby Anderson now give Kyler dependable receivers after Hollywood Brown went down. That said, their run game has taken hits with injuries to James Conner. If the Vikes can pin their ears back and get after Murray, I can see them forcing turnovers and turning them into points with their quietly elite offense led by Cook and Jefferson.
Vikings 34 over Cards 27
Carolina Panthers v Atlanta Falcons
A very interesting NFC South matchup, with the winner finding themselves in a position to challenge the Bucs and Saints for the divisional playoff race. The Panthers under Phil Walker look a bit more dynamic, and their defence has been decent. The Falcons have put together some impressive rushing performances, but their ability to close out wins has hurt them this season. I can see a back and forth performance, with DJ Moore having a big game, leading the Panthers to a late field goal to win on the death.
Panthers 27 over Falcons 24
Chicago Bears v Dallas Cowboys
Justin Fields is finally being let loose with his best asset: his running ability. He’s facing the most exciting defence in the league, and will be running all night when Lawrence, Parsons and Co pressure him and his bad offensive line. I can see Dak and the run game doing just enough to put together some long drives, and the defence making big plays and getting to Fields, forcing a number of turnovers. The Cowboys won’t dominate teams, as their offence just isn’t build to score in bunches, but this game will not be particularly close, despite the score.
Cowboys 20 over Bears 10
Las Vegas Raiders v New Orleans Saints
The Raiders are finally starting to put together some good offensive performances, and David Carr’s last games have been much better. A large part is due to the great season Josh Jacobs is having. His ability to turn 2 into 4 has been huge in extending drives and putting the offense into more 2nd and 3rd and manageables. The Saints defence needs to pick it up, but they have shown some vulnerability in the redzone, and have the worst scoring defence in the league. I see the Raiders starting quickly and forcing the Saints into a poor game script and turning it over multiple times.
Raiders 30 over Saints 17
Miami Dolphins v Detroit Lions
The Lions are a sad bunch right now. What was their strength-their dynamic offense-has slowed to a halt, as the old Jared Goff is rearing his head. The Dolphins, meanwhile, look like they are poised to break out, with Tua back from injury, and the passing offense dominating. This is going to be a slaughter, as the Lions defence has no answer for either the run or the pass.
Fins 44 over Lions 17
New England Patriots v New York Jets
A massive game in the Meadowlands has the Jets looking to continue their winning ways, and Pats looking to bounce back from an embarrassing loss to the Bears on Monday night. While Belichick has revelled in dominating this matchup, I see this as a slobberknocker. In years previous, the Jets would crumble in the face of a power running game such as that which the Pats employ, but their defence is tough. The offence losing breakout rookie Breece Hall is a big deal, but their running approach won’t change. If the Jets can use a similar approach that the Bears did last week, I can see them running long drives that chunk up time-of-possession. It all falls down on Zack Wilson and whether he can convert on 3rd downs. Bill will break out all of the blitzes and disguised coverages he can, but I predict a big game winning drive for Wilson, with timely catches by fellow Wilson, Garrett, and an historic victory for the Jets.
Jets 23 over Patriots 21
Pittsburgh Steelers v Philadelphia Eagles
The Steelers defence has been their strength, and may be returning JJ Watt after his pec tear. That said, they have been allowing opponents to carve them up through the air. Jalen Hurts continues to get better and better at running the Eagles balanced offence, and I see them doing whatever they want against the Pittsburgh D. Expect a big game from the Eagles secondary, as pressure will force Pickett into poor decisions, sacks, and I can see a fumble being brought to the house. George Pickens will have a big day for the Steelers, but it won’t be enough against the NFC Superbowl favourites.
Eagles 37 over Steelers 24
Tennessee Titans v Houston Texans
Tennessee will be licking their chops, looking to let Derrick Henry loose against one of his favourite teams to run against. There will be no surprises in their gameplan: give the King the ball, do it again, and run the Texans into the ground. While Cam’s Texan Bulls have kept it close, this is the week they get dominated on both sides of the ball.
Titans 35 over Texans 16
New York Giants v Seattle Seahawks
This should be a fun game, with two teams playing better than predicted. While the Seahawks defence started out badly, they have improved, in large part due to their secondary. The Giants defence has also played well in the passing game, so this game may be decided on the ground. Saquon is playing like a top 3 back again, and Seattle have found the heir apparent to the oft-injured Rashad Penny in Kenneth Murray. I see a big game for both backs, but the Giants lack of passing will allow the Seahawks to dial up some pressure and hold on for a win at home.
Seahawks 28 over Giants 20
San Francisco 49ers v Los Angeles Rams
The Niners are coming off a humbling loss against the Chiefs last week and will be looking to bounce back against their division rivals. The Rams played better on offence, and will be trying to get more out of the running game against a banged up SF defence. It will be a battle of defences, but I can see Run CMC breaking out, and allowing Jimmy G to simplify the game and use his new toy to pick up easy yards in the short passing game. The key to beating a great, speedy defence like the Rams is to work quickly and be decisive. This will again be the case of McVay being out duelled by his old friend Kyle.
49ers 27 over Rams 16
Washington Commanders v Indianapolis Colts
The Colts have finally decided enough was enough and benched Matt Ryan. Or at least owner Jim Irsay did. We now enter the Sam Ehlinger era in Indy. The big thing he will allow the Colts to do is extend plays, as the former Longhorn was known for his mobility and ability to improvise; something that even a prime Matt Ryan wasn’t going to do much of. With the Indy line a patchwork of good and bad, they decided this was the way to go. I can see this as a boost to the Colts, and also expect a strong game from the running game and John Taylor. The Commanders continue their lacklustre play and lose it on the road.
Colts 33 over Commanders 24
Green Bay Packers v Buffalo Bills
Will the real Green Bay Packers please stand up. They may be one of the biggest mysteries in the league, with a talented defence playing under expectations and Aaron Rodgers and offense having real struggles putting together any solid drives. The Bills team is so complete, with a murderers row on both sides. I can see Allen going nuts, and Rodgers getting blasted by the brutal pass rush of Buffalo. Unless the Packers can suddenly get something from their mediocre receiving corps, this will be a blowout.
Bills 48 over Packers 14
Cincinnati Bengals v Cleveland Browns
The loss of dynamic young receiver Ja’Marr Chase is a big blow for the Bengals, who have finally been hitting their stride with Burrow. The Browns, on the other hand, have slowed their solid start, and injuries have ravaged their defence. I see a solid day for both Chubb and Hunt, but Burrow will keep slinging it and lead the Bengals to a game winning FG drive that McPherson drills with zeros on the clock in Cleveland.
Bengals 38 over Browns 35
Can’t wait for Week 8!
Comentários