NFL Week 6 Preview
Texans @ Titans
The Houston Texans looked revitalized last week after firing head coach/general manager, Bill O'Brien. Watson's connection with Brandin Cooks looked amazing and they dominated with Romeo Crennel leading the team. The Titans didn't take their foot off the gas against the Bills on Tuesday Night Football. Derrick Henry ran hard all game and is starting to heat up. Throughout his career, he only gets better as the season progresses. The same thing is happening this year. He looks even stronger this year and is going to be used more in the passing game. The Texans offensive line will need to step up with Jeffery Simmons getting activated off the COVID-19 list. While the Texans picked up a huge win last week, they were playing against a weak Jaguars team. The Titans look like true super bowl contenders. The Titans' offense will feed Henry and take advantage of an abysmal Texans' run defense.
Matchup to watch: Jeffery Simmons vs the Texans interior offensive line
Player of the Game: Jeffery Simmons DT Titans
Final Score: Texans 17 Titans 26
Ravens @ Eagles
The past few weeks the Eagles have been gaining some traction. They defeated a beaten up 49ers team and kept the game close against the undefeated Steelers. Travis Fulgham has been a surprising star for this offense and has emerged as the number one receiving threat for this offense. Carson Wentz has progressed since the first three weeks, but not enough to keep the game competitive against the Ravens. Lamar Jackson has been receiving a ton of unjustified criticism lately. He hasn't been running the ball as much lately because he has improved as a passer. Jackson looks much more natural throwing the ball. The Eagles gave up over 180 yards and a touchdown to George Kittle in week three and I don't see them being able to hang with Mark Andrews. Andrews has five touchdowns in five games this year and has been unstoppable in the red zone. The Eagles offense won't be able to keep up with Jackson and Andrews. I expect the Ravens to win big in Philadelphia.
Matchup to watch: Travis Fulgham vs the Ravens corners
Player of the Game: Mark Andrews TE Ravens
Final Score: Ravens 31 Eagles 19
Falcons @ Vikings
Kirk Cousins and Matt Ryan are the two of my least favorite quarterbacks to bet on. The key to victory in this game is owning the time of possession. The Falcons are going to attack the Vikings vertically. Calvin Ridley is having a career year and Julio Jones is returning. The Vikings defensive backs have struggled all season so I expect Matt Ryan to air the ball out all game. Last week the Texans played so much better after Bill O'Brien got fired, I'm watching if the Falcons can have the same response after the firing of Dan Quinn. The Falcons have had the worst defensive in the league this year and I'd play all the Vikings' main skill position players in fantasy this week. Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen will be able to get open and Alexander Mattison is going to be able to run the ball all game. I don't see the Falcons defense being able to stop the aforementioned trio. The Vikings will win this game in a high scoring affair.
Matchup to Watch: Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley vs Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson
Player of the Game: Alexander Mattison RB Vikings
Final Score: Falcons 26 Vikings 30
Browns @ Steelers
This is the game I'm most excited to watch. The Myles Garrett revenge game. I also think this will be the game of the week. The Browns and Steelers each have four straight wins and are red hot. The Steelers have the best defense in the league while the Browns offense is clicking. Unfortunately for the Browns offense, they are all banged up. I expect Baker Mayfield, Jarvis Landry, and Odell Beckham Jr. to all play, but they won't be at 100%. Last year, the Browns looked uncomfortable playing and those players didn't understand their role. It seems this offense has officially settled and they have a coach who knows how to call players. Kareem Hunt is a problem on the edge and their key to victory being able to take advantage of the Steelers defense on the edge. On the other hand, the Steelers have looked like a top five team in the NFL. The offense has been put up more than 25 points in every game this season which is all they need to do to win games. TJ Watt has been playing at an all-pro level and the Steelers defense is just fierce. The Steelers defensive line will be in Mayfield's face all day and the Browns offense won't be able to put up points.
Matchup to Watch: Myles Garrett vs Alejandro Villaneuva
Player of the Game: TJ Watt OLB Steelers
Final Score: Browns 22 Steelers 25
Bengals @ Colts
Bengals quarterback, Joe Burrow, has looked amazing in his rookie season so far, but last week he struggled to get hot against the Ravens defense. The Colts also have one of the best defenses in the league and I expect him to struggle again. Deforest Buckner should be able to rip the Bengals offensive line to shreds. The Bengals need to utilize Joe Mixon on the edge and use the quick passing game to score on the Colts. Defensively, the Bengals need to capitalize on Philip Rivers' errant decisions. In order for the Colts to win this ball game they need to limit their turnovers. Rivers makes too many dumb throws and if the Colts are truly playoff contenders, Rivers needs to be more careful when throwing the ball. I expect the Colts to win this game by running the ball and getting pressure on Burrow.
Matchup to Watch: Joe Burrow vs the Colts defense
Player of the Game: Deforest Buckner DT Colts
Final Score: Bengals 13 Colts 23
Lions @ Jaguars
Last week both the Jaguars got absolutely dominated by the Texans, but they were missing some of their biggest defensive stars. Myles Jack, C.J. Henderson, and Josh Allen were all out last week, but fortunately for the Jaguars they should all be able to play on Sunday. The Lions should be well rested coming off the bye week. This game has big implications on the draft order because both of these teams will most likely be picking in the top ten. The Lions are an overall better team that's more healthy and coming off a bye week. I expect Detroit to win this game by throwing the ball up to Kenny Golladay on the perimeter.
Matchup to Watch: CJ Henderson vs Jeff Okudah (the top two CBs in the 2020 draft)
Player of the Game: Kenny Golladay WR Lions
Final Score: Lions 23 Jaguars 17
Bears @ Panthers
The Bears are coming off of a "mini bye-week" and a huge upset win against the Buccaneers while the Panthers are one of the hottest teams in the NFL. Mike Davis has been one of the best running backs in the past few weeks. He's been bouncing off of tackles left and right and has done a great job filling in for Christian McCaffrey. Teddy Bridgewater is playing really good football and Robby Anderson has had an all-pro start to his season. Nick Foles played well last week, but more importantly this defense has looked vicious. Khalil Mack had one of the best games of his career last week and the Bears secondary is still one of the best in the NFL. This should be a close game and I have the Panthers barely edging out the Bears. Teddy Bridgewater has found his rhythm and I expect him to get the ball out fast and accurate against the Bears defense.
Matchup to Watch: Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks vs the Lions Offensive Line
Player of the Game: Jeremy Chinn LB Panthers
Final Score: Bears 23 Panthers 24
Washington Football @ Giants
The Giants nearly pulled off the upset last week and their offense looked really good albeit they were playing one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Washington Football Team (WFT) were put into a really tough position having to throw Alex Smith into action against a tough Rams defense. Both of these teams will be picking in the top ten of the draft in 2021 so this game does have actual implications. A bright spot for the WFT is Terry McLaurin and a bright spot for the Giants is James Bradberry. Fortunately, we get to see these players go head to head which should be a good matchup. We will also be seeing the number two pick, Chase Young, playing against the number four pick, Andrew Thomas, from the 2020 NFL Draft. I actually think both of the WFT's players win those matchups, but the Giants coming out with a win in this game. The Giants offense should be able to put up some points and I don't think the WFT offense will be able to keep up with them.
Matchup to watch: Terry McLaurin vs James Bradberry
Player of the Game: Daniel Jones QB Giants
Final Score: WFT 20 Giants 23
Broncos @ Patriots
This game relies on the injury report. Drew Lock will most likely play, but if he doesn't I have the Patriots winning big. Assuming that Lock does play, this could be a sneaky good game. Lock didn't seem ready the game and a half that he did play, but with some time on the sideline he may be more prepared. Lock has the "it factor". The "it factor" won't necessarily win you games, but his teammates will buy into him and have faith that he can win games. Cam Newton also has the "it factor" and with him back in the lineup, I expect the Patriots to return to normal. When Newton was healthy, the Patriots were one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. I think Cam Newton is going to have a really big day. I'm sure he's pissed off about contracting COVID-19 and now he's playing with an even bigger chip on his shoulder. I expect the Patriots to win big against the Broncos.
Matchup to watch: Jerry Jeudy vs Stephon Gilmore
Player of the Game: Cam Newton QB Patriots
Final Score: Broncos 14 Patriots 31
Jets @ Dolphins
To be frank, the Jets are the worst team in the NFL. Just when you thought they couldn't get any worst, they cut Le'Veon Bell. Adam Gase is the worst head coach in the league and Gregg Williams is the worst defensive coordinator in the league. Mekhi Becton is also doubtful for the game which makes this offense even worse. The one thing I'm looking forward to about the Jets is seeing Denzel Mims make his rookie debut. Mims makes a ton of highlight grabs and could be a spark for this offense. The Dolphins are coming off a huge victory and Ryan Fitzpatrick looks vintage. The Dolphins are just a better overall team and should win this game by a few touchdowns.
Matchup to watch: Denzel Mims vs Byron Jones
Player of the Game: Christian Wilkins DT Dolphins
Final Score: Jets 10 Dolphins 30
Packers @ Buccaneers
Aaron Rodgers vs Tom Brady. The battle of two future hall of famers. If you're not excited about this game, you don't like football. It's as simple as that. The Packers might be the best team in the NFL right now, but you can't overlook the Buccaneers. The Bucs are getting Chris Godwin back and have a top five defense in the league. Devin White and Lavonte David might be the best linebacker duo in the NFL while Shaq Barrett and Antoine Winfield Jr. are two of the best at their positions. The Packers on the other hand are getting Davante Adams back and Aaron Rodgers is playing at another level. Aaron Jones is quietly having another unbelievable year and the Packers offense is just amazing. This should be an amazing game and I'm picking the upset because of weaknesses in the Packers defense.
Matchup to Watch: Mike Evans vs Jaire Alexander
Player of the Game: Tom Brady QB Buccaneers
Final Score: Packers 27 Buccaneers 30
Rams @ 49ers
I can't even explain what happened to the 49ers last week. They came out completely flat and Jimmy Garoppolo didn't look healthy. I can't see that happening to them in back to back weeks. The Rams have been one of the best teams in the league in 2020 and Aaron Donald is once again the front runner for defensive player of the year. This is one of the best rivalries in the entire NFL and both of these head coaches are offensive masterminds. Everybody is picking the Rams which should be giving the 49ers a chip on their shoulder. If Jimmy Garoppolo is healthy and Emmanuel Moseley is playing, I'm picking the 49ers in an upset win. I don't think the Rams will be able to stop George Kittle and this game should be very high scoring.
Matchup to watch: Aaron Donald vs the 49ers offensive line
Player of the Game: Raheem Mostert RB 49ers
Final Score: Rams 26 49ers 27
Chiefs @ Bills
This is going to be one of the games of the year. The Chiefs are coming off of a huge upset loss and Patrick Mahomes has never lost back to back games in the NFL. Josh Allen is also coming off an upset loss but is potentially getting back Zach Moss and John Brown. I expect both of these offensive coordinators, Eric Bieniemy and Brian Daboll, to be head coaches next year. The Bills are a unique team that actually has a legitimate shot at beating the Chiefs. Tre'Davious White is one of the best corners in the league and can man up against Tyreek Hill without having a safety over top every play. If both Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano both play, the Bills have linebackers who can run with Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Le'Veon Bell, and Travis Kelce. Offensively, they should be able to put up points against the Chiefs defense. This game has upset written all over it, but I don't have the balls to pick against Patrick Mahomes. I just don't see Mahomes losing two weeks in a row.
Matchup to Watch: Tyreek Hill vs Tre'Davious White
Player of the Game: Patrick Mahomes II QB Chiefs
Final Score: Chiefs 33 Bills 30
Cardinals @ Cowboys
The Cardinals are coming off a domination of the New York Jets while the Cowboys just lost their franchise quarterback for the year. I feel so bad for Dak Prescott and I could see the Cowboys coming and out playing for him. However, this defense is too bad and the offense will take time to gel under Andy Dalton. The Cardinals also lost their best defensive player for the year in Chandler Jones. I still expect Kyler Murray to dazzle on Monday Night Football. The Cowboys don't have anyone who can cover Deandre Hopkins and I expect Kyler Murray to have one of the best games of his career. I genuinely feel sorry for Cowboys fans, but I expect the Cardinals to come out hot in this game.
Matchup to Watch: Kyler Murray's legs vs Jaylon Smith
Player of the Game: Deandre Hopkins WR Cardinals
Final Score: Cardinals 27 Cowboys 17
