Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) vs. Atlanta Falcons (1-4)
Preview
The two worst scoring defenses in the NFL meetup in Atlanta on Sunday. The Buccaneers are trying to get a win after a two game losing streak and the Falcons are trying to salvage what they can from a 1-4 start. In the last three games, the Falcons have allowed 43, 37, and 41 points, while the Buccaneers defense has allowed 27, 30, and 48 points over the same period. A positive for the Bucs is that they enter the game with a passing attack that’s averaging 363 yards per game, the most in the NFL. This will likely be a shoot-out of epic proportions.
Players to watch
Jameis Winston seems to be (for now) the Buccaneers’ starting quarterback. He’ll be playing against one of the worst defenses in the league, and could potentially put up a lot of points for his team. Buc’s leading receiver, Mike Evans will likely have a big game against the Falcons’ thin secondary. On Atlanta’s side, look for both Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley to make some big plays. In what will likely be a shoot-out, Matt Ryan will be looking to his top receivers all day. Also look for Ito Smith to play a role in the offense, specifically in the red zone, with Devonta Freeman’s foot injury likely limiting his touches.
Keys to the game
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Get Winston in a rhythm early with easy passes
Stay balanced on offense
Lessen the impact of Jones and Ridley
Atlanta Falcons
Rattle Winston’s confidence
Find consistency in the running game
Spread the ball around
Injury list
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Beau Allen, DT - Foot (Questionable)
Carlton Davis, CB - Groin (Questionable)
Jordan Whitehead, S - Shoulder (Questionable)
O.J Howard, TE - Knee (Questionable)
Marcus Williams, CB - Hamstring (Out)
Atlanta Falcons
Derrick Shelby, DE - Groin (Out)
Devonta Freeman, RB - Foot (Out)
Grady Jarrett, DT - Ankle (Out)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Julio Jones, WR (ATL)
Calvin Ridley, WR (ATL)
Jameis Winston, QB (TB)
Mike Evans, WR (TB)
Tevin Coleman, RB (ATL)
Prediction
This will be another shootout loss for the Falcons. Their defense can’t hold the Buc’s offense, and their offensive line is giving up over 3 sacks a game and only averaging 3.9 yards per rush. The Buccaneers have a putrid pass defense, but their rush defense is tied for 8th in the NFL. The Buccaneers’ ability to keep a balanced offense will be enough to lift them to a win.
Final Score: Buccaneers 41, Falcons 31
Written by: Blake Hymel
Carolina Panthers (3-1) vs. Washington Redskins (2-2)
Preview
The Panthers continue their trek through the NFC East with a date with the Redskins at FedEx field. Carolina is coming off a thrilling, last-second win against the Giants, and hope to have similar success again on Sunday. Their defense has posed a lot of questions, allowing the hapless Giants offense to score 31 points in week 5, but their offense has surpassed expectations. On the other side of the ball, Washington is trending down after being blown out by the New Orleans Saints and suffering numerous injuries to key players. The Redskins has been impressive at times, beating the Green Bay Packers and blowing out the Arizona Cardinals, but has looked vulnerable at other times. Both teams need this win to establish themselves as a division contender.
Players to watch
The Redskins need receiver production if they want to keep up with high powered offenses. None of their wideouts have caught more than 55 yards in a single game, so Jamison Crowder and Paul Richardson need to do more. Panthers corner Josh Norman could make a big impact by slowing them down. The Carolina offense is predicated on running the ball with Christian McCaffrey — Daron Payne must clog the middle while Mason Foster and Preston Smith watch him in coverage. Similarly, Luke Kuechly, Shaq Thompson, and the rest of the linebacking corps will be tasked with shutting down Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson, the primary source of the Panthers offense.
Keys to the game
Carolina Panthers
Shut down the Washington backfield
Continue strong receiver production
Stick to your strengths- run the ball
Washington Redskins
Establish the play action
Give Alex Smith time
FIND A RECEIVER
Injury list
Carolina Panthers
Damiere Byrd, WR - Ankle (Out)
Jared Norris, LB - Toe (Out)
Andre Smith, LB - Hamstring (Out)
Greg Olsen, TE - Foot (Questionable)
Washington Redskins
Jamison Crowder, WR - Ankle (Questionable)
Zach Vigil, LB - Thigh (Questionable)
Troy Apke, S - Hamstring (Out)
Paul Richardson, WR - Shoulder/Knee (Questionable)
Josh Doctson, WR - Heel (Questionable)
Shawn Lauvao, OG - Calf (Doubtful)
Adrian Peterson, RB - Ankle/Shoulder/Knee (Questionable)
Chris Thompson, RB - Rib/Knee (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Christian McCaffrey, RB (CAR)
Cam Newton, QB (CAR)
Chris Thompson, RB (WAS)
Alex Smith, QB (WAS)
Devin Funchess, WR (CAR)
Prediction
Washington’s offense has not proved enough to me that it can keep up with this Panthers team. They could only put up 19 points against a pretty weak Saints defense, even with garbage time. The Panthers, meanwhile, have scored over 30 points in two straight games, have established a wide receiving corps that was thought to be weak entering the season, and will get Greg Olsen back on the field. The Redskins will play better than last week, but will fall about a touchdown short.
Final Score: Panthers 34, Redskins 27
Written by: Alexander Amir
Seattle Seahawks (2-3) vs. Oakland Raiders (1-4) (London)
Preview
Football travels overseas this Sunday as the Seahawks take on the Raiders in London. Both teams have been struggling so far this season, so one will have to pull it together to win this week. Neither team has found an identity on offense, and Oakland’s defense has struggled as well. It will likely come down to which quarterback, Russell Wilson or Derek Carr, can step up when it matters. This one could very well come down to the final possession.
Players to watch
Russell Wilson will face a Raiders secondary that has been struggling this season. Oakland is 23rd in the league in passing defense as they have given up 277.2 yards per game and 10 touchdowns so far. Former first round selection Gareon Conley will need to step up in this one as he only has one interception on the season and will likely be tasked with covering Doug Baldwin. They will also rely on defensive end Bruce Irvin to put some pressure on Wilson. Derek Carr has had a very rough season so far, as he has only thrown 8 touchdowns while also throwing 10 interceptions. He will be facing a Seahawks secondary, led by Shaquill Griffin, that ranks sixth against the pass. With that being said, the Raiders may have to rely on running back Marshawn Lynch to get the offense going.
Keys to the game
Seattle Seahawks
Attack the secondary
Put pressure on Carr
Create turnovers
Oakland Raiders
Protect Carr
Establish a run game
Limit mistakes
Injury list
Seattle Seahawks
Nick Vannett, TE - Back (Questionable)
Rasheem Green, DE - Ankle (Out)
KJ Wright, OLB - Knee (Out)
Dion Jordan, DE - Knee (Questionable)
Oakland Raiders
Frostee Rucker, DE - Neck (Doubtful)
Karl Joseph, DB - Hamstring (Questionable)
Kelechi Osmele, G - Knee (Doubtful)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Marshawn Lynch, RB (OAK)
Amari Cooper. WR (OAK)
Russell Wilson, QB (SEA)
Chris Carson, RB (SEA)
Jared Cook, TE (OAK)
Prediction
Although the Raiders have had their struggles this season, I believe that they will show some fight in this one. This has the makings of being a back and forth battle until the very end. My prediction is that Carr surprises us and has a big game against this Seahawks secondary. With his leadership, I have Oakland driving down the field and winning this one on a last-second field goal. This may be the win that the Raiders need to put some life into their season.
Final Score: Raiders 24, Seahawks 21
Written by: Ryan Lippert
Indianapolis Colts (1-4) vs. New York Jets (2-3)
Preview
The Jets have a chance to win back-to-back games for the first time since October of last year. They just came off a win against the Broncos where they rushed for a franchise record 323 yards. They also looked good through the air, recording three passing touchdowns. The defense allowed only 1 touchdown on the day and 16 points total, so the Jets are rolling. The Colts, on the other hand, are not doing so hot. Their defense looked abysmal in their 24-38 loss to the Patriots, and the game was only mildly competitive because of Andrew Luck and their passing attack. If the team cannot get their rushing attack going again and instead ask Luck to throw the ball over 50 times, we might see a repeat of last week.
Players to watch
Luck is the player to watch in this game, as the Colts’ offense rests squarely on his shoulders. With T.Y. Hilton and Jack Doyle out, Luck and the offense will need to rely on the likes of Chester Rodgers and Eric Ebron to get the passing attack going. With the Jets Trumaine Johnson and Buster Skrine out, it should be a lot easier for these options to get open. The Colts need to get either Nyheim Hines or Jordan Wilkins going on the ground, but they could have a lot of trouble with Leonard Williams and Avery Williamson manning the front 7. Sam Darnold should have a field day against the Colts’ horrendous defensive backfield and will look to attack through the air with both Quincy Enunwa and Robby Anderson. The league’s leading tackler, Colts rookie Darius Leonard, will make sure that the Jets don’t have as much success on the ground as they did last week with Isaiah Crowell. But don't count out the running game just yet.
Keys to the game
Indianapolis Colts
Protect Luck
Establish a run game
Attack Darnold
Stymie the run
New York Jets
Establish the run
Keep Darnold upright and comfortable
Get the deep ball going again with Anderson
Keep Luck off the field
Injury list
Indianapolis Colts
Clayton Geathers, SS - Neck (Out)
Eric Ebron, TE - Shin (Questionable)
Margus Hunt, DE - Knee (Questionable)
Ryan Kelly, C - Calf (Questionable)
Jack Doyle, TE - Hip (Out)
T.Y. Hilton, WR - Hamstring (Out)
Matt Slauson, G - Back (IR)
Darius Leonard, LB - Ankle (Questionable)
Matthias Farley, DB - Hamstring (IR)
Denico Autry, DT - Hamstring (Out)
Denzelle Good, OT - Not Injury Related (Out)
Mike Mitchell, S - Pectoral (Questionable)
Arthur Maulet, CB - Hip (Questionable)
New York Jets
Doug Middleton, FS - Hamstring (Questionable)
Charon Peake, WR - Hamstring (Out)
Kevin Pierre-Louis, LB - Foot (Doubtful)
Isaiah Crowell, RB -Ankle (Questionable)
Marcus Maye, SS - Ankle (Questionable)
Trumaine Johnson, CB - Quadriceps (Doubtful)
Buster Skrine, CB - Concussion (Out)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Andrew Luck, QB (IND)
Sam Darnold, QB (NYJ)
Isaiah Crowell, RB (NYJ)
Quincy Enunwa, WR (NYJ)
Eric Ebron, TE (IND)
Prediction
The Colts are just simply not a good football team. They’ve allowed over 30 points in three of their last five games and are ranked as the 29th worst rushing team in the league. They put too much on the shoulders of Luck and have become too one-dimensional. The Jets, on the other hand, are a more complete team than the Colts. They boast a better running game, a solid QB, and a respectable defense to boot. In their own stadium they should handle the Colts easily and walk away with their third win of the season.
Final Score: Jets 27, Colts 21
Written by: George Haraktsis
Arizona Cardinals (1-4) vs. Minnesota Vikings (2-2-1)
Preview
The Cardinals are coming off of their first win of the season, while the Vikings came out of Week 5 with the team’s biggest victory of the year after defeating the defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Vikings have had back-to-back road games and will return home to face the rookie quarterback Josh Rosen. The Card’s are a 10 point underdog coming into this weekend, and rightfully so. The Vikings are averaging nearly double the amount of yards and points per game as a Cardinals offense that is ranked dead last in terms of total offense, having only put up a total of 1054 yards through 5 weeks of play. With Minnesota’s defense seeming to finally catch it’s stride and its offense averaging just over 400 yards a week, it’d be hard to bet against the home team.
Players to watch
Kirk Cousins is playing like a man who’s worth every penny of that highly scrutinized $84 million deal. Him and wideout Adam Thielen have the best connection in the NFL through the first five weeks, as Thielen is aiming to extend his current NFL record with a 6th straight 100 yard receiving performance. Minnesota DE Danielle Hunter will also be looking to extend his NFL record with his 6th straight game with a sack to start the season. On the other side of the ball will be rookie QB Josh Rosen, a player who doesn’t handle pressure well, and hasn’t looked as “pro-ready” as everyone thought he’d be. If the Cardinals plan to have any chance at a win, they’ll need to get David Johnson the ball early and often, as he’s clearly the team’s only hope at offensive success.
Keys to the game
Arizona Cardinals
Force feed David Johnson the ball in both the run and pass game
Limit Kirk Cousins time in the pocket by bringing interior pressure
Win the time of possession battle
Stop the run
Minnesota Viking
Establish the run
Pressure Josh Rosen
Simplify the coverage schemes
Injury list
Arizona Cardinals
Chase Edmonds, RB - Back (Questionable)
Markus Golden, DE - Knee (Questionable)
D.J. Humphries, OL - Knee (Questionable)
Mike Iupati, OG - Shoulder (Questionable)
Robert Nkemdiche, DT - Foot (Questionable)
Andre Smith, OT - Hamstring (Questionable)
Minnesota Vikings
Tashawn Bower, DE - Undisclosed (Out)
Andrew Sendejo, S - Groin (Out)
Everson Griffen, DE - Mental Health (Out)
Riley Reiff, OT - Foot (Out)
Dalvin Cook, RB - Hamstring (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Adam Thielen, WR (MIN)
Kirk Cousins, QB (MIN)
Stefon Diggs, WR (MIN)
David Johnson, RB (AZ)
Dalvin Cook, RB (MIN)
Prediction
The two things that the Vikings have truly been lacking in this season are the run game and cohesiveness in the secondary. Corners Trae Waynes and Mackensie Alexander showed improvement last week with a simplified scheme seen versus the Eagles. So facing the 32nd ranked offense and 31st ranked rushing defense should help in both departments. The Cardinals are just outmanned and outgunned in this matchup. Unless we see a revival of the 2016 David Johnson, along with a stellar defensive performance from Patrick Peterson and Chandler Jones; Arizona’s win probability is even lower than the 15.5% chance ESPN’s matchup predictor gives them.
Final Score: Vikings 31, Cardinals 16
Written by: Jack Bourgeois
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2-1) vs. Cincinnati Bengals (4-1)
Preview
The Cincinnati Bengals are in sole possession of first place in the AFC North. The Steelers need to win Sunday if they want to keep up with their divisional foe. The Bengals could take an absolute stranglehold on the division with a win. If the Steelers get too far behind in this division race before Le’Veon Bell gets back, they could find themselves out of the playoff hunt.
Players to watch
Like most games they play in, the Steelers need to find a way to get the ball to Antonio Brown. The Bengals will try to keep the ball away from the All-Pro, and if that is the case, JuJu Smith-Schuster has to make some plays. This could be the last game that James Conner is featured in for the Steelers, as Le’Veon Bell may be back on the field after their bye week. Can Andy Dalton keep up this pace? Maybe, but the Bengals need to make sure that they give their stud running back, Joe Mixon, a chance to break this game wide open.
Keys to the game
Pittsburgh Steelers
Get out to an early lead
Get Big Ben in rhythm
Shut down Joe Mixon
Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Boyd has to make plays
Carlos Dunlap must pressure Ben
Force someone other than Antonio Brown to beat you
Injury list
Pittsburgh Steelers
Morgan Burnett, S - Groin (Out)
L.J. Fort, LB - Ankle (Doubtful)
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR - Ankle (Out)
Cincinnati Bengals
Gio Bernard, RB - Knee (Out)
William Jackson III, CB - Knee (Questionable)
Tyler Kroft, TE - Foot (Out)
Cedric Ogbuehi, T - Wrist (Questionable)
Billy Price, C - Foot (Out)
John Ross, WR - Groin (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Joe Mixon, RB (CIN)
Antonio Brown, WR (PIT)
James Conner, RB (PIT)
JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR (PIT)
A.J. Green, WR (CIN)
Prediction
The Bengals’ offensive unit will stay on a roll, led by Joe Mixon. Pittsburgh is really struggling right now, and they need Bell back in a big way. Carlos Dunlap could have a field day if the Steelers have to pass the ball 50+ times again. The Steelers do not play great on the road, and I look for that trend to continue this week. At the end of the day, I feel more comfortable picking the sizzling Bengals offense.
Final Score: Bengals 31, Steelers 27
Written by: Jake Leicht
Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) vs. Cleveland Browns (2-2-1)
Preview
The Los Angeles Chargers march in to Cleveland on Sunday with an opportunity to solidify themselves firmly in the playoff hunt. They have struggled over the past several seasons with traveling east to play, but this offense is explosive. The Browns could enter the playoff sweepstakes with a big win at home versus the Chargers. Whoever wins the turnover battle will have a major advantage on Sunday.
Players to watch
Melvin Gordon is all set up to have a huge game on Sunday. The dynamic playmaker is able to do damage on the ground and in the air. Philip Rivers will need to drive the ball down the field to Keenan Allen if they are going to slow down Myles Garrett and the Browns’ defense. Carlos Hyde will be asked to tote the ball at least 20 times on Sunday so that the Browns can somewhat control the clock. Baker Mayfield will face some pressure, but he should be able to find David Njoku across the middle at various times.
Keys to the game
Los Angeles Chargers
Get the ball to Melvin Gordon
Protect Rivers from Myles Garrett
No specials teams mistakes
Cleveland Browns
Keep Mayfield clean in pocket
Win the turnover battle
Stop the run
Injury list
Los Angeles Chargers
Joe Barksdale, T - Knee (Questionable)
Travis Benjamin, WR - Foot (Out)
Joey Bosa, DE - Foot (Out)
Jatavis Brown, C - Groin (Doubtful)
Russell Okung, T - Groin (Questionable)
Caleb Sturgis, K - Quad (Questionable)
Kyzir White, LB - Knee (Out)
Cleveland Browns
James Burgess, LB - Knee (Questionable)
Rashard Higgins, WR - Knee (Out)
Tanner Vallejo, LB - Concussion (Out)
Derrick Willles, WR - Shoulder (Out)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Melvin Gordon, RB (LAC)
Keenan Allen, WR (LAC)
Carlos Hyde, RB (CLE)
Philip Rivers, QB (LAC)
Baker Mayfield, QB (CLE)
Prediction
The Browns have an issue defending running backs on pass routes. Melvin Gordon is one of the best backs in the league in terms of making plays in the pass game, and that will be a problem for the Browns’ defense. Even though the Chargers yield a lot of points to opposing offenses, their defense should be able to hold off Cleveland’s offense just enough to win the game.
Final Score: Chargers 34, Browns 28
Written by: Jake Leicht
Buffalo Bills (2-3) vs. Houston Texans (2-3)
Preview
The Bills and Texans have an opportunity to bring each of their season records to .500 and get in position to flip their seasons around. Buffalo is coming off an ugly win against the Titans and will be looking to improve their offense against a stingy Houston defense. The Texans are slowly figuring things out on their offense but need to find a way to convert in the red zone. If they don’t, then this could end up becoming a defensive game that ends in a field goal.
Players to watch
If the Bills really want to have a chance they need to get Josh Allen in a rhythm, because they are facing an offense that has the potential to put up a lot of points. LeSean McCoy needs as many touches as he can get to help keep the Texans offense on the sideline. J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney will need to continue their dominance and frustrate the rookie quarterback all afternoon. Deshaun Watson should be able to continue his great play but he does need to protect himself before he gets hurt from all the hits he has been taking.
Keys to the game
Buffalo Bills
Feed Shady
Contain Watson
Control the clock
Houston Texans
Protect Watson
Frustrate Allen
Feed WRs (Hopkins, Fuller, Coutee)
Injury list
Buffalo Bills
Everyone was a full go at practice on Friday. No reported injuries.
Houston Texans
Aaron Colvin, CB - Ankle (Out)
Brian Peters, LB - Ankle (Out)
Deshaun Watson, QB - Chest (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
DeAndre Hopkins, WR (HOU)
Deshaun Watson, QB (HOU)
LeSean McCoy, RB (BUF)
Will Fuller, WR (HOU)
Keke Coutee, WR (HOU)
Prediction
After beating the Vikings and Titans I know that Buffalo is capable of winning games. But I just don’t see how they win this one. Houston’s offense is clicking and their defensive front is just dominating right now. I see the Texans continuing their momentum into this one and handling their business with the Bills to bring their record to 3-3.
Final Score: Texans 27, Bills 14
Written by: Cody Manning
Chicago Bears (3-1) vs. Miami Dolphins (3-2)
Preview
The Bears are coming off a bye and are headed down to South Beach to take on a sputtering Dolphins team. Miami is coming off another devastating loss that saw them give up 24 unanswered points to a rolling Cincinnati Bengals team. The week before, the Dolphins were almost shutout against a vengeful New England Patriots defense, and now face one of the league’s best defenses-The Chicago Bears. The Bears last game against the Bucs saw their offense do their part for once, scoring 6 passing touchdowns and putting up 48 points on the day. Can the inconsistent Miami Dolphins offense who ranks 28th in points scored, 30th in total yards (192.2 passing yards/96.0 rushing yards) a game matchup against the Bears #2 ranked defense?
Players to watch
This game will be dictated by each team’s signal callers. Ryan Tannehill has thrown for over 200 yards only once in his last four games and now has to face Khalil Mack, who will be going up against a back-up tackle with Laremy Tunsil in the concussion protocol. Tannehill’s teammate, Kenyan Drake, will have a tough day as well. He will face a defense who’s only allowing a league low 64 yards on the ground, led by Danny Trevathan and Roquan Smith. It seems like the Dolphins only chance of moving the ball is using the plethora of receiving weapons, headlined by Kenny Stills, to attack the Kyle Fuller-led defensive backfield. Trubisky will be up against Xavier Howard and the Dolphins defensive backfield, who is leading the league with 10 INTs. Fortunately for the Bears, the Dolphins pass defense is one of the worst in the league in terms of yards allowed, so Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel, and Tarik Cohen should have a field day. If the passing attack doesn’t work, expect Jordan Howard to torch a team who recently allowed 165 yards on the ground to the Patriots.
Keys to the game
Chicago Bears
Control the game with Howard
Unleash Mack with Tunsil out
Don’t force Trubisky to win the game
Make Tannehill beat you
Miami Dolphins
Double team Mack
Protect Tannehill
Try to utilize superior special teams
Use Drake through the air
Injury list
Chicago Bears
Marcus Cooper, DB - Hamstring (Out)
Miami Dolphins
Chase Allen, OLB - Foot (Questionable)
Andre Branch, DE - Knee (Questionable)
A.J. Derby, TE - Foot (Questionable)
Jakeem Grant, WR - Shoulder (Questionable)
Bobby McCain, CB - Knee (Questionable)
T.J. McDonald, S - Foot (Questionable)
Devante Parker, WR - Quadricep (Questionable)
Ryan Tannehill, QB - Shoulder (Questionable)
Laremy Tunsil, OT - Concussion (Questionable)
Cameron Wake, DE - Knee (Doubtful)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Allen Robinson, WR (CHI)
Jordan Howard, RB (CHI)
Taylor Gabriel, WR (CHI)
Mitch Trubisky, QB (CHI)
Kenyan Drake, RB (MIA)
Prediction
The Bears are in excellent shape to destroy the Dolphins. They showed the week before their bye that their offense can ball out and that their defense is still one to be reckoned with. The Dolphins have had trouble defending both the pass and the run, so the Bears should feast through the air and on the ground. With the majority of the Dolphins injuries coming on the offensive line, it’s a recipe for disaster against a Bears team who can easily get after the quarterback. This should be a cake walk for the rolling Bears and another troublesome defeat for the Fins.
Final Score: Bears 31, Dolphins 13
Written by: George Haraktsis