As we enter week six there are only two undefeated teams left standing in the Patriots and 49ers. The playoff race begins to heat up, and these early season games could be a major factor as the season moves on. This article displays my predictions for the upcoming game slate in the NFL.

New York Giants (2-3) vs New England Patriots (5-0)- Patriots 34-13
Rookie QB Daniel Jones had his first bad game, and will face another top level defense Thursday. The cavalry may be on the way as star running back Saquon Barkley could possibly suit up for this game. However, top wideout Sterling Shepard will be out of the game due to a concussion limiting the outside threats for Jones. This Giants defense is one of the worst units in the NFL today. The Patriots offense has been running the ball well behind Sony Michel and James White. QB Tom Brady has been up and down, but with an elite defense this hasn’t deterred the Patriots success. The Patriots have the best pass defense in the NFL, and the third best rushing defense as well. I see the Patriots dominating on a short week against the overmatched Giants. This defense should force turnovers, and Brady is likely to have a field day throwing the ball.

Carolina Panthers (3-2) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)- Panthers 26-22
Both teams will make the long trip across the pond to face off in London. The Panthers have won three straight behind the legs of star Christian McCaffrey. He is the focal point of a rushing attack that ranks fourth in rushing yards. He is also making plays in the passing game along with Greg Olsen and D.J. Moore. QB Kyle Allen has done a nice job managing the game, and has cut down on his turnovers. The Panthers zone defense has been great currently ranking fourth in pass defense. The Buccaneers offense is explosive at times, but QB Jameis Winston is hard to predict week to week. He has cut down on turnovers, but still makes questionable decisions and takes bad sacks. Their running game has improved behind Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones. Chris Godwin has been phenomenal, and Mike Evans looks to bounce back after his first ever game without a reception. The Buccaneers rush defense is solid currently ranking second in the NFL, but they have been gashed in the passing attack. I’m going with Carolina because their secondary should slow down Winston. I expect Kyle Allen to have more opportunities to throw the pigskin against a bad secondary. This is a pivotal matchup for two teams looking to stay in the mix early in 2019.

Seattle Seahawks (4-1) vs Cleveland Browns (2-3)- Browns 24-21
The Seahawks offense is centered around the running game behind Chris Carson. However, they have actually been throwing the ball with more efficiency with Russell Wilson leading the seventh ranked passing attack. The Seahawks have a wide range of weapons such as Tyler Lockett, D.K. Metcalf, and Will Dissily. Their run defense ranks fourth in the NFL, but they are among the bottom in terms of pass defense. Jadeveon Clowney has been a big force for them rushing the passer. The Browns have been very inconsistent, and QB Baker Mayfield has been downright awful to start the year. They rank among the bottom in passing and rushing offense. Nick Chubb has been their one bright spot putting together some good games on the ground. Their offensive line has been very bad, and will face some good pass rushers Sunday. Their wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry have been hit or miss due to Baker’s erratic start to the year. This team turns the ball over a lot and hurts themselves committing a ton of penalties. Their defense is good at rushing the passer, and Myles Garrett already has seven sacks on the year. Their passing defense is currently ranked seventh, but they’ve been gashed on the ground currently ranking 29th in rushing defense. All the stats points towards a Seahawks victory, but Seattle has had their fair share of issues on the road. Cleveland is desperate for a victory with a ton of tough matchups beyond this game in the horizon. I expect Cleveland’s passing attack to finally break through, and they will find a way to upset the surging Seahawks.

Houston Texans (3-2) vs Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)- Chiefs 35-28
The Texans offense ranks tenth in total offense, and Deshaun Watson has been sensational coming off a five touchdown game in the win over Atlanta. Their running game has been surprisingly effective behind veteran back Carlos Hyde. Their receiving core is a major deep threat waiting to happen with DeAndre Hopkins and Will Fuller emerging. Their pass defense is one of the weaker units in football, and their rush defense has been somewhat effective. The Chiefs offense looked baffled against a well prepared Colts defense in the loss. Patrick Mahomes has had back to back lackluster weeks after starting the year hot. They still rank second in total offense, and currently lead the NFL in passing. Their running game has been quiet, but LeSean McCoy and Damien Williams do have big play ability. Their passing attack could get even better if star receiver Tyreek Hill can return from injury. They have other options in Travis Kelce and Sammy Watkins who can hurt the defense as well. Their defense is struggling to put pressure on the passer, but will face a below average line Sunday. Their passing defense has been okay, but their rushing defense is amongst the worst in the NFL. Things could get even worse if defensive star Chris Jones can’t suit up. This will likely be a shootout, and I have to lean with the Chiefs on this one. The Texans defense isn’t as solid as the Colts, and their offensive line will likely struggle dealing with a rowdy Kansas City crowd. It should be a fun duel between DeShaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes leading the charge.

Washington Redskins (0-5) vs Miami Dolphins (0-4)- Redskins 20-13
This is the battle of two winless teams, and both are likely on their way to drafting high in the 2020 NFL Draft. The Redskins fired head coach Jay Gruden, and will enter this game with Bill Callahan calling the shots. They have a hard time moving the ball currently ranking 26th in total offense. Colt McCoy looked bad last week against New England, and Case Keenum will take back the starting role in this one. Adrian Peterson is likely going to see a lot of touches as well. They need more production out of Paul Richardson Jr. and Terry McLaurin on the outside. The other side of the ball is just as bad currently ranking 28th in total defense. They have been picked on in the passing and rushing attack despite having a young, athletic defensive line. Miami is another terrible team coming off a bye week. They have the worst total defense in terms of statistics in the NFL. They have improved week to week, but their secondary and front seven are lacking any star power. The Dolphins have the second worst total offense, and QB Josh Rosen has been hit a ton behind a bad offensive line. Their rushing attack has been non existent ranking last in that category. The only bright spots on offense are young receivers Davante Parker and Preston Williams. This is truly the battle of the bottom feeders, but I’m picking Washington in this game. Teams tend to play better after a coaching fire trying to prove their worth for whoever is next in line for the job. They have the better all around talent, and have a veteran QB in Case Keenum who should improve the quarterback play at Miami.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) vs Minnesota Vikings (3-2)- Eagles 27-23
The Eagles have the best run defense in the league, which is important heading into a matchup against star running back Dalvin Cook. Their passing defense is amongst the worst in the league however. QB Carson Wentz has played well in back to back weeks as the Eagles have won two straight. Their offense is lowly ranked in terms of total yards, but have started to trek upwards as the rushing attack has improved behind Jordan Howard and Miles Sanders. Alshon Jeffery, Zach Ertz, and Nelson Agolhor are the major outside weapons. The Vikings offense has been up and down to start 2019, but played well in New York after some off the field drama leading up the game. Kirk Cousins had his best game of the year, and will enter this matchup against a injury ridden Eagles secondary. Dalvin Cook could have issues Sunday against a stout rushing defense putting more pressure on Cousins. Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs could have some big moments if the passing game is clicking. Their offense needs to get going as they currently rank 18th in total offense. The defensive unit has been great yet again currently ranking fourth in total defense. They have a top ten passing and rushing defense, and have been very stingy to opposing offenses. The only weakness has been their lack of pass rush that needs to improve against Carson Wentz who has issues throwing under pressure. This is a tough one to call, but I simply trust Wentz in big games more than Cousins. The Eagles defense is good enough to keep it close, and I see Philadelphia finding a way to win possibly in a last minute drive situation.

New Orleans Saints (4-1) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)- Saints 26-16
The Saints defense has been playing solid the last couple of weeks despite some average looking statistics. The key to their defense is their ability to rush the passer behind Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport. They aren’t a heavily penalized team either meaning they don’t hurt themselves. Teddy Bridgwater keeps on winning with a perfect 3-0 record as a starter. Bridgewater is managing the game to perfection, and capable of converting on third down when needed. Alvin Kamara continues to make big plays running and catching the football. Michael Thomas has shined even without Drew Brees continuing to rack up receptions. Statistically speaking this team is not impressive, but they keep finding ways to win in closely contested matchups. They will be even more dangerous once Drew Brees returns. The Jaguars had won two straight before a tough loss in Carolina. Rookie QB Gardner Minshew continues to lead the charge finding ways to lead comebacks. Their offense ranks sixth in total yards per game, running back Leonard Fournette seems to have found new life. DJ Chark and Dede Westbrook have developed into fine young receivers especially in after the catch. Jacksonville’s defense has been respectable against the pass, but has had real issues against the rushing attack. Their offensive line is below average, and are likely to struggle against the Saints. The Jaguars also have had issues with turning the ball over, and getting off to slow stars in the first half. This could be a trap game, but I think the Saints can ride Alvin Kamara to victory yet again. The Jaguars offense isn’t particularly explosive, and the Saints pass rush should offset their ability to move the ball. I expect the Saints to win a closely contested game in Duval country.

Cincinnati Bengals (0-5) vs Baltimore Ravens (3-2)- Ravens 35-20
The Bengals are a mess on both sides of the ball, and lost another close game against Arizona. Cincinnati has one of the worst defenses in the NFL giving up the second most yards. They have been better against the pass, but have been absolutely torched against the run. Their passing offense has been effective at times, but they have been unable to run the ball. They are currently ranked 26th in total offense, and turn the ball over too much. The offensive line hasn’t opened up any running lanes, and Andy Dalton has had no time to throw the ball. Andy Dalton, Joe Mixon, and John Ross have all been below par. Tyler Boyd has been one of the few bright spots for this unit. The Ravens won a tough game against Pittsburgh in overtime. Baltimore has been efficient against the run, but has had major issues stopping the pass. Their pass rush has a left a lot to be desired as well. Their offense is very dangerous, but QB Lamar Jackson has been quiet lately after a fast start. Their running game is the backbone of the offense, and Mark Ingram has been quite a steal in free agency. Marquise Brown, Willie Snead, and Mark Andrews are excellent weapons for Jackson to work with. At this point the Bengals defense just doesn’t have what it takes to stop Baltimore. Jackson should have a field day, and expect big production from Mark Ingram. Their defense has to improve against the pass going forward, but they should be fine this Sunday.

San Francisco 49ers (4-0) vs Los Angeles Rams (3-2)- Rams 30-23
The 49ers have been a nice surprise rattling off four straight wins to start the year. Their defense has been dominant currently ranking second in total yards allowed. They are stuffing the pass and the run along with rushing the passer. This defensive line is deep, and has some many different weapons like Nick Bosa, Erik Armstead, and DeForest Buckner. Richard Sherman continues to rack up interceptions, and this unit was outstanding in a win over Cleveland. Their offense is built behind the run with the top rushing attack in the NFL. Matt Breida, Tevin Coleman, and Raheem Mostert are a dangerous trio with different strengths. Jimmy Garoppolo has been mediocre to start, but their rushing is so good it hasn’t mattered. This offensive line is underrated as they search for their premier wide receiver threat. George Kittle is a great tight end, but they need Marquise Goodwin or Dante Pettis to step up. The Rams find themselves on a two game losing streak coming into this early division matchup. This defense has taken a step back, and Aaron Donald has been the only consistent contributor on that side of the ball. Their secondary has been torched in back to back weeks, and will have to step up against a great rushing attack. Their passing game has been good ranking second in yards, but Jared Goff has had some costly turnovers. Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods are likely to be the top targets if Brandin Cooks is out. The Rams rushing attack has been below average, and outside of some endzone trips Todd Gurley’s numbers are down. The offensive line hasn’t been as solid as Goff has been hit more to start this season. Overall, the Rams seem to be in a rough patch after a Super Bowl appearance last season. I’m going to pick the Rams because they can’t afford a loss, and risk falling far behind in the standings to start the year. The 49ers haven’t played a team of the Rams caliber so far, and I expect them to force Jimmy G to make plays. This will be a back and forth battle, but I’ll lean towards LA in a critical early season game.

Atlanta Falcons (1-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (1-3-1)- Falcons 31-21
The Falcons defense ranks 23rd in yards allowed, and are banged up in the secondary. The Texans shredded them giving up five passing touchdowns. Their suffering from a lack of sacks as well with their pass rush being non existent to start the year. They rank offense ranks tenth in total yards, and has been pass heavy due to a bad run game. Atlanta has fallen behind in most of their games forcing them to throw it more. Matt Ryan has improved, but continues to turn the ball over in bad spots. Devonta Freeman is in the midst of a rough season, and Julio Jones has been kept in check. Muhammed Sanu, Austin Hooper, and Calvin Ridley have been the standouts on offense. Their offensive line continues to struggle, and doesn’t seem to have an answer to this point. Arizona’s defense has been even worse than Atlanta ranking 29th in yards allowed. Chandler Jones is their only impact player on defense, but Patrick Peterson should return soon. Arizona’s offense has actually been impressive improving week to week ranking 17th in total offense. Rookie Kyler Murray has a knack for late game heroics showing why Arizona drafted him 1st overall. He continued this with setting up a game winning field goal against Cincinnati. David Johnson has found some traction in the running game, but their offensive line continues to give up sacks. The ageless wonder Larry Fitzgerald keeps producing, and Christian Kirk is a major deep threat. Atlanta is bad on the road, but I like their star power more than Arizona. I feel their defense should improve after dealing with some high level offenses over the last couple of weeks. Matt Ryan should feast against a bad secondary, and Devonta Freeman should finally have a productive day.

Tennessee Titans (2-3) vs Denver Broncos (1-4)- Titans 19-16
It’s quite simple when the Titans are underdogs they win, and when they are favored they lose. They were favored last Sunday, and lost a defensive battle against Buffalo.  Their defense has lead the charge again this year ranking 9th in total yards allowed. Their best defender Kevin Byard is making his presence felt in the pass and rushing game. The Titans offense continues to have a ton of issues which isn’t a surprise. Their offense ranks 27th in total offense, and Derrick Henry has been the only real force on offense. Marcus Mariota is very inconsistent, and tends to look good or bad at random times. Tennessee has some nice looking young receivers to build with in Corey Davis and A.J. Brown. The Broncos have played tough in every game this year, but haven’t been able to execute late. That changed finding a way to win on the road against the Chargers. Joe Flacco has improved his play, and still can throw the deep ball. Their running game continues to improve behind Phillip Lindsay and Royce Freeman ranking 14th in rushing yards. Denver’s defense is 7th in yards allowed still showing the ability to get stops. They specialize in stopping the pass ranking 5th in pass defense, but have showed vulnerabilities against the run. I am going with Tennessee in this one because of their ability to run the ball. Their defense will keep the game close, and Henry should rumble for a big game. Marcus Mariota must protect the ball or else the Broncos could pull off another upset win at home.

Dallas Cowboys (3-2) vs New York Jets (0-4)- Cowboys 26-16
The Cowboys offense looked unstoppable to start the year, but has bottomed out in back to back games. They’ve lost two in a row against New Orleans and Green Bay. Their offense is 1st in total yards, but has had problems with turnovers here lately. Ezekiel Elliott has been kept in check, and Dak Prescott’s production has declined. They do have some big outside threats in Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. The Dallas defense ranks 6th in total yards allowed, and has been stingy against the pass. They showed weakness against the run giving up four rushing touchdowns last week. Their pass rush has been underwhelming outside of Robert Quinn. The Jets have been flat out awful this year, but will get starter QB Sam Darnold back Sunday. They have the worst offense in terms of yards, but haven’t had Darnold since week one. Le’Veon Bell continues to produce despite a bad offensive line through the air and on the ground. I expect their receiving core to show up with Darnold back in Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder. Gregg Williams defense has actually been very good this year. They rank 12th in yards allowed, and their exotic blitz packages can be troublesome. They rank 7th in run defense, but their cornerbacks have given up big plays in the passing game. The Jets have given up a lot of points, but it was mainly the offense putting them in bad spots. This could be a trap game for the Cowboys if they don’t come prepared. I expect Dallas to protect the football, and play good defense leading to a close road victory. Their pass rush should breakthrough against a very below average offensive line.

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4) vs Los Angeles Chargers (2-3)- Chargers 27-17
The Steelers lost another quarterback due to injury, and are down to third string Devlin Hodges. Hodges played well, and nearly led them to victory losing in overtime to Baltimore. Their offense has taken a major hit this year ranking 29th in total offense. Their passing game has struggled with the loss of multiple QB’s, bad offensive line play, and James Conner taking a step back. Juju Smith-Schuster finally had a big game but had a game costing fumble. Diontae Johnson is a speedy threat with some potential. Their defense has improved since the arrival of defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick. They are 12th in pass defense, and tend to have more problems against the run. The Chargers lost a tough game against Denver who came in winless. Their defense has been respectable ranking 11th in yards allowed and 8th in pass defense. They could get feared pass rusher Melvin Ingram back to join Joey Bosa. They are racking up the passing yards ranking 5th in that category, but their running game has fallen off ranking 24th. This team can’t seem to find a way to finish drives struggling to capitalize in the redzone. Phillip Rivers has been erratic at times, but they need more help out of Austin Ekeler and Melvin Gordon. Keenan Allen has been balling, but needs another member to step up like Travis Benjamin or Mike Williams. This is a must win for the Chargers, and they shouldn’t loss against a third string QB. They should run the ball well against a lackluster rushing defense, and their defense should have success against the Steelers struggling O-Line.

Detroit Lions (2-1-1) vs Green Bay Packers (4-1)- Packers 28-24
The Lions defense has been pretty bad this year giving up a ton of yards ranking 27th in total defense. They will force turnovers, and have done a nice job of limiting opponents in the redzone. They need more production out of Trey Flowers, and should have star cornerback Darius Slay back. Their 30th in pass defense which isn’t a good sign against Aaron Rodgers. The offense on the other hand has been really good ranking 7th in total offense. Matthew Stafford is throwing with confidence, and Kerryon Johnson finally is the answer at running back. Kenny Gollady, Marvin Jones Jr, and T.J. Hockenson have been excellent targets for Detroit. Don’t sleep on their improved offensive line either. The Packers dominated early against Dallas, and held off the comeback to win on the road. Their defense forces turnovers, and continues to rush the passer with great success. The Packers are decent against the pass, but have had issues in stopping the run. They played better against Elliott this last Sunday. Their offense is still a work in progress, and currently rank in the middle of the pack in terms of yards. Aaron Rodgers has been underwhelming to this point, but has protected the football. Aaron Jones had a stand out day in Dallas with four touchdowns. He seems to have found his groove, and should have success against Detroit. Davante Adams will miss this game putting more pressure on Rodgers. I like the Packers in this game as I believe Detroit’s defense will struggle against the Packers improving offense. Stafford hasn’t had much luck at Lambeau, and the Packers seem to be a more complete team.

Photo Credit: https://www.denverpost.com/2019/10/06/christian-mccaffrey-84-td-run-panthers-jaguars/