Pick 6: NFL Week 6
After 5 weeks of football, lines have been drawn. For the most part, we can distinguish the good, bad, and ugly teams of the 2018 season. There are a lot of tight division races, and for some of these teams, a loss could be fatal.
Buccaneers vs Falcons
With the Saints and Panthers playing great, a division title appears out of reach for both Tampa and Atlanta. The wild card spots are kinda up in the air with a lot of struggling teams, but it's still an uphill battle at this point. A loss, particularly for the 1-4 Falcons, would likely be the nail in the coffin. A division battle with desperation on either side is sure to deliver quality play. That is, if both these teams really have anything in them.
Points will come easily as these are the only two teams allowing over 30 points per game. The punters shouldn't even suit up. They won't be needed. Both offenses have looked real good, although it's hard to say what Tampa's will be like with Jameis Winston back under center. Winston is supposed to be the face of this franchise, but after seeing Fitzpatrick in the first couple weeks, it's hard to see him as so. I'm not a firm believer in Winston. However, he has more to play for than ever, and that can make all the difference. Fitzpatrick made Winston look very replaceable. Yes, Fitzpatrick only had a couple good games, but he looked better than Jameis ever has. He needs to kick it in gear to show his team that they need him. Sometimes that push can turn a player around.
Unfortunately, for Jameis, even if he plays his heart out this week, it will likely fall short. This defense can't handle the Falcons. They were atrocious in Chicago. They made a mediocre at best offense look top notch. An early bye may help work out some of the kinks, but it won't fix this disaster.
Falcons win, 45-34
Bears vs Dolphins
No one really saw these teams as legitimate contenders about a month ago, but both are looking like it now. They haven't had the toughest schedules though. Each team did have one major test, which they failed in miserable fashion. Chicago lost in a heart-wrenching opener in Green Bay in which they squandered a 20-point lead. While at least the Bears had some hope in that game, Miami didn't do anything right in their biggest test, losing 38-7 to the Patriots. In each team's defense, Rodgers and Brady have made plenty of teams look bad, so it's hard to knock them too much. Regardless, each team needs a more impressive win to solidify their place in the power rankings. This is their chance.
As you compare the two teams, you begin to realize that they're not so much different. Both have been, for the most part, underwhelming on offense. Their scoring drives usually start with a short field provided by the defenses. Luckily, each defense has a knack for taking the ball away. So they get their chances. As long as the offense can take advantage of mistakes and put a couple good drives together, they can win.
This type of play has served each team well, but the Bears clearly have the better foundation to play this way. The Dolphins have a really solid defense, but it just doesn't campare to what the Bears have on their side. Their front seven is a nightmare for any opposing offense. The Bears allow 88 yards and 7 points less than the Dolphins per game. They have the same amount of turnovers and 10 more sacks, and they've played one fewer game than Miami. The Dolphins' defense might have a better chance scoring than their offense.
Bears win, 23-14
Steelers vs Bengals
Probably the most vicious rivalry in the game. Some rivalries have very little emotion in them. They are just rivals because they're in the same division and they're suppose to be rivals. Not these two. They hate each other. The recent history of this rivalry is riddled with cheap shots, fights, injuries, and of course, lots, and lots of yellow flags. Neither team is the same big, bruising defensive team that they used to be, but I think you can expect a little less scoring and a little more physical play in this one.
The Bengals have gotten off to an early lead over the Steelers this year. They have been solid and stable, while the Steelers have been a mess. However, the Steelers did take a step in the right direction with a blowout win over Atlanta. I think they'll take another this week. You see, the Bengals have essentially been the Steelers' punching bag for a long time now. That's really where the animosity comes from. At some point, Pittsburgh just hits them so hard that they swing back and land a punch of their own. And that's where the chaos begins. The Steelers have won their last 6 meetings, including the infamous 2015 AFC Wild Card Game. Cincinnati has only beaten Pittsburgh 3 times in their 15 meetings since Andy Dalton joined the team in 2011. I don't see this one being the one to turn the ship around.
Steelers win, 27-24
Colts vs Jets
When Darnold was entering the draft, Luck seemed like the best comparison. Their both big-bodied, athletic QB's who thrive on the big play. It's way too early to say that Darnold is even close to Luck's level, but I think they'll follow similar paths along their careers. I'm looking forward to their first meeting.
Neither Luck nor Darnold have wowed fans this season, but they've also run into a lot of good defense. Not this week. There will be no excuses for poor play this Sunday. This is their golden opportunity to showcase their abilities. Should be quite the show!
In a game like this, I'd have to put my trust in the veteran. I like Darnold. I think he has potential, and he probably has the better supporting cast. But Luck's experience will shine through, and deliver the team's 2nd win of 2018.
Colts win, 34-28
Ravens vs Titans
These are probably the two of the best teams that no one's talking about. They don't get much publicity because they just aren't that flashy. Their defenses are great, but they don't have big-name playmakers, and they don't top the charts in sacks or turnovers. All they have done is reach top 3 in points allowed. You know, only the most important stat. These brick walls can keep each of these teams in any game.
Considering the offensive attacks of these teams, there is a strong possibility that no offensive TD's will be scored. This could easily be a field goal battle. However, I think Baltimore has much more competent offense. I think they can put together one good TD drive, and that will be the difference.
Ravens win, 16-9
Chiefs vs Patriots
I'm sure we all remember week 1 of last season when the Chiefs dominated in Gillette Stadium. It was one of the most embarrassing losses in Bill Belichick's coaching career. The only one that might beat it was 41-14 blowout in 2014 against, you guessed it, the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs under Andy Reid seem to have New England's number. But could they really get the best of the Patriots three times in a row? Normally I would say no chance. Bill Belickick wouldn't let the same team embarrass him three times. The problem is, Kansas City isn't the same team anymore.
Since Patrick Mahomes arrived, this offense has appeared unbreakable. They have scored 27+ points in all five games. Mahomes finally showed some flaws last week, just to prove that he's human. But even then, he threw for over 300 yards against one of the best defenses in football. The NFL is running out of obstacles to throw at them. Most of us assumed this was a fluke when it first started. It's getting harder to believe that.
But if anyone is going to bring an end to this, it is probably the Patriots. The most dominant team in the league for nearly two decades. They are still the Goliath of the NFL. If you want to prove yourself in this league, you have to beat New England. You think what you've done is so impressive? Okay, then beat Tom Brady and Bill Belichick at home. It's easier said than done. The Chiefs are a great football team. Probably better than the Patriots. But I think they'll be brought back to earth this Sunday.
Patriots win, 38-34
