Insiders predict: NFL week 6 winners
It’s only Week 6, but both the AFC and NFC only sport one unbeaten team heading into this week’s slate of games. One of them, the 5-0 New England Patriots, are at home on a short week while the 4-0 49ers take to the road to face a fierce division rival.
While Tom Brady and Jimmy Garoppolo are quarterbacking teams with an unblemished record, it was Deshaun Watson stealing the spotlight in Week 5 after his Texans racked up nearly 600 yards of offense and he threw five touchdowns in a blowout win over the Falcons. Watson did well to thrust his name into the MVP conversation and gained some ground on Patrick Mahomes II, whose Chiefs were held to 13 points and handed their first loss of the year by the Colts. Now, the two will go head-to-head at Arrowhead in a quarterback matchup that dreams are made of.
The Week 6 slate contains some heated division battles and some matchups that contain plenty of history. With as unpredictable as the NFL has proven to be already in 2019, it’s sure to be an entertaining weekend of football.
Here are the best games on the Week 6 docket:
Giants @ Patriots: Thursday Night Football will see these two rivals—with plenty of Super Bowl history between them—face off in Foxborough. While it won’t be another meeting between Eli Manning and Tom Brady, Giants fans will undoubtedly learn a lot about their new quarterback Daniel Jones when he is tasked with facing a Bill Belichick-coached defense with only a few days to prepare.
Texans @ Chiefs: Kansas City suffered its first loss of the year when they were upset by the Colts at home. Now, they try to rebound against a Texans team that is coming off of an eye-popping offensive performance. It’s Watson vs. Mahomes. Two superb talents on display for what will likely be important positioning in the conference standings.
49ers @ Rams: Los Angeles is on a two-game skid and the 49ers come to town having not lost a game so far this season. This game is an important one in the NFC West, which is shaping up to be one of the league’s more competitive divisions.
Lions @ Packers: Monday Night Football hasn’t been known to feature some of the better matchups on a week to week basis but its Week 6 feature is a significant one. The NFC North standings are crowded, but the Packers and Lions are the two teams with only one loss so far this season, while the Bears and Vikings each have two. The winner of this game will take sole possession of first place in the division.
Insiders predicts are based on the team that is favored to win, which is based on consensus betting odds and spread on Vegas Insider as of Oct. 9, 2019. Team stats were gathered from NFL.com.
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New York Giants (2-3) @ New England Patriots (5-0)
- Gametime: Thursday, Oct. 10, 8:20 p.m. EST
Death, taxes, and the utter and complete dominance by the New England Patriots. You can select whichever cliche you’d like, but for the past two decades, the Pats seemingly can’t be stopped. And this year’s edition looks just as dangerous, if not more dangerous, than any of Brady and Belichick squads. When the Patriots have been stopped, especially in big moments, it has often been at the hands of one specific opponent. Since the 2001 season, New England has appeared in eight Super Bowls and has only lost twice. Who was responsible for both losses? You guessed it, the G-Men.
The two Super Bowl victories by Eli Manning, who has had an otherwise routine playing career, may be the sole reason the former starting QB finds his way into the Hall of Fame. But it’s a new era in New York as Manning lost his starting role to rookie signal-caller Daniel Jones after a tough start to the season. Jones has given the New York Giants a new lease on the season with exciting, athletic play the Manning was incapable of, but not so much that they aren’t massive underdogs this Thursday night on the road. Jones gave the Giants their first two wins of the season as a starter, but looked flat last week in a 28-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
As aforementioned, the Patriots remain dominant. Their 5-0 start is due in part to Tom Brady and a typical high-octane passing attack, but should be heavily credited to a defense that ranks #1 in the NFL and surrenders only 160.4 passing yards per game. The Giants may have had New England’s number in the past, but don’t count on it this week on short rest, especially if phenom running back Saquon Barkley continues to sit with a high ankle sprain.
Insiders predict: New England Patriots
- Favored to win: New England Patriots
- Spread: -16.5
- Odds: -844
- New York Giants team stats:
- Offense: 364.8 yards per game (#15 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 248.8 ypg (#14)
--- Rushing offense: 116.0 ypg (#15)
- Defense: 409.4 yards per game (#30.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 279.4 ypg (#28)
--- Rushing defense: 130.0 ypg (#23)
- New England Patriots team stats:
- Offense: 378.2 yards per game (#11 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 279.2 ypg (#6)
--- Rushing offense: 99.0 ypg (#21)
- Defense: 238.4 yards per game (#1 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 160.4 ypg (#1)
--- Rushing defense: 78.0 ypg (#3)
Carolina Panthers (3-2) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 9:30 a.m. EST
This NFC South rivalry game should be enjoyed with an English breakfast. The second of four NFL games in London kicks off Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. EST. So, if you have Christian McCaffrey or Jameis Winston on your fantasy team and happen to live out West, your Sunday starts awfully early. Tampa Bay is technically the home team, but won’t see much home-field advantage as both teams travel across the pond for already their second meeting of the early season.
The Bucs had no issues on the road Week 2 when they waltzed into Carolina and took down the Panthers in a 20-14 upset. That was the last time Panthers quarterback and former league MVP Cam Newton has seen the field, but strangely enough, that’s been a good thing for Carolina. With backup QB Kyle Allen at the helm as Newton recovers from a foot injury, the Panthers are undefeated and above .500 for the first time this season. While Allen has looked tremendous off the bench, he’s strongly aided by the efforts of McCaffrey, who might be the frontrunner for MVP through five weeks. McCaffrey is leading the NFL in rushing, averaging 117.4 yards per game, and by the way, has nearly 300 receiving yards to go along with that.
Tampa Bay has been stout against the run this season, ranking #2 giving up under 70 yards per game, but that’s partially because teams have been so successful through the air—the Buccaneers are dead last in passing defense. If the Bucs stop McCaffrey on the ground, they still have to worry about him in the passing game. Tampa Bay has been a riddle this season: After relinquishing an 18-point lead to Giants’ rookie QB Daniel Jones making his first career start, eventually losing 32-31, they put up 55 on the reigning NFC Champion L.A. Rams with 55 points. They then followed that with a loss to backup QB Teddy Bridgewater in a game that could have given them sole possession of first place in the NFC South.
Insiders predict: Carolina Panthers
- Favored to win: Carolina Panthers
- Spread: -2
- Odds: -130
- Carolina Panthers team stats:
- Offense: 370.0 yards per game (#14 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 226.4 ypg (#23)
--- Rushing offense: 143.6 ypg (#4)
- Defense: 331.4 yards per game (#8 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 197.0 ypg (#4)
--- Rushing defense: 134.4 ypg (#24)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers team stats:
- Offense: 359.8 yards per game (#17 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 250.4 ypg (#12)
--- Rushing offense: 109.4 ypg (#19)
- Defense: 393.4 yards per game (#26.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 323.6 ypg (#32)
--- Rushing defense: 69.8 ypg (#2)
Seattle Seahawks (4-1) @ Cleveland Browns (2-3)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. EST
The Seahawks are traveling to Cleveland to battle the floundering Browns. Seattle has extra rest after taking down the Los Angeles Rams 30-29 last Thursday night, while Cleveland is playing on short rest after an embarrassing and exposing 31-3 loss on Monday night to the Seahawks NFC West-rival 49ers. Additionally, the Seahawks are already 2-0 this season against AFC North opponents with victories over the Bengals and the Steelers.
After an offseason heavy on hype and expectation, the only thing that should have Seattle worried is Cleveland’s desperation. The Browns bounced back earlier this season after taking a loss on national TV. After falling 20-13 to the L.A. Rams on Sunday night of Week 3, and doubt beginning to creep in, Cleveland responded Week 4 with a 40-25 victory over the Ravens—but the Seahawks are currently surging behind the spectacular play of quarterback Russell Wilson, who is making his case for MVP. Wilson leads the NFL with 12 touchdown passes, a quarterback rating of 126.3, and is yet to throw an interception this season.
Could we be looking at the same old laughing stock Browns? Was last week an anomaly, or are the Niners legit? Seattle was a bit overlooked coming into the season with the Rams favored to take the division for a second-straight season, but few expected them to be fighting to keep pace with San Francisco. This is a measuring stick matchup for both squads.
Insiders predict: Seattle Seahawks
- Favored to win: Seattle
- Spread: -1.5
- Odds: -125
- Seattle Seahawks team stats:
- Offense: 388.0 yards per game (#7 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 265.4 ypg (#8)
--- Rushing offense: 122.6 ypg (#12)
- Defense: 350.6 yards per game (#14.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 270.6 ypg (#26)
--- Rushing defense: 80.0 ypg (#4)
- Cleveland Browns team stats:
- Offense: 340.2 yards per game (#23 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 227.8 ypg (#20)
--- Rushing offense: 112.4 ypg (#17)
- Defense: 357.2 yards per game (#18.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 206.4 ypg (#7)
--- Rushing defense: 150.8 ypg (#29)
Houston Texans (3-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. EST
For those interested in huge plays, high scores, and other-worldly feats of athleticism...we give you Deshaun Watson vs. Patrick Mahomes II. The two young phenom QBs have thrown for a combined 22 touchdowns, 3,195 yards, and just one interception. Watson and Mahomes trail only Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson in touchdowns and quarterback rating.
The Houston Texans exploded for a whopping 53 points in an inspired performance from quarterback Deshaun Watson, who threw for five touchdowns and a career-high 426 yards a Week 5 victory over the Falcons. The Texans needed a big offensive output after putting up only 10 points in a Week 4 loss to the Carolina Panthers—it’s safe to say that was delivered as Houston tallied 592 yards of total offense.
Mahomes has actually looked human recently, throwing only one touchdown in his last two games, which makes the fact that he’s still tied for #2 in the league with 11 touchdown tosses all the more staggering. Mahomes also leads the NFL in passing yards with 1,831. The Chiefs took their first L of the season last week in a 19-13 shocker at home against the Indianapolis Colts as Mahomes got no help from his offensive line. The K.C. signal-caller tweaked his ankle in the loss and didn’t appear himself, but is expected to start Sunday. Let’s everyone hope the reigning NFL MVP is close to 100% because it would be a shame to deprive the world of these two young QB dual.
Insiders predict: Kansas City Chiefs
- Favored to win: Kansas City Chiefs
- Spread: -5
- Odds: -220
- Houston Texans team stats:
- Offense: 381.8 yards per game (#9 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 252.4 ypg (#11)
--- Rushing offense: 129.4 ypg (#10)
- Defense: 365.4 yards per game (#20.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 270.4 ypg (#25)
--- Rushing defense: 95.0 ypg (#12)
- Kansas City Chiefs team stats:
- Offense: 444.6 yards per game (#2 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 356.0 ypg (#1)
--- Rushing offense: 88.6 ypg (#25)
- Defense: 393.0 yards per game (#25.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 237.2 ypg (#13)
--- Rushing defense: 155.8 ypg (#30)
Washington Redskins (0-5) @ Miami Dolphins (0-4)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. EST
The good news is one of these teams will finally achieve victory in 2019. Conversely, the other will not-so-proudly garner the title of the NFL’s worst team. This game piques interest, though, because both teams stand in the way of the other’s imperfect season. If we believe teams are Tanking for Tua, and it’s hard not to think so, this could be the only real chance at a win all season for either of these squads.
While the Miami Dolphins have been the worst team in the sport this season, ranking last place in both offense and defense, the Washington Redskins looked to join the conversation by firing their head coach, Jay Gruden, on Monday after the team’s 33-7 loss to the New England Patriots. Both teams are in complete disarray, which makes this game a little like a car crash you can’t quite look away from. Neither team has any real clue who to start under center, but at least the Dolphins have quasi-committed to Josh Rosen after he began the season behind Ryan Fitzpatrick. Washington’s interim head coach Bill Callahan isn’t yet willing to name a Week 6 starter, but did rule out 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins from getting the nod.
For the sake of the 2020 draft, last means first for these two. We’ll see who can out-stink the other on Sunday. The Skins have scored a total of 10 points the last two weeks and are still favored to win on the road in Miami.
Insiders predict: Washington Redskins
- Favored to win: Washington Redskins
- Spread: -3.5
- Odds: -180
- Washington Redskins team stats:
- Offense: 281.0 yards per game (#28 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 212.2 ypg (#26)
--- Rushing offense: 68.8 ypg (#27)
- Defense: 407.8 yards per game (#28.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 263.8 ypg (#23)
--- Rushing defense: 144.0 ypg (#28)
- Miami Dolphins team stats:
- Offense: 225.0 yards per game (#31 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 173.2 ypg (#31)
--- Rushing offense: 51.8 ypg (#32)
- Defense: 472.0 yards per game (#32.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 296.2 ypg (#31)
--- Rushing defense: 175.8 ypg (#32)
Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) @ Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. EST
It’s been up and down for both the Eagles and the Vikings this season. After starting the season with a victory, then falling to 1-2, Philly went into Green Bay and beat one of the best teams in the NFC, then built on that with a defensive performance against the Jets that included 10 sacks and two defensive touchdowns. The Vikings have alternated wins and losses each week—most recently dismissing the Giants 28-10 in New York.
Different paths, but both teams sit at 3-2 and attempt to keep pace in their respective divisions with a Week 6 victory. Both teams obtained Week 5 wins against lackluster opponents—this week will clearly serve as a tougher test. The key to this contest could very well come down to one team’s strength being stronger than the other’s. The Vikings have the #3 rushing offense, fueled by running back Dalvin Cook, who trails only Christian McCaffrey in rushing yards per game, while the Eagles have the #1 rushing defense, relinquishing only 63 yards per game. Something has to give in Minneapolis.
This Week 6 matchup should help set an early stage in the NFC, as both these teams are expected to be in contention down the stretch.
Insiders predict: Minnesota Vikings
- Favored to win: Minnesota Vikings
- Spread: -3
- Odds: -150
- Philadelphia Eagles team stats:
- Offense: 339.2 yards per game (#24 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 227.4 ypg (#21)
--- Rushing offense: 111.8 ypg (#18)
- Defense: 334.2 yards per game (#10.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 271.2 ypg (#27)
--- Rushing defense: 63.0 ypg (#1)
- Minnesota Vikings team stats:
- Offense: 357.4 yards per game (#18 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 191.0 ypg (#29)
--- Rushing offense: 166.4 ypg (#3)
- Defense: 292.4 yards per game (#4.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 204.2 ypg (#6)
--- Rushing defense: 88.2 ypg (#9)
New Orleans Saints (4-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. EST
When Drew Brees suffered a thumb injury Week 2 that would require surgery, the question was whether or not Teddy Bridgewater could do enough to keep the New Orleans Saints afloat for essentially half the season as QB1. His four-touchdown performance in the Saints’ 31-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers proves that he can do more than simply keep them afloat. Bridgewater is undefeated as a starter in 2019 and has led New Orleans to three-straight victories; the Saints currently sit firmly atop the NFC South. Standout receiver Michael Thomas, who is off to another stellar start after his All Pro campaign in 2018, had 182 yards and two touchdowns Week 5.
On the other side of this matchup the Jaguars are relying on a backup quarterback to keep hopes alive this season, but much like Bridgewater, Gardner Minshew has better than the Jacksonville could have anticipated. Minshew continues to put up impressive numbers, though his 374 yards and two touchdowns last week weren’t enough to elevate the Jags over the Panthers as they fell 34-27.
Despite their losing record, the Jaguars are very much in the AFC South mix—first place and last place are only separated by one game. But a loss could mean Jacksonville sitting alone in last place, making this an especially important game for the Jags. Defensive back Jalen Ramsey, who has been vocal in his request for a trade, has sat out the last two games with a back injury.
Insiders predict: Jacksonville Jaguars
- Favored to win: Jacksonville Jaguars
- Spread: -1
- Odds: -120
- New Orleans Saints team stats:
- Offense: 348.4 yards per game (#20 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 244.0 ypg (#16)
--- Rushing offense: 104.4 ypg (#20)
- Defense: 363.4 yards per game (#19 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 255.0 ypg (#19)
--- Rushing defense: 108.4 ypg (#16)
- Jacksonville Jaguars team stats:
- Offense: 392.6 yards per game (#6 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 254.6 ypg (#10)
--- Rushing offense: 138.0 ypg (#8)
- Defense: 382.0 yards per game (#24.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 245.4 ypg (#18)
--- Rushing defense: 136.6 ypg (#25)
Cincinnati Bengals (0-5) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 1 p.m. EST
There has been very little for the Bengals to feel good about this season but a home loss to the lowly Cardinals still seemed like a low point for them this season. Both the Ravens and Browns don’t appear to be running away with the AFC North anytime soon, but the concern in Cincinnati will likely soon shift from the division standings to draft positioning considering the awful start to the season.
The Bengals have the third-worst point differential this year at -56. Only Miami and Washington are worse. A.J. Green being out since training camp certainly isn’t helping—and he has been confirmed as out again this week—but the problems appear to run deeper than just an injured wideout.
The Ravens narrowly avoided a defeat of their own, edging the Steelers 26-23 in overtime thanks to a game-winning field goal from Justin Tucker. They lost safety Tony Jefferson for the remainder of the season after he suffered an ACL injury in Sunday’s victory. That hurts a defense that has been much maligned this season, as Jefferson was responsible for calling the plays as a defensive captain on the field.
While Baltimore’s defense is a far cry from what it once was, and quarterback Lamar Jackson has had his ups and downs so far this season, it has been all downs for the Bengals throughout 2019 and it’s no surprise that they find themselves as massive road underdogs in this AFC North affair.
Insiders predict: Baltimore Ravens
- Favored to win: Baltimore Ravens
- Spread: -11.5
- Odds: -600
- Cincinnati Bengals team stats:
- Offense: 319.2 yards per game (#26 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 258.0 ypg (#9)
--- Rushing offense: 61.2 ypg (#31)
- Defense: 411.8 yards per game (#31.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 244.2 ypg (#17)
--- Rushing defense: 167.6 ypg (#31)
- Baltimore Ravens team stats:
- Offense: 441.4 yards per game (#3 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 249.2 ypg (#13)
--- Rushing offense: 192.2 ypg (#2)
- Defense: 370.2 yards per game (#21 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 280.0 ypg (#29)
--- Rushing defense: 90.2 ypg (#10)
San Francisco 49ers (4-0) @ Los Angeles Rams (3-2)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 4:05 p.m. EST
The only team other than the Patriots that remains undefeated so far this season is quarterbacked by the former New England backup that Tom Brady wanted out of town. Jimmy Garoppolo and the 49ers stayed perfect after an impressive 31-3 thrashing of the Browns on Monday night. While Garoppolo finally being healthy has contributed to the impressive start to the season, it’s the San Francisco running game that has made the difference so far this season.
They lead the league with 200 rushing yards per game and the attack features a number of options with Matt Breida, Raheem Mostert, and Tevin Coleman. They will miss fullback Kyle Juszczyk for an extended time, which could have an impact on the next few weeks of the season as they are left without anyone on the roster to take on the fullback role. Juszczyk suffered a left knee injury and is expected to miss four to six weeks of action.
As for the Rams, they have finally shown some vulnerability, losing two straight games including a heartbreaker on Thursday night which saw kicker Greg Zuerlein miss a 44-yard field goal with 11 seconds left to lose 30-29 to the Seahawks. Though the Rams had a chance to win in the end, there is still cause for concern with their defense, which was torn apart a week prior by Jameis Winston at home and followed that up by allowing Russell Wilson to throw four touchdowns.
The NFC West is proving to be an extremely competitive division, and for the Rams to avoid falling in what would feel like a significant hole, they have to right the ship and hand San Francisco its first loss of the season. If they don’t, they’ll be looking up at both the Seahawks and 49ers in the division standings, with losses to each of them to factor into any potential tie-breaking scenarios early on.
Insiders predict: Los Angeles Rams
- Favored to win: Los Angeles Rams
- Spread: -3.5
- Odds: -185
- San Francisco 49ers team stats:
- Offense: 427.2 yards per game (#4 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 227.2 ypg (#22)
--- Rushing offense: 200.0 ypg (#1)
- Defense: 257.5 yards per game (#2.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 175.8 ypg (#2)
--- Rushing defense: 81.8 ypg (#5)
- Los Angeles Rams team stats:
- Offense: 413.6 yards per game (#5 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 317.4 ypg (#2)
--- Rushing offense: 96.2 ypg (#22)
- Defense: 350.0 yards per game (#13 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 243.2 ypg (#16)
--- Rushing defense: 106.8 ypg (#15)
Atlanta Falcons (1-4) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-3-1)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 4:05 p.m. EST
Oh, how far the Falcons have fallen. The Atlanta defense has absolutely no answer for Deshaun Watson and the Texans offense last Sunday, allowing Watson to toss for 426 yards and five touchdowns, while the team also racked up 166 yards on the ground in a convincing 53-32 win.
Atlanta has now lost three games in a row and is 0-3 on the road this season so the fact that they are a road favorite says a lot about the way oddsmakers feel about the Cardinals.
Arizona got into the win column in Week 5 and did so with a 26-23 road victory. The fact that it came against the winless Bengals is what keeps it from being something that anyone would put much stock in. Running back David Johnson is still dealing with a lingering back issue and will be monitored throughout the week, though he is expected to play.
It was rookie quarterback Kyler Murray who did the most damage on the ground for the Cardinals in their win, though. He tallied 93 rushing yards to Johnson’s 91 last Sunday and given the way the Falcons defense has performed this season, he should have plenty of opportunities to be effective again both with his feet and his arm.
The Falcons are 1-4 against the spread, the same as their record this season. This battle of bottom feeders in the NFC is all but a toss-up.
Insiders predict: Atlanta Falcons
- Favored to win: Atlanta Falcons
- Spread: -2.5
- Odds: -140
- Atlanta Falcons team stats:
- Offense: 380.8 yards per game (#10 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 313.2 ypg (#3)
--- Rushing offense: 67.6 ypg (#28)
- Defense: 378.2 yards per game (#23.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 257.4 ypg (#20)
--- Rushing defense: 120.8 ypg (#19)
- Arizona Cardinals team stats:
- Offense: 363.8 yards per game (#16 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 237.0 ypg (#17)
--- Rushing offense: 126.8 ypg (#11)
- Defense: 408.0 yards per game (#29 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 269.2 ypg (#24)
--- Rushing defense: 138.8 ypg (#27)
Tennessee Titans (2-3) @ Denver Broncos (1-4)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 4:25 p.m. EST
Denver finally got in the win column by beating the Chargers 20-13 on Sunday. Running back Phillip Lindsay rushed for 114 yards and a touchdown, helping the offense do just enough to get by despite a somewhat inconspicuous performance from Joe Flacco.
The early season struggles of being able to get to the passer resurfaced a bit, as they failed to sack Philip Rivers in the game despite his 48 pass attempts. Still, they tallied two interceptions and Rivers finished with a 58.6 QB rating so clearly, sacks aren’t everything in terms of defensive production.
The Titans were handed their third loss of the year when they failed to muster much of anything against a stingy Bills defense Sunday in Tennessee. Derrick Henry’s 1-yard touchdown run in the third quarter was their only score of the game and they eventually lost 14-7 to a now 4-1 Bills team that seems to be destined to make the AFC East interesting this season.
Of course, kicker Cairo Santos missing four field goals played a major role in their inability to score, and he has since been let go as a result of the disappointing effort on Sunday.
Where the Broncos can’t seem to get home when rushing the passer, the Titans have shown that they have no problem in that department. They are fifth in the NFL in total sacks this season with 17, and will hope to continue to add to that total when getting after a mostly immobile Joe Flacco.
Though the Broncos are home, the Titans have looked better on the road this season, picking up both of their wins away from Tennessee. It’s a game where both teams may try to control the clock and dominate possession with the rushing attack, and it certainly wouldn’t be too great an upset if the Titans came away with a third road win of the year.
Insiders predict: Denver Broncos
- Favored to win: Denver Broncos
- Spread: -2.5
- Odds: -140
- Tennessee Titans team stats:
- Offense: 307.8 yards per game (#27 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 192.2 ypg (#28)
--- Rushing offense: 115.6 ypg (#16)
- Defense: 332.2 yards per game (#9 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 227.4 ypg (#10)
--- Rushing defense: 104.8 ypg (#14)
- Denver Broncos team stats:
- Offense: 349.4 yards per game (#19 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 230.8 ypg (#19)
--- Rushing offense: 118.6 ypg (#14)
- Defense: 328.6 yards per game (#7 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 202.2 ypg (#5)
--- Rushing defense: 126.4 ypg (#22)
Dallas Cowboys (3-2) @ New York Jets (0-4)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 4:25 p.m. EST
Given the way the 2019 season has unfolded for the Jets thus far, being a single-digit underdog is something that they should probably feel good about. But given the fact that the New York defense has shown that they can slow down some respectable offenses, perhaps they can flirt with a one-score game this week against a Cowboys team coming off of a disappointing home loss to the Packers.
The Jets have allowed just 3.4 yards per carry this season, which is fifth best in the NFL. There’s reason to believe that they may have what it takes to slow Ezekiel Elliott down, which would be necessary for them to compete. They also held Carson Wentz to under 200 yards last week (189).
The challenge of stopping Dak Prescott is a bit greater, however. Prescott threw for over 450 yards last week in a losing effort, and though he did throw three interceptions, that came against a fierce Packers pass rush that had the benefit of pinning its ears back and attacking for a good portion of the game after building up an early three-score lead.
Dallas should absolutely take care of business this week. But the fact that the Jets offense with Sam Darnold in it is still a bit of a mystery and their defense has shown the ability to be productive, the game may stay more competitive than many other Jets games have so far this season.
Insiders predict: Dallas Cowboys
- Favored to win: Dallas Cowboys
- Spread: -7
- Odds: -350
- Dallas Cowboys team stats:
- Offense: 452.8 yards per game (#1 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 312.0 ypg (#4)
--- Rushing offense: 140.8 ypg (#6)
- Defense: 321.8 yards per game (#6 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 220.4 ypg (#9)
--- Rushing defense: 101.4 ypg (#13)
- New York Jets team stats:
- Offense: 179.5 yards per game (#32 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 113.5 ypg (#32)
--- Rushing offense: 66.0 ypg (#30)
- Defense: 347.8 yards per game (#12 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 260.2 ypg (#21)
--- Rushing defense: 87.5 ypg (#7)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-4) @ Los Angeles Chargers (2-3)
- Gametime: Sunday, Oct. 13, 8:20 p.m. EST
A home loss to the Ravens is always a bit deflating for the Steelers, but the fact that it came in overtime and sank them to 1-4 on the season made it even harder to stomach. Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker converted a 46-yard field goal in overtime that looked like it was going to go wide-left before a miraculous gust of wind took it just inside the upright, just in time.
Speaking of hard to stomach, the concussion that was suffered by Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, which left him motionless on the turf for a period of time on Sunday, means that Pittsburgh will turn to its third option under center this week in undrafted rookie Devlin Hodges.
The Chargers aren’t exactly in much better spirits, particularly head coach Anthony Lynn who began his post-game press conference following their 20-13 loss to the Broncos by apologizing to the media for having to had watched that disappointing performance.
While Denver didn’t look so convincing in beating the Chargers, 246 yards of offense for Los Angeles and two interceptions with no touchdowns for Philip Rivers was certainly a performance that left a lot to be desired.
While all hope is not lost for either of these teams, this is a game that will mean a great deal to both teams as they try to climb back into contention as the halfway mark of the season quickly approaches.
Given the fact that the Steelers will be starting an inexperienced quarterback on the road, the Chargers being favored by less than a full touchdown feels like it could certainly be a great value on paper.
Insiders predict: Los Angeles Chargers
- Favored to win: Los Angeles Chargers
- Spread: -7
- Odds: -300
- Pittsburgh Steelers team stats:
- Offense: 280.6 yards per game (#29 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 213.6 ypg (#25)
--- Rushing offense: 67.0 ypg (#29)
- Defense: 355.6 yards per game (#16 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 229.8 ypg (#12)
--- Rushing defense: 125.8 ypg (#21)
- Los Angeles Chargers team stats:
- Offense: 372.2 yards per game (#13 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 282.4 ypg (#5)
--- Rushing offense: 89.8 ypg (#24)
- Defense: 334.8 yards per game (#11.0 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 215.0 ypg (#8)
--- Rushing defense: 119.8 ypg (#18)
Detroit Lions (2-1-1) @ Green Bay Packers (4-1)
- Gametime: Monday, Oct. 14, 8:15 p.m. EST
Though the Packers surrendered 563 yards to the Cowboys on Sunday—and were out-gained by 228 yards—it is hard not to feel great about the way their defense played in what felt like a dominant performance for at least a half. Green Bay’s opportunistic defense produced three takeaways and a meticulous Aaron Rodgers helped the offense not turn the ball over which was, ultimately, the difference. That, and four touchdowns from running back Aaron Jones, who stole the spotlight from Dallas’ Ezekiel Elliott.
Now, the 4-1 Packers go back home for two straight weeks and welcome the Lions to Lambeau Field for their Week 6 showdown. Detroit is fresh off of a bye week and has been competitive in every game this season, tying the Cardinals in Week 1 and losing to the Chiefs by only four points.
The Lions offense has been putting up big numbers in the early portion of 2019, ranking eighth in the league with 387.5 yards per game. The Packers offense has failed to produce such prolific yardage totals, but they have been the best in the league in one department: starting fast.
Green Bay has a +39 first-quarter point differential, which is tied with the unbeaten Patriots for the best in the league. If they start fast once again and make the Detroit offense more one dimensional, than their defense may have more opportunities to continue to add to its impressive takeaway total (11) and help them improve to 5-1 while covering the spread.
Insiders predict: Green Bay Packers
- Favored to win: Green Bay Packers
- Spread: -4.5
- Odds: -220
- Detroit Lions team stats:
- Offense: 387.5 yards per game (#8 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 267.0 ypg (#7)
--- Rushing offense: 120.5 ypg (#13)
- Defense: 405.5 yards per game (#27 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 280.8 ypg (#30)
--- Rushing defense: 124.8 ypg (#20)
- Green Bay Packers team stats:
- Offense: 337.2 yards per game (#25 in the league)
--- Passing offense: 244.2 ypg (#15)
--- Rushing offense: 93.0 ypg (#23)
- Defense: 376.8 yards per game (#22 in the league)
--- Passing defense: 238.6 ypg (#14)
--- Rushing defense: 138.2 ypg (#26)
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