NFL Week 6 - Sunday Preview Part 1

Los Angeles Rams (3-2) @ Detroit Lions (2-3) - Ford Field

Detroit go in search of rare back-to-back victories when they take on the Rams at Ford Field on Sunday. The Lions caused a major boilover last week in upsetting the previously unbeaten Eagles 24-23 in the same building. The Lions offense managed just 45 second half yards last week, but Matts Stafford's 3 first half touchdowns were enough to preserve a season saving win. After a surprising 3-game winning streak, the Rams were brought back down to earth with a thud losing 30-19 at home to Buffalo. While quarterback Case Keenum threw for a season high 279 yards, he also threw two crucial interceptions including a pick six.

Verdict - Lions 28 Rams 13

I really like the Lions here. I think the Lions are a decent football team at home, at least better than I expected coming into the season. The Rams are about to hit the wall I think and I see them struggling to produce enough offense to go with the Lions here. 

Cleveland Browns (0-5) @ Tennessee Titans (2-3) - Nissan Stadium

The winless Browns head to Tennessee to take on the Titans at Nissan Stadium on Sunday. Not much was expected from the Browns heading into the season, however they have been competitive given their disastrous run of injuries at quarterback. Remarkably the Browns have played five different men at quarterback in five games. The Titans kick started their stuttering season last week claiming 6 sacks of Ryan Tannehill in their 30-17 win over the Dolphins in Miami. 

Verdict - Titans 23 Browns 16

I feel for Cleveland as they are competing hard and probably deserve to have a win or two on the board. However this is a must win for the Titans who, like the Jaguars, are well and truly alive in a weak AFC South. I expect this game to be close and relatively low scoring, but the Titans to prevail and get to 3-3. 

Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) @ Miami Dolphins (1-4) - New Miami Stadium

The Dolphins' season is in free fall after 3 straight losses and things don't appear to be getting any easier when they welcome in the Steelers to Miami on Sunday. Miami have a host of injuries and are really struggling to get the performances they wanted out of starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Steelers have rebounded in stellar fashion since their shocker in Philadelphia with convincing home wins over the Chiefs and Jets. With Ben who already has 1500 yards of passing and 15 touchdowns to only 4 interceptions, the Steelers high powered offence looks to blow away another beat up opponent.

Verdict - Steelers 33 Dolphins 17

The Steelers are not the look on the road that they are at home, however they have far too many weapons for Miami. Nothing positive seems to be happening around the Dolphins at the moment and they look on track for a double digit losing season.

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) @ New England Patriots (4-1) - Gillette Stadium

The Bengals will be licking their wounds heading into another tough road game against the Patriots after being comprehensively beaten 28-14 in Dallas. The Bengals can ill afford to drop to 2-4 in a tough division and need far better play up front if they are to compete with the big guns. The Patriots welcomed back Tom Brady last week who unsurprisingly stepped in seamlessly throwing for 3 touchdowns and over 400 yards in the 33-13 victory over the Browns. 

Verdict - Patriots 34 Bengals 20

Brady's first game back at home in front of a fired up home crowd might be a nightmare waiting to happen for the Bengals. I expect Brady to again put up big numbers against a Bengals' defence that does not look as strong as anticipated. I expect the Bengals to be better than they were in Dallas, however they will fall to 2-4 and with a huge mountain to climb to get back into playoff contention. 

Carolina Panthers (1-4) @ New Orleans Saints (1-3) - Superdome

Cam Newton returns for a desperate Panthers' side as they take on the Saints at the Superdome on Sunday. The defending NFC Champions have stunningly slumped to 1-4 after a gut wrenching 17-14 loss to the Bucs minus Newton at home last week. With the Saints' defence coughing up over 32 points per game, this might be an ideal time for Newton to return. The Saints are coming off a bye after their first win of the season in a wild 35-34 victory over the Chargers. 

Verdict - Panthers 34 Saints 31

I see this being another shootout in the Superdome. The Saints can't stop anyone and Drew Brees is still close to elite especially at home. Essentially I just can't see the Panthers dropping to 1-5 which would pretty much mean their season is over. Despite this being close and end to end, I see the Panthers finding a way to pull it off. 

Baltimore Ravens (3-2) @ New York Giants (2-3) MetLife Stadium

The Giants and Ravens will be looking to end alarming losing streaks as they clash at MetLife Stadium in New York on Sunday. The Giants are reeling having dropped three straight games in particularly ugly fashion. The Ravens fired Offensive Coordinator Marc Tressman in the wake of back-to-back home losses to the Raiders and Redskins. The Ravens running game has really struggled this year forcing Joe Flacco to throw the most passes in the NFL. The Giants' offense was ugly last week in their 23-16 loss to the Packers. Eli Manning threw an interception and lost a fumble as the Giants struggled to get anything going until late in the game. 

Verdict - Giants 19 Ravens 13

Just when you think the Giants are down and out, they seem to find a way to win a game and I think they can just about get one here at home. The Ravens' first 3 wins were not convincing and that form has been shown up recently. The Giants can ill afford another loss with the Cowboys and Eagles setting a surprisingly hot pace in the NFC East.