WEEK 6 PREVIEW!

NFL Week 6 Preview

Having beaten their cross-state rivals the Eagles, Pittsburgh takes on AFC foe Tennessee without the often-injured Troy Polamalu. The All-Pro safety reinjured a calf muscle and is listed as questionable. Regardless, they should have little problem with the Titans who are struggling at 1-4.

The NFC’s lone remaining unbeaten team, the Falcons host Oakland this Sunday and should be at 6-0 at game’s conclusion. QB Matt Ryan continues to pick apart opposing defenses, while Atlanta’s own defense, though prone to over-aggressiveness, stiffens when needed. The Raiders (1-3) are coming in off of their bye week.

About the Author: Don Phan is a full time marketing analyst with Fanatics Inc. His company sells licensed sports merchandise and runs several brands including Pro Sports Memorabilia. Be sure to visit their NFL memorabilia shop for the latest in signed NFL merchandise.

Despite giving Baltimore all they could handle, the 1-4 Chiefs fell short once again, and now go up against 1-3 Tampa Bay on the road without QB Matt Cassell. Two very unpredictable teams, KC relies on Jamaal Charles for the bulk of their offense, while the Bucs offense is very much a work-in-progress. If Tampa can find some success on the ground, they could wind up at 2-3 at day’s end.

Riding high after a big comeback win over Green Bay, Andrew Luck and the Colts (2-2) invade the Meadowlands to take on the stumbling Jets. Luck has definitely shown that all the hype surrounding him is legit, while Rex Ryan’s Jets (2-3) are still woefully inconsistent and offensively inept. The Sanchez-Tebow shuffling isn’t turning out like Ryan planned, and the boobirds are more than ready for a change.

The Battle for Ohio takes place this Sunday in Cleveland, and as with most in-state rivalries, the won-loss records can be thrown out. The Browns threw a scare into the Giants before collapsing in the second half, while Cincinnati’s offense sputtered versus Miami, losing a close one. The Browns come in with an 11-game losing streak.

Two more struggling NFC teams square off in Philadelphia, with the 1-3 Detroit Lions hoping the bye week will serve as inspiration to get healthy and back on track. Michael Vick’s turnover woes continue, while his talented Eagles (3-2) teammates are redefining the term “under-achievers.” This game is critical for both teams if they have aspirations for the postseason.

These two teams are maddeningly inconsistent, capable of competing with any team but just as likely to mail it in. St. Louis’ Sam Bradford is having a bounceback season, while the Dolphins’ Ryan Tannehill appears to be settling in as Miami’s long sought-after answer at QB. Look for a thoroughly entertaining contest in South Florida.

The Cowboys hope a week off will provide impetus for success, but they may be catching the 4-1 Ravens at a bad time following a lackluster victory over Kansas City. Another loss by Dallas (2-2) may start a chain reaction that Cowboy fans are all too familiar with. Expect Joe Flacco, Torrey Smith and Anquan Boldin to thoroughly test Dallas’ opportunistic secondary.

Still waiting for their defense to live up to the offseason hype, Buffalo travels to the desert to face the Cardinals, who suffered their first loss last Thursday. All signs point to a runaway for Arizona, but they have to develop some semblance of a ground game at some point. Losing Ryan Williams (shoulder) won’t help. This Sunday might provide the perfect opportunity for LaRod Stephens-Howling to establish himself as Arizona’s featured back.

Rounding into their usual dominating self, the Pats travel cross-country to take on Seattle, which hangs their collective hat on a smothering defense and Marshawn Lynch. Brady might have to mix it up more than normal, but New England should still prevail, although Russell Wilson will severely test the Patriots’ containment skills.

The up-and-down Giants will have to imitate more of the former against the 49ers defense. In a matchup between two of the NFC’s best, special teams play could be the difference. Randy Moss still hasn’t shown he’s fully returned, but injuries in the Giants secondary may provide him with an opportunity.

The surprising Vikings face the still-developing Redskins and the beat-up RGIII. Minnesota will have to guard against over-confidence and hope Christian Ponder continues to display remarkable poise and smarts. Washington’s rookie Alfred Morris continues to shine as the ‘Skins featured running back.

Before the Packers blew a 21-3 halftime lead over Indianapolis, many predicted this matchup to be a preview of the 2013 Super Bowl. That chatter has died down but Texans-Packers still has a nice ring to it. If the J.J. Watts-led Houston pass rush performs as usual, Aaron Rodgers better have his track shoes ready. Cedric Benson’s latest injury is a blow to Green Bay’s offensive balance, which is necessary against the undefeated (5-0) Texans.

These two long-time AFC West rivals are still trying to find an identity, but rest assured that San Diego-Denver matchups are almost always very entertaining. With Manning and Rivers at the controls, points should be scored in bunches. Neither team can afford many more tough losses.

About the Author: Don Phan is a full time marketing analyst with Fanatics Inc. His company sells licensed sports merchandise and runs several brands including Pro Sports Memorabilia. Be sure to visit their NFL memorabilia shop for the latest in signed NFL merchandise.