Week 6 Preview and Predictions - By Kyle Balfour
Nothing like the complete and total implosion of your team to suck out a lot of enthusiasm for this week in football. Exclude witnessing the destruction of the Giants season before my very eyes, this week was actually pretty good. Some good demonstrations of offensive capabilities, total blowouts and many the occasional upset. Let us begin as we delve into the incoming Week 6 of the NFL.
Bye Week shout-outs to the Bills, Bengals, Cowboys, and the Seahawks. Enjoy your week of rest.
Ladies and gentlemen, your Betting Bastard of the Week in none other than the totally demoted Pittsburgh Steelers. Seriously! What was that?! There's playing down to your competition, and then there's this. It's like the Steelers did their best impression of their opinion on the Jaguars. 5 interceptions, 2 of them returned for touchdowns; a complete lack of a running game, and despite being better in the air most of the game, it led you nowhere - save for some pitiful field goals to get yourself a semblance of a score. That was bad, and now you have to go to Kansas City to try and take down the undefeated titan that is the Chiefs. Good luck with that.
Panthers vs Eagles - Panthers
So the Panthers returned to form last week with a good win over the Lions (aside from some sneaky 4th quarter magic by Matt Stafford, sadly he ran out of magic points before they could win), and are set to defend over a very hot Philadelphia Eagles. Now I think many will take the Eagles on this, but call it NFC East Bias (it probably is...), I smell an upset. If Cam Newton can continue to stop making sexist comments, and maintain a solid throwing game, whilst utilising Christian McCaffrey for a strong ground game, I think the Panthers can pull it off. It's a tough game, and sure to certainly be a good one, but 'mon the upset!
Ravens vs Bears - Ravens
So the Ravens looked really good against the Carr-less Raiders, so hopefully they can continue this momentum against a struggling Bears squad. Their now returned to form defence should be able to keep Mitch Trubisky contained, leaving the Bears with little options. Then again, the Ravens can always do the unspeakable and break down at the worst possible moment...
Vikings vs Packers - Packers
The score last week between the Bears and Vikings was 2 to fucking 3 at the half time. 2-3! I've seen Scottish football scores higher than that! I've seen hockey games with bigger numbers! The Vikings are starting to appear off track, despite being currently 3-2. Better hope that Case Keenum pans out in time for the return of Teddy Bridgewater hopefully in Week 7, because living sugar glass experiment Sam Bradford seems to be declining rapidly. With all of that in mind, I just can't see them beating the Packers, plain and simple.
Redskins vs 49ers - Redskins
The Redskins are struggling a little bit, but I think that they can make off with a good win over the Niners. The Niners still have a lot of mountains to climb to return them to their former selves of even a few years ago. If anything, this game should prove as a good showcase for Kirk Cousins come free agency should he decide to flee.
Saints vs Lions - Lions
This game could get interesting. The Saints are always a blast to watch on aerial offence due to the majesty that is Drew Brees, and even when guys like Coby Fleener can increase their catch percentage with him, anything is possible. However, there is always the looming trickery of the 4th quarter comeback, practised and perfected by the Loki of the NFL: Matthew Stafford. It should be a good game, and as usual, I predict that Stafford will have a few tricks up his sleeve as the final 15 minutes roll around.
Falcons vs Dolphins - Falcons
This should be a cakewalk. The Dolphins have looked completely lost this season, as any team under the command of Jay Cutler should, and with their now former offensive coordinator being shown taking the term 'blowhole' to new heights, it reflects badly upon the team. The Falcons are still elite offensively speaking, so long as they also don't 'blow' it (the game, that is, not the Scarface powder).
Texans vs Browns - Texans
So the Texans have begun showing some consistency, putting up decent fights against the likes of the Patriots and the Chiefs, and absolutely hulk-smashing their way through the Titans, J.J. Watt becomes injured...again. It's not a gigantic loss, but he's still a vital piece of their defence. Regardless, it's the fucking Browns. Implying they will have any offence to give in this game is hilarious. The Texans should dispatch the Browns rather quickly.
Jets vs Patriots - Patriots
Well, here it is! The first of the bi-annual tea-bagging for the Jets at the hands of the Patriots. Even though both of these teams sit at 3-2, as this week will settle the current power struggle for first place in the AFC East, and by the way, what a fucking statement that is when the J-E-T-S jets are on equal wins as the Patriots just past the quarter mark of the season. Not a massive accomplishment, but still pretty chuckle worthy. In any case, head-to-head, I'd almost say these teams are incomparable. Yes, the Jets are 3-2, but 2 of those wins were the result of complete slog fests against 2 lower tier teams in the NFL. Even if the Pats defence collapses once more, Tom Brady should be able to steer the ship.
Cardinals vs Buccaneers - Buccaneers
So the Cardinals panic traded and brought in the washed up Adrian Petterson, after such the impact he already made down in New Orleans...I know you're trying to find a suitable replacement for David Johnson, but this is not it. Petterson will be given more chances, at least, but I can't see him making any more of a difference than Chris Johnson already did...
I'll take the Bucs for this one. Provided that their new kicker Pat Murray doesn't follow any recent trends by former players...
Jaguars vs Rams - Rams
Are the Jags good this season? Are the Rams legitimate this season? Hopefully this game can help answer both questions. While the Jags are still horrible aerial speaking, they've found success in a stable running game thanks to Leonard Fournette. Meanwhile on the Rams side, Jared Goff finally resembles a decent quarterback, even if he did under-perform last week. He still looks stable this season, so hopefully he can maintain this level of play. If not, there's always the Rams answer to Fournette - Todd Gurley. Dude's been an absolute fantasy football goldmine. Since I think Goff is a better quarterback than Blake Bortles (is it safe to say that the Bortles experiment can now be considered a failure?), I'm going to edge the Rams out ever so slightly in this matchup. Both have decent defence, and a strong running game. So essentially it's a waiting game to see who's quarterback prolapses first.
Raiders vs Chargers - Raiders
I think it's now fair to say that the Oakland Raiders live and die by Derek Carr. He is set to return, so I think the Raiders will outmatch the Chargers offensively, provided the Raiders can keep up on the defence.
Chiefs vs Steelers - Chiefs
So after a total embarrassment from the Jaguars, the Steelers must follow up with a trip to Kansas City to face the sole undefeated Chiefs. Performance wise this season so far, the Steelers have just been all over the place. Blowing out both the Vikings and the Ravens, while also being blown out themselves by the Jaguars, allowing the Browns to keep it way to close to be considered a good win, and conceding to the freaking Bears in overtime: inconsistency defined right here. Based on that, I just don't see it happening. Even if Big Ben still shows he has something left to give, even if LeVeon Bell has the game of his life, it's not stopping the Chiefs. They are on as sharp a game as their logo, and unless the Steelers can mount something against them, I see this game not only being a win for the Chiefs, but a blowout for the Steelers.
Broncos vs Giants - Broncos
I have summed up the majority of how I feel about the Giants, and by extension how I think they'll perform in this game over here:
https://goforitonfourth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/dear-new-york-giants-season-is-over.html
Go read that if you haven't already, it's not that long. Adding to Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie being suspended for up to 4 games, it's just salt in a carcass at this point.
The Broncos will win. The End.
Titans vs Colts - Colts
So Marcus Mariota hopes himself that he can return in time for the Monday game against the Colts. Whether that is wise remains up to medical staff. Meanwhile, the Colts are doing the right thing and not rushing Andrew Luck's glorious return. The last thing either of these teams want is to rush their star quarterbacks from injury too soon, so as to not exacerbate their issues. I am sadly torn about this match up. Both have the potential, and are now both painted as underdogs. Eh, I'll go with my fellow brother in blue and activate a Bold Pick of the Week and choose the Colts!
So there is your Week 6 preview. Hope you enjoyed it, and let's see how gloriously wrong I shall be, and eat my own words as I once again will be taking over review duties on Tuesday. So look forward to that.
Thanks for reading!
Go...Colts? *sigh*
Nothing like the complete and total implosion of your team to suck out a lot of enthusiasm for this week in football. Exclude witnessing the destruction of the Giants season before my very eyes, this week was actually pretty good. Some good demonstrations of offensive capabilities, total blowouts and many the occasional upset. Let us begin as we delve into the incoming Week 6 of the NFL.
Bye Week shout-outs to the Bills, Bengals, Cowboys, and the Seahawks. Enjoy your week of rest.
Ladies and gentlemen, your Betting Bastard of the Week in none other than the totally demoted Pittsburgh Steelers. Seriously! What was that?! There's playing down to your competition, and then there's this. It's like the Steelers did their best impression of their opinion on the Jaguars. 5 interceptions, 2 of them returned for touchdowns; a complete lack of a running game, and despite being better in the air most of the game, it led you nowhere - save for some pitiful field goals to get yourself a semblance of a score. That was bad, and now you have to go to Kansas City to try and take down the undefeated titan that is the Chiefs. Good luck with that.
Panthers vs Eagles - Panthers
So the Panthers returned to form last week with a good win over the Lions (aside from some sneaky 4th quarter magic by Matt Stafford, sadly he ran out of magic points before they could win), and are set to defend over a very hot Philadelphia Eagles. Now I think many will take the Eagles on this, but call it NFC East Bias (it probably is...), I smell an upset. If Cam Newton can continue to stop making sexist comments, and maintain a solid throwing game, whilst utilising Christian McCaffrey for a strong ground game, I think the Panthers can pull it off. It's a tough game, and sure to certainly be a good one, but 'mon the upset!
Ravens vs Bears - Ravens
So the Ravens looked really good against the Carr-less Raiders, so hopefully they can continue this momentum against a struggling Bears squad. Their now returned to form defence should be able to keep Mitch Trubisky contained, leaving the Bears with little options. Then again, the Ravens can always do the unspeakable and break down at the worst possible moment...
Vikings vs Packers - Packers
The score last week between the Bears and Vikings was 2 to fucking 3 at the half time. 2-3! I've seen Scottish football scores higher than that! I've seen hockey games with bigger numbers! The Vikings are starting to appear off track, despite being currently 3-2. Better hope that Case Keenum pans out in time for the return of Teddy Bridgewater hopefully in Week 7, because living sugar glass experiment Sam Bradford seems to be declining rapidly. With all of that in mind, I just can't see them beating the Packers, plain and simple.
Redskins vs 49ers - Redskins
The Redskins are struggling a little bit, but I think that they can make off with a good win over the Niners. The Niners still have a lot of mountains to climb to return them to their former selves of even a few years ago. If anything, this game should prove as a good showcase for Kirk Cousins come free agency should he decide to flee.
Saints vs Lions - Lions
This game could get interesting. The Saints are always a blast to watch on aerial offence due to the majesty that is Drew Brees, and even when guys like Coby Fleener can increase their catch percentage with him, anything is possible. However, there is always the looming trickery of the 4th quarter comeback, practised and perfected by the Loki of the NFL: Matthew Stafford. It should be a good game, and as usual, I predict that Stafford will have a few tricks up his sleeve as the final 15 minutes roll around.
Falcons vs Dolphins - Falcons
This should be a cakewalk. The Dolphins have looked completely lost this season, as any team under the command of Jay Cutler should, and with their now former offensive coordinator being shown taking the term 'blowhole' to new heights, it reflects badly upon the team. The Falcons are still elite offensively speaking, so long as they also don't 'blow' it (the game, that is, not the Scarface powder).
Texans vs Browns - Texans
So the Texans have begun showing some consistency, putting up decent fights against the likes of the Patriots and the Chiefs, and absolutely hulk-smashing their way through the Titans, J.J. Watt becomes injured...again. It's not a gigantic loss, but he's still a vital piece of their defence. Regardless, it's the fucking Browns. Implying they will have any offence to give in this game is hilarious. The Texans should dispatch the Browns rather quickly.
Jets vs Patriots - Patriots
Well, here it is! The first of the bi-annual tea-bagging for the Jets at the hands of the Patriots. Even though both of these teams sit at 3-2, as this week will settle the current power struggle for first place in the AFC East, and by the way, what a fucking statement that is when the J-E-T-S jets are on equal wins as the Patriots just past the quarter mark of the season. Not a massive accomplishment, but still pretty chuckle worthy. In any case, head-to-head, I'd almost say these teams are incomparable. Yes, the Jets are 3-2, but 2 of those wins were the result of complete slog fests against 2 lower tier teams in the NFL. Even if the Pats defence collapses once more, Tom Brady should be able to steer the ship.
Cardinals vs Buccaneers - Buccaneers
So the Cardinals panic traded and brought in the washed up Adrian Petterson, after such the impact he already made down in New Orleans...I know you're trying to find a suitable replacement for David Johnson, but this is not it. Petterson will be given more chances, at least, but I can't see him making any more of a difference than Chris Johnson already did...
I'll take the Bucs for this one. Provided that their new kicker Pat Murray doesn't follow any recent trends by former players...
Jaguars vs Rams - Rams
Are the Jags good this season? Are the Rams legitimate this season? Hopefully this game can help answer both questions. While the Jags are still horrible aerial speaking, they've found success in a stable running game thanks to Leonard Fournette. Meanwhile on the Rams side, Jared Goff finally resembles a decent quarterback, even if he did under-perform last week. He still looks stable this season, so hopefully he can maintain this level of play. If not, there's always the Rams answer to Fournette - Todd Gurley. Dude's been an absolute fantasy football goldmine. Since I think Goff is a better quarterback than Blake Bortles (is it safe to say that the Bortles experiment can now be considered a failure?), I'm going to edge the Rams out ever so slightly in this matchup. Both have decent defence, and a strong running game. So essentially it's a waiting game to see who's quarterback prolapses first.
Raiders vs Chargers - Raiders
I think it's now fair to say that the Oakland Raiders live and die by Derek Carr. He is set to return, so I think the Raiders will outmatch the Chargers offensively, provided the Raiders can keep up on the defence.
Chiefs vs Steelers - Chiefs
So after a total embarrassment from the Jaguars, the Steelers must follow up with a trip to Kansas City to face the sole undefeated Chiefs. Performance wise this season so far, the Steelers have just been all over the place. Blowing out both the Vikings and the Ravens, while also being blown out themselves by the Jaguars, allowing the Browns to keep it way to close to be considered a good win, and conceding to the freaking Bears in overtime: inconsistency defined right here. Based on that, I just don't see it happening. Even if Big Ben still shows he has something left to give, even if LeVeon Bell has the game of his life, it's not stopping the Chiefs. They are on as sharp a game as their logo, and unless the Steelers can mount something against them, I see this game not only being a win for the Chiefs, but a blowout for the Steelers.
Broncos vs Giants - Broncos
I have summed up the majority of how I feel about the Giants, and by extension how I think they'll perform in this game over here:
https://goforitonfourth.blogspot.co.uk/2017/10/dear-new-york-giants-season-is-over.html
Go read that if you haven't already, it's not that long. Adding to Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie being suspended for up to 4 games, it's just salt in a carcass at this point.
The Broncos will win. The End.
Titans vs Colts - Colts
So Marcus Mariota hopes himself that he can return in time for the Monday game against the Colts. Whether that is wise remains up to medical staff. Meanwhile, the Colts are doing the right thing and not rushing Andrew Luck's glorious return. The last thing either of these teams want is to rush their star quarterbacks from injury too soon, so as to not exacerbate their issues. I am sadly torn about this match up. Both have the potential, and are now both painted as underdogs. Eh, I'll go with my fellow brother in blue and activate a Bold Pick of the Week and choose the Colts!
So there is your Week 6 preview. Hope you enjoyed it, and let's see how gloriously wrong I shall be, and eat my own words as I once again will be taking over review duties on Tuesday. So look forward to that.
Thanks for reading!
Go...Colts? *sigh*
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