The Rams and Browns need to find their footing fast. And both teams face NFC West opponents. Both teams enjoy the home field. That will make it tough on the 49ers but not as bad on Seattle. Those are two of the pages in chapter known as Week 6 in the NFL.
11. The Redskins’ QB will throw for 300 yards
It does not matter whether Colt McCoy plays or Case Keenum for Washington. Miami can not stop anyone through the air. It is next to last in passing defense. Washington is awful but will take advantage of the Dolphin secondary to make it look good for one week … at least.
10. Patrick Mahomes, Deshaun Watson combine for 700 yards
Speaking of the passing game, the Chiefs play host to the Texans in what figures to be a wild one. The defenses are allowing about 500 passing yards combined entering Week 6. Throw out those stats and expect Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson to put on an aerial show.
9. Cody Parkey will make all his FG attempts
It’s good to see the former Chicago Bears kicker get another chance in the NFL. And he could not get a better place to start his Tennessee Titans career. The air in Denver is perfect for kickers and Parkey will show everyone one mistake does not make a lifetime of scorn.
8. The Rams will stifle the 49ers
Los Angeles has lost two in a row. Do not expect Sean McVay’s team to make it a trifecta no matter how impressive the Niners were against the Browns Monday. The Rams have extra time to rest following the road loss to Seattle and McVay should be able to create a game plan to end the Niners’ unbeaten run.
7. Gardner Minshew will throw for more yards than Teddy Bridgewater
This game was expected to be a matchup of Nick Falk and Drew Brees. Injuries have scuttled that. Now, you have two of the best QB stories in 2019 facing off. The Saints want Teddy Bridgewater to manage the game without putting the ball up too much. Gardner Minshew will throw more and figures to outgain his counterpart.
6. Dalvin Cook will rush for 100 yards
The Philadelphia Eagles are allowing 63 yards per game on the ground. Expect that number to rise as they will have trouble containing Dalvin Cook. Kirk Cousins finding his passing game last week enables Cook to be more dangerous as the Vikings have a far more balanced attack.
5. Ezekiel Elliott will triple Le’Veon Bell
That’s in total yardage, rushing and receiving. The matchup of elite running backs isn’t fair game as the Jets are awful and Bell is feeling the brunt of it off his holdout season. Elliott was contained by Green Bay. This green team will be eaten up by the Dallas Cowboys’ star.
4. Sony Michel will rush for 100 yards, 2 TDs
The New York Giants are battered heading into Foxboro for the Thursday night tussle. Saquon Barkley, Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram are all out. That’s bad news for Pat Shurmur against the Super Bowl champs. Expect Tom Brady to give the ball frequently to Sony Michel against a defense allowing 130 yards per game on the ground.
3. Julio Jones will go for 150 yards
The Atlanta Falcons are in must-win territory if they want Dan Quinn to continue as their coach. Matt Ryan has to look for Julio Jones more often against the Arizona Cardinals after a quiet game versus the Houston Texans. The Cardinals have the ninth-worst pass defense in the league. Expect Ryan to find the target the former Alabama star double-digit times in an effort to get things right.
2. The Bucs will derail Kyle Allen
Tampa Bay will put an end to Kyle Allen’s undefeated run as Carolina quarterback. The Bucs will rush and harass Allen into mistakes and sack him at least five times en route to evening their record at 3-3.
1. Russell Wilson will add to the Browns’ woes
Short week for Cleveland coming off the debacle in San Francisco. And now Russell Wilson and the Seahawks arrive. Not a recipe for success. Expect the Browns to fall to 2-4 as Seattle runs its mark to 5-1. Freddie Kitchens has his plate full trying to settle things down with the Browns. Seattle won’t help.
