Week six in this still-young NFL season will feature some key division match-ups as well as a contest between two of the best in the NFC… in Detroit? That’s right, Detroit. Here are the games you need to watch for amidst Sunday’s schedule.
(1-4) Carolina Panthers at
(2-3) Atlanta Falcons
One of these teams was not expected to be at the bottom of the division, but that’s exactly where the Falcons will end up if they can’t hold serve at home against Cam Newton. Matt Ryan is a much better quarterback in the Georgia Dome, but without Julio Jones he’ll need big games from Roddy White and Harry Douglas. Atlanta is primed for the upset here.
(4-1) San Francisco 49ers at(5-0) Detroit Lions
This is a game of the week? You bet it is! San Francisco takes their hard-nosed defense over to take on the undefeated Lions. Unfortunately, the Niner secondary is without question the weakest aspect of their defense and the Lions have Calvin Johnson. Advantage Lions.
(4-1) Buffalo Bills at(3-2) New York Giants
This is a recipe for an Eli Manning disaster. The Bills have a ball-hawking defense that has nabbed eight interceptions in their last two games. With several injuries on the defensive side of the ball and the Redskins in the division lead, Manning can’t afford to give away points willy-nilly.
(1-4) Philadelphia Eagles at(3-1) Washington Redskins
Speaking of the Redskins, they welcome in the predetermined NFC East champions in a game that could knock Philly right out of the playoffs. Mike Vick will be running for his life without tackle Jason Peters to protect him against aggressive outside rushers. Expect Mike Shanahan to have Rex Grossman hand it off again and again in order to avoid tempting an Eagle secondary that would love to grab an errant pass. Pounding a soft front seven (who will be without Trent Cole again) will get the ‘Skins their fourth win.
(3-2) Houston Texans at(3-1) Baltimore Ravens
Houston gets another chance to prove itself, this time against the best defense in the NFL. Matt Schaub’s penchant for not coming through in the clutch will probably rear its balding head once again. I see at least one Raven pick-six in this one.
(2-2) Dallas Cowboys at(4-1) New England Patriots
Oh boy. Tony Romo taking on Tom Brady in New England. Sounds like the perfect setting for another meltdown… or heroic effort. Who knows? Who cares? This one will be entertaining either way. The Cowboys may have an improved defense, but Brady will abuse that secondary. Wes Welker goes off.
(4-1) New Orleans Saints at(3-2) Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As ugly has Tampa has seemed at various points throughout the season, they’re still right behind the Saints with a chance to take the division lead with a win today. While they’re going to put forth a better effort than they did in a 48-3 loss to the Niners, I’m not getting anywhere near predicting a victory for the Bucs. Saints should roll in this one.
That’s it for this week’s Opening Drive! Check back tomorrow for a recap of the weekend’s best, worst, and most surprising!
