Buffalo over Dallas and other Week 5 Previews
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by Crixtopher
When I look at this week's matchups there are only two games that can qualify as huge upsets if the weaker team prevails, if Cleveland upends New England or if Buffalo beats Dallas. As someone who frequently pulls for the underdog, I am almost obligated to hand pick one of these shockers.
Cleveland @ New England. The Patriots are playing like a machine, at this point they do look unstoppable. Still, how many teams have had this look before? There is at least one every single year, the Chargers were the best team in the regular season last year and look what happened to them. So as impressed as I am, its ridiculous to crown them Super Bowl champs just yet. There are too many things that need to go right in each and every game to guarantee anything about what the future may hold. The Browns have a QB, and its not Brady Quinn. Derek Anderson has performed admirably though inconsistently, and you'd think Romeo Crennel has enough knowledge of the Patriots offense to put up a good fight. This is the best team the Browns have fielded in years if only because they know how to score. The problem is the Browns don't have enough playmakers on defense to execute even the most brilliant game plan. With the Patriots' home field advantage and their #1 ranked defense getting captain Rodney Harrison back from suspension, edge Patriots.
Feature Game of the Week and Upset Special -
Dallas @ Buffalo. This is a real tough upset pick to call because it is truly on paper a tremendous mismatch. We all know how well Dallas and Tony Romo are playing, they are leading the league in offense. Terrell Owens has regained his form, Jason Witten is a stud TE and superstar Marion Barber is in my opinion running better than any RB in the league right now. Their defense is loaded with talent and it seems like it is all coming together, improving every game. So here you have the #1 offense going up against the worst ranked defense. What I like about the Bills chances starts with Trent Edwards. This kid was poised in a collapsing pocket all game long last week, granted it was vs a mediocre Jets defense, but this was his first NFL start and he managed 22 completions out of 28 attempts. The reason was because every ball he threw was right on the money. Now, you have to believe the 'Boys will be bringing heavy pressure trying to rattle the rookie, but he looked un-rattleable enough to me, I think he can handle it. If they bring the pressure that opens up the door for Marshawn Lynch on draw plays which I think will keep the Cowboys off balance just enough to occasionally give way to some deep balls to Lee Evans who has blistering speed. Dallas' secondary can be burnt, and starting CB Anthony Henry who leads the NFL in interceptions is out with an ankle injury. That said, it is notable that this is the Bills' first Monday Night Football appearance in sixteen years, and Buffalo is usually a tough place to win, edge Bills.
Miami @ Houston. Maybe I am just pulling for the Texans because I picked them to be 8-8 or better this year, this game is a toss up, Dolphins desperate for a win and Houston needing to get back on track. Home field advantage, edge Texans.
Jacksonville @ Kansas City. Another toss up, but Damon Huard hasn't lost yet at home, edge Chiefs.
Carolina @ New Orleans. David Carr isn't a good QB, and this seems like the beginning of the end for the Panthers season to me with their defense no longer stifling. New Orleans had a week off to rethink their game plan, not having Deuce McAllister is going to hurt but they have enough weapons that if they put Drew Brees in shotgun formation (hint hint) they could run slant passes all day long, edge Saints.
NY Jets @ NY Giants. The Jets aren't that good, the Giants are playing better, edge Giants.
Seattle @ Pittsburgh. The Steelers will rebound at home vs the 'Hawks, mainly because Willie Parker won't be held to 37 yards rushing this week, edge Steelers.
Arizona @ St. Louis. This is a perfect let down game formula for the Cardinals, after the biggest win for this young team in years last week vs Pittsburgh, they have to come into a winless team's turf where they are desperate for a victory, and they just so happen to also be division rivals. Despite their pathetic offensive display this season, the Rams have made some adjustments in hopes of sparking something, anything. Gus Frerotte starts in place of Marc Bulger who has been playing with two broken ribs behind a decimated O-line, and head coach Scott Linehan wisely takes over offensive play calling for this sputtering team. The Cardinals are a team that can be burnt on the long ball and Gus can throw a pretty one. If I'm Linehan I start the first series with at least one long bomb and go from there. Yet, the Cards have been hungry for success for so long, they've tasted a little bit of what it feels like to be on a good team so it won't be easy to knock them back. Their defense is playing lights out and with the Rams having so many offensive linemen hurt, edge Cardinals.
Detroit @ Washington. I'm going with the Redskins on this one because they've had a week of rest and are playing at home, and Washington's defense should be physical enough to win, edge Redskins.
Atlanta @ Tennessee. The Titans defense is playing great and now they are well rested coming off a bye week, edge Titans.
Tampa Bay @ Indianapolis. Bucs are playing great but the Colts are rolling, edge Colts.
San Diego @ Denver. Both teams are looking to play better football, but the Bolts have LT and Denver can't stop the run, edge Chargers.
Baltimore @ San Francisco. I like the home team in this one too, even though SF's D is banged up they are feisty enough to cause headaches for the Ravens. Patrick Willis is a bad a$# ball hawk, and Trent Dilfer gets inspired against his old team, edge 49ers.
Chicago @ Green Bay. If the Bears can't rise up and beat the Lions last week, I don't see them regrouping enough to get their offense going against a stout green and gold D, edge Packers.
I didn't do so great last week, my worst week this year @ 7-7. I am proud of picking the Browns, Bills and Cardinals wins though. Cumulative record this year 42-20.
