NFL Week 5 - Sunday Preview Part 2

Washington Redskins (2-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (3-1) - M&T Bank Stadium

The Redskins go in search of a 3rd consecutive victory when they head to Baltimore to take on the 3-1 Ravens on Sunday. Despite their stadiums being just 33 miles apart, the Redskins and the Ravens barely play each other and this is just the second time the Redskins have played in Baltimore's stadium. After a poor start to the season the Redskins have scored crucial wins over the Giants and Browns to steady the ship and keep in touch in the division. The Ravens were the number 1 ranked defence in the NFL conceding just 256 total yards per game despite a disappointing 28-27 loss to Oakland at home last week. With the Steelers and Bengals hot on their tails, the Ravens need a home victory here before their schedule starts to heat up.

Verdict - Ravens 27 Redskins 26

I think this will be a really close and physical game of football. The Redskins seem to play a bit better without the pressure of favouritism, especially their quarterback Kirk Cousins, so I expect them to show up in a big way here. I just think the Ravens will have been hurting after dipping a home game to the Raiders last week and will be desperate to repay their home fans with a crucial win here. Baltimore to win with a late field goal. 

Atlanta Falcons (3-1) @ Denver Broncos (4-0) - Sports Authority Field

The NFL gets an early blockbuster here with surprise packets Atlanta taking on the undefeated reigning Super Bowl Champions Denver in their own back yard at Sports Authority Field. Atlanta's offence has been firing on all cylinders to start the season, racking up 152 points in 4 games at an average of over 35 per game. The Falcons lead the NFL in passing yards averaging over 350 per game with quarterback Matt Ryan in white hot form and receiver Julio Jones a huge weapon. Jones had an astounding game last week picking up 300 receiving yards as Atlanta blew out division rivals Carolina at home. The Broncos' defence is playing once again at a Super Bowl level this year, ranking 2nd against the pass. Conceding less than 160 yards through the air per game, the Broncos represent a huge test for the upstart Falcons particularly in front of their rabid home fans. 

Verdict - Falcons 27 Broncos 24

I'm a believer in the Falcons and the way they are playing. This will undoubtedly be their toughest test and while Ryan is not going to throw for anywhere near 500 yards against the Broncos, I think he can throw for over 250 and lead their team to a win. Picked the Broncos to miss the playoffs so I need them to lose a game sooner or later !!!!

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-1) - AT&T Stadium

The Bengals and Cowboys clash in an explosive match  in Dallas on Sunday. The Cowboys have rallied after an opening day home loss to the Gianrs to post 3 straight victories against the Redskins, Bears and 49ers. Rookie quarterback Dak Presscot has had an exceptional start to his young NFL career throwing 131 passes without an interception and completing at over 67 percent. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has really started to show his enormous talent the past 2 games, rushing for over 135 yards in both their wins against the Bears and 49ers. The Bengals got a much needed home win agains the Dolphins after poor performances in losses to the Steelers and Broncos. Wide receiver A.J Green starred last week racking up 12 catches and over 180 receiving yards. 

Verdict - Bengals 28 Cowboys 26

I think the Bengals can get a road win here in a game that is certain to go right down to the wire. The Cowboys' 3 victories have come against teams with a combined record of 4-8 and I am not convinced about that form line. The Bengals are in a really tough division and they need a win here or they risk losing touch in the North. 

San Diego Chargers (1-3) @ Oakland Raiders (3-1) - Oakland Coliseum

A rejuvenated Oakland Raiders look to make it 4 wins out of 5 to start 2016 when they host division rivals the Chargers on Sunday. The Raiders offence is playing at an elite level this year with Derek Carr emerging as one of the top young quarterbacks in the NFL. Carr has 9 touchdowns to only 1 interceptions and has crucual 4th quarter touchdowns in all 3 road victories over the Saints, Titans and Ravens. The Chargers have fallen in a familiar hole slipping to 1-3 despite despite competitive in every game. They need a win here or risk being cast adrift at the bottom of the AFC West. 

Verdict - Oakland 34 Chargers 27

This is a danger game for Oakland however I think they can pull out a win in front of their home fans. The Chargers are not as poor a team as their record suggest and should be more then a handful here. However with Derek Carr playing at an elite level and the defence slowly improving I think the Raiders can get to 4-1 on the year and right in the playoff mix. 

Buffalo Bills (2-2) @ Los Angeles Rams (3-1) @ Los Angeles Coliseum

Two surprising teams playing high quality defence face off as the Rams host the Bills in Los Angeles on Sunday. After a shocking opening week performance in San Fransisco the Rams have stunned many winning 3 straight against the Seahawks, Bucs and Cardinals. The Rams are 30th overall in offence however and whether they can keep winning ugly remains to be seen. The bills have rebounded from a dreadful 2-0 start with commanding wins against high quality opponents in the Cardinals and Patriots. Buffalo managed to shut out the Patriots last week and despite being ranked in the bottom few teams offensively look like they are a team starting to get things together

Verdict - Bills 20 Rams 13

I am going with the Bills to keep the momentum going here. Their form has been really impressive the last couple of weeks and I think the Rams luck is about to run out. The Rams have played their divisional rivals well again this year however are known to be a lot weaker outside the division. 

New York Giants (2-2) @ Green Bay Packers (2-1) - Lambeau Field

The Giants will be hard pressed to avoid a 3rd straight loss when they make the trip to Green Bay to take on the rested Packers. The Giants have squandered a prolonging 2-0 as they unravelled in back to back losses to the Redskins and Vikings. Promising wide receiver Odell Beckham Junior has been in the headlines for his sideline tantrums and will no doubt he taunted by the Packers secondary. The Packers need a win to stay in touch with the high flying Vikings who have started 4-0 in the NFC North. 

Verdict - Packers 27 Giants 24

The Giants tend to play better as underdogs so I expect this to be a hard fought game. I tipped the Packers for the Super Bowl in the pre season however they have been unconvincing to start the season. I think Aaron Rodgers has started the season slowly but can throw for a few key touchdowns here leading the Pack to a close win.