Jacksonville Jaguars (2-4) vs Tennessee Titans (3-4)
Jaguars come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. QB Blake Bortles completed 23 of 43 for 246 yards one touchdown and two interceptions. Defensive tackle Roy Miller was lost for the season with a torn Achilles. The defense ranks eighth in yards allowed per game and will be without defensive tackle Roy Miller for the rest of the year.
Titans come in off a loss last week to the Colts. QB Marcus Mariota completed 22 of 37 for 232 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Delanie Walker made seven receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown. Running back DeMarco Murray rushed for 107 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks ninth in yards allowed per game but will be without safety Rashad Johnson and cornerback Perrish Cox.
Titans lead the series 24-19 and will be able to continue the trend at home. Prediction: Titans
Washington Redskins (4-3) vs Cincinnati Bengals (3-4)
Redskins come in off a loss last week to the Lions. QB Kirk Cousins completed 30 of 39 for 301 yards one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Running back Matt Jones is out with a knee injury. The defense ranks 18th in points allowed per game.
Bengals come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Andy Dalton completed 19 of 28 for 308 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver A.J. Green made eight receptions for 169 yards and one touchdown. Running backs Giovanni Bernard and Jeremy Hill each rushed for a touchdown. The defense ranks 20th in points allowed per game.
Bengals lead the series 5-4 and will get the W on Sunday. Prediction: Bengals
New England Patriots (6-1) vs Buffalo Bills (4-3)
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Steelers. QB Tom Brady completed 19 of 26 for 222 yards and two touchdowns, one going to tight end Rob Gronkowski. Running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for 127 yard on 24 carries and two touchdowns. The defense ranks in the top 10 in all statistical categories.
Bills come in off a loss last week to the Dolphins. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 14 of 28 for 221 yards one passing touchdown and one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Marquise Goodwin is out for the matchup under concussion protocol. Running back LeSean McCoy is doubtful. The defense ranks 27th against the run but will see the return of defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.
Patriots lead series 69-43-1. Bills beat the Patriots in an early season matchup so expect the Patriots to get the win this time. Prediction: Patriots
New York Jets (2-5) vs Cleveland Browns (0-7)
Jets come in off a win last week to the Ravens. QB Geno Smith was lost for the season to a torn ACL. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick finished last week's game in his place and finished with 9 of 14 for 120 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks last in turnovers and will be without linebackers Bruce Carter and Darron Lee.
Browns come in off a loss last week to the Bengals. QB Cody Kessler has been ruled out for Sunday's matchup so rookie QB Kevin Hogan will get the start. Hogan finished last week going 12 of 24 for 100 yards passing and 104 yards on seven carries and one rushing touchdown. Running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for one touchdown. The defense has played well despite the consistent losses.
Browns lead series 13-10 but with continuing struggles on offense, will not be able to get the win. Prediction: Jets
Kansas City Chiefs (4-2) vs Indianapolis Colts (3-4)
Chiefs come in off a win last week to the Saints. QB Alex Smith completed 17 of 24 for 214 yards and two touchdowns with one going to running back Spencer Ware.The offense will be without offensive lineman Jordan Devey and the defense will be without defensive back D.J. White. The defense leads the league in interceptions.
Colts come in off a win last week to the Titans. QB Andrew Luck completed 27 of 39 for 353 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver T.Y. Hilton made seven receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks 29th against the pass. The offense will be without tackle Jack Mewhort, wide receiver Chester Rogers and tight end Dwayne Allen and the defense will be without linebacker Curt Maggitt, defensive tackle Henry Anderson and defensive end Kendall Langford.
Colts lead series 16-8 but with a struggling defense, won't be able to beat a surging Chiefs team. Prediction: Chiefs
Seattle Seahawks (4-1-1) vs New Orleans Saints (2-4)
Seahawks come in off a tie last week with the Cardinals.QB Russell Wilson completed 24 of 37 for 225 yards. The defense ranks third against the run and will be without linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, cornerback DeAndre Elliott, safety Kam Chancellor, defensive end Michael Bennett and have lost defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson for the season.
Saints come in off a loss last week to the Chiefs.QB Drew Brees completed 37 of 48 for 367 yards three touchdowns and one interception. The defense is ranked last in points allowed per game and will be without cornerbacks Sterling Moore and Delvin Breaux and linebacker Stephone Anthony.
Seahawks lead the series matchup 8-6. Expect them to recover from last week's fiasco. Prediction: Seahawks
Oakland Raiders (5-2) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-3)
Raiders come in off a win last week to the Jaguars. QB Derek Carr completed 23 of 37 for 200 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Michael Crabtree made eight receptions for 96 yards and one touchdown. Running back Latavius Murray rushed for two touchdowns. The defense ranks last in total defense and will be without defensive tackle Stacy McGee and linebacker Aldon Smith.
Buccaneers come in off a win last week to the 49ers. QB Jameis Winston completed 21 of 30 for 269 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Mike Evans made eight receptions for 96 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Peyton Barber rushed for one touchdown. The defense ranks third against third down conversions and will be without defensive tackle Clinton McDonald.
Raiders lead the series 6-3 and will get the win Sunday. Prediction: Raiders
Arizona Cardinals (3-3-1) vs Carolina Panthers (1-5)
Cardinals come in off a tie last week with the Seahawks. QB Carson Palmer completed 29 of 49 for 342 yards. The team has lost wide receiver Jaron Brown for the season. Tight end Darren Fells is out on the offense and defensive tackle Ed Stinson and linebacker Alex Okafor are out on the defense. The defense ranks fourth overall.
Panthers come in off a bye last week. QB Cam Newton has a passer rating of 81.2 so far this season. The defense ranks 12th in yards allowed per game.The offense will be without offensive tackle Michael Oher and the defense will be without defensive tackle Vernon Butler.
Panthers lead series 10-5 but will not get the win at home. Prediction: Cardinals
Detroit Lions (4-3) vs Houston Texans (4-2)
Lions come in off a win last week to the Redskins. QB Matthew Stafford completed 18 of 29 for 266 yards and one touchdown. Fullback Zach Zenner rushed for one touchdown. The defense is 25th in total defense and will be without cornerback Darius Slay.
Texans come in off a loss last week to the Broncos. QB Brock Osweiler completed 22 of 41 for 131 yards. The offense lost tackle Derek Newton for the season. The defense ranks seventh overall and will be without linebacker Brian Peters.
Texans lead the series 2-1 but Lions should be able to beat the struggling offense of the Texans. Prediction: Lions
San Diego Chargers (3-4) vs Denver Broncos (4-2)
Chargers come in off a win last week to the Falcons. QB Philip Rivers completed 27 of 44 for 371 yards one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Tyrell Williams made seven receptions for 140 yards. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for two touchdowns. The defense is ranked fifth against the run but will be without cornerback Craig Mager, linebacker Jerry Attaouchu and has lost defensive tackle Caraun Reid for the season.
Broncos come in off a win last week to the Texans. QB Trevor Siemian completed 14 of 25 for 157 yards and one touchdown to wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. Running back Devontae Booker rushed for one touchdown. Running back C.J. Anderson has been moved to injured reserve with a knee injury. The defense ranks fourth in yards allowed per game.
Broncos lead the series 63-50-1 and will make up for the previous loss to the Chargers earlier in the season. Prediction: Broncos
Green Bay Packers (4-2) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-3)
Packers come in off a win last week to the Bears. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 39 of 56 for 326 yards and three touchdowns. Wide receiver Davante Adams made 13 receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns. The defense is ranked first in rush defense.
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. QB Matt Ryan completed 22 of 34 for 273 yards one touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Julio Jones made nine receptions for 174 yards. Running back Tevin Coleman rushed for one touchdown but is out for the matchup with a hamstring injury.. The defense ranks 11th in rushing yards allowed per game.
Packers lead the series 17-13 but Falcons should recover from last week's loss at home. Prediction: Falcons
Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (5-1)
Eagles come in off a win last week to the Vikings. QB Carson Wentz completed 16 of 28 for 138 yards one touchdown and two interceptions with wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham making the lone touchdown reception. The defense is ranked ninth against the run and will be without defensive tackle Bennie Logan and linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill.
Cowboys come in off a bye last week.QB Dak Prescott has a passer rating of 103.9. Running back Ezekiel Elliott has rushed for 703 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this season. The defense is ranked 23rd on yards allowed per play. Defensive end Ryan Davis is out with a knee injury.
Cowboys lead the series 64-50 and the extra week of prep will have them ready at home. Prediction: Cowboys
Minnesota Vikings (5-1) vs Chicago Bears (1-6)
Vikings come in off a loss last week to the Eagles. QB Sam Bradford completed 24 of 41 for 224 yards one touchdown and one interception with the lone touchdown going to wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson. The defense is tied for first in points allowed per game.
Bears come in off a loss last week to the Packers. The team lost QB Brian Hoyer for the season so QB Jay Cutler will make his return after sitting out five games with a thumb injury. The defense ranks 29th in takeaways and 14th in sacks.
Vikings lead series 57-51-2 and will beat the struggling Bears Monday night. Prediction: Vikings
Wednesday, October 26, 2016
Saturday, October 22, 2016
Josh Brown and the female NFL fans
King County (Washington) Sheriff's office released letters, emails and a journal on Wednesday that fully detailed the extent of the domestic violence involving New York Giants kicker Josh Brown.
What it revealed was disheartening. According to reports, Molly Brown, Josh's wife, informed police of more than 20 incidents of abuse. Brown's own journal and emails reveal years of physical, verbal and emotional abuse.
The Giants organization, the NFL and the NFLPA all state they were unaware of the extent of the abuse allegations. Each one claims to only know of the May 2015 incident that led to Brown's one game suspension at the beginning of the 2016 season. However, according to an ESPN report, Molly Brown claims to have advised the police that the league knew about another incident at the 2016 Pro Bowl.
Whether Brown lied to cover up his years of abuse or the league failed to investigate the Pro Bowl incident further, the fact remains that Brown was only suspended for one game, despite the league's own domestic violence policy stating that six games is the baseline for a first offense. Even if the league did not know the extent of Brown's abuse, a one-game suspension for domestic violence flies in the face of everything the league claims to now represent.
The NFL has seen a decline in ratings this season. Whether this is in part to protest by players or the wide availability of games streaming online, the league cannot afford to lose more viewers and fans. The league has spent the last few years trying to appeal and woo female fans to football. The advertising and marketing targeting women viewers and the breast cancer awareness campaign during the month of October shows the league making greater attempts to appeal to its female audience. However, October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month, and a blunder of this magnitude is significant when the league is trying desperately to cling to viewers.
Having been the victim of domestic violence and being an avid lover of football, it is difficult to hear the extent of Brown's abuse in his personal accounts, and to not feel anger at the league who did little to discover the extent of the claims by his wife. I have known the viciousness of verbal abuse that lowers ones self worth and the fear of leaving your abuser even as he continues to assault you physically, verbally and emotionally. I know what it's like to feel like a slave to a tormentor who no one believes is that violent behind closed doors. Molly Brown's account is an all too familiar story to women abused by men with power.
In response to the newly released documents, the Giants did not take Josh Brown with them to their game in London. However, the team and the league have yet to vet out any further disciplinary action. Keep in mind, this is the same league who was quick to punish former Ravens running back Ray Rice after a tape revealing the extent of his abuse was released. Rice was subsequently released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely. Even now after being reinstated by the league, no team will sign him. Brown should face no less punishment for his abuse. Brown's crime is not an isolated incident caught on video surveillance, but years of mistreatment that Brown's own words reveal.
Many players have spoken out against domestic violence and against Josh Brown in particular. In a league so concerned with player safety, it must still concern itself with player conduct and the public perception that incidents like this make on the general public. If the league hopes to stem the tide of falling viewership, drastic action will have to be made to rectify this calamity or lose the female viewers they have so aggressively pursued in the last few years.
What it revealed was disheartening. According to reports, Molly Brown, Josh's wife, informed police of more than 20 incidents of abuse. Brown's own journal and emails reveal years of physical, verbal and emotional abuse.
The Giants organization, the NFL and the NFLPA all state they were unaware of the extent of the abuse allegations. Each one claims to only know of the May 2015 incident that led to Brown's one game suspension at the beginning of the 2016 season. However, according to an ESPN report, Molly Brown claims to have advised the police that the league knew about another incident at the 2016 Pro Bowl.
Whether Brown lied to cover up his years of abuse or the league failed to investigate the Pro Bowl incident further, the fact remains that Brown was only suspended for one game, despite the league's own domestic violence policy stating that six games is the baseline for a first offense. Even if the league did not know the extent of Brown's abuse, a one-game suspension for domestic violence flies in the face of everything the league claims to now represent.
The NFL has seen a decline in ratings this season. Whether this is in part to protest by players or the wide availability of games streaming online, the league cannot afford to lose more viewers and fans. The league has spent the last few years trying to appeal and woo female fans to football. The advertising and marketing targeting women viewers and the breast cancer awareness campaign during the month of October shows the league making greater attempts to appeal to its female audience. However, October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month, and a blunder of this magnitude is significant when the league is trying desperately to cling to viewers.
Having been the victim of domestic violence and being an avid lover of football, it is difficult to hear the extent of Brown's abuse in his personal accounts, and to not feel anger at the league who did little to discover the extent of the claims by his wife. I have known the viciousness of verbal abuse that lowers ones self worth and the fear of leaving your abuser even as he continues to assault you physically, verbally and emotionally. I know what it's like to feel like a slave to a tormentor who no one believes is that violent behind closed doors. Molly Brown's account is an all too familiar story to women abused by men with power.
In response to the newly released documents, the Giants did not take Josh Brown with them to their game in London. However, the team and the league have yet to vet out any further disciplinary action. Keep in mind, this is the same league who was quick to punish former Ravens running back Ray Rice after a tape revealing the extent of his abuse was released. Rice was subsequently released by the Ravens and suspended indefinitely. Even now after being reinstated by the league, no team will sign him. Brown should face no less punishment for his abuse. Brown's crime is not an isolated incident caught on video surveillance, but years of mistreatment that Brown's own words reveal.
Many players have spoken out against domestic violence and against Josh Brown in particular. In a league so concerned with player safety, it must still concern itself with player conduct and the public perception that incidents like this make on the general public. If the league hopes to stem the tide of falling viewership, drastic action will have to be made to rectify this calamity or lose the female viewers they have so aggressively pursued in the last few years.
Tuesday, October 18, 2016
Week 7 Predictions
Chicago Bears (1-5) vs Green Bay Packers (3-2)
Bears come in off a loss last week to the Jaguars. QB Brian Hoyer completed 30 of 49 for 302 yards. Wide receiver Cameron Meredith made 11 receptions for 113 yards. Running back Jordan Howard rushed for one touchdown. Wide receiver Eddie Royal and defensive back Deiondre' Hall will be out for this matchup. The defense has been plagued by injuries this season.
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 31 of 42 for 294 yards one touchdown and one interception with wide receiver Randall Cobb making the lone touchdown reception. Running back Eddie Lacy has been placed on injured reserve for the foreseeable future following news of his need for ankle surgery and backup running back James Starks will be out for the next four weeks recovering from knee surgery so the rushing duties will be left for newly acquired running back Knile Davis. Despite the loss the team has the top rushing defense in the league.
Bears lead the matchup series 93-91-6 but the last few years with Rodgers and Cutler as the QBs the series had tilted towards the Packers and with Cutler still out the trend is likely to continue. Prediction: Packers
New York Giants (3-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (3-3)
Giants come in off a win last week against the Ravens. QB Eli Manning completed 32 of 46 for 406 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Odell Beckham made eight receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns. The passing defense is ranked 22nd in the league.
Rams came in off a loss last week to the Lions. QB Case Keenum completed 27 of 32 for 321 yards three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Kenny Britt made seven receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns. The pass defense is struggling with the loss of cornerback Trumaine Johnson while the run defense is weak in the middle.
Rams lead the series 26-16 but after the convincing win last week, the Giants look to be on a resurgence. Prediction: Giants
Cleveland Browns (0-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Titans. QB Cody Kessler completed 26 of 41 for 336 yards and two touchdowns, but he is questionable for this matchup. Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor made nine receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Duke Johnson rushed for one additional touchdown. The defense has played well despite the struggles on the offense.
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. QB Andy Dalton completed 21 of 31 for 254 yards and one passing touchdown to Brandon LaFell and one rushing touchdown. The defense ranks 20th in points allowed and 27th in red zone defense.
Bengals lead the matchup series 46-39 but with struggles at QB the Browns have little chance to win this one. Prediction: Bengals
Washington Redskins (4-2) vs Detroit Lions (3-3)
Redskins come in off a win last week against the Eagles. QB Kirk Cousins completed 18 of 34 for 263 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Matt Jones rushed for 135 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. The defense is 18th in points allowed per game.
Lions come in off a win last week against the Rams. QB Matthew Stafford completed 23 of 31 for 270 yards and four touchdowns with one each going to wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Golden Tate. The defense is 25th in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense.
Redskins lead the series 30-13 which they should be able to maintain this week against the struggling defense of the Lions. Prediction: Redskins
Indianapolis Colts (2-4) vs Tennessee Titans (3-3)
Colts come in off a loss last week to the Texans. QB Andrew Luck completed 21 of 32 for 252 yards one receiving touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Running back Frank Gore rushed for 106 yards on 22 carries. The defense is ranked 29th in pass defense 25th in rushing defense and 19th in rushing touchdowns allowed..
Titans come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Marcus Mariota completed 17 of 24 for 284 yards three touchdowns and one interception with wide receivers Rishard Matthews and Kendall Wright each receiving a touchdown. Running back DeMarco Murray rushed for 65 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks ninth overall, seventh in rushing and 11th in passing.
The Titans haven't beaten the Colts in five years and Sunday will not be an exception. Prediction: Colts
New Orleans Saints (2-3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)
Saints come in off a win last week against the Panthers. QB Drew Brees completed 34 of 49 for 465 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks made seven receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown. The injury plagued defense is ranked 32nd in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed per game.
Chiefs come in off a win last week against the Raiders. QB Alex Smith completed 19 of 22 for 224 yards. Running back Spencer Ware rushed for 131 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown and Jamaal Charles rushed for one additional touchdown. The defense has held teams under 14 points per game and has a league leading nine interceptions.
The series is tied 5-5 in their last 10 matchups. Chiefs defense should be able to hold the Saints offense in check at home. Prediction: Chiefs
Buffalo Bills (4-2) vs Miami Dolphins (2-4)
Bills come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 16 of 25 for 179 yards and two touchdowns with wide receiver Robert Woods receiving one of those touchdowns. Running back LeSean McCoy rushed for 140 yards on 19 carries for three touchdowns. The defense is ranked 14th in pass defense.
Dolphins come in off a win last week against the Steelers. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 24 of 32 for 252 yards. Running back Jay Ajayi rushed for 204 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns and running back Damien Williams rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked 28th overall.
Dolphins lead the series 58-45-1 but will not be able to get past a surging Bills team. Prediction: Bills
Baltimore Ravens (3-3) vs New York Jets (1-5)
Ravens come in off a loss last week against the Giants. QB Joe Flacco completed 26 of 48 for 307 yards. Running back Terrance West rushed for 87 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. The defense is ranked first against the run.
Jets come in off a loss last week against the Cardinals. After weeks of struggle with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick the team made the switch to QB Geno Smith this week. The defense ranks last in turnovers. Prediction: Ravens
Minnesota Vikings (5-0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Vikings come in off their bye last week. QB Sam Bradford has a passer rating of 109.8. The defense is ranked first in fewest points allowed per game.
Eagles come in off a loss last week to the Redskins. QB Carson Wentz completed 11 of 22 for 179 yards. The defense played well the first three weeks of the season but has struggled the last couple of games.
Vikings lead the series 13-12 lifetime and will be able to beat the Eagles at home. Prediction: Vikings
Oakland Raiders (4-2) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)
Raiders come in off a loss last week against the Chiefs. QB Derek Carr completed 22 of 34 for 225 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks last in total defense.
Jaguars come in off a win last week against the Bears. QB Blake Bortles completed 20 of 33 for 271 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Chris Ivory rushed for one touchdown. The defense ranks eighth in yards allowed and last in total defense. Prediction: Raiders
San Diego Chargers (2-4) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
Chargers come in off a win last week against the Broncos. QB Philip Rivers completed 18 of 29 for 178 yards and one touchdown going to tight end Hunter Henry. The defense is ranked fifth against the run.
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. QB Matt Ryan completed 27 of 42 for 335 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Julio Jones made seven receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks 11th in rushing yards allowed per game. Prediction: Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3) vs San Francisco 49ers (1-5)
Buccaneers come in off their bye last week. QB Jameis Winston has a passer rating of 75.9 so far this season. The defense ranks second in third down conversion.
49ers come in off a loss last week against the Bills. QB Colin Kaepernick completed 18 of 29 for 187 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks 27th in total defense. Prediction: Buccaneers
New England Patriots (5-1) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Bengals. QB Tom Brady completed 29 of 35 for 376 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Rob Gronkowski made seven receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown. Running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for one touchdown. The defense ranks in the top 10 in points, rushing yards, total yards and passing yards allowed per game.
Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Dolphins. QB Ben Roethisberger is out at least six weeks with a torn meniscus. This forces QB Landry Jones into the starting position. The defense ranks 30th against the pass.
Patriots lead the head-to-head matchup series 14-10 and with questions at the QB position for the Steelers the Patriots should be able to get the third win for QB Tom Brady. Prediction: Patriots
Seattle Seahawks (4-1) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-3)
Seahawks come in off a win last week against the Falcons. QB Russell Wilson completed 25 of 37 for 270 yards. Running back Christine Michael rushed for 64 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. The offense will be without tight end Luke Willson for the immediate future. The defense will be without linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson and lost defensive tackle Garrison Smith for the season. Safety Kam Chancellor is also doubtful. The defense ranks third against the run.
Cardinals come in off a win last week against the Jets. QB Carson Palmer completed 23 of 34 for 213 yards and one touchdown. Running back David Johnson rushed for 111 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns. The defense ranks fourth overall.
The matchup series is tied at 17 a piece. Despite a slow start this season, Cardinals should be able to recover this week. Prediction: Cardinals
Houston Texans (4-2) vs Denver Broncos (4-2)
Texans come in off a win last week against the Colts. QB Brock Osweiler completed 25 of 39 for 269 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Lamar Miller rushed for 149 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown. The defense lost cornerback Kevin Johnson with a broken foot for the season. Despite this fact, the defense still ranks seventh overall.
Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. QB Trevor Siemian completed 30 of 50 for 230 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks fourth in yards allowed per game, and eighth in points allowed per game.
Broncos lead the series matchup 3-2 and should be able to get back to winning this week. Prediction: Broncos
Bears come in off a loss last week to the Jaguars. QB Brian Hoyer completed 30 of 49 for 302 yards. Wide receiver Cameron Meredith made 11 receptions for 113 yards. Running back Jordan Howard rushed for one touchdown. Wide receiver Eddie Royal and defensive back Deiondre' Hall will be out for this matchup. The defense has been plagued by injuries this season.
Packers come in off a loss last week to the Cowboys. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 31 of 42 for 294 yards one touchdown and one interception with wide receiver Randall Cobb making the lone touchdown reception. Running back Eddie Lacy has been placed on injured reserve for the foreseeable future following news of his need for ankle surgery and backup running back James Starks will be out for the next four weeks recovering from knee surgery so the rushing duties will be left for newly acquired running back Knile Davis. Despite the loss the team has the top rushing defense in the league.
Bears lead the matchup series 93-91-6 but the last few years with Rodgers and Cutler as the QBs the series had tilted towards the Packers and with Cutler still out the trend is likely to continue. Prediction: Packers
New York Giants (3-3) vs Los Angeles Rams (3-3)
Giants come in off a win last week against the Ravens. QB Eli Manning completed 32 of 46 for 406 yards three touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Odell Beckham made eight receptions for 222 yards and two touchdowns. The passing defense is ranked 22nd in the league.
Rams came in off a loss last week to the Lions. QB Case Keenum completed 27 of 32 for 321 yards three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Wide receiver Kenny Britt made seven receptions for 136 yards and two touchdowns. The pass defense is struggling with the loss of cornerback Trumaine Johnson while the run defense is weak in the middle.
Rams lead the series 26-16 but after the convincing win last week, the Giants look to be on a resurgence. Prediction: Giants
Cleveland Browns (0-6) vs Cincinnati Bengals (2-4)
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Titans. QB Cody Kessler completed 26 of 41 for 336 yards and two touchdowns, but he is questionable for this matchup. Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor made nine receptions for 75 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Duke Johnson rushed for one additional touchdown. The defense has played well despite the struggles on the offense.
Bengals come in off a loss last week to the Patriots. QB Andy Dalton completed 21 of 31 for 254 yards and one passing touchdown to Brandon LaFell and one rushing touchdown. The defense ranks 20th in points allowed and 27th in red zone defense.
Bengals lead the matchup series 46-39 but with struggles at QB the Browns have little chance to win this one. Prediction: Bengals
Washington Redskins (4-2) vs Detroit Lions (3-3)
Redskins come in off a win last week against the Eagles. QB Kirk Cousins completed 18 of 34 for 263 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Matt Jones rushed for 135 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. The defense is 18th in points allowed per game.
Lions come in off a win last week against the Rams. QB Matthew Stafford completed 23 of 31 for 270 yards and four touchdowns with one each going to wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Golden Tate. The defense is 25th in total defense and 22nd in scoring defense.
Redskins lead the series 30-13 which they should be able to maintain this week against the struggling defense of the Lions. Prediction: Redskins
Indianapolis Colts (2-4) vs Tennessee Titans (3-3)
Colts come in off a loss last week to the Texans. QB Andrew Luck completed 21 of 32 for 252 yards one receiving touchdown, one rushing touchdown and one interception. Running back Frank Gore rushed for 106 yards on 22 carries. The defense is ranked 29th in pass defense 25th in rushing defense and 19th in rushing touchdowns allowed..
Titans come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Marcus Mariota completed 17 of 24 for 284 yards three touchdowns and one interception with wide receivers Rishard Matthews and Kendall Wright each receiving a touchdown. Running back DeMarco Murray rushed for 65 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks ninth overall, seventh in rushing and 11th in passing.
The Titans haven't beaten the Colts in five years and Sunday will not be an exception. Prediction: Colts
New Orleans Saints (2-3) vs Kansas City Chiefs (3-2)
Saints come in off a win last week against the Panthers. QB Drew Brees completed 34 of 49 for 465 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Brandin Cooks made seven receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown. The injury plagued defense is ranked 32nd in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed per game.
Chiefs come in off a win last week against the Raiders. QB Alex Smith completed 19 of 22 for 224 yards. Running back Spencer Ware rushed for 131 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown and Jamaal Charles rushed for one additional touchdown. The defense has held teams under 14 points per game and has a league leading nine interceptions.
The series is tied 5-5 in their last 10 matchups. Chiefs defense should be able to hold the Saints offense in check at home. Prediction: Chiefs
Buffalo Bills (4-2) vs Miami Dolphins (2-4)
Bills come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 16 of 25 for 179 yards and two touchdowns with wide receiver Robert Woods receiving one of those touchdowns. Running back LeSean McCoy rushed for 140 yards on 19 carries for three touchdowns. The defense is ranked 14th in pass defense.
Dolphins come in off a win last week against the Steelers. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 24 of 32 for 252 yards. Running back Jay Ajayi rushed for 204 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns and running back Damien Williams rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked 28th overall.
Dolphins lead the series 58-45-1 but will not be able to get past a surging Bills team. Prediction: Bills
Baltimore Ravens (3-3) vs New York Jets (1-5)
Ravens come in off a loss last week against the Giants. QB Joe Flacco completed 26 of 48 for 307 yards. Running back Terrance West rushed for 87 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. The defense is ranked first against the run.
Jets come in off a loss last week against the Cardinals. After weeks of struggle with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick the team made the switch to QB Geno Smith this week. The defense ranks last in turnovers. Prediction: Ravens
Minnesota Vikings (5-0) vs Philadelphia Eagles (3-2)
Vikings come in off their bye last week. QB Sam Bradford has a passer rating of 109.8. The defense is ranked first in fewest points allowed per game.
Eagles come in off a loss last week to the Redskins. QB Carson Wentz completed 11 of 22 for 179 yards. The defense played well the first three weeks of the season but has struggled the last couple of games.
Vikings lead the series 13-12 lifetime and will be able to beat the Eagles at home. Prediction: Vikings
Oakland Raiders (4-2) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3)
Raiders come in off a loss last week against the Chiefs. QB Derek Carr completed 22 of 34 for 225 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks last in total defense.
Jaguars come in off a win last week against the Bears. QB Blake Bortles completed 20 of 33 for 271 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Chris Ivory rushed for one touchdown. The defense ranks eighth in yards allowed and last in total defense. Prediction: Raiders
San Diego Chargers (2-4) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
Chargers come in off a win last week against the Broncos. QB Philip Rivers completed 18 of 29 for 178 yards and one touchdown going to tight end Hunter Henry. The defense is ranked fifth against the run.
Falcons come in off a loss last week to the Seahawks. QB Matt Ryan completed 27 of 42 for 335 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Julio Jones made seven receptions for 139 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks 11th in rushing yards allowed per game. Prediction: Falcons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3) vs San Francisco 49ers (1-5)
Buccaneers come in off their bye last week. QB Jameis Winston has a passer rating of 75.9 so far this season. The defense ranks second in third down conversion.
49ers come in off a loss last week against the Bills. QB Colin Kaepernick completed 18 of 29 for 187 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks 27th in total defense. Prediction: Buccaneers
New England Patriots (5-1) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Bengals. QB Tom Brady completed 29 of 35 for 376 yards and three touchdowns. Tight end Rob Gronkowski made seven receptions for 162 yards and one touchdown. Running back LeGarrette Blount rushed for one touchdown. The defense ranks in the top 10 in points, rushing yards, total yards and passing yards allowed per game.
Steelers come in off a loss last week to the Dolphins. QB Ben Roethisberger is out at least six weeks with a torn meniscus. This forces QB Landry Jones into the starting position. The defense ranks 30th against the pass.
Patriots lead the head-to-head matchup series 14-10 and with questions at the QB position for the Steelers the Patriots should be able to get the third win for QB Tom Brady. Prediction: Patriots
Seattle Seahawks (4-1) vs Arizona Cardinals (3-3)
Seahawks come in off a win last week against the Falcons. QB Russell Wilson completed 25 of 37 for 270 yards. Running back Christine Michael rushed for 64 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. The offense will be without tight end Luke Willson for the immediate future. The defense will be without linebacker Kevin Pierre-Louis, defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson and lost defensive tackle Garrison Smith for the season. Safety Kam Chancellor is also doubtful. The defense ranks third against the run.
Cardinals come in off a win last week against the Jets. QB Carson Palmer completed 23 of 34 for 213 yards and one touchdown. Running back David Johnson rushed for 111 yards on 22 carries and three touchdowns. The defense ranks fourth overall.
The matchup series is tied at 17 a piece. Despite a slow start this season, Cardinals should be able to recover this week. Prediction: Cardinals
Houston Texans (4-2) vs Denver Broncos (4-2)
Texans come in off a win last week against the Colts. QB Brock Osweiler completed 25 of 39 for 269 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Lamar Miller rushed for 149 yards on 24 carries and one touchdown. The defense lost cornerback Kevin Johnson with a broken foot for the season. Despite this fact, the defense still ranks seventh overall.
Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Chargers. QB Trevor Siemian completed 30 of 50 for 230 yards and one touchdown. The defense ranks fourth in yards allowed per game, and eighth in points allowed per game.
Broncos lead the series matchup 3-2 and should be able to get back to winning this week. Prediction: Broncos
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Week 6 predictions
Denver Broncos (4-1) vs San Diego Chargers (1-4)
Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. QB Paxton Lynch completed 23 of 35 for 223 yards one touchdown and one interception with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas making the lone touchdown reception. QB Trevor Siemian is questionable for the matchup. If he's healthy he will get the start. Despite being exposed last week, the Broncos defense is still in the top five in the league.
Chargers come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. QB Philip Rivers completed 21 of 30 for 359 yards four touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Tyrell Williams made five receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown.The defense ranks 26th in points allowed and passing yards per game. Prediction: Broncos
San Francisco 49ers (1-4) vs Buffalo Bills (3-2)
49ers come in off a loss last week to the Cardinals. The team has promoted QB Colin Kaepernick to the starting position. Running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 78 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks 31st against the run.
Bills come in off a win last week against the Rams. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 12 of 23 for 124 yards and two touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Marquise Goodwin. Bills rank in the top five of least points allowed per game. Prediction: Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) vs Chicago Bears (1-4)
Jaguars come in off their bye last week. QB Blake Bortles quarterback rating is 54.2 so far this season. The defense is ranked 29th in third down defense.
Bears come in off a loss last week against the Colts. QB Brian Hoyer completed 33 of 43 for 397 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Cameron Meredith made nine receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown. Running back Jordan Howard rushed for 118 yards on 16 carries. The defense is ranked 13th overall in the league. Prediction: Bears
Los Angeles Rams (3-2) vs Detroit Lions (2-3)
Rams come in off a loss last week against the Bills. QB Case Keenum completed 21 of 31 for 271 yards and two interceptions. Running back Todd Gurley rushed for 72 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. The injury plagued defense will be without cornerback Trumaine Johnson with an ankle injury.
Lions come in off a win last week against the Eagles. QB Matthew Stafford completed 19 of 25 for 180 yards and three touchdowns with wide receiver Marvin Jones catching one of them. Running back Theo Riddick caught two touchdowns, but is questionable for Sunday's matchup. The defense will be without defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Prediction: Rams
Cleveland Browns (0-5) vs Tennessee Titans (2-3)
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Patriots. QB Cody Kessler is questionable for this week's matchup. Either he or rookie QB Kevin Hogan will get the start. The team's defense is in the bottom five in every category.
Titans come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Marcus Mariota completed 20 of 29 for 163 yards three receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown with tight end Delanie Walker receiving one of the touchdowns. Running back rushed for 121 yards on 27 carries. The defense showed poorly through the first three weeks but made big strides last week. Prediction: Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) vs Miami Dolphins (1-4)
Steelers come in off a win last week against the Jets. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 34 of 47 for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Sammie Coates had six receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns. The defense will be without safety Shamarko Thomas and defensive end Cameron Heyward.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week against the Titans. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 12 of 18 for 191 yards and two interceptions. Running back Jay Ajayi rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked last against the run. Prediction: Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) vs New England Patriots (4-1)
Bengals come in off a loss last week against the Cowboys. QB Andy Dalton completed 29 of 41 for 269 yards and two touchdowns with both going to wide receiver Brandon LaFell. The defense ranks in the middle of the pack.
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Tom Brady completed 28 of 40 for 406 yards and three touchdowns going to tight end Martellus Bennett. The defense is ranked 28th in third down defense. Prediction: Patriots
Carolina Panthers (1-4) vs New Orleans Saints (1-3)
Panthers come in off a loss last week against the Buccaneers. QB Cam Newton is still questionable for this week's matchup. If he doesn't receive clearance from a neurologist QB Derek Anderson will get the second start of the season. He threw two interceptions last week. Running back Cameron Artis-Payne rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. The defense ranks 12th in yards allowed per game.
Saints come in off a bye last week. QB Drew Brees has a 98.9 QBR with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions so far this season. Running back Mark Ingram has only rushed for one touchdown so far this season and is questionable for Sunday's matchup. The defense ranks fourth in yards allowed per game, but 31st overall. Prediction: Saints
Baltimore Ravens (3-2) vs New York Giants (2-3)
Ravens come in off a loss last week against the Redskins. QB Joe Flacco completed 30 of 46 for 210 yards and one touchdown. Running back Terrance West rushed for 95 yards on 11 carries. The defense ranks fourth in rush yards allowed per game.
Giants come in off a loss last week against the Packers. QB Eli Manning completed 18 of 35 for 199 yards and one touchdown to wide receiver Odell Beckham. The defense is ranked 22nd against the pass. Prediction: Ravens
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) vs Washington Redskins (3-2)
Eagles come in off a loss last week against the Lions. QB Carson Wentz completed 25 of 33 for 238 yards two touchdowns and one interception with one touchdown going to wide receiver Josh Huff. The defense ranks second in total defense.
Redskins come in off a win last week against the Ravens. QB Kirk Cousins completed 29 of 41 for 260 yards one touch down and one interception with the lone touchdown going to wide receiver Pierre Garcon. The defense is ranked last in third down conversions allowed. Prediction: Eagles
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) vs Oakland Raiders (4-1)
Chiefs come in off their bye last week. QB Alex Smith has a passer rating of 87.7 so far this season. Running back Spencer Ware has only one rushing touchdown but Jamaal Charles is set to return this week. The defense ranks first in takeaways and red-zone defense.
Raiders come in off a win last week against the Chargers. QB Derek Carr completed 25 of 40 for 317 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Latavius Murray will be out again this week leaving the rushing to running backs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington. The defense is ranked last in the league.
Prediction: Chiefs
Dallas Cowboys (4-1) vs Green Bay Packers (3-1)
Cowboys come in off a win last week against the Bengals. QB Dak Prescott completed 18 of 24 for 227 yards and one touchdown. Running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 134 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. The defense is ranked 28th in yards allowed per carry .
Packers come in off a win last week against the Giants. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 45 for 259 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense is ranked first against the rush.
Prediction: Packers
Atlanta Falcons (4-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Falcons come in off a win last week against the Broncos. QB Matt Ryan completed 15 of 28 for 267 yards and one touchdown to running back Tevin Coleman. Running back Devonta Freeman rushed for 88 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks 27th in points allowed and 26th in yards allowed.
Seahawks come in off their bye last week. QB Russell Wilson has a passer rating of 99.3 so far this season. The run game has rushed for a total of two touchdowns so far. The defense is ranked first overall. Prediction: Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts (2-3) vs Houston Texans (3-2)
Colts come in off a win last week against the Bears. QB Andrew Luck completed 28 of 39 for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver T.Y.Hilton made 10 receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 31st overall.
Texans come in off a loss last week against the Vikings. QB Brock Osweiler completed 19 of 42 for 184 yards one touchdown and one interception. The running game has yet to score a touchdown this season. The defense is ranked third in yards allowed per game. Prediction: Colts
New York Jets (1-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
Jets come in off a loss last week against the Steelers. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 25 of 38 for 255 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall made eight receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 13th in third down defense and 15th in red zone defense.
Cardinals come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Carson Palmer is still questionable for this week's game, so QB Drew Stanton may get the start. Running back David Johnson rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The defense ranks eighth in yards allowed. Prediction: Cardinals
Broncos come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. QB Paxton Lynch completed 23 of 35 for 223 yards one touchdown and one interception with wide receiver Demaryius Thomas making the lone touchdown reception. QB Trevor Siemian is questionable for the matchup. If he's healthy he will get the start. Despite being exposed last week, the Broncos defense is still in the top five in the league.
Chargers come in off a loss last week to the Raiders. QB Philip Rivers completed 21 of 30 for 359 yards four touchdowns and two interceptions. Wide receiver Tyrell Williams made five receptions for 117 yards and one touchdown.The defense ranks 26th in points allowed and passing yards per game. Prediction: Broncos
San Francisco 49ers (1-4) vs Buffalo Bills (3-2)
49ers come in off a loss last week to the Cardinals. The team has promoted QB Colin Kaepernick to the starting position. Running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 78 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks 31st against the run.
Bills come in off a win last week against the Rams. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 12 of 23 for 124 yards and two touchdowns with one going to wide receiver Marquise Goodwin. Bills rank in the top five of least points allowed per game. Prediction: Bills
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) vs Chicago Bears (1-4)
Jaguars come in off their bye last week. QB Blake Bortles quarterback rating is 54.2 so far this season. The defense is ranked 29th in third down defense.
Bears come in off a loss last week against the Colts. QB Brian Hoyer completed 33 of 43 for 397 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Cameron Meredith made nine receptions for 130 yards and one touchdown. Running back Jordan Howard rushed for 118 yards on 16 carries. The defense is ranked 13th overall in the league. Prediction: Bears
Los Angeles Rams (3-2) vs Detroit Lions (2-3)
Rams come in off a loss last week against the Bills. QB Case Keenum completed 21 of 31 for 271 yards and two interceptions. Running back Todd Gurley rushed for 72 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. The injury plagued defense will be without cornerback Trumaine Johnson with an ankle injury.
Lions come in off a win last week against the Eagles. QB Matthew Stafford completed 19 of 25 for 180 yards and three touchdowns with wide receiver Marvin Jones catching one of them. Running back Theo Riddick caught two touchdowns, but is questionable for Sunday's matchup. The defense will be without defensive tackle Haloti Ngata. Prediction: Rams
Cleveland Browns (0-5) vs Tennessee Titans (2-3)
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Patriots. QB Cody Kessler is questionable for this week's matchup. Either he or rookie QB Kevin Hogan will get the start. The team's defense is in the bottom five in every category.
Titans come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Marcus Mariota completed 20 of 29 for 163 yards three receiving touchdowns and one rushing touchdown with tight end Delanie Walker receiving one of the touchdowns. Running back rushed for 121 yards on 27 carries. The defense showed poorly through the first three weeks but made big strides last week. Prediction: Titans
Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) vs Miami Dolphins (1-4)
Steelers come in off a win last week against the Jets. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 34 of 47 for 380 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Sammie Coates had six receptions for 139 yards and two touchdowns. The defense will be without safety Shamarko Thomas and defensive end Cameron Heyward.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week against the Titans. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 12 of 18 for 191 yards and two interceptions. Running back Jay Ajayi rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked last against the run. Prediction: Steelers
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) vs New England Patriots (4-1)
Bengals come in off a loss last week against the Cowboys. QB Andy Dalton completed 29 of 41 for 269 yards and two touchdowns with both going to wide receiver Brandon LaFell. The defense ranks in the middle of the pack.
Patriots come in off a win last week against the Browns. QB Tom Brady completed 28 of 40 for 406 yards and three touchdowns going to tight end Martellus Bennett. The defense is ranked 28th in third down defense. Prediction: Patriots
Carolina Panthers (1-4) vs New Orleans Saints (1-3)
Panthers come in off a loss last week against the Buccaneers. QB Cam Newton is still questionable for this week's matchup. If he doesn't receive clearance from a neurologist QB Derek Anderson will get the second start of the season. He threw two interceptions last week. Running back Cameron Artis-Payne rushed for 85 yards on 18 carries and two touchdowns. The defense ranks 12th in yards allowed per game.
Saints come in off a bye last week. QB Drew Brees has a 98.9 QBR with 10 touchdowns and three interceptions so far this season. Running back Mark Ingram has only rushed for one touchdown so far this season and is questionable for Sunday's matchup. The defense ranks fourth in yards allowed per game, but 31st overall. Prediction: Saints
Baltimore Ravens (3-2) vs New York Giants (2-3)
Ravens come in off a loss last week against the Redskins. QB Joe Flacco completed 30 of 46 for 210 yards and one touchdown. Running back Terrance West rushed for 95 yards on 11 carries. The defense ranks fourth in rush yards allowed per game.
Giants come in off a loss last week against the Packers. QB Eli Manning completed 18 of 35 for 199 yards and one touchdown to wide receiver Odell Beckham. The defense is ranked 22nd against the pass. Prediction: Ravens
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) vs Washington Redskins (3-2)
Eagles come in off a loss last week against the Lions. QB Carson Wentz completed 25 of 33 for 238 yards two touchdowns and one interception with one touchdown going to wide receiver Josh Huff. The defense ranks second in total defense.
Redskins come in off a win last week against the Ravens. QB Kirk Cousins completed 29 of 41 for 260 yards one touch down and one interception with the lone touchdown going to wide receiver Pierre Garcon. The defense is ranked last in third down conversions allowed. Prediction: Eagles
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) vs Oakland Raiders (4-1)
Chiefs come in off their bye last week. QB Alex Smith has a passer rating of 87.7 so far this season. Running back Spencer Ware has only one rushing touchdown but Jamaal Charles is set to return this week. The defense ranks first in takeaways and red-zone defense.
Raiders come in off a win last week against the Chargers. QB Derek Carr completed 25 of 40 for 317 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Latavius Murray will be out again this week leaving the rushing to running backs Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington. The defense is ranked last in the league.
Prediction: Chiefs
Dallas Cowboys (4-1) vs Green Bay Packers (3-1)
Cowboys come in off a win last week against the Bengals. QB Dak Prescott completed 18 of 24 for 227 yards and one touchdown. Running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 134 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns. The defense is ranked 28th in yards allowed per carry .
Packers come in off a win last week against the Giants. QB Aaron Rodgers completed 23 of 45 for 259 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense is ranked first against the rush.
Prediction: Packers
Atlanta Falcons (4-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Falcons come in off a win last week against the Broncos. QB Matt Ryan completed 15 of 28 for 267 yards and one touchdown to running back Tevin Coleman. Running back Devonta Freeman rushed for 88 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks 27th in points allowed and 26th in yards allowed.
Seahawks come in off their bye last week. QB Russell Wilson has a passer rating of 99.3 so far this season. The run game has rushed for a total of two touchdowns so far. The defense is ranked first overall. Prediction: Seahawks
Indianapolis Colts (2-3) vs Houston Texans (3-2)
Colts come in off a win last week against the Bears. QB Andrew Luck completed 28 of 39 for 322 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver T.Y.Hilton made 10 receptions for 171 yards and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 31st overall.
Texans come in off a loss last week against the Vikings. QB Brock Osweiler completed 19 of 42 for 184 yards one touchdown and one interception. The running game has yet to score a touchdown this season. The defense is ranked third in yards allowed per game. Prediction: Colts
New York Jets (1-4) vs Arizona Cardinals (2-3)
Jets come in off a loss last week against the Steelers. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 25 of 38 for 255 yards and one touchdown. Wide receiver Brandon Marshall made eight receptions for 114 yards and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 13th in third down defense and 15th in red zone defense.
Cardinals come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Carson Palmer is still questionable for this week's game, so QB Drew Stanton may get the start. Running back David Johnson rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns. The defense ranks eighth in yards allowed. Prediction: Cardinals
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
The Kaepernick Effect
In a recent article Sporting News reported that the NFL has seen a decline in ratings in response to continued protest by San Francisco 49ers QB Colin Kaepernick and other players and coaches from around the league. A hashtag was created to push angered Americans to boycott the NFL and to try to force the NFL to reign in the protest by their players.
Backlash for the activities of NFL players is nothing new. Whether it is protesters to Michael Vick's return to the NFL or after the conviction of Greg Hardy. This however, is not a protest to the negative off-field antics of players. Rather in this case the players are standing up (or in this case kneeling) for their convictions and beliefs.
Further details show that the boycott falls along racial lines with white Americans more likely to be involved in the boycott than black Americans. The reason given for the boycott is a belief that not standing up for the flag is a disrespect to soldiers and police officers and everything they fight and die for. This reasoning has continued to be given even in the face of repeated statements by players advising that their protest is for the equal treatment of African Americans in this country by law enforcement. Despite this fact, people have continued the false narrative that protesting is un-American and against the people defending the nation.
To ask the NFL to reign in players for peacefully protesting is ridiculous. While the NFL could levy a fine or a suspension for players engaging in protests, this could in fact backfire and cause further damage to a league that is more than 80 percent African American. The integrity of the game is not lost for a player kneeling or raising his fist or locking arms with other players, it shows solidarity. To stand up for what one believes in the face of harsh criticism, backlash, boycotts and controversy takes strength. To lash out against it is to show a complete misunderstanding of the point.
Kaepernick is not the first player to wage a protest in the midst of playing his sport and he will most likely not be the last. Many before him have stood up for the beliefs and faced the same type of ridicule.
Kaepernick has been named the starting QB for the 49ers this weekend. The eyes of the world will be watching and waiting to see who will tune in or tune out to await his actions on Sunday.
Backlash for the activities of NFL players is nothing new. Whether it is protesters to Michael Vick's return to the NFL or after the conviction of Greg Hardy. This however, is not a protest to the negative off-field antics of players. Rather in this case the players are standing up (or in this case kneeling) for their convictions and beliefs.
Further details show that the boycott falls along racial lines with white Americans more likely to be involved in the boycott than black Americans. The reason given for the boycott is a belief that not standing up for the flag is a disrespect to soldiers and police officers and everything they fight and die for. This reasoning has continued to be given even in the face of repeated statements by players advising that their protest is for the equal treatment of African Americans in this country by law enforcement. Despite this fact, people have continued the false narrative that protesting is un-American and against the people defending the nation.
To ask the NFL to reign in players for peacefully protesting is ridiculous. While the NFL could levy a fine or a suspension for players engaging in protests, this could in fact backfire and cause further damage to a league that is more than 80 percent African American. The integrity of the game is not lost for a player kneeling or raising his fist or locking arms with other players, it shows solidarity. To stand up for what one believes in the face of harsh criticism, backlash, boycotts and controversy takes strength. To lash out against it is to show a complete misunderstanding of the point.
Kaepernick is not the first player to wage a protest in the midst of playing his sport and he will most likely not be the last. Many before him have stood up for the beliefs and faced the same type of ridicule.
Kaepernick has been named the starting QB for the 49ers this weekend. The eyes of the world will be watching and waiting to see who will tune in or tune out to await his actions on Sunday.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
Week 5 Predictions
Arizona Cardinals (1-3) vs San Francisco 49ers (1-3)
Cardinals come in off a loss last week against the Rams. QB Carson Palmer will be out under concussion protocol. QB Drew Stanton will get his first start of the season. Running back David Johnson has been held under 100 yards and only three touchdowns so far this season. The defense is ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed and have lost safety Tyvon Branch for the season..
49ers come in off a loss last week against the Cowboys. QB Blaine Gabbert completed 16 of 23 for 196 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 74 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 32nd in rushing yards allowed and have lost linebacker NaVorro Bowman for the season. Prediction: Cardinals
New England Patriots (3-1) vs Cleveland Browns (0-4)
Patriots come in off a shut out loss last week against the Bills. This week will feature the return of QB Tom Brady. This should open up tight end Rob Gronkowski who has been limited by a hamstring injury and held to just one catch so far this season. Running back LeGarrette Blount has rushed for four touchdowns but was limited last week to just 16 yards. Despite the loss last week, Patriots have one of the top defenses in the league.
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Redskins. QB Cody Kessler completed 28 of 40 for 223 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for 120 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. The defense is one of the worst ranked in the league. Prediction: Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) vs Detroit Lions (1-3)
Eagles come in their bye last week. QB Carson Wentz has yet to be picked off so far this season. Eagles are ranked third in total defense so far this season.
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Bears. QB Matthew Stafford was picked off twice during the matchup and has only throw seven touchdowns so far this season. The defense has the 32nd ranked pass rush and the 31st ranked run defense. Prediction: Eagles
Chicago Bears (1-3) vs Indianapolis Colts (1-3)
Bears come in off a win last week against the Lions. QB Brian Hoyer completed 28 of 36 for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Kevin White has been placed on injured reserve for at least the next eight weeks with a broken fibula and high ankle sprain. Wide receivers Eddie Royal and Alshon Jeffery will have to pick up the slack in his absence. Rookie running back Jordan Howard rushed for 111 yards on 23 carries in his first start of the season. Defense is ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed.
Colts come in off a loss last week against the Jaguars. QB Andrew Luck completed 27 of 42 for 234 yards two touchdowns and one interception with touchdowns going to wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and Philip Dorsett. Running back Frank Gore rushed for 68 yards on 16 carries one touchdown. The poorly ranked defense will welcome the return of defensive tackle Art Jones from a four game suspension. Prediction: Colts
Tennessee Titans (1-3) vs Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Titans come in off a loss last week to the Texans. QB Marcus Mariota completed 13 of 29 for 202 yards and one interception. Running back Demarco Murray rushed for 95 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns. The defense is ranked 20th against the run.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week against the Bengals. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 15 of 25 for 189 yards one touchdown and one interception. The defense is ranked 28th against the run. Prediction: Dolphins
Houston Texans (3-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
Texans come in off a win last week against the Titans. QB Brock Osweiler completed 25 of 37 for 254 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense ranks 27th in rushing yards allowed.
Vikings come in off a win last week against the Giants. QB Sam Bradford completed 26 of 36 for 262
yards and one touchdown. Running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata each rushed for a touchdown. The defense is only allowing 12.5 points per game and forced a league high 11 turnovers. Prediction: Vikings
New York Jets (1-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
Jets come in off a loss last week against the Seahawks. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 23 of 41 for 261 yards one touchdown and three interceptions with the lone touchdown going to wide receiver Brandon Marshall. The defense ranks 26th against the pass.
Steelers come in off a win last week against the Chiefs. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 22 of 27 for 300 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Le'Veon Bell rushed for 144 yards on 18 carries. The defense ranked 27th in yards allowed and 11th in scoring defense. Prediction: Steelers
Washington Redskins (2-2) vs Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Redskins come in off a win against the Browns. QB Kirk Cousins completed 21 of 27 for 183 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Running back Matt Jones rushed for 117 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed and 32nd in third down defense.
Ravens come in off a loss last week against the Raiders. QB Joe Flacco completed 32 of 52 for 298 yards and one touchdown. Running back Terrance West rushed for 113 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks fifth against the run and third against the pass.Prediction: Ravens
Atlanta Falcons (3-1) vs Denver Broncos (4-0)
Falcons come in off a win last week against the Panthers. QB Matt Ryan completed 28 of 37 for 503 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Running back Devonta Freeman rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked 28th in points allowed and passing yards per game and will be without linebacker Deion Jordan.
Broncos come in off a win last week against the Buccaneers. QB Trevor Siemian will be out of Sunday's matchup with a shoulder injury. QB Paxton Lynch will get the start; he completed his first NFL touchdown in last week's game. The defense is ranked in the top five in total defense. Prediction: Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
Bengals come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Andy Dalton completed 22 of 31 for 296 yards for one touchdown with wide receiver A.J. Green catching the lone touchdown. The defense is ranked in the top 10 in total defense.
Cowboys come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Dak Prescott completed 23 of 32 for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 18th in yards allowed 11th against the run and 19th against the pass. Prediction: Cowboys
San Diego Chargers (1-3) vs Oakland Raiders (3-1)
Chargers come in off a loss last week against the Saints. QB Philip Rivers completed 28 of 43 for 321 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for two touchdowns. The defense is ranked 21st in total defense.
Raiders come in off a win against the Ravens. QB Derek Carr completed 25 of 35 for 199 yards and four touchdowns with three going to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The defense is ranked 32nd overall in total defense. Prediction: Raiders
Buffalo Bills (2-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Bills come in off a win last week against the Patriots. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 27 of 39 for for 246 yards and one touchdown to running back LeSean McCoy. Bills are ranked 13th in run defense.
Rams come in off a win last week against the Cardinals. QB Case Keenum completed 18 of 30 for 266 yards and two touchdowns with both going to wide receiver Brian Quick. The defense is ranked 22nd in yards allowed. Prediction: Rams
New York Giants (2-2) vs Green Bay Packers (2-1)
Giants come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. QB Eli Manning completed 25 of 45 for 261 yards and one interception. The only bright spot on the offense was running back Orleans Darkwa who rushed for one touchdown. Defense is ranked last in takeaways.
Packers come in off their bye last week. QB Aaron Rodgers comes in with a 82.0 passer rating having only thrown one interception so far this season. Unfortunately the run game hasn't been as efficient with running back Eddie Lacy having yet to score a touchdown.The defense is ranked first in yards allowed. Prediction: Packers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) vs Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week against the Broncos. QB Jameis Winston completed 17 of 35 for 179 yards one rushing touchdown and two interceptions. The running game has been inefficient with running back Charles Sims having only rushed one touchdown so far this season. The defense is ranked 31st in takeaways.
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. QB Cam Newton has been ruled out for the game. His replacement Derek Anderson completed 17 of 23 for 172 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The running game has been stagmant through the first four weeks. The defense is ranked 28th in points allowed. Prediction: Buccaneers
Cardinals come in off a loss last week against the Rams. QB Carson Palmer will be out under concussion protocol. QB Drew Stanton will get his first start of the season. Running back David Johnson has been held under 100 yards and only three touchdowns so far this season. The defense is ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed and have lost safety Tyvon Branch for the season..
49ers come in off a loss last week against the Cowboys. QB Blaine Gabbert completed 16 of 23 for 196 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Carlos Hyde rushed for 74 yards on 15 carries and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 32nd in rushing yards allowed and have lost linebacker NaVorro Bowman for the season. Prediction: Cardinals
New England Patriots (3-1) vs Cleveland Browns (0-4)
Patriots come in off a shut out loss last week against the Bills. This week will feature the return of QB Tom Brady. This should open up tight end Rob Gronkowski who has been limited by a hamstring injury and held to just one catch so far this season. Running back LeGarrette Blount has rushed for four touchdowns but was limited last week to just 16 yards. Despite the loss last week, Patriots have one of the top defenses in the league.
Browns come in off a loss last week against the Redskins. QB Cody Kessler completed 28 of 40 for 223 yards one touchdown and one interception. Running back Isaiah Crowell rushed for 120 yards on 16 carries and one touchdown. The defense is one of the worst ranked in the league. Prediction: Patriots
Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) vs Detroit Lions (1-3)
Eagles come in their bye last week. QB Carson Wentz has yet to be picked off so far this season. Eagles are ranked third in total defense so far this season.
Lions come in off a loss last week to the Bears. QB Matthew Stafford was picked off twice during the matchup and has only throw seven touchdowns so far this season. The defense has the 32nd ranked pass rush and the 31st ranked run defense. Prediction: Eagles
Chicago Bears (1-3) vs Indianapolis Colts (1-3)
Bears come in off a win last week against the Lions. QB Brian Hoyer completed 28 of 36 for 302 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Kevin White has been placed on injured reserve for at least the next eight weeks with a broken fibula and high ankle sprain. Wide receivers Eddie Royal and Alshon Jeffery will have to pick up the slack in his absence. Rookie running back Jordan Howard rushed for 111 yards on 23 carries in his first start of the season. Defense is ranked 31st in rushing yards allowed.
Colts come in off a loss last week against the Jaguars. QB Andrew Luck completed 27 of 42 for 234 yards two touchdowns and one interception with touchdowns going to wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and Philip Dorsett. Running back Frank Gore rushed for 68 yards on 16 carries one touchdown. The poorly ranked defense will welcome the return of defensive tackle Art Jones from a four game suspension. Prediction: Colts
Tennessee Titans (1-3) vs Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Titans come in off a loss last week to the Texans. QB Marcus Mariota completed 13 of 29 for 202 yards and one interception. Running back Demarco Murray rushed for 95 yards on 25 carries and two touchdowns. The defense is ranked 20th against the run.
Dolphins come in off a loss last week against the Bengals. QB Ryan Tannehill completed 15 of 25 for 189 yards one touchdown and one interception. The defense is ranked 28th against the run. Prediction: Dolphins
Houston Texans (3-1) vs Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
Texans come in off a win last week against the Titans. QB Brock Osweiler completed 25 of 37 for 254 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The defense ranks 27th in rushing yards allowed.
Vikings come in off a win last week against the Giants. QB Sam Bradford completed 26 of 36 for 262
yards and one touchdown. Running backs Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata each rushed for a touchdown. The defense is only allowing 12.5 points per game and forced a league high 11 turnovers. Prediction: Vikings
New York Jets (1-3) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
Jets come in off a loss last week against the Seahawks. QB Ryan Fitzpatrick completed 23 of 41 for 261 yards one touchdown and three interceptions with the lone touchdown going to wide receiver Brandon Marshall. The defense ranks 26th against the pass.
Steelers come in off a win last week against the Chiefs. QB Ben Roethlisberger completed 22 of 27 for 300 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Le'Veon Bell rushed for 144 yards on 18 carries. The defense ranked 27th in yards allowed and 11th in scoring defense. Prediction: Steelers
Washington Redskins (2-2) vs Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Redskins come in off a win against the Browns. QB Kirk Cousins completed 21 of 27 for 183 yards three touchdowns and one interception. Running back Matt Jones rushed for 117 yards on 22 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed and 32nd in third down defense.
Ravens come in off a loss last week against the Raiders. QB Joe Flacco completed 32 of 52 for 298 yards and one touchdown. Running back Terrance West rushed for 113 yards on 21 carries and one touchdown. The defense ranks fifth against the run and third against the pass.Prediction: Ravens
Atlanta Falcons (3-1) vs Denver Broncos (4-0)
Falcons come in off a win last week against the Panthers. QB Matt Ryan completed 28 of 37 for 503 yards four touchdowns and one interception. Running back Devonta Freeman rushed for one touchdown. The defense is ranked 28th in points allowed and passing yards per game and will be without linebacker Deion Jordan.
Broncos come in off a win last week against the Buccaneers. QB Trevor Siemian will be out of Sunday's matchup with a shoulder injury. QB Paxton Lynch will get the start; he completed his first NFL touchdown in last week's game. The defense is ranked in the top five in total defense. Prediction: Falcons
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
Bengals come in off a win last week against the Dolphins. QB Andy Dalton completed 22 of 31 for 296 yards for one touchdown with wide receiver A.J. Green catching the lone touchdown. The defense is ranked in the top 10 in total defense.
Cowboys come in off a win last week against the 49ers. QB Dak Prescott completed 23 of 32 for 245 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Ezekiel Elliott rushed for 138 yards on 23 carries and one touchdown. The defense is ranked 18th in yards allowed 11th against the run and 19th against the pass. Prediction: Cowboys
San Diego Chargers (1-3) vs Oakland Raiders (3-1)
Chargers come in off a loss last week against the Saints. QB Philip Rivers completed 28 of 43 for 321 yards two touchdowns and one interception. Running back Melvin Gordon rushed for two touchdowns. The defense is ranked 21st in total defense.
Raiders come in off a win against the Ravens. QB Derek Carr completed 25 of 35 for 199 yards and four touchdowns with three going to wide receiver Michael Crabtree. The defense is ranked 32nd overall in total defense. Prediction: Raiders
Buffalo Bills (2-2) vs Los Angeles Rams (3-1)
Bills come in off a win last week against the Patriots. QB Tyrod Taylor completed 27 of 39 for for 246 yards and one touchdown to running back LeSean McCoy. Bills are ranked 13th in run defense.
Rams come in off a win last week against the Cardinals. QB Case Keenum completed 18 of 30 for 266 yards and two touchdowns with both going to wide receiver Brian Quick. The defense is ranked 22nd in yards allowed. Prediction: Rams
New York Giants (2-2) vs Green Bay Packers (2-1)
Giants come in off a loss last week to the Vikings. QB Eli Manning completed 25 of 45 for 261 yards and one interception. The only bright spot on the offense was running back Orleans Darkwa who rushed for one touchdown. Defense is ranked last in takeaways.
Packers come in off their bye last week. QB Aaron Rodgers comes in with a 82.0 passer rating having only thrown one interception so far this season. Unfortunately the run game hasn't been as efficient with running back Eddie Lacy having yet to score a touchdown.The defense is ranked first in yards allowed. Prediction: Packers
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) vs Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Buccaneers come in off a loss last week against the Broncos. QB Jameis Winston completed 17 of 35 for 179 yards one rushing touchdown and two interceptions. The running game has been inefficient with running back Charles Sims having only rushed one touchdown so far this season. The defense is ranked 31st in takeaways.
Panthers come in off a loss last week to the Falcons. QB Cam Newton has been ruled out for the game. His replacement Derek Anderson completed 17 of 23 for 172 yards two touchdowns and two interceptions. The running game has been stagmant through the first four weeks. The defense is ranked 28th in points allowed. Prediction: Buccaneers
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)