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Checking out the key match-ups for week 5 of the NFL season


With 14 match-ups this week, I could spend hours crunching the numbers, going over the stats, and predicting all outcomes. But that would be both tedious and unnecessary. SO, rather than do that, I’m going to take a look at the match-ups that have the most impact on the standings.

First, lets check out the AFC:

Titans @ Cowboys

The Titans are coming off a lousy week 4 game losing at home to the Broncos. The Broncos did a great job of containing CJ, holding him to just 53 yards on the ground (just about half of the total yardage they’ve averaged per game, defensively).  Kyle Orton torched the Titans through the air, throwing for 341 yards, which bodes well for Tony Romo this week. Things get no easier for the Titans, who are facing a Cowboys defense that has only surrendered less than 84 yards per game. Add in that Jason Witten looks to be a go this week, and there’s a high risk for the Titans to fall behind early, negating their ability to run the ball, period.

You can throw on the Cowboys, so it appears that the Titans are going to have to rely on Vince Young in this one. Still, it would not make me feel great having to rely on him, totally. The boys have a shot to climb out of an early hole, and I expect them to take full advantage, at home.

Prediction: Cowboys 24, Titans 10

Broncos @ Ravens

The Ravens are coming off a disheartening road loss to the Steelers, having lost to Charlie Batch. Their ground game was stifled without a full compliment of carries by their top back, Ray Rice, and there’s a question whether he’ll be at all effective this week. Only 1 team has managed to score on the Broncos on the ground, and my guess is, the Ravens aren’t likely to be number 2, especially if Rice is limited. The Ravens will need to rely on the NFL’s top passing defense to stop Kyle Orton from putting the game out of hand, and after falling into a tie atop the north, a win against Denver would put the Ravens in a much better position, with Big Ben returning to the field in week 6.

Prediction: Ravens 17, Broncos 14

Chiefs @ Colts

The Colts, long accustomed to being at the top of their division, were dealt a big blow by the Jags last week, losing 31-28. They’re given the task THIS week of facing a surprisingly undefeated Chiefs team, who’s defense ranks 14th. The Colts have shown a total inability to stuff the line, allowing a whopping 149.5 yards per game to running backs. Meanwhile, the Chiefs rank only behind the Jets and Texans for most offensive yardage on the ground, with over 160 yards.

Kansas City isn’t nearly as adept at stopping the pass as they are the run, which gives Peyton full reign to exploit this weakness. Having another MVP caliber year, expect the Colts to take the ground game away from the Chiefs with early scores, at home. The undefeated Chiefs will be no more.

Prediction: Colts 28, Chiefs 13

Vikings @ Jets

The Jets, fresh off a thrashing of their division rivals, the hapless Bills, play host to a Vikings squad who just unwrapped a true gift in Randy Moss. And the Vikings may very well need him, as All Day is offered the challenge of running against the 4th best defense in the league. Assuming Revis Island is good to go for this week, Randy Moss should prove no major challenge for the Jets to overcome.

The Jets will need to rely on the shaky season put forth by Brett Favre to pick up some turnovers, as Sanchez could have issues against the 8th best defense, and LT’s opportunities could be very limited. But, at home, with a 1 game lead over the Patriots, I feel confident that the Jets will stuff the Vikings enough times to prevent major damage.

Prediction: Jets 14, Vikings 13


And now, the NFC:

Saints @ Cardinals

The Saints, despite being 3-1 this year, have looked pretty vulnerable, relying on comebacks to stave off their opponents. They barely eeked out a victory, at home, against the winless Panthers, who have had virtually no offense to speak of. This week, they take on a team who’s looking to a previously undrafted no-name in Max Hall, having benched the mediocre Derek Anderson. The Saints will be able to run the ball against the Cardinals, and should have no trouble passing on one of the worst defenses in the league (22nd). The Saints will look to make life miserable for Hall, having kept opposing QB’s to under 200 yards per game. I’d expect Brees to single-handedly take the running game away from the Cardinals, and get a dominant performance to breathe some life into this offense.

Prediction: Saints 34, Cardinals 10

Packers @ Redskins

Coming off a squeak-by victory at home against the winless Lions, the Packers now face a team fresh off a contentious game against the Eagles. Though they have one of the best passing defenses in the league, Ryan Torain will have a chance to pound the ball against a defense that is allowing nearly 120 yards per game. That is, IF they can contain Rodgers.

Speaking of the devil, it would be good to see him explode off a team that’s only friend in avoiding being the WORST defensive team against the pass, has been Houston. What was that about Ryan Torain getting some touches? Hmm…not likely. The Packers may not have much of a running game to speak of, but they have the weapons to take apart the Skins.

Prediction: Packers 31, Redskins 16

Eagles @ 49ers

For those keeping score at home, Kevin Kolb, he of the concussion that kept him out for 2 ½ games, is returning to the starting role this week. Amazing the instability behind center for a team in the thick of a divisional race, isn’t it? At any rate, the 49ers have yet to put together a solid performance offensively, and this week should be no exception. Not only is Philly the 5th ranked pass defense, Alex Smith has done nothing thus far to stop teams from stuffing the line.

McCoy has been getting it done this year, and a couple scores by Kolb should sufficiently put the 49ers into their shell. Once Alex Smith is forced to throw it, the Eagles should cruise to victory.

Prediction: Eagles 28, 49ers 10

And lastly, Bears @ Panthers

The Bears are off to a surprisingly good year, and get presumably a cookie match-up against the hapless, winless Panthers. This game can be summed up pretty simply - a lousy passing defense, against a QB having a very solid season, and a defense that doesn’t let anyone run on them. If the Bears manage to lose this game, it would shock me.

Prediction: Bears 28, Panthers 6

Any beef with any of this analysis? Leave it below.