Sunday, October 11, 2015

WIN IN DOUBT : MARQUEE MATCH-UPS (WEEK 5)

Almost 1/3 of the 2015 NFL Season has expired. As things began to materialize for the 32 teams in the league, scrutiny from fans and NFL analyst will intensify putting more pressure on NFL teams to get the job done and in an satisfactory way might I add. Going into Week 5, currently 9 of the NFL 32 teams have winning percentages above .500 with the Detroit Lions being the only team that remains winless. While the Colts sit blissfully at the top of the AFC South after their victory over the Texans on Thursday night, other teams are prepared for this upcoming weekend, were they'll be battle tested. After reviewing the Week 5 schedule, we found some undeniable eye-popping match-ups that NFL fans should definitely tune into. Take a look below.


(Oct. 3, 2015 - Source: Joe Robbins/Getty Images North America)


(Sept. 19, 2015 - Source: Maddie Meyer/Getty Images North America)


Seattle Seahawks @ Cincinnati Bengals 1:00 p.m. E.T FOX

The question still remains, is Cincinnati the real deal? I'd say no. Though they have won all four of their season games, they've done it against opponents with a combined record of 6-10. Sunday, they welcome the defending NFC Champion Seattle Seahawks to town. The Seahawks will be without RB Marshawn Lynch who suffered a hamstring injury in Week 3. The absence of Lynch has undoubtedly caused much struggle to the Seattle offense. On the other end, Bengals QB Andy Dalton has thrown for 1,187 yards, 9 TD's and has a QB rating of 123.7 this season. I will make the bold prediction that he'll have under 250 yards passing in this weekend's game. The Seahawks did not allow an offensive TD in their last two games and will bring the physicality needed to keep the Bengals offense at bay. Without Lynch in the lineup though, look for the Bengals defense to force a few interceptions and ignite the Cincinnati crowd. Even with the odds stacked against Seattle, their desire to regain position in the NFC West may cause the Bengals to suffer their first loss of the season.


(Oct. 3, 2015 - Source: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images North America)


(Oct. 3, 2015 - Source: Christian Petersen/Getty Images North America)


St. Louis Rams @ Green Bay Packers 1:00 p.m. E.T CBS

The St. Louis Rams left Arizona feeling pretty good about defeating a division rival Cardinals team that sat at 3-0 for the season before Week 4. This week they'll deal with another undefeated team in the Green Bay Packers. Well, more importantly they'll get to meet Packers QB Aaron Rodgers up close and personal and get to see just how dynamic he is. Want to know what the Rams can do to get this win (besides pray)? Run the ball. Unlike the stubborn Kansas City Chiefs who sought to duel Alex Smith with Rodgers, the Rams will attempt to get rookie RB Todd Gurley involved in a steady running attack to keep the Packers offense on the sideline. Last week against a stellar Cardinals defense, Gurley ran for 155 yards on 25 attempts with a 6.2 yards average per carry. Now claiming that the Packers defense is better than Arizona's is rather absurd, but what the Packers can do on offense (like establish a lead) will make their defense a lot more effective during Sunday's match-up. The edge though is this ; the Rams still have something to prove. Rather or not this day at Lambeau Field is one in which St. Louis makes a statement is worth the eyes of each and every NFL fan worldwide. Be sure to tune in.

OTHER NOTABLES MATCH-UPS

Pittsburgh Steelers @ San Diego Chargers Monday 8:30 p.m. E.T on ESPN
  • QB Ben Rothlisberger remains injured with Left knee sprain
  • Bengals gaining favor in AFC North
  • Both teams looking to break their 2-2 records
Buffalo Bills @ Tennessee Titans 1:00 p.m. E.T on CBS
  • Buffalo Bills suffered key loss in Week 3 against Giants
  • Titans should be fresh coming off of Bye in Week 4
  • Will Bills get RB LeSean McCoy back this week?