NFL Week 6 kicked off in exciting fashion when the Philadelphia Eagles beat the favored Carolina Panthers, and we’re certain more surprises are in store.
One of the league’s winless teams is in a good spot to pull off a victory as its opponent is missing some key defenders. Furthermore, all eyes will be on new Arizona Cardinals running back Adrian Peterson. He was practically a non-factor with his former team, but he may play an integral role in the Cardinals toppling the favored Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
We also predict that a young rookie-led squad will outperform an unpredictable AFC North franchise.
Here are six teams on upset alert entering Week 6.
New York Jets upset New England Patriots (-10)
If this matchup was taking place in Week 1, we would not dare to suggest the Jets could snag a victory against the Patriots. But five games in, both AFC East franchises sit at 3-2. Quarterback Tom Brady and the Patriots are simply no sure bet to win in any given contest after watching them perform like an average Joe thus far.
Tom Terrific is banged up for one. His offensive line allowed him to be hit six times in his last game and he aggravated a minor injury to his left shoulder. The Jets will surely be looking to keep the hits coming on the 40-year-old quarterback. To date, the Jets defense is averaging three sacks per game. And speaking of defenses, New England’s remains the worst in the league. It is allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 66.5 percent of their passes. This could lead to another win for Josh McCown, who ranks second among starting quarterbacks with a 71.4 completion rate.
Taking all of these factors into account, the Patriots, playing at MetLife, are no slam dunk to win.
Chicago Bears upset Baltimore Ravens (-7)
The Ravens host a Bears team that narrowly lost by only three points to the Minnesota Vikings Monday night. So, it is not totally unreasonable to believe that rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky and his team could pull off an upset. Joe Flacco’s play has been sketchy this year, putting it mildly. The veteran signal caller has thrown six interceptions compared to just four touchdowns. Baltimore has three wins, but they have not been the prettiest.
Defensively, the Bears could gain the advantage. Chicago’s rushing defense is allowing just 3.9 yards per carry, which could force Flacco to pass more. Given Flacco’s struggles in the passing game we cannot expect Aaron Rodgers-like results. Offensively, Chicago’s run game has been productive. Baltimore’s rushing defense ranks within the bottom 10 and is yielding 4.3 yards on average per attempt. It has yet to force a fumble, either.
Trubisky handing the ball off — a lot — will be the key in Chicago earning a victory.
Los Angeles Rams upset Jacksonville Jaguars (-2.5)
Both teams enter this Sunday’s matchup in Jacksonville with a 3-2 record. Offensively, the Rams are averaging 30.4 points per matchup versus the Jags’ 27.8. Quarterback Jared Goff is also playing light years better than quarterback Blake Bortles. Go figure. Goff is averaging 272 passing yards at a completion rate of 61 percent. Bortles is averaging a paltry 165.4 yards per game and completing only 54.8 percent of his passes. It is no wonder the Jags rank fifth-worst in third-down conversions.
The Rams must keep the chains moving offensively and not fall victim to a menacing Jaguars defense. Establishing an early lead should force Bortles to pass and make mistakes. Stopping running back Leonard Fournette is a must as well. The positive here is, the Rams gave up only 39 rushing yards to running backs in their last game against Seattle.
We predict offense will beat defense in this strength-against-strength contest, giving Los Angeles the win.
Cleveland Browns upset Houston Texans (-10)
This is not as ridiculously impossible as it sounds. The Browns take to the road to face a Texans squad that just lost its two best defenders to injury. Quarterback Kevin Hogan will start, so we do not have to worry how many turnovers DeShone Kizer will give up. Meanwhile, pass rusher Myles Garrett, who accomplished two sacks in his debut last week, could easily be a difference-maker going up against fellow rookie, quarterback Deshaun Watson.
If the Texans look to lean on their run game, it might not work out that well. Cleveland’s rushing defense is giving up a mere 2.9 yards per carry. It has also allowed only two running back rushing touchdowns in five games.
If Cleveland’s defense steps up, forces mistakes and dismantles the Houston rushing game, this winless club may just shock the football world in Week 6.
Detroit Lions upset New Orleans Saints (-4)
The Lions lost by just three points to the Carolina Panthers in their last game. They will look to avenge that loss on the road in New Orleans. Defensively, the Lions will need to slow down Drew Brees and Co. Shutting down New Orleans’ run game could do the trick. Detroit’s defense is giving up just 3.3 yards on average per attempt and only 74.6 total yards per contest. Only three rushing touchdowns have been scored against Detroit.
We know we’re going to see some big plays made by both teams through the air. Detroit’s defense is allowing a 64.6 pass-completion percentage rate, while the Saints are allowing a 72.7 percent rate. Matthew Stafford seems to be the quarterback better poised to succeed. Plus, the Lions are more potent in terms of racking up interceptions and sacks, whereas New Orleans’ defense is generally a sieve.
A win for the Lions may not come easy against the Saints returning from their bye. But, for what it is worth, the Lions have won their last two games against the Saints in the Super Dome.
Arizona Cardinals upset Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2)
The Cardinals (2-3), need to save face with a win this week. They host a 2-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers squad that should not be underestimated. But, perhaps a combined veteran effort this time around tips the scales towards the Cardinals.
The Cardinals offense ranks No. 3 passing the ball. It just needs to seal the deal and score more touchdowns. Perhaps the addition of running back Adrian Peterson might help make a difference on offense. He might find his holes this weekend taking into consideration the Buccaneers just gave up 5.14 yards per attempt to New England. Peterson should receive his fair share of early-down work. Meanwhile, the Cardinals are yielding just 3.3 yards per attempt on average. Running back Doug Martin might not be running around as freely as he was his last game. Lastly, wide receiver Mike Evans could have another quiet game. He will have the pleasure of having cornerback Patrick Peterson watching his every move.
Quarterback Carson Palmer and the Bird Gang might just pull off a win if they can thwart the offensive efforts of Jameis Winston and his crew.