Today’s Games
Jets @ Browns
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET, FOX
New York Jets 13, Cleveland Browns 10
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, FOX
Whew, boy. Talk about a game that could go either way. Last year, these two teams played to a near stalemate, with New York barely holding off Cleveland late. The Jets‘ running backs were uber-important that day — and should be again Sunday. Anticipate the Jets running right at the Browns with Bilal Powell, as they did against the Jags (who have a more talented front seven than Cleveland). That should limit Josh McCown‘s pass attempts. DeShone Kizer‘s throws will be limited if he performs as he did versus the Bengals. So, in order to make this game more interesting, I asked NFL.com researcher Jack Andrade for a little additional, well, you know, research. His note: New York is seventh in the NFL in rushing. Awesome. Really in-depth perspective there. #nostoneunturned #NYJvsCLE
From: http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/251447/week-5-nfl-predictions-scores-for-every-game
New York Jets
Coach Todd Bowles says “2-2 is nothing to brag about.” In most cases, he’d be right, but there has been a sense of satisfaction this week in the Jets’ locker room — a possible red flag. It wouldn’t be a shock if they underestimate the Browns, but they have too many matchups in their favor to lose the game. Josh McCown has completed 75 percent of his passes against the blitz, which bodes well against the blitz-heavy Browns, who have allowed a 127 passer rating when blitzing. It sounds crazy, but the Jets will win their third straight game. Jets 20, Browns 17 — Rich Cimini
Cleveland Browns
Old friend Josh McCown is healthy and completing 70 percent of his passes, and the Jets have won two in a row with the kind of run-pass balance that the Browns should study. At 0-4, the Browns talked a good game all week, but there was a feeling that folks were looking over their shoulder. That’s not the attitude a winless team needs. Jets 24, Browns 10 — Pat McManamon
Titans @ Dolphins
Tennessee Titans 20, Miami Dolphins 17
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
Will Marcus Mariota be under center for the Titans? That’s the important question in this matchup of two teams that got flattened last week. Tennessee’s defense was manhandled by the Texans. Miami’s offense couldn’t handle anything the Saints threw at it. What’s really puzzling is that no one would I.D. Houston or New Orleans as a dominant team. If Mariota can’t go, the outcome will rest on Matt Cassel‘s shoulders. Really, though, could the journeyman signal caller play any worse than Jay Cutler has been?
(Not) fun fact: The Dolphins are averaging 8.3 points per game. No other team is < 15. But, hey: Cutler knows Adam Gase’s offense. #TENvsMIA
From: http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/251447/week-5-nfl-predictions-scores-for-every-game
Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota‘s playing status could be unknown until Sunday, but the Titans have problems to solve even if he does find a way to play. The Titans’ pass defense was a disaster as the Titans gave up 57 points to the Texans in a Week 4 rout. And the Dolphins’ struggling offense presents three receivers who could give them fits once again. These two teams played last year in similar circumstances, with the Titans leaving with the victory due to Mariota’s four touchdowns and a stout running game. They’ll have to do it Sunday with a lot of attention on the running game, whether Mariota or Matt Cassel is under center. Dolphins 19, Titans 17 — Cameron Wolfe
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins allowed 235 rushing yards in last year’s loss to the Titans. However, Miami is vastly improved in that area, allowing just 3.1 yards per rush and 78 yards per game this season. If the Titans can’t run, they are in trouble against the Dolphins, especially with the uncertainty of Mariota (hamstring). Dolphins 17, Titans 14 — James Walker
Bills @ Bengals
Buffalo Bills 16, Cincinnati Bengals 14
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Bills win on the strength of the stingiest defense in pro football. Through four games, Sean McDermott’s group is allowing a scant 13.5 points per game. There were times early in the season when you wondered whether Andy Dalton could get his team to double-digit scoring. The last two weeks have seen a resurgence in the Bengals‘ offense. Back to Buffalo, though, a team that just beat the Broncosand Falcons in successive weeks. No one is paying attention. Oh, and Tyrod Taylor is still underrated. Back to McDermott’s defense: The unit has seven takeaways (tied for fourth) and is allowing a not-robust 4.7 yards per play (fifth in the NFL). So, basically, no flukiness here. #BUFvsCIN
From: http://www.espn.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/251447/week-5-nfl-predictions-scores-for-every-game
Buffalo Bills
The Bills might be 3-1 and playing the 1-3 Bengals, but Vegas seems to like Cincinnati in this game. Buffalo is at least a three-point underdog on the road, suggesting this could be a trap game for the Bills after big wins over Denver and Atlanta. The Bills’ offense — which has gone three-and-out on 48 percent of drives this season, second most in the NFL — will be playing short-handed at wide receiver because of a thumb injury to No. 1 wideout Jordan Matthews. Tyrod Taylor has excelled in passing to Charles Clay and LeSean McCoy this season, but the Bengals boast the NFL’s lowest yards per catch (6.49) by opposing tight ends and running backs. Bengals 13, Bills 9 — Mike Rodak
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a tough matchup against one of the league’s best defenses (Buffalo is 10th overall), but it looks like their offense finally has begun to click in the past two weeks. The Bengals can build on their momentum here, and a win would make them 2-3 prior to their bye. Bengals 14, Bills 10 — Katherine Terrell
R.I.P. Nikvoodoo ….as his body is laid to rest, today
If you wish to donate to his family in this time of need, please follow this link: Information for a college fund for his children will follow shortly. https://www.youcaring.com/annalydiawilltochelli-973171
This will be posted in morning links all week
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