Rob Corder via Flickr
In the NFL mid-season stretch, a bit of a lull can set in. It happens every year. Wake me up in November, right? Let me tell you why you need to tune into the next few weeks of NFL football. The supposed top teams in the league all look majorly flawed. The title race seems to be wide open, with teams like the 49ers, Ravens, Eagles, Bengals, and Bills all faltering early. Meanwhile, a few surprise contenders have popped up, including the Commanders and Vikings. Trust me, you’re going to want to watch this unfold. You can thank me later.
5. Bengals @ Giants
After losses to the Patriots, Chiefs, Commanders, and Ravens, the Bengals’ season is on the brink of a complete collapse. However, there are some reasons for hope in Cincinnati. While the defense has been horrendous, each of the Bengals’ four losses have come by six points or less. The offense seems to be finding its stride after putting up 38 points in a Week 5 loss to the Ravens. Now, the Bengals enter a stretch of two games they should be expected to win. The first comes against a Giants squad that dismantled the Seahawks last week. Assuming Malik Nabers is back in the lineup, the Giants could give the Bengals secondary issues. However, I expect Cincinnati to prevail here and get back on track.
CIN 34-20 NYG
4. 49ers @ Seahawks
San Francisco, like Cincinnati, has been severely underwhelming so far this season. Inexplicable losses to the Rams and Cardinals have the reigning NFC champs sitting at 2-3 and third in their division. Injuries have certainly had their effect, but the Niners have struggled to close out games that they should win handily. Seattle has dropped two consecutive games after their 3-0 start, most recently losing to a far less talented Giants team. A win against San Francisco would solidify their spot atop the NFC West, but I expect San Francisco’s running game to overpower the Seahawks’ front.
SF 28-24 SEA
3. Lions @ Cowboys
The Lions are one of the only teams in the league that looks how they were expected to look at this point in the season. While they’ve struggled to put up points consistently, they’ve shown that they can compete with any team in their conference. I don’t see any glaring weaknesses in this Lions squad. The Dallas Cowboys are a different story entirely. While a 3-2 record may not be cause for concern, the tape indicates that Dallas’ defense simply doesn’t have the numbers up front to stop the run when it matters. Especially if Micah Parsons remains sidelined, I expect Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to put up big numbers in a Lions win.
DET 28-21 DAL
2. Bills @ Jets
The Jets fired head coach Robert Saleh on Tuesday after a 2-3 start. This team does not look like the contender many expected, but Saleh’s defense was not to blame. Aaron Rodgers has done enough to remind fans of the quarterback he used to be, but he still seems to be limited after his Achilles injury. The Bills, meanwhile, have endured a stumbling of their own recently. After a red-hot 3-0 start, Buffalo sits at 3-2 with a struggling offense and a banged-up defense. In all honesty, I expect the Jets’ season to collapse after the Saleh firing. I’ll take the Bills in this one.
BUF 21-17 NYJ
1. Commanders @ Ravens
Jayden Daniels is running away with the Offensive Rookie of the Year race. The LSU product has been dynamic with the ball in his hands, leading the Commanders to a 4-1 start. However, the competition hasn’t exactly been top-notch. Out of the Commanders’ four wins, three opponents rank among the highest ten in the league in points allowed. The Ravens’ defense has had struggles of its own this season but should provide a tougher challenge for Daniels. Baltimore has won three games in a row against tough opponents. They’ll make it four on Sunday.
BAL 34-31 WAS
