NFL Week 6 Previews and Predictions, Part 2

“Xandro’s Fearless Predictions” and Previews are brought to you by Alexandro H. Zatarain.

Xandro’s Overall Record: 43-33 (Last Week: 9-6)

Bye Week: Chiefs, Saints

 Pittsburgh Steelers (3 -2) @  Cleveland Browns (2-2)

1:00 pm ET @ FirstEnergy Stadium (CBS)

17-9 win over the Jaguars for the Steelers. It was away, it was ugly, but it got the job done. La’Veon Bell and Ben Roethlisberger surely shined for the team, as they should. But, still some questions with consistency.

The Browns are a dangerous team. Brian Hoyer marched this squad to a 29-28 win over the Titans after being down 28-3 in the first quarter. And that was away. Now, they get to play at home.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: The win over the Titans should give the Browns a big jolt of energy and the “Dawg Pound” will be rocking.

Final Score: Steelers 17-Browns 21

 New England Patriots (3-2) @  Buffalo Bills (3-2)

1:00 pm ET @ Ralph Wilson Stadium (FOX)

If you were doubting the Patriots, why? It’s pretty hard for me to doubt Tom Brady and their defense is currently ranked #4. They’ve had a slow start but the win over Cincinnati should get them back into pace.

The Bills, who have been pretty extraordinary thus far, are coming off of a win in Detroit. Instead of having EJ Manuel under center, Kyle Orton has taken the lead and maybe brought a new fire to this team. It will make for an interesting match-up with the Pats.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Winner takes the division lead. Although I really like the underdog story, the Pats are looking to regain control of the AFC East.

Final Score: Patriots 24-Bills 14

 Carolina Panthers (3-2) @  Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

1:00 pm ET @ Paul Brown Stadium (FOX)

The Panthers have been a team that have surprised me a bit. They’re currently in first in the NFC South and are coming off of a win over the Bears. But, they certainly lack a rushing attack at the moment, which I feel would add a huge boost to the passing game.

The Bengals are coming off of their first loss of the season to the Pats, who completely annihilated them. They look to bounce back at home. Not making excuses but playing a “frustrated” Patriots team probably wasn’t an ideal situation to be in.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Defense will be the biggest factor here. Both offenses have the capability to go off but the best defense of the day will bring the win.

Final Score: Panthers 20-Bengals 27

 Jacksonville Jaguars (0-5) @  Tennessee Titans (1-4)

1:00 pm ET @ LP Field (CBS)

I’m going to keep this match-up simple. We all know these teams are terrible but which one is worse? At this point, Titans QB Jake Locker is expected to miss this match-up. When he was knocked out last week vs the Browns, they claimed a 28-3 lead. The game ended in a 28-29 loss.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: I’m calling the first win for the Jaguars!

Final Score: Jaguars 20-Titans 17

 Green Bay Packers (3-2) @  Miami Dolphins (2-2)

1:00 pm ET @ Sun Life Stadium (FOX)

Looks like Green Bay has found some life. Although they do have the #28 offense in the league, they were still able to get a 42-10 win over the Vikings last week. After 2 straight wins, the Pack look to keep the momentum going. This will be a bit more of a challenge since Dolphins have a stout defense.

The Dolphins are getting the benefit of coming off a bye week AND getting Knowshon Moreno back. The defense will be refreshed and the run game will be back. Expect the passing game to open up for Ryan Tannehill.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Most people will go for the Packers in this one but I feel like the Dolphins have something to prove.

Final Score: Packers 24-Dolphins 28

 Detroit Lions (3-2) @  Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

1:00 pm ET @ TCF Bank Stadium (FOX)

Both teams here had tough losses last week. The Lions lost a close one to the Bills and much of it came at the hands of their own players. The Vikings got handled by the Packers. The Lions are looking to stay atop the division while the Vikings look to stay in the mix. The Vikes will also be getting Teddy Bridgewater back. Will make for an interesting afternoon.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: I was initially going to choose the Lions but I’m going to give Teddy a shot.

Final Score: Lions 20-Vikings 23

 Denver Broncos (3-1) @  New York Jets (1-4)

1:00 pm ET @ MetLife Stadium (CBS)

I’ll admit, I picked the Cardinals to beat the Broncos last week. A little bit off on that pick. The Broncos offense clicked incredibly as Peyton Manning threw for 479 yards and 4 TDs. The run game is still having a bit of trouble but it’s all good when you have Demaryius Thomas going for 226 receiving yards.

The chair has never been hotter for Rex Ryan. As it should be. In a must win situation, the Jets picked the wrong opponent to go up against. After losing 31-0 in San Diego, the Jets just don’t look good.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: I’ll be shocked if Ryan is still with the team on Monday.

Final Score: Broncos 34-Jets 10

 Baltimore Ravens (3-2) @  Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-4)

1:00 pm ET @ Raymond James Stadium (CBS)

Despite the loss to the Colts last weekend, the Ravens have been another team that has done decently thus far. I was sure they would lose to the Colts but they’re still in the race for the division, although it seems early to even talk about it.

The Buccaneers seem to have gotten a bit better with Mike Glennon but not enough to actually get more wins. At least there are improvements.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Not feeling to bold on this one. Bucs are ranked 30th in both offense and defense. Ehhh…

Final Score: Ravens 23-Buccaneers 10

 San Diego Chargers (4-1) @  Oakland Raiders (0-4)

4:05 pm ET @ O.co Coliseum (CBS)

The Chargers are currently riding a 4-game win streak into Oakland. In the process, they’ve dominated the Seahawks, Bills, Jaguars and the Jets. And it’s not just the offense that is shinning, the defense has made it’s way up to the #3 defense in the NFL, #1 in points allowed.

The Raiders are coming off of a bye, riding their own 4-game streak but quite the opposite of the Bolts. They also have the #32 offense. Hopefully, the bye week and home-field advantage helps them out a little.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Sorry, Raiders fans, but the “Black Hole” is going to get lit up.

Final Score: Chargers 34-Raiders 10

 Chicago Bears (2-3) @  Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

4:25 pm ET @ Georgia Dome (FOX)

After a tough loss to Carolina, the Bears look to get back to .500. The biggest concern is how efficient Jay Cutler is. He’s a great QB until he breaks himself. Being turnover prone has plagued him and has kept him from being considered as one of the best QBs in the league.

The Falcons have one the “best” offenses in the league but negate it with one of the worst defenses. After losing to the Giants last week, they too are looking at getting to .500. A win could potentially keep them in the division race.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: I like the home team on this one. Matt Ryan is bound for another big day but just hope that the defense could help a little.

Final Score: Bears 17-Falcons 28

 Dallas Cowboys (4-1) @  Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

4:25 pm ET @ CenturyLink Field (FOX)

Tony Romo sure is looking good. Let’s stop wondering if he’ll “keep it up”. Give the man some credit for what he’s doing right now. Also, DeMarco Murray has done so well that the Cowboys are working on reaching an extension on his contract.

The Seahawks have also had a very good start to the season. But let me be the first to say that this team doesn’t have the defense of a year ago. They’re VERY good but not great. It’s the offense that has really kicked it up a notch with Russell Wilson at the helm. It also helps that Marshawn Lynch is in the backfield.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: We all know how hard it is to play in Seattle. But, imagine how hard it has been for the Cowboys to play at home when the opposing team has more fans in the stands. Beat Seattle’s defense and they’ll claim the “W”.

Final Score: Cowboys 27-Seahawks 21

 Washington Redskins (1-4) @  Arizona Cardinals (3-1)

4:25 pm ET @ University of Phoenix Stadium (FOX)

I think we can all agree that the Redskins gave the Seahawks some trouble on Monday night. But giving trouble is different than winning. Kirk Cousins has done a decent job since taking over for the injured Robert Griffin III but with finding little success in the “W” column, we may see a QB change once RGIII is 100%.

The Cardinals suffered their first loss in excruciating fashion. Let’s face it, they need Carson Palmer back. The defense seems to be work out, dropping down to the #24 spot in the NFL. If the offense were a bit more formidable, they wouldn’t have a tired defense.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: The Cards get the benefit of playing at home but I feel as if DeSean Jackson is going to break out. And the Redskins’ defense has been doing better statistically than Arizona’s. I like Washington in the one.

Final Score: Redskins 28-Cardinals 17

 New York Giants (3-2) @  Philadelphia Eagles (4-1)

8:30 pm ET @ Lincoln Financial Field (NBC)

Like Tony Romo, Eli Manning has found a groove. Victor Cruz has proved to be as handy as usually and Larry Donnell has been big in the end zone. Rashad Jennings has also added nearly 400 yards on the ground, opening up the pass game.

The Eagles got nearly got themselves in a little predicament against the Rams. Holding a 34-7 lead in the third quarter, Philly let the Rams score 21 unanswered points but kept it at a 34-28 game. Now, we all know the Eagles have a great offense when used correctly, which has been a bit of a problem. And having the #28 defense doesn’t guarantee a win if the offense doesn’t get it done.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: The Giants are HOT. The Eagles may be winning but they don’t look good doing it. The Giants will pick apart the defense and will easily be able to keep up with the Eagles’ offense and surpass them.

Final Score: Giants 27-Eagles 20

 San Francisco 49ers (3-2) @  St. Louis Rams (1-3)

8:30 pm ET @ Edward Jones Dome (ESPN)

Another team with an ugly win, the 49ers took out the Chiefs at home, 22-17. Despite locker room and suspension problems, this squad has found ways to win. Now, they have the talent to win with no problems at all. It’s just finding what clicks.

The Rams made Philly’s win look ugly. They were down big, only to scare the Eagles. Funny enough, this team ranks 8th in offense and 13th on defense. But hey, stats don’t always tell the whole truth.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: My “fearlessness” says to go with the Rams but I’ll ignore it. Don’t be shocked if this game is close, though.

Final Score: 49ers 24-Rams 20

 

Follow Xandro on Twitter: @TheRealZatarain