The Colts are supposed to be hosting the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday afternoon as well, but that game could be put on hold and moved to another day or perhaps a different week later on this season, much the same as was the game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans about two weeks ago. Needless to say, it has been a mess that keeps going week after week with this pandemic.
The NFL is doing whatever they can to keep continuity for the schedule, but it's obvious that the virus is here to stay until this country puts forth a real effort to get it under real control. Who knows if that will ever happen?
As far as the games that are scheduled to go this weekend, the one between the Buffalo Bills (4-1) and Kansas City Chiefs (in Buffalo) is definitely one to look forward to. Kansas City is also 4-1 and just signed running back Le'Veon Bell (who was cut loose by the New York Jets) so he might not be ready to play this weekend, but he is definitely an asset for the Chiefs already high powered offensive attack. The Bills were blown out last Tuesday night in Tennessee for their first loss, so they are looking to get back in gear after that setback.
That game will be one of two Monday night games once again due to schedule adjustments which also put the Los Angeles Chargers into a bye this week rather than having their home game against the Jets as originally scheduled. Other teams with the bye this weekend include the Las Vegas Raiders, New Orleans Saints and Seattle Seahawks. The original scheduled Monday night game between the Arizona Cardinals (3-2) and Dallas Cowboys (2-3) is also on the slate for "prime time" viewing.
The Cleveland Browns (4-1) at the Pittsburgh Steelers (4-0) will be a big game in the AFC North division and also the games between the Green Bay Packers (4-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) and Los Angeles Rams (4-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-3) should be as well.
The Rams and 'Niners go at it in the Sunday night game and San Francisco really needs a win in this one as they have fallen three full games behind the NFC West leading Seattle Seahawks (5-0) while the Rams have beaten up the NFC East teams for their four wins. The NFC East is by far the worst division in pro football, so the Rams are looking to show their win-loss record to date is no fluke.
As for the Browns and Steelers game, both of these teams do not care for each other and it could be interesting to see if the dust up between Browns' defensive star Myles Garrett and (Steelers reserve quarterback) Mason Rudolph will be rehashed from last year when Garrett clobbered Rudolph over the head with his own helmet during a skirmish late in the game. Both of these teams, along with the Baltimore Ravens (4-1) are battling for the top of the AFC North division lead.
The game between the Packers and Buccaneers is being touted as the battle between two legendary quarterbacks as Aaron Rodgers (13 touchdown passes and zero interceptions through four games) and Tom Brady (12 TD and four INT through five games) will go at it. The Bucs have a stellar defense and are giving up just 54 rushing yards per game. Green Bay running back Aaron Jones is fifth in the NFL in rushing yardage so far this year with 374 yards with a 5.8 yards per carry average and four touchdowns. This one should go down to the wire.
All in all if everything goes as planned in Week Six, NFL fans should be in for a real treat. So here goes nothing as Heftyinfo again tries to pick the winners for this weekend's action. The following is a capsule style preview of the games and the predictions follow up.
Chicago (4-1) at Carolina (3-2) - Two teams getting absolutely no respect for their winning records go at it in this tilt. Toss up in this one.
Denver (1-3) at New England (2-2) - This game was to have taken place last week but the COVID-19 virus had its way instead. Take the Patriots.
Cincinnati (1-3-1) at Indianapolis (3-2) - The Colts should this one, but they have to limit the turnovers. Are you listening (QB) Philip Rivers?
Detroit (1-3) at Jacksonville (1-4) - Who cares?
Atlanta (0-5) at Minnesota (1-4) - Another stinker game, but the Falcons did just fire their head coach so who knows what to expect.
Washington (1-4) at N.Y. Giants (0-5) - Third stinker game of the week . . . take the Giants.
Baltimore (4-1) at Philadelphia (1-3-1) - The Eagles have been up and down so far this season while the Ravens have been steady. This game could go down to the wire because the Eagles really need to win.
Cleveland (4-1) at Pittsburgh (4-0) - This one could be a real shootout and might come down to the last possession. Steelers in a tight one.
Houston (1-4) at Tennessee (4-0) - Must win for the visiting Texans if they want to have any chance in the AFC South this year. Titans have been getting it done despite their difficulties with the virus.
N.Y. Jets (0-5) at Miami (2-3) - Dolphins QB Ryan Fitzpatrick put on a show last week in big road win at San Francisco so beware of a letdown against the lowly Jets, but Miami should win this one.
Green Bay (4-0) at Tampa Bay (3-2) - Aaron Rodgers and Tom Brady . . . enough said.
L.A. Rams (4-1) at San Francisco (2-3) - 49ers need this one and the Rams are looking to prove they're for real. Toss up.
Kansas City (4-1) at Buffalo (4-1) - This is definitely the better of the two Monday games. Toss up.
Arizona (3-2) at Dallas (2-3) - The Andy Dalton era begins in Dallas after the season ending injury to starting QB Dak Prescott. Which version will the Cowboys get? . . . The "Red Rifle" or the Red Ryder BB gun?
The Heftyinfo predictions for Week Six . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Chicago over Carolina
NEW ENGLAND over Denver
Indianapolis over Cincinnati
Detroit over Jacksonville
Minnesota over Atlanta
N.Y. Giants over Washington
Baltimore over Philadelphia
Pittsburgh over Cleveland
Tennessee over Houston
Miami over N.Y. Jets
Tampa Bay over Green Bay
San Francisco over L.A. Rams
Buffalo over Kansas City
Dallas over Arizona
Last Week's Record - 9-5
SEASON RECORD - 50-26-1
Lock of the Week Record - 4-1
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