The Monday night game features the Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) hosting the Dallas Cowboys (3-2) in what could be a shootout, but both squads are banged up on both sides of the ball, so who knows what this game ends up looking like. The Chargers should have running back Austin Ekeler (ankle injury) back for this tilt, but they have struggled on defense and allow a league worst 300 passing yards per game. They also just traded cornerback J.C. Jackson back to the New England Patriots as he just didn't have it going on with the Chargers defense in the last season and change.
Meanwhile, the Dallas defense which looked so dominant in the first three weeks this season, has been only slightly above average since defensive back Trevon Diggs was injured. Add to that linebacker Leighton Vander Esch being sidelined with injuries as well and suddenly the new "Dooms Day" defense is rather ordinary looking. They also got lit up for 42 points last Sunday night in San Francisco. This game could go either way, but the Chargers have been better so far this season at protecting the football, so give them the edge in a close game.
Going back to that Lions at Buccaneers game, the Bucs have been solid on defense and so far quarterback Baker Mayfield has been a new man with this team, completing just under 70 percent of his passes and he has seven touchdown passes and only two interceptions. The Lions are rolling early in 2023 and QB Jared Goff and the offense is averaging just under 30 points per game. The Detroit offense has good balance as well, averaging 253 passing yards per game and 141 rushing yards per game. The Lions should win this one as long as they protect Goff from the Bucs pass rush (12 sacks in four games) and don't turn the football over.
The rest of this week's action is featured in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks follow up.
Baltimore (3-2) at Tennessee (2-3) - (game is being played in London, England) - Both of these teams suffered close losses last week, so expect anything and everything in this one. Toss up.
Washington (2-3) at Atlanta (3-2) - The Falcons have been impressive so far while the Commanders are a streaky team, looking to snap a three-game skid.
Minnesota (1-4) at Chicago (1-4) - Somebody has to win this game. Bears rate slight edge at home and Vikes will be without All-Pro wide receiver Justin Jefferson (hamstring injury).
Seattle (3-1) at Cincinnati (2-3) - Can the Bengals continue what they did last weekend? The Seahawks are a much better opponent than Arizona. Toss up.
San Francisco (5-0) at Cleveland (2-2) - No Deshaun Watson at QB again this week for Cleveland . . . 49ers should win this one. They look to be the best team in the NFL at this point.
New Orleans (3-2) at Houston (2-3) - There's a line in the Grateful Dead song "Truckin" that says Houston is too close to New Orleans . . . just sayin' . . . Take the host Texans in a squeaker.
Indianapolis (3-2) at Jacksonville (3-2) - This game is for first place in the AFC South division. Take the Jags at home in this one.
Carolina (0-5) at Miami (4-1) - Can the Dolphins score 70 points again? It's possible against the worst team in the NFL.
New England (1-4) at Las Vegas (2-3) - The Raiders face a depleted and deflated Patriots team.
Arizona (1-4) at L.A. Rams (2-3) - The Rams should win this one, but the Cardinals do not roll over for any teams so far in the 2023 season.
Philadelphia (5-0) at N.Y. Jets (2-3) - Fly Eagles Fly !
N. Y. Giants (1-4) at Buffalo (3-2) - The Bills at home on Sunday night against a really bad Giants team that will be without starting QB Daniel Jones (neck injury) . . . this one could be decided by half time.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Six . . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
KANSAS CITY over Denver
Baltimore over Tennessee (game being played in London, England)
Atlanta over Washington
Chicago over Minnesota
Cincinnati over Seattle
San Francisco over Cleveland
Houston over New Orleans
Jacksonville over Indianapolis
Miami over Carolina
Las Vegas over New England
Detroit over Tampa Bay
L.A. Rams over Arizona
Philadelphia over N.Y. Jets
Buffalo over N.Y. Giants
L.A. Chargers over Dallas
Last Week's Record - 7-7
SEASON RECORD - 50-28
Lock of the Week Record - 5-0
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