NFL Week 5 Upset Alert: Rams Run Over Eagles
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Josh McCown (12) gets sacked by St. Louis Rams Aaron Donald (99) and Eugene Sims (97) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports
Upsets have a way of turning the NFL upside down. As Week 5 approaches, which games are prime territory for favorites to go down in flames?
St. Louis Rams top Philadelphia Eagles
Something is most definitely wrong with the Philadelphia Eagles. Their defense still can’t stop anybody and suddenly their dynamic offense, while still dangerous has proven quite vulnerable of late. They can’t run the ball and Nick Foles has been banged around behind an offensive line riddled by injury. In come the St. Louis Rams, a team that has had a chance to catch its breath during the bye week after a painful collapse against Dallas. Their defense ranks 3rd in the league against the pass and boasts a formidable pass rush led by Robert Quinn. If LeSean McCoy can’t get going again, the Eagles could be in serious trouble.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers over New Orleans Saints
Mike Glennon rallied the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to a big win in Pittsburgh last week, while the New Orleans Saints retreat home from a drubbing delivered to them by the Cowboys. People can’t figure out what is going on with the Saints, offensively or defensively. Nothing is clicking. That is a premium recipe for a letdown, especially against a divisional foe on the tail end of hearing one of your best defenders in safety Jairus Byrd is done for the year. Don’t be surprised if Glennon is able to pull off another shocker.
New York Jets over San Diego Chargers
On the surface this NFL tilt looks like an easy pick. The New York Jets are reeling from three-straight losses while the San Diego Chargers are rolling with three-straight wins. However, there are some reasons to think it may not be the cakewalk for the Bolts many envision. First of all, the Jets boast the 2nd best rushing attack in the league, easily the best the Chargers defense has faced. They also lead the league in sacks and are tops on defense against the run, which means Philip Rivers will likely have to throw a lot. In other words the Jets are tailor-made to play a team like San Diego. Never mind the fact Rex Ryan is 2-1 in his career against them.