NFL Week Six Bold Predictions: Peyton Manning the Merciful
By Erik Lambert
Oct 6, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) signals prior to the snap against the Dallas Cowboys at AT NFL
A lot of important games for teams earmark week six of the NFL season. With futures teetering one way or another, what some predictions that could hold true through some of the more interesting contests?
Jay Cutler will top 400 yards passing against New York Giants
The winds and tides are in alignment. The Chicago Bears offense is frustrated and eager after their slow start in week five that resulted in a failed comeback against New Orleans. Alshon Jeffery is hot. Brandon Marshall is due and the New York Giants bring in the second-worst pass rush in football on a short week. Jay Cutler has looked better and better under the guidance of Marc Trestman and his yard totals have told that story, going from 317 in week four to 358 in week five. Barring a meltdown by his offensive line, expect him to top 400 yards against the Giants.
Arian Foster and Ben Tate will top 100 yards each against St. Louis Rams
Houston is one team that can’t seem to execute their game plans. Matt Schaub can’t hit his receivers and instead hits defenders for touchdowns but more importantly the Texans can’t run the ball with consistency. After a fast start to the season they were shut down last week in San Francisco. It isn’t Houston Texans football and that is why they’re 2-3. Expect that to change in week six. The St. Louis Rams come to town with the 27th ranked rush defense in the NFL, allowing 126 yards per game. Not only will the Texans meet that quota, but Arian Foster and Ben Tate will each top 100 yards as Houston rides them to a resounding bounce back victory.
Peyton Manning won’t play the second half against the Jacksonville Jaguars
It’s impossible not to cringe thinking about this game. It’s not a question of which team will win. It’s a question of how bad Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos pound the reeling Jacksonville Jaguars. One would think the 37-year old has his eyes set on the all-time scoring record but that is not his style. In the past Manning has a tendency to sit when games are clearly out of reach. Provided he puts Denver out to a big lead in the first half, which is expected, he will sit the second half and allow backup Brock Osweiler some valuable time under center.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will force four Geno Smith turnovers
Perhaps the most amazing statistic going into NFL week six is how the vaunted Pittsburgh Steelers defense has yet to record an interception or a fumble recovery. That is not in any way like them. Is it the age catching up to them or just bad luck? The time to find out is around the corner. Dick LeBeau has had two weeks to prepare for the New York Jets and his top priority must be harassing quarterback Geno Smith. The rookie has looked very good at times but he is also very prone to making bad decisions under pressure. New York is coming off a short week too. If there was a time for Pittsburgh to break their slide, this is it.
Neither the New Orleans Saints or New England Patriots will score 20 points
Two teams with a combined 9-1 record but not everything feels right about them. It starts with the offenses. Neither is executing at a high level like in years past. The New Orleans Saints can’t run the ball and the New England Patriots have lost two of their key running backs and Tom Brady is struggling to get on the same page with his young receivers. Then there are the defenses. New Orleans is ranked 11th overall in the NFL while the Patriots remain tough against the pass. It all translates to an uncharacteristic game where field position could mean a lot. Don’t expect either team to top 20 points in this one.