Welcome to Week 5. We had a doozy of a game Thursday night that came down to the wire. Don’t tell Tom Brady, though. He still thinks he has a play left.
Due to Covid we’ve had some game movements, and the main culprits are the Tennessee Titans. I think it is fair to label them as such, given that they knowingly broke the rules and now spreading the virus. That game will be pushed to Tuesday night. As for now, let’s take a look at the games that are available this Sunday.
Matchups to Watch
Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) 1pm – Should be one of the more competetive games of the weekend. Or Mahomes could go off, who knows?
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) 1 pm – Steelers didn’t play last week due to COVID restraints. The Steelers seem to be a very strong team with a tough defense. Philadelphia is still trying to find their identity.
Indianapolis Colts (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-1) 4:25 pm- I am very much looking forward to this game. There are some big injuries between both teams. I love how Rivers still plays the game with child-like energy. The Browns offense may have finally matured into what we thought it was capable of last season.
Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at Seattle Seahawks (4-0) 8:20 pm – If nothing else, this game should have some big-time fireworks. Russell Wilson is in pursuit of his first MVP and Minnesota is in the way. Then on his tails, Cousins, and Cook with an attempt to keep up.
Denver Broncos (1-3) at New England Patriots (2-2) 5 pm Monday- It’s like every week that one of my games is a “what to watch” just because of COVID. If this game is played, who will be the QB for either team?
Fantasy Players to Watch
Deshaun Watson, QB Houston Texans – He’s playing Jacksonville so and playing inspired after the man who was hell-bent on ruining his career is gone. This is more of a daily fantasy as most season-long teams have Watson as a locked-in starter.
James Robinson, RB Jacksonville Jaguars- The most consistent Jaguar. Versatile in how he accumulates stats and scores, James Robinson repeadedly finds ways to bulster your fantasy score.
Teddy Bridgewater, QB Carolina Panthers- This is a matchup based prediction as he is playing the Atlanta Falcons, but looks for a big day from Bridgewater. Oh, and if he has a big day you shouldn’t be so surprised, his stats are top notch so far this season.
Jerick Mckinnon, RB San Francisco 49ers- Even if Raheem Mostert plays expect Mckinnon to be the lead horse this week. Especially considering Jimmy Garoppolo is also out for this game.
Gardner Minshew, QB Jacksonville Jaguars- Even if it’s late in the game Minshew still finds ways to score. Was that a nice way of saying he’s starting to become a garbage time scorer. Doesn’t matter on the fatntasy score though.
Rookies to Watch
Tee Higgins, WR Cincinnati Bengals- Tee has put together a few cosecutive weeks of strong games. Him and fellow rookie QB Joe Burrow are developing a chemistry.
Justin Jefferson, WR Minnesota Vikings- Same thing can be said for Jefferson. He seems to be a nice replacement for Stefon Diggs who is now with Buffalo.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB Kansas City Chiefs – He had a big Week 1 but has simmered down just a bit. His opponent (Las Vegas Raiders) has been gashed by teams lately. Eye on Helaire.
Antonio Gibson, RB Washington Football Team – Cranking it up lately. He will receive a lot of touches because The Football Team will be starting Kyle Allen in place of benched Dwayne Haskins.
CeeDee Lamb, WR Dallas Cowboys – Look out for Lamb simply because he is playing the Giants.
Injuries/Substitutions to Watch
Josh Allen, DE Jacksonville Jaguars – K’lavo Chaisson will be filling in for the injured Allen. Allen is suffering from a knee injury. With Jacksonville already not getting to the QB, Deshaun Watson may terrorize them.
Darius Leonard, LB Indianapolis Colts – Leonard injured his groin in the first half against the Bears last week, he and others will be sorely missed in this matchup against the Browns.
Jamal Adams, S Seattle Seahawks- Adams will miss another game due to his groin injury. Seattle may be a little nervous againstthe talent of Minnesota since they will not have Adams.
Anthony Costanzo, T Indianapolis Colts- Big loss for the Colts especially when Myles Garrett is on the other side.
Sam Darnold, QB New York Jets – Darnold was slammed hard to the ground in his last outing, landing directly on his shoulder. He left the game and returned despite many believing his season was over. Hopefully, he will return but for now, we give you Joe Flacco.
Enjoy Week 5!
I hope you find what you’re looking for in this Week 5 of NFL football. Stay tuned for NFL Sunday: What to watch in Week 6.
