Last week I continued to thread in deep waters with a 3-2 record. It was inconceivable to watch Aaron Rodgers and the Packers choke away a 17-3 lead in London. My other loss was picking the Bengals to beat the Ravens and then watching the Ravens’ defense play their best game of the season to answer the critics. That is life in the NFL in 2022! Entering Week 6, it feels like an early pivotal point in the NFL season. The games on this week’s slate may go a long way in deciding who wins divisions, gets home-field advantage, or even eliminated from playoff contention. In this article, we take another shot by picking the five hottest games for this weekend.
1. New York Jets (3-2) at Green Bay Packers (3-2)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (Fox)
As I mentioned in the opening paragraph, the Packers lost to the Giants in week five, and now they face the other New York team at home. Aaron Rodgers and the offense have not clicked all season, but a simple solution is to get their running backs, A.J. Dillion, and Aaron Jones more involved. The defense has been consistent despite the letdown of giving up 14 points in the fourth quarter last week. One of the biggest surprise teams this season is the Jets, and the fact they are in this article in picking the five hottest games is an accomplishment. However, for this young team to go on the road and win in Lambeau field is a tough task because this team is rounding into a resilient group that Head Coach Robert Saleh will love. I have the Packers winning, but the Jets will keep it competitive.
Packers 30-Jets 21
2. Baltimore Ravens (3-2) at New York Giants (4-1)- Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
Last week, I picked against both teams, and I got two gut punches. The Giants’ game plan will center around stopping Lamar Jackson and his dynamic playmaking ability by bringing pressure. It will be interesting to see what former Ravens defensive coordinator Wink Martindale will scheme against his former team. The Ravens’ defense played well last week but the task this week will be to slow down Saquon Barkley. I think they will be able to do so just enough and allow Jackson to lead the Ravens to another game-winner by Justin Tucker.
Ravens 24-Giants 21.
3. New England Patriots (2-3) at Cleveland Browns (2-3)- Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS)
This game feels like an early elimination game because the loser will fall to a 2-4 record. The big question for the Patriots is whether Mac Jones will return from injury and play in this game. If he isn’t available, rookie Bailey Zappe will be under center after grabbing his first win against the Lions last week. Both teams have a similar game plan to run the football and take the pressure off their backup quarterback. Therefore, the defense that can slow down their opponent’s run game will win. I think Belichick will devise a plan to do just that and grab the close victory.
Patriots 21-Browns 17.
4. Buffalo Bills (4-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)- Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
The biggest travesty about this matchup is that it should be on Monday Night Football to take centerstage. What is the NFL doing? Anyway, this game will be about the two best teams playing each other after an exhilarating 42-36 overtime divisional round game last week. The Bills had this game circle on the calendar as soon as the schedule was released. Josh Allen had nightmares after his defense allowed the Chiefs to march down the field in just 13 seconds to tie the game and later win in overtime. The Chiefs will feel disrespected that they are a home underdog for the first time since Patrick Mahomes became a starter. The Bills need to win this game to end their losing streak at Arrowhead Stadium and take a step closer to hosting this matchup in Buffalo. I have Allen winning this matchup in another classic in what we hope is the game of the year.
Bills 33-Chiefs 31.
5. Dallas Cowboys (4-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
It appears Cooper Rush will start this game despite Dak Prescott returning to practice. I believe the Eagles are under pressure to win this game because a divisional home game in primetime against the Cowboys should put an emphasis on this team to make a statement win. I think they will win because the only weakness in this Cowboys’ defense is to stop the run, and the Eagles are proficient at running the football. If they can contain the Eagles’ run game, then I think they will have success in their pass rush and attack Jalen Hurts. However, I think the Eagles will win a close game in a highly rated television matchup.
Eagles 27-Cowboys 23.
Last Week record: 3-2
Overall record: 14-11