From another game in London to two of the league’s best teams squaring off, week five of the NFL is full of excitement. As always it’s impossible to watch every game but there are bound to be some more entertaining matchups than others.
Here are five games this week that are sure to be a blast:
1. Jaguar vs. Bills
After winning their first of two games in London, England, the Jaguars have gained some momentum back this season. They have gone from a winning record, to a losing record, to finally breaking even again, and will hope to restore the prior. Currently every team in their division has the same record as them, meaning there is plenty of playoff room still available. However, a win will not come lightly for them.
The Buffalo Bills have been on a tangent since losing in week one, scoring 123 points in their last three games. As they have easily restored themselves as a top five team in the league, they look to remain that way as they currently hold a division lead along with the Miami Dolphins.
This will also mark Josh Allen’s first game in London, however, the last time these two teams met in “The Smoke” it was an absolute classic, with the Jaguars winning by three. If the Jaguars lose, the momentum they gained from last week will go right back down the well. Meanwhile, if the Bills lose, they might have to start scoring 123 points every week based on how they handled their first loss.
2. Texans vs. Falcons
After a stunning week four performance, Texan’s quarterback CJ Stroud may have put himself in the early race for rookie of the year. However, an honor like that takes more than one performance to prove. The Texans are on a two game winning streak, and seem to have found a rhythm that works for them. They stand at an even record along with the rest of the AFC South, and will be looking to remain in the upper half of the division.
On the other hand are the Atlanta Falcons, who after winning their first two games of the season have lost their previous two. There is still plenty of breathing room in their division, as they are just one game out of first place. This will also be just the sixth time in history these two teams meet, as the Texans are a fairly new organization. With a win, CJ Stroud will be able to prove to his team and its fans that he may be headed down a path of destiny.
It will be a team with a two game win streak against another with a two game losing streak, each of which will attempt to come out with a winning record. If the Falcons lose, it will be their third straight loss, beginning to hinder their status amongst the league. If the Texans lose, all this CJ Stroud hype could simply be a fluke.
3. Ravens vs. Steelers
The only thing that could make a game like this better would be if the temperature outside was freezing cold. Two of the harshest teams in the NFL will go at it this weekend with the hopes of increasing its status in the division. The Ravens already hold a win over the other two opponents in their division, and could tighten the grip they already hold over first place.
However, the Ravens have only won one of the last six meetings between these two sides, giving the Steelers an early advantage. Pittsburgh will be looking to restore its record to winning ways as they host the Ravens, however, they will have to recover from a poor performance in week four against the Texans.
This game is sure to be one of roughest throughout the week with brutal hits left and right, and a spot for a division lead on the line. A win for the Steelers could easily move them right back into the early playoff race, while a loss may drop them to the depths of the division. These teams do not like each other and whoever loses is bound to feel the torment from the other side.
4. Cowboys vs. 49ers
Whenever two of the hottest teams in the league face off it’s always a showdown. The amount of pride and ego that will be carried into a matchup like this is out of the ordinary. These are both top five teams in the league and they are rightfully going to battle it out on prime time, Sunday night. The Cowboys faced an unexpected loss in week three, however responded in week four defeating the Patriots by 35 points. The only other team ahead of them in their division are the undefeated Eagles, and they would like to remain in the early playoff contention.
Although the Eagles remain undefeated, so are the 49ers. This team continues to prove itself as the hottest on the block with an undefeated quarterback, and running back who leads the league in rushing yards. San Francisco has no plans of losing in mind, even up against the likes of another top five team. However, if the Cowboys can defeat the 49ers, each team’s record will be the same and they may have a chance of crowning themselves the new kings of the league.
There will be a day where 49er’s quarterback Brock Purdy loses, but for now he would like to keep his team and win streak rolling as long as it can. As this matchup is very likely to happen in the playoffs, Sunday may serve as a preview for who will dominate the NFC come the conclusion of this season.
5. Packers vs, Raiders
Despite keeping at least an even record this season, the Packers have struggled to make themselves a true name in the league. Every time they look to be a competitor they lose the week after. That being said, if that pattern sticks they should get a win over the Raiders. However, a struggling Raiders team may not let that happen so easily.
Las Vegas entered the season with high expectations, but have failed to embrace them thus far. If they can get a win over the Packers, not only will they be just one game away form division leaders, but will have earned some respect back. Their season started off looking good, but has been a bust after three losses in a row. If it becomes four, fans and media will really begin to tell them off and key players such as wide receiver Davante Adams may want out.
The Raiders have also not beaten the Packers since 1990, and will be looking to accomplish an astonishing task. If the Raiders lose, they might as well begin to call the season over. If the Packers lose they may not actually move in their division, but will fall to their first losing record of the season. The Raiders need to win more than the Packers, but the Packers are the better team.
