DJ Moore and the Bears kicked off Week 5 with a bang on Thursday Night. Hopefully, that game has set the tone for an exciting football Sunday. Here is a compilation of my thoughts regarding the week’s most interesting games, along with schematic information and what to watch for this weekend! Each matchup has a score prediction with reasoning. Skip to the end to learn about the most intriguing game this weekend!
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Most Intriguing Matchups
Jaguars at Bills
Sunday | 9:30 ET
England hosts an interesting game on Sunday morning. The Bills are the class of the AFC right now, coming off of an impressive 48-20 blowout of the Dolphins. They have scored 48, 37, and 38 points in each of their last three games, respectively. On the other hand, the Jaguars- who came into 2023 with high expectations- have been underwhelming thus far. The offense is not clicking like it should be. However, they are coming off of a solid win over the Falcons, and have an interesting advantage over the Bills in this matchup. Jacksonville has spent over a week in London, since their Week 4 matchup was also across the pond. The team has had ample time to adjust to the time change and focus on football. Meanwhile, the Bills will have to deal will all of the difficulties that come with traveling across the world.
Josh Allen has been phenomenal over the last three weeks. He will look to continue his hot streak against a middle of the pack Jaguars defense. Jacksonville’s PFF coverage grade is 7th in the NFL, while its run defense grade is 24th. Seemingly, the way to attack is through the run game. Buffalo has shown a willingness to rely on its run game this season that they haven’t shown in the past. RB James Cook could see a big workload. The Buffalo offense is simply on fire right now. All that the Jaguars can do is hope to slow them down enough that Trevor Lawrence is able to keep them in the game.
The Jaguar offense has been disappointing in 2023. After dropping 31 points in Week 1, they only scored 49 in Weeks 2-4. The weapons are there in Trevor Lawrence, Calvin Ridley, Travis Etienne, Christian Kirk. It feels like it is just a matter of time before they find their footing and explode. However, Week 5 is probably not the time for that. The Bills have only given up 55 points on the season, which is good for 2nd in the NFL. The defense has racked up the most sacks in the league so far at 16. The probable return of future Hall-of-Famer Von Miller on Sunday morning will only make matters more difficult for the Jacksonville offensive line.
When working correctly, the Jaguars’ offense relies upon YAC. This does work in their favor, as Buffalo ranks 29th in PFF tackling grade. Maybe with a logistical advantage and a little momentum, Trevor Lawrence and the Jags can pull the upset. Still, it’s tough to pick against the Bills. I think that the Jaguars will eventually figure it out, just not this week.
Score Prediction: Bills 31 Jaguars 21
Honorable Mentions
Eagles at Rams
Sunday | 4:05 ET
With Cooper Kupp’s expected return, the Rams offense will add a superstar weapon to their offense that has already been efficient this year. It will be interesting to see what Puka Nacua’s role looks like with Kupp back in the picture. The Eagles are 4-0, and plan on keeping their perfect season going. AJ Brown is coming off of a monster game. The Rams are ranked 31st in PFF coverage grade this season, so don’t be surprised if he and Devonta Smith put up gaudy numbers.
LA has been feisty this season, and Philly hasn’t quite hit their stride yet, so I think this has a chance to be a fun matchup. Still, the Eagles have found a way to secure the victory in each of their games this year, and I expect this to continue.
Score Prediction: Eagles 27 Rams 24
Titans at Colts
Sunday | 1:00 ET
In the wake of Jonathan Taylor’s brand new deal, the Colts will host Derrick Henry and the Tennessee Titans. I’m excited to see Taylor back in action, as he is truly one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. In addition to Taylor, Anthony Richardson has made the Colts a fun watch over the first few weeks of the season. He is absolutely electric on the ground. Unfortunately for these two, the Titans are great against the run. Something will have to give.
Score Prediction: Colts 21 Titans 17
Game of the Week
Cowboys at 49ers
Sunday | 8:20 ET
Sunday Night Football presents a classic NFC matchup this week. In a rematch of last years Divisional Round, the Cowboys will head to San Fransisco to face the red-hot 49ers. The Niners have won 14 straight regular season games dating back to last year, and QB Brock Purdy is yet to lose a non-playoff game. Dallas will provide a challenge in Week 5. The Cowboys’ roster is stacked, even with CB Trevon Diggs out for the year. They come in at 3-1 after giving Bill Belichick the worst loss of his career in Week 4. Both teams are riding high, and would love to prove that they belong at the top of the NFC.
Both teams are must-watch television on both sides of the ball. When the 49ers are in possession, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk, and Deebo Samuel provide fantastic plays on a weekly basis. The offense is run by the best play caller in the game right now, Kyle Shanahan. The unit has perfected his scheme, which revolves heavily around outside zone and west-coast principles. Every play is very precisely planned and timed out, and Brock Purdy has shown a clear understanding and ability to thrive in this play-style. He gets the ball out quick and accurately and lets his weapons gain the majority of their yards after the catch.
This unstoppable offense will have a tough challenge on Sunday Night against an impressive Dallas defense. While, the Niners rank 2nd in overall PFF offensive grade, the Cowboys rank 2nd in overall PFF defensive grade and have given up the least amount of points this season. Dallas is tied for 4th in sacks with 14. The 49ers are ranked 26th in PFF pass blocking grade, so Micah Parsons and the Cowboys might be able to get to Purdy more than he’d like. The problem is, the offense is too fast. Shanahan doesn’t rely on his quarterback waiting for plays to develop. The ball gets out so quickly that pressure hinders the 49ers much less than it does other teams. I expect the 49ers offense, who has scored at least 30 points each week this season, to produce. They won’t put up gaudy numbers, but they’ll put enough points on the board.
On the other side of the ball, the story is similar. The Cowboys have scored the fourth most points this season (124, just one behind the 49ers at 125), yet the 49ers have arguably the strongest defense in the NFL. They rank 1st in overall offensive PFF grade. It will be very interesting to see who has the edge. There are so many talented players on both sides of the ball. CeeDee Lamb creates mismatches in the slot, which seems to be the weakest spot in the San Fransisco defense. He’ll need to have a big game, but there is also a lot of pressure on the Cowboys’ offensive line. Javon Hargrave and Javon Kinlaw are tied for 4th in hurries among defensive tackles (12), and Nick Bosa coming off of the edge leads the NFL in QB hits (9). Stopping the San Fransisco pass rush will be extremely difficult, but vital to Dallas’ hopes of winning the game.
Both teams are very good on both sides of the ball. Ultimately, I think that the 49ers’ style of offense will allow them to still produce against the Cowboys. Dallas will struggle with protecting Dak, and the San Fransisco defense will prove too overwhelming.