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SALT LAKE CITY -- A ranking of this weekend's NFL games with a surprise pick on top.
49ers (4-1) at Lions (5-0)
No one in the preseason would've predicted this match up to be the week five game of the week. Both teams won only six games last year and the Lions can match that with a win this week. Alex Smith has the third highest quarterback rating in the league but is ranked in the bottom five when it comes to passing yards per game. He has thrown seven touchdowns and only one interception which gives reason for the high rating. Jahvid Best exploded for 163 yards and a touchdown on just 12 carries last week. While Calvin Johnson continued his campaign for the NFL's best receiver catching a 73-yard touchdown pass bringing his touchdown season total to nine. Hopefully whichever team loses won't have its season derailed. It's exciting to see two teams that have improved so much face off.
Cowboys (2-2) at Patriots (4-1)
It's always fun to watch the Cowboys. Whether you love them or hate them, you watch them. You either want to see them destroy the competition or get blown up by their opposition. And, with Tony Romo at quarterback it's likely to be one or the other every week. The Patriots come in with the leagues best passing offense and worst passing defense. Tom Brady and Wes Welker have been phenomenal as usual. Ironically, Welker's best game of the season came in their only loss. Patriot fans are now hoping that he plays well, but not too well. The Cowboys are coming off of a bye week, but still have the league's best rushing defense. Romo received a lot of heat for his performance against Detroit, but is looking to prove his mettle against New England.
Bills (4-1) at Giants (3-2)
The Bills scored an impressive win over the Eagles last week. Fred Jackson carried Buffalo to victory rushing for 111 yards and a touchdown. As impressive as Ryan Fitzpatrick has been so far this year, passing for 10 touchdowns, Jackson, who is third in the league in rushing, has been the consistent stabilizing force needed to be a Super Bowl contender. On the other hand, the Giants are still looking for that consistency. New York lost to Seattle last week despite Eli Manning throwing for 420 yards and three touchdowns. Victor Cruz hauled in eight catches for 161 and a touchdown. The Giants are functioning little help from the running game, but if Cruz can turn in another performance similar to last week they have a chance to win any game.
Saints (4-1) at Buccaneers (3-2)
This game weighs heavy in importance in the race for the NFC south. The season will be a third of the way done after this week so every game is important, especially matchups within the division. Drew Brees led New Orleans to a fourth quarter comeback against the Panthers last week. Brees threw for 359 yards and two touchdowns and Jimmy Graham caught eight balls for 129 yards. Also, Darren Sproles and Mark Ingram combined for 83 yards and a touchdown. Tampa Bay forgot to show up against San Francisco last week and got whooped 48-3. The only positive for the Bucs was that Josh Freeman threw for more yards than Alex Smith. Nearly every quarterback does that though so I guess it's not that great of an accomplishment. However, don't expect Freeman to out throw Brees this week.
Eagles (1-4) at Redskins (3-1)
The Redskins are coming off a bye week and ready to welcome the Eagles to town. Andy Reid has received criticism for his team's play, but the players remain supportive of their head coach. Michael Vick leads an Eagles offense that is ranked third in total offense, but they'll be facing the third best total defense in Washington. Rex Grossman has done a fine job leading the offense since winning the starting job over John Beck in the preseason. Tim Hightower has been running the ball well and should be called upon to carry more of a load this week. Philadelphia has had a difficult time stopping the run so far this year and that could be the difference in the game.
Panthers (1-4) at Falcons (2-3)
Carolina faces another divisional opponent this week and some view it as must win if the Panthers are going to remain competitive this year. Cam Newton had another impressive game throwing for 224 yards and two touchdowns, but was outshined by Drew Brees. Atlanta had revenge on their mind against Green Bay last week, but a poor second half performance let the game slip away. Last year the Falcons lost only three games all year, but a loss this weekend would give them four and likely cause many to panic. Atlanta's high expectations coming into the year haven't helped its weak start. Matt Ryan must turn things around quickly because a meeting with Detroit is waiting next week.
Texans (3-2) at Ravens (3-1)
Baltimore should be well rested coming into this week's game after having a bye. The Ravens have the No. 1 defense in the NFL anchored by Haloti Ngata. Meanwhile the Texans are coming off of a difficult loss to the Raiders. Houston led heading into the fourth quarter but couldn't hold on to its lead. The Texans have an average ranking of eighth in the four major statistical categories. Now the just need that high average to translate into wins. Matt Schuab threw for 416 yards and two touchdowns last week but still came up short. Houston out gained Oakland by nearly 200 yards on offense and won in nearly every statistical category but the scoreboard.
Jaguars (1-4) at Steelers (3-2)
Jacksonville's defense has been solid so far this year but hasn't received much help from the offense. Last week the offense finally figured things out, but this time the defense collapsed. Blaine Gabbert is still trying to figure his way around the league but has played well. Gabbert threw for 221 yards including 74-yard touchdown that put the Jaguars up by four midway through the final quarter. However, the defense couldn't hold and gave up a late score. The Steelers picked up a good victory over Tennessee. Ben Roethlisberger threw five touchdowns as the Steelers trounced the Titans. Pittsburgh broke the game open scoring 28 unanswered points between the first and third quarters. One again Big Ben proved he plays his best when he's hurt. Maybe opposing defenses should try to not tackle him.
Browns (2-2) at Raiders (3-2)
None of Cleveland's first four opponents would be classified as "good teams" which concerns why they only have a .500 record. Matt Hasselbeck torched the Browns last week throwing for 220 yards and three first half touchdowns to drop Cleveland. Colt McCoy did his best but couldn't even keep the Browns close. McCoy completed 40-of-61 passes for 350 yards and a touchdown but didn't receive any help from the running game. Meanwhile, the Raiders recorded an emotional win over the Texans. Oakland played their first game since owner Al Davis died and Jason Campbell led a fourth quarter comeback to "Just win baby"
Dolphins (0-4) at Jets (2-3)
The Jets aren't used to being in the bottom half of the AFC east but because of Buffalo's tremendous start to the season the Jets find themselves in third place already. The Dolphins are hoping that the bye week will help the team regroup and try to make the season acceptable. Without Chad Henne Miami is handing the reigns over to Matt Moore to lead the charge. The Jets are probably happy to see the Dophins and hope to stop a three-game losing streak after starting out the season 2-0. Mark Sanchez is averaging 234 ypg and has for eight touchdowns but the Jet offense is hoping to get more production from Shonn Greene and LaDainian Tomlinson in the running over throughout the rest of the season.
Vikings (1-4) at Bears (2-3)
These two teams are currently in the bottom of the NFC north division and a loss may doom any playoff hopes for either team. Adrian Peterson led the Vikings to their first victory last week rushing for 122 yards and three touchdowns. Donovan McNabb play okay, but still hasn't met Minnesota's expectations for him this year. The Bears are coming off a divisional loss to the Lions on Monday night realizing they still have a lot of work to do. Jay Cutler threw for 249 yards and a touchdown but was constantly under pressure and sacked three times. This rivalry will have a great setting as the Sunday night game at Soldier Field.
Rams (0-4) at Packers (5-0)
This game could get ugly. The Packers are undefeated and the Rams are totally defeated which looks like a recipe for disaster. Aaron Rodgers threw for 396 yards and two touchdowns last week against Atlanta. The Rams won their first game last week too, but unfortunately victories over B.Y.E. don't count. If the Rams can pull of the upset it may go down as one of the greatest in league history. However, expect Green Bay to roll.
Colts (0-5) at Bengals (3-2)
The Colts looked to be in position to win their first game of the year last week, but somehow found a way to lose it. Leading 24-14 at halftime, Indianapolis gave up two second half touchdowns to lose to Kansas City. Pierre Garcon had five receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Colts. But, if there is a team that the Colts can beat, it's the Bengals. Cincinnati is young at skilled positions and anchored by their defense. But I have a feeling that the Colts can pull this one off.
Email: onlinesports@ksl.com
