Week 5 Picks and Preview
Carolina AT Atlanta
The Panthers are on their first win streak of the Matt Rhule era. After a great all-around performance against the Cardinals that resulted in a 31-21 victory in week 4, Carolina is looking to put the final nail in Atlanta HC Dan Quinn’s coffin. The Panthers have been a bit of a surprise early in the season, with the offense performing slightly worse (16th in Pts/Dr with 2.41) and the defense slightly better (21st in PtsAgainst/Dr with 2.62) than expected. They seem to be rounding into form with solid wins over the Chargers and Cardinals in back to back weeks and winnable contests with the Falcons and Bears upcoming.
Atlanta presents serious challenges to the Panthers secondary with Matt Ryan starting the season on fire and a deep and talented cast of pass catchers. Carolina will need the pass rush to continue improving and make Ryan uncomfortable in the pocket to give the young corners some help. Offensively, Greg Little has been a pleasant surprise starting at LT. Carolina was able to neutralize a fairly imposing pass rush in Arizona, the Falcons aren’t nearly as threatening up front and Teddy should have time, room and plenty of open receivers in the backend of Atlanta’s defense.
What To Watch
Carolina should be able to score relatively easily this Sunday. The question is will it be a shootout or will D-Jack, Boston and crew be able to slow down Julio, Ridley and Gage?
Baltimore VS Cincinnati
Joe Burrow isn’t taking his time in proving the Bengals made the right choice at #1 back in April. The rookie is averaging just under 300 Yds/Gm with 6 TDs and only 2 INTs. The Ravens have been struggling a bit in pass defense and I have a feeling this one will be closer than it should be. Despite A.J. Green looking washed-ish, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Joe Mixon make the Bengals offense a dangerous group. On the downside, Cincinnati boasts one of the worst offensive lines and defenses in the league. The reality is Baltimore should be able to handle them without too much trouble, but trouble seems to be one of the Ravens favorite pastimes.
If you look at their season long stats, the Ravens have a good defense, good run game and are scoring with ease. If you watch them play though, everything feels like a struggle and in their one game against a legit contender, Baltimore was embarrassed. They’re in the middle of a soft stretch in their schedule and they need to take the time to work out some of the kinks, particularly on offense, before they find themselves dropping winnable games.
What To Watch
Execution. That’s the name of the game for the Ravens. The offensive line, the wide receivers, the secondary, the QB, the Edge rushers, the RBs, everyone in Baltimore can up their game just a bit and that’s what I’ll be looking for this weekend against the Bengals. Just a team playing up to the level of talent on the roster.
Week 5 Picks
Brodny (40-22-1)- Tampa Bay Carolina Buffalo KC Arizona Pitt LAR Baltimore Houston San Fran Cleveland Dallas Seattle LAC
Jose (41-21-1) Tampa Bay Texans Ravens Panthers Chiefs Cardinals Steelers Rams Dolphins Cowboys Colts Seahawks Saints Bills
Eric (31-17-1) Tampa Bay Ravens Panthers KC Pittsburgh Rams Texans 49ers Browns Cowboys Seahawks Chargers Bills Arizona
Jansen (46-16-1) Tampa Bay Panthers Bills Chiefs Cardinals Steelers Rams Ravens Texans 49ers Colts Cowboys Seahawks Saints
Brandi (30-16-1) Tampa Bay Falcons Chiefs Cardinals Steelers Rams Ravens Texans Niners Colts Cowboys Seahawks Saints Bills