So what are some key matchups to watch this week?
1. Bills @ Giants 1pm.
- The Bills have been one of the surprise teams and have an MVP candidate in RB Fred Jackson and played very well offensively but not defensively.
- For the Giants, they have been hit with injuries since the opening week. First on the defensive side and now offensively. G Chris Snee will miss his first game since his rookie season of 2004. RB Brandon Jacobs and DE Justin Tuck will also miss the game.
Keys to the game:
- For the Bills the Keys to the game are the same as they have been in previous weeks, get big games from their QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jackson.
- For the Giants, it will not be easy but they can win this game IF: Eli Manning has another sharp game which he has had all season with the exception of opening week. The Giants WILL HAVE TO run the football, and what that means is for Ahmad Bradshaw to get 100+ yards on the ground (Buffalo is 29th in Rushing Defense) Finally get a pass rush going, yes the G-men's best pass rusher may be out but this team still has two solid players on the Defensive Line that can get to the QB and the lack of a pass rush was a big reason as to why they loss a tough game to Seattle last week.
Prediction: It will be a close and high-scoring affair, but look for the GIANTS to take this one late thanks to Eli and Bradshaw. Giants win 28-24.
2. Eagles @ Redskins: 1pm
- Looking at this game during the preseason, you would think it be first place @ last place, but in a reversal of fortune it's last place @ first place.
- The "Dream Team" Eagles are trying to avoid their first five game losing streak since 1998.
- The 3-1 Redskins are proving this start is not a fluke, allowing the third fewest points in the NFL (15.8), as well as a dominant pass rush that has produced 15 sacks.
Keys to the game:
- For the Eagles: LIMIT THE TURNOVERS. Eagles are -10 this season as compared to the 'Skins who are a -1 . They are putting up fine offensive numbers but the turnovers from this team need to end before the "Dream Team" becomes the "Nightmare reality"
- For the Skins: look for two key positions on Washington to be key contributors to this game; the RB [Eagles have allowed over 1oo Rushing Yards in every game this season] and LB [specifically pro bowler Brian Orakpo who has 3.5 sacks this season]
Prediction: another close game that will be decided late in the 4th quarter, but with the momentum, home field advantage, and with all the pressure that is on the Eagles look for the REDSKINS to pull it out 24-21 at FedEx Field.
3. Panthers @ Falcons: 1pm
- Cam Newton gets his first professional start in his home state. Newton has been nothing short of spectacular to start his NFL career and his abilites will be a challenge for the Atlanta D.
- The Falcons, already with as many losses as in 2010, have been plagued with a fickle offense and a defense that has taken some steps in the wrong direction.
Keys to the game:
- For Carolina, keep the game close. Don't be fooled by their 1-4 start, the Panthers have been in every game, with all of them decided seven points or less. Look for that trend to continue against a struggling Falcons defense.
- For Atlanta, it really comes down to the play of QB Matt Ryan. Ryan, or "Matty Ice" as they call him has unfortunately been ice cold in the team's first five games, some of which is not his fault, his offensive line has yielded 14 sacks to start the season. It won't help that rookie receiver Juilo Jones will not play due to injury.
Prediction: look for Cam Newton's talents to be too much for Atlanta's struggling D. If Matt Ryan can return to the Matt Ryan of 2010 then expect a fierce battle. As much as it is a must-win game for Atlanta look for the PANTHERS to win 28-17.
-Johnny Montalbano
-follow Johnny on Twitter @MontalbanoNY and listen to his recap of the week that was and his sneak peek into the week that will be in sports every Wednesday on "Review and Preview" from 5-6pm only on WCWP.org
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