The NFL Roundup 2019: Week 6

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

I always hate to use the word ‘routine’ when it comes to the NFL, since the sport is so exciting in its own right. But this particular time of year, where fans and players alike realize that there’s a lot of football waiting for us down the line, is where routine comes into play. For the fans are content with settling in to watch the games on Sunday as though it’s an everyday thing and the players and their teams tend to settle into a routine as well. For the bad squads tend to stay bad this time of year, the great ones keep finding ways to win and the mediocre ones keep fighting with all their might.
 
But while everything seems comfy this time of year, I’ve always found that some kind of incredible story or stunning game awaits us in a schedule that seems uneventful and already there a few games that have caught my eye because of their outright potential to drop our jaws. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into Week 6 in the NFL and examine the storylines that should fascinate us and also take a look at which games should be anything but routine.
 
Where do the Washington Redskins go from here?
There is a prevailing thought in the NFL that firing a coach in the middle of the season often provides the spark necessary to get a team moving in the right direction and there is some truth to that. Because if a team is loaded to the brim with talent and the coach just can’t get it done, a fresh voice might be what the team needs. But when it comes to the Washington Redskins, I’m not sure Jay Gruden’s firing will matter all that much. For this is a team devoid of talent, and the stars they do have are either holding out or are at their lowest point morale wise and really, what the heck do the Redskins do now, since their season is in essence, done? In all honestly, I expect them to just keep on losing simply because this is a directionless team, one without hope or leadership and honestly, it’s just a shame to see this once proud franchise be reduced to the laughingstock of the NFL.
 
Will the Dallas Cowboys rebound this weekend?
It wasn’t that long ago that so many of us, myself included, were celebrating the hot start the Cowboys got off to this year. But then they just so happened to face some quality teams, the kind that punched them in the mouth and just like that, they folded, and one has to wonder as to whether or not they’ll rebound with a win this week since they’re facing the mediocre Jets. And honestly, I’m not so sure this matchup will be a gimmie for ‘Dem Boys’ simply because New York has their starting quarterback back in the lineup. So, if the Jets push back against the Cowboys’ game plan this Sunday expect it to be a tough go for them since their sense of entitlement tends to get in their way. But if the Jets collapse quickly, then it will be another win for a team that only seems to excel when facing inferior opponents.
 
Can the Broncos string together a second win this weekend?
Last week’s game in Los Angeles was in essence a Mile High Miracle since the Denver Broncos finally won their first game of the year and while Broncos Country was able to bask in the wonder of a decisive win for the first time in a long time, one has to wonder, can Denver pull off another win against the Titans at home on Sunday? The answer to that question is yes, provided a few key things happen. First and foremost, the offense needs to put together four quarters of quality play and cannot disappear down the stretch and the defense, has to keep the pressure on, since Tennessee’s O-line isn’t all that great. If anything, it should be interesting to see which Broncos team shows up on Sunday and my hope is that the strong one takes the field because this team is better than their record reflects, and they are so close to putting it all together. 

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend 

Houston Texans (3-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, MO
Sunday, October 13, 2019 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

Everyone out there loves a good old-fashioned shootout, and that’s precisely why I’m excited to watch this game. Because Deshaun Watson and Patrick Mahomes love to throw the ball and it is a thing of beauty when they do. And when one considers the fact that both of the defenses featured in this game are mediocre at best, there’s a good chance that fans everywhere are going to be in for quite the treat. Because both quarterbacks will be taking deep shots for the endzone as often as possible, and they’ll likely find it no problem. Which means this game is going to come down to which defense makes the least number of mistakes and the one that limits those and makes the big stops at the right time, is the one that will secure a victory for their team. 

Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at Minnesota Vikings (3-2)
US Bank Stadium – Minneapolis, MN
Sunday, October 13, 2019 – 1:00 p.m. EST – FOX 

​I’ve come to find over the years that teams that are 3-2 are oft forgotten by fans and writers and commentators everywhere. Because they’re more or less teams that are considered to be mediocre at best, when in fact, they can wow on Sunday just as well as an undefeated team. But what makes this particular game worth our while, is the sheer fact that we don’t know how this one is going to play out. It could be a defensive struggle since we’ve seen both of these defenses hold the line and refuse to budge. Or it could turn into quite the shootout since both quarterbacks featured here can turn it loose when necessary. But the bottom line is that this game should be a lot of fun since it plays into the unknown, and you really can never go wrong with watching a matchup that finds a way to surprise you.

San Francisco 49ers (4-0) at Los Angeles Rams (3-2)
Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum – Los Angeles, CA
Sunday, October 13, 2019 – 4:05 p.m. EST – FOX 

There are a lot of reasons to be excited about this game. For starters it’s an NFC Divisional matchup and those types of games are always a blast to watch, and it also features a pair of dynamic quarterbacks as well. But what truly has me excited for this game is the sheer fact that both teams have something to prove. For the Rams are looking to get back on track after suffering back to back losses this season, meaning their defense and offense will come out swinging when they take the field. And the Niners, well they’re riding one heck of a hot streak and are looking to continue to wow the football world with another decisive victory. Which means this game has the potential to become an instant classic when all is said and done, and it should be a genuine treat to watch these two teams duke it out as they work to prove who is the king of the NFC West.