The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 5

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Normally, the second quarter of the season is a comfortable time for football fans. After all, we’re seeing quality play at this point in time since every team is relaxed and, in a rhythm, and we begin to turn our attention toward the playoff push that is about to drop into our laps. But this season, all we can feel is a touch of uncertainty and unease. Because the schedule is in chaos with the mess that’s happening in Tennessee and of course, everyone is worried as to whether or not the season might be in jeopardy. But despite the dark clouds hanging over the 2020 campaign, there are still games to be played and juicy storylines surrounding some of them and the time has come to highlight the most fascinating matchups that await us in Week 5 and all the storylines they are going to send our way.
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Will the Texans finally get their first win of the season this weekend?
We could talk a little more about Bill O’Brien’s firing since it is becoming clear now that he caused more harm than good during his time as Head Coach of the Houston Texans. But in reality, there’s really no point in revisiting those moments. Because he’s gone, and his tenure is part of the past and the time has come to look toward tomorrow and ponder upon whether or not the Texans can finally win a game and in all honesty, I think that moment has finally arrived. Because Interim Coach Romeo Crennel has a deep background in defense, and that means he will likely let offensive coordinator Tim Kelly do his thing, which should allow for the O to finally work to its strengths and put some points up on the board. Something this team has desperately needed to do. Plus, they’re going up against an awful Jacksonville squad and all of those elements should finally allow for Houston to notch that all-important, and badly needed first win.
 
Will Kyle Allen finally lead the Washington Football Team to victory?
It is never easy to bench a high round draft pick that the franchise put their hopes and dreams upon. In fact, some teams will ride them to the bitter end, rather than admit the player in question needs more time to learn or is the outright wrong fit. But thankfully Ron Rivera doesn’t subscribe to that nonsense, since he was quick to bench Quarterback Dwayne Haskins over poor performance. But that does leave everyone wondering if his replacement can handle the job since Carolina was quick to run him out of town and honestly, there’s a chance that Kyle Allen will shine. For Ron made the call to elevate him to starter status when Cam Newton was dealing with injuries and if Ron caters to his strengths over scheme, he should help Washington win some games down the line, but not on Sunday. Because the Rams boast far more talent and will likely win this upcoming game. But on the bright side, at least this will get Mister Allen back in the game and comfortable under center again. 
 
Will the San Francisco 49ers be able to rebound this week?
Few teams have had it rougher injury wise than the San Francisco 49ers. Because they’ve seen big time starter after big time starter slip to either injured reserve or inactive status. But the plus side for this team is that they have a lot of depth behind their A-team and that’s allowed for the Niners to show signs of life, but good effort hasn’t been enough to give them a winning record. Which begs the question, can this team rebound this week and finally get a positive number in the win column? And I think the answer to that question is yes, if they try something, they haven’t done yet this year. Which is quite frankly, to relax. Because at times it seems like this team is so desperate to win that they overthink or force the play. When in fact, they just need to play their game. So, if the Niners take it slow and go one play at a time this weekend against the Dolphins, they’ll be 3-2 no problem and if not, well then hopefully some of their starters can come back quickly before the season goes south.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend 

Thursday Night Football
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Chicago Bears (3-1)
Soldier Field – Chicago, IL
8:20 p.m. EST – FOX / NFL Network

​You can go never go wrong with a quarterbacking duel in the NFL and that’s precisely what we are getting here. Since this game features two veteran QBs that have faced off in a Super Bowl before. But what truly makes this matchup so fascinating and so worth our while, is the sheer fact that both of these championship quarterbacks are hoping to prove to the league that they are still viable QBs. Because Nick Foles has been cast off since his Super Bowl win and is hoping to revitalize his career in Chicago and has had some up and down moments since taking over for Mitch Trubisky. And of course, Tom Brady is trying to prove all the critics wrong in regard to his age and whether or not he can still play. Which means this is going to be a delightful game for certain. Since both QBs are going to leave it all on the field, and the winner of this one will come down to defense when all is said and done. And it should be interesting to see which D steps up to shut down a championship quarterback.

Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, MO
Sunday, October 11, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​Matchups in the AFC West have always proven to be an entertaining time. Simply because the teams in this division cannot stand one another and pull out all of the stops to ensure a win when they play, and that’s precisely why this game is on our radar this week. Because the Chiefs love the idea of going 5-0 and what better way to make that happen, than by beating the tar out of the Las Vegas Raiders? Which means they’ll bring their A game and work to smack their opponent around and thankfully, the Raiders won’t make it easy for them. Because you know darn well that Head Coach Jon Gruden is talking up his team right now and informing of them of what kind of bragging rights, they’ll earn for beating the Super Bowl Champions. Which means they too will bring it when this game gets underway. But while this will indeed be an entertaining matchup, in the end I fully expect the Chiefs to win. Because they’re a damn good football team, and they are playing lights out right now.

Indianapolis Colts (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-1)
FirstEnergy Stadium – Cleveland, OH
Sunday, October 11, 2020 – 4:25 p.m. EST – CBS

This particular matchup has my attention, simply because it features two teams that few thought would be 3-1 at this point in time. Because the Cleveland Browns embarrassed themselves in their season opener, making it seem as though their 2020 campaign was going to be another disaster. And of course, everyone thought the Colts were going to be in a mediocre place with Philip Rivers at the helm, but here we are. With both of these teams sitting at a prime place in their respective divisions and entertaining the hell out of their fans with some quality play. Which means that this game is going to be quite the incredible ride. One filled to the brim with big time plays and tons of touchdowns and well, it would be silly to declare a winner at this point. Because you simply don’t know what to expect from these teams, so it is best we just kick back and enjoy the ride and tip our caps to the victor.