The NFL Roundup 2020: Week 6

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Normally Week 6 in the NFL is a time of reflection. Since fans everywhere begin to ponder upon their team’s chances for the rest of the season, or what they might attempt to do in the offseason if things have already gone south. But this year, none of that is happening. Instead fans everywhere are bracing for the next round of surprises from the 2020 campaign and I’m not just talking about COVID related issues. Because this season is downright upside down in every way imaginable and it is quite likely that we can expect more of the same this weekend. Which means that it is time to dive right into this weekend’s slate of games and preview some of the surprises that might drop into our laps come tomorrow and Monday.
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Will the Denver Broncos net their second straight win this weekend?
Make no mistake about it, the Denver Broncos have struggled mightily over the first five weeks of the season and understandably so. Because they’ve been devastated by injuries and this team really hasn’t jelled on the field just yet. But there are signs of life from this particular team and now that they’ve had a little rest and little time to heal their roster, one has to wonder… if the Broncos can snag a big win against the Patriots this weekend and it is possible. Provided a few things fall in place. First and foremost, this defense has to play their best ball of the season and stop Cam Newton from running all over the field. Because when he is neutralized, the Pats are a one-dimensional team that cannot move the ball. Plus, the offense has to click and put up some points and with Drew Lock under center that can happen, as long as this patchwork O-line doesn’t let him get hurt again. Which is sadly, a large to-do list for Denver, and I definitely put their odds at 50-50 when it comes to winning this game. But hey, anything can and will happen in 2020, so don’t be shocked if they pull off the upset.
 
Will the Atlanta Falcons finally win their first game of the year on Sunday?
Coaching changes really can alter the course and direction of a team in turmoil and for proof, then look no further than Houston’s big win last week, since the Texans were a different team with Romeo Crennel at the helm. Which means that fans in Atlanta are hoping the coaching change their team made will have a similar impact and honestly, it might. Because Minnesota is a pretty mediocre team this year, one that is utterly beatable and that means that Atlanta finally has a chance to net their first victory of the year. So, if Matt Ryan and the offense can get into a rhythm on Sunday, and the Falcons defense can hammer and rattle Kirk Cousins, they’ll win this game no problem.
 
Can the Dallas Cowboys win without Dak Prescott?
Losing your franchise quarterback can be devastating to a team and for proof, just look at all the top tier teams this year that are struggling without their star play caller under center. But the Dallas Cowboys are in a unique situation when it comes to their QB conundrum, simply because the man stepping into the spotlight this weekend, was once ‘the guy’. Which means that there is a good chance that the Cowboys can win without #4 under center. For Andy Dalton has done it all and seen it all in this league and if Mike McCarthy and his offensive staff, cater the playbook to what Dalton does best, then 3-3 isn’t out of reach for the Cowboys. Especially when one considers that Dalton has the kind of weapons he never had in Cincinnati. So, keep an eye on this game, simply because the Cowboys might surprise everyone.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch on Sunday and Monday

Cleveland Browns (4-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-0)
Heinz Field – Pittsburgh, PA
Sunday, October 18, 2020 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

​Normally when the Browns and Steelers take the field, there’s little to get excited about. Because Pittsburgh will usually win handily, and Cleveland will embarrass themselves in some form or fashion. But this year, things are quite different. Because the Browns are suddenly playing incredible football on both offense and defense and they are disciplined and hungry to win and that might make this game an instant classic. Because both teams are eager to prove to the football world they can compete at a high level and that always makes for good football, and as an added bonus, there is a chance this one could turn into an outright shootout. Which means it would be silly to declare a winner since both teams are playing at such a high level, so it really is best we just sit back and enjoy this wild ride and tip our cap to the victor. Because they will have worked hard to earn the dub in this one.

Green Bay Packers (4-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Raymond James Stadium – Tampa, FL
Sunday, October 18, 2020 – 4:25 p.m. EST – FOX

As is often the case in the NFL, there’s been a lot of talk about Tom Brady’s move to Tampa Bay and whether or not he’s still got the ‘It Factor’ after all these years in the league. But while that has made for some interesting stories and some surprises on the field, since a 3-2 Brady team is a weird thing to see, all this talk has in fact pulled attention away from an NFC juggernaut; the Green Bay Packers. Because they are simply an offensive powerhouse right now and their defense is sound and terrifying at times and that likely means they are going to make life hell for Brady and Bucs the instant they take the field. Because the Pack are eager to go 5-0 and quiet any doubt surrounding them and honestly, I think they’re going to win big in this one. Because no team has been able to stop them and Aaron Rodgers is on his own revenge tour at the moment, so expect all the talk about Brady to quiet down on Sunday as the spotlight turns to the other #12 in the league.

Monday Special Matchup
Kansas City Chiefs (4-1) at Buffalo Bills (4-1)
Bills Stadium – Orchard Park, NY
5:00 p.m. EST – FOX / NFL Network

Not that long ago, it seemed as though this game was going to be a true clash of the titans, one that was likely going to feature two 5-0 teams. But the Raiders and the Titans changed the dynamic of this particular matchup by handing both of these teams’ early season losses and oddly enough, that is a surprise that will benefit every fan that tunes into this game. Simply because, KC and Buffalo are likely fuming over the fact that they lost, and they’re ready to avenge that first L of the season by way of an epic win. Which means both sides are bringing their A game to the field and that is going to lead to a great game. One that should feature some big-time plays and epic drives. But while it is nice to know that we are in for quite the treat; in the end I expect Kansas City to win this game. Because they know how to handle adversity and loss and talent wise, they are the better team.