The NFL Roundup 2022: Week 6 Preview

Written by John Edward Betancourt

It is amazing to know that we are now six weeks into the NFL season. Because it seems like only yesterday that the season was kicking off and everyone’s hopes and dreams for their beloved teams were focused on that wondrous Super Bowl run. But alas, six weeks in and we are starting to understand who are the real leaders of the pack and who still has a long way to go before fielding a team that can truly complete and well, this middle portion of the season is where the cream will rise to the top and it just so happens that we have some great games this weekend to help us determine what the playoffs are going to look like, and with that in mind… let’s take a moment and preview all the great games and top storylines that await us in Week 6 in the NFL.
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Will the Panthers start winning some games now?
It is definitely safe to say that Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper made the right call in removing his greatest mistake from the team in Matt Rhule. For he was a poor hire of a coach who got nothing out of his players. Which then begs the question… will the Panthers now start winning games with an interim coach in the mix? Honestly, I don’t think they will. Simply because, the roster isn’t that talented, there’s no franchise quarterback on the roster and the defense is just porous. So, all this team can hope for now is a decent season and hopefully see some heroes emerge, so that the next coach knows who to hang onto in what will be… a rebuilding year.
 
Have injuries created a quarterback controversy in New England?
One of the more pleasant surprises this past weekend, was the sheer fact that the Patriots won, under the arm of a third-string rookie QB. Because that’s just not supposed to happen, but Bailey Zappe played well under center and took the team down the field often and well, that does beg an interesting question. In that, will Mac Jones get his job back once he’s healthy? Because let’s be honest, he wasn’t playing all that well early on and had some ugly struggles and since Bill Belichick is in it to win it, he’ll do whatever it takes and if that means starting a no-name rookie, like he did twenty some years ago, which worked out great… he will. But honestly, I think Mac will get another shot and if he can keep the offense rolling or serviceable upon his return, he’ll be fine. But if the regression is real and mistakes are made, don’t be shocked if Mac Jones ends up holding the clipboard for his understudy.
 
Can the Dolphins get their season back on track against Minnesota?
Unfortunately for the Miami Dolphins, injuries have utterly decimated their offense and changed their fortunes suddenly. Because a couple of weeks ago, they were the toast of the AFC and a team to be feared. But without Tua in the lineup, they’re just eh, and that leaves one to wonder if they can get their season turned back around against Minnesota and the answer is… maybe. Provided of course, they can keep their quarterback safe. Because that line is awful, and its letting signal callers take a beating. So, if that line can man up and play stone wall football and if Mike McDaniel can get his offense going, they can win and get back on track, and if not… this middle stretch is going to be rough.

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The Most Fascinating Games to Watch This Weekend

Baltimore Ravens (3-2) at New York Giants (4-1)
MetLife Stadium – East Rutherford, New Jersey
Sunday, October 16, 2022 – 1:00 p.m. EST – CBS

This is a game of note simply because… it features two teams hungry to keep doubters at bay. For everyone is starting to wonder if the Ravens can play at a high level this season since they’ve let some surprises stun them through and through, and a win here would help with that. And they are facing the New York Football Giants, who are looking to prove to everyone that they are for real and ready to win and well… that is going to bring forth an intense game. Because both of these teams will absolutely duke it out to prove what they want to prove and, in the end, I would imagine that the Giants will emerge victorious. Because they are playing fearless football right now and that will rattle an already shaky Ravens squad.

Buffalo Bills (4-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium – Kansas City, Missouri
Sunday, October 16, 2022 – 4:25 p.m. EST – CBS

Truly one of the greatest postseason games from last year, was the Bills/Chiefs game. Simply because those teams left everything on the field in that matchup, courtesy of an overtime finale and a quarterbacking duel to rival the Elway/Marino/Kelly/Montana era of football. And of course, since that game ended the Buffalo Bills impressive season through and through, you know they want revenge and a chance to finally gain a victory over a team that is a thorn in their side. Which means, this is going to be another epic shootout, because of the bad blood between these two teams and honestly… not even Nostradamus himself (or Romodamus for that matter) can figure out who is going to win this game. Because it always comes down to the wire and one crazy play, when these two teams take the field.

Sunday Night Football
Dallas Cowboys (4-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (5-0)
Lincoln Financial Field – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
8:20 p.m. EST – NBC

​NFC East divisional matchups are always a treat since they’re so intense and unpredictable, but they are extra special when they involve a battle for first place and that’s what we get here. Because the Eagles are the undisputed champ of the NFC East right now, courtesy of some quality and fearless play and an offense that simply cannot be stopped at the moment. And they’re taking on a resurgent Dallas. A team that was left for dead when Dak Prescott went down with an injury, but they came back to life with Cooper Rush at the helm, courtesy of his command of the offense and well, that just means… we are in a for a great game. One that once again, is anyone’s guess when it comes to a winner. Because these teams are simply white-hot right now and this game too, may come down to a single perfect play.