The Sports Lowdown For All Your News and OpinionsHouston Texans @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Both sides come into this game with a 1-4 record, despite Blake Bortles throwing four TD passes for the Jags last weekend. They also travel to London for the second International Series game of the season, and will want their second win under their belt before they get on the plane. The Texans have found a knack of losing games, despite having the fifth ranked offence in the league. This could be a high-scoring affair at Everbank.
Miami Dolphins @ Tennessee Titans
Both sides coming into this match-up with a 1-3 record. The Dolphins had their bye last week after being comprehensively beaten bye the Jest at Wembley Stadium, and the last time these two sides met, they only scored 3 points. The Titans D is ranked third in the league, whilst the Dolphins offence is 28th and defence 29th. Tennessee will be disappointed if they don’t take victory here.
Carolina Panthers @ Seattle Seahawks
Carolina are perhaps the surprise 100% team so far, especially being ranked 29th through the air. The Seahawks are also a surprise, with their 2-3 record. The rushing game will be big in this one at CenturyLink Field, as Seattle will look to kick-start their season by ending the Panthers’ unbeaten run. This has been a low-scoring affair in recent years, and could go the same way again this week.
San Diego Chargers @ Green Bay Packers
The Packers host the Chargers on Sunday night, looking to extend their perfect run to six games. The last league match-up between the two was in 2011, when 83 points were scored, so this could be a high-scoring match. Philip Rivers has been excellent, with the Chargers ranked second through the air and third on total offence, but they come up against the 7th ranked defence at Lambeau Field this week.
Baltimore Ravens @ San Francisco 49ers
This used to be known as the “Harbaugh Bowl”, and is a rematch of the 2012 Super Bowl. Baltimore have won the previous three meetings, including that Championship victory. They will look to take advantage of a terrible 49ers outfit, who rank 29th, 31st and 31st in total offence, defence and passing this season. Their only hope is the rushing game this week against a Ravens defence that is lacking power with the retirement of Ray Lewis at the end of last season.
Sunday Night Football
New England Patriots @ Indianapolis Colts
No surprise that the Patriots have the best offence in the league, mainly thanks to Tom Brady’s right arm, and Rob Gronkowski’s bucket hands. They have scored 40+ points on their last three match-ups with the Colts, and I would not bet against it happening once more. Indianapolis are 3-2 but have struggled to get going so far. A good result against the defending Champions could kick-start their season.
Monday Night Football
New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles
The final game of the week is an NFC East clash. Philadelphia plays host to the Giants in the tightest and most competitive division in the league. The Eagles are one of three teams at 2-3, while the Giants lead the way at 3-2 thanks to their 9th ranked offence. The Eagles won both match-ups least season, including shutting out the Giants in the October game. Could they hope for the same again here?
Byes: Dallas Cowboys (2-3), Oakland Raiders (2-3), St Louis Rams (2-3), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-3)
