Entering the fifth week of the NFL season, the stage is set for an upset. The Arizona Cardinals remain undefeated behind Kyler Murray, while Trevor Lawrence and the Jacksonville Jaguars are still looking for their first win.
Bolstered by the impeccable play of the Buffalo Bills defence and Noah Fant, The Journal beat the Western Gazette again last week, improving our record to 2-2 for the season.
Here are this week’s picks.
Starters: $99
Josh Allen, Quarterback, Buffalo Bills
Josh Allen has caught fire over the past two weeks, throwing eight touchdowns and only two interceptions. Over the past two games, his completion percentage hovered around 70 and his er rating has been over 100. Facing a porous Chiefs defence this week, Allen should thrive on Sunday.
James Robinson, Running Back, Jacksonville Jaguars
James Robinson has recorded three touchdowns over the past two games and nearly 80 rushing yards per game. With quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s rough introduction to the NFL, Robinson has been carrying the offensive load for the Jaguars, which should continue against the Tennessee Titans this week.
Justin Jefferson, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson has recorded three touchdowns in the past three games while recording near double-digit receptions to begin the season. Jefferson has been heavily featured in the Vikings’ offensive scheme and facing off against the 0-4 Detroit Lions, he should continue to find the end zone often.
Kyle Pitts, Tight End, Atlanta Falcons
Kyle Pitts has slowly worked his way into a notable role on the Falcons’ offense, even with his production remaining low. He’s been on the field for nearly 70 per cent of offensive snaps and has recorded over 50 yards twice in the past three games. Playing against a poor Jets defence, Pitts should find some more chances to perform this week.
New England Patriots Defence
Though the Patriots-Buccaneers matchup was overblown due to Brady’s maiden return to New England, the unheralded Patriots defence didn’t allow him to record a single touchdown in the bout. Playing a Houston Texans team starting a third-string quarterback, the Patriots defensive unit should be able to continue its strong season this time around, too.
Bench: $85
Jalen Hurts, Quarterback, Philadelphia Eagles
Jalen Hurts has now lost three games in a row and been sacked eight times over the past two games while still throwing for seven touchdowns. Though he shows signs of improvement, Carolina’s defence is significantly better than either the Cowboys or the Chiefs—their two previous opponents—providing him with a tough challenge this week.
Jonathan Taylor, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts
Jonathan Taylor has recorded only one touchdown this season while averaging just over 65 rushing yards per game. Overall, his role on the offense has been rather limited—he’s only played half of the offensive snaps in each game. Facing off against a formidable Baltimore Ravens defence, Taylor should struggle to score.
CeeDee Lamb, Wide Receiver, Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb has been without a touchdown since week one when Dallas faced the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lamb’s catches have been inconsistent and his yards per game have steadily declined. Facing a so-so New York Giants defence who won last week, Lamb should have another quiet game.
Robert Tonyan, Tight End, Green Bay Packers
Robert Tonyan’s receptions have been few and far between with receivers like Davante Adams and running backs like Aaron Jones on his team. In fact, Tonyan’s only touchdown came against the lowly Detroit Lions two weeks ago. Facing a strong Cincinnati Bengals defence this week, his scoring chances aren’t likely to improve.
Los Angeles Rams Defence
The Los Angeles Rams defence was blown out by the Arizona Cardinals last week, failing to record a sack or force a single turnover. Facing off against a Seattle Seahawks team boasting Wilson, Metcalf, and Carson on offense, the Rams should find themselves battling out another high-scoring game.
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