Week 5 in NFL betting was full of injuries and upsets. To better prepare for Week 6, let’s review some news and notes about each matchup, starting today with the early games.
Browns (1-4) vs Steelers (3-1)
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re well aware that Week 6 marks Ben Roethlisberger’s return to starting quarterback duty in Pittsburgh. Fantasy football players are rejoicing at the end of his suspension and so are the Steelers, who miraculously went 3-1 without him. He threw for 4,328 yards and 26 touchdowns in 15 games last season. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns may give Colt McCoy his first NFL start this week with Seneca Wallace (ankle) and Jake Delhomme (also ankle) both banged up. This game should get really ugly really fast for Cleveland.
Chiefs (3-1) vs Texans (3-2)
It looks like Andre Johnson’s sprained ankle is behind him. He played for Houston last week and managed five catches for 95 yards. That’s great news for the Texans, who will need their all their key offensive pieces against a surprising Chiefs defense that gave Peyton Manning and the Colts trouble last week.
Falcons (4-1) vs Eagles (3-2)
Though the Eagles haven’t ruled Michael Vick (ribs) out yet, it’s very likely that Kevin Kolb will start at least one more game at quarterback. He showed a bit more confidence and willingness to look downfield last week and it helped the Eagles beat San Francisco. DeSean Jackson tweaked his knee in the win but returned to the game and doesn’t look like he’ll miss any time.
Chargers (2-3) vs Rams (2-3)
With Mark Clayton (knee) out for the season, rookie Sam Bradford must establish a new favorite target against San Diego. While Mardy Gilyard will see increased snaps, it looks like Danny Amendola is Bradford’s new go-to guy. He caught 12 passes for 95 yards spelling Clayton last week. Look for the Chargers to give rookie runner Ryan Mathews an increased workload this week after Mike Tolbert was so ineffective against Oakland.
Saints (3-2) vs Buccaneers (3-1)
Reggie Bush (broken leg) still isn’t ready to rejoin the Saints backfield, but what about Pierre Thomas? The PT Cruiser, battling an ankle injury, could return to battle Tampa and would give New Orleans a slight sportsbook boost if he did.
Lions (1-4) vs Giants (3-2)
Though Jahvid Best’s turf toe seems behind him, Detroit looks like it may rest Calvin Johnson this week. The Lions’ stud wideout, who caught three touchdown passes over his last two weeks, injured his shoulder. His MRI results will be released Wednesday but the Lions are “very concerned” about the injury. Matthew Stafford won’t suit up at quarterback this week but Shaun Hill has been solid in relief, averaging 282.5 passing yards and throwing for eight touchdowns in his four starts. Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (ankle) was reportedly “sore” after Sunday’s win but doesn’t look like he’ll miss any time.
Dolphins (2-2) vs Packers (3-2)
Betting sharps should probably stay away from this game, as the Packers won’t look anything like themselves this week. Tight end Jermichael Finley is out three to six weeks with a torn meniscus; linebacker Chase Matthews has a strained hamstring and could miss Week 6 against Miami. Worst of all for Green Bay, quarterback Aaron Rodgers is concussed. If he can’t play, the Dolphins could get a gift matchup on the road against backup Matt Flynn, who has thrown just 17 passes in his pro career.