Seattle may have seen their chances for claiming the NFC West dissipate last week as they were upended, 31-15, by the previously winless Denver Broncos. It is a sure bet they do not wish to lose another game to another winless squad this week. In a nutshell, Seattle could not get anything going in the run game last week and that is a sure fire bad omen for them. HB Kenneth Walker had a miserable day rushing for 13 yards on 17 carries ending his string of 100+ games at four! The Rams suffered three sack fumbles that would be scooped up by the Dallas Cowboys' defense and returned for touchdowns. It led to a 37-7 deficit they had no real chance of climbing out of. HB Jeremiyah Love did end the game with some super stats, but those were almost all versus a soft Dallas front when the outcome was determined.

   Final Analysis: Both teams do need the running game to be working in order to succeed. Without that, the QBs are forced to play out of their elements. Seahawks should have room to roam with Walker this week. Seattle 32-18.

1:00 PM- MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-4) AT ATLANTA FALCONS (2-3)

Falcs' Opportunity is Now?

    The Atlanta Falcons are seen as heavy favs to win the NFC South but, so far, they have not been able to seize control of the division. They now are poised to play a string of games, starting with this one vs the rudderless Vikings, that will likely determine if they can achieve their goal or not. With future games against the Chargers, Packers, and then a critical matchup against Carolina, the need to win now seems a bit overly obvious.

   Final Analysis: Vikings without a coaching staff have been pretty easy pickings for most teams this year. Atlanta 30-18.

1:00 PM- HOUSTON TEXANS (2-3) AT CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-4)

Texans Running Out of Rope? Browns Getting Closer?

    Unfortunately for the Houston Texans they happen to be residing within one of the PFL's top divisions in the AFC South. In recent times, making such a statement regarding the division would have been unthinkable, but the current standings show the Indianapolis Colts (5-0), Jacksonville Jaguars (4-1) , and Tennessee Titans (4-1) all sitting with top tier records and Houston might be running out of sand in their hour glass to make a run here. QB CJ Stroud returned back to his Mr. Hyde side and would be sacked 8 times and picked off once as his team lost, 37-12, to the front running Colts. HB Joe Mixon was successful running when he was given a chance, but he touched the pigskin just 8 times for 56 yards. The Browns lost a tough one to the Ravens, 30-27, but the team is showing serious signs of finally getting things together. They won two weeks ago and followed that up with this one, albeit a loss, against a very good Baltimore team. QB Shedeur Sanders threw the ball an unreal 62 times for 423 yards and 3 TDs, however, he would also be intercepted twice. Still, a significant number would be the low 2 sacks he absorbed despite the high number of drop backs.

   Final Analysis: Houston just does not seem to be in any rhythm at all. Cleveland looks like it is figuring things out a little bit more each week and could be on the verge of making a run. Cleveland 29-19.

1:00 PM-SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-2) AT KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-4)

Have Niners Struck Gold? KC In Desperate Need of Key W

   Big time wins over the Dallas Cowboys and New England Patriots has put the San Francisco 49ers squarely inside the playoff picture once again! This time around the club used a 3-0 turnover advantage to edge the New England Patriots, 28-21. The offense was not overyl productive, but the unit did not turn it over and, in the final analysis, that did the trick. The Chiefs, conversely, lost their fourth straight game, 21-14, despite a solid effort versus the defending champion New York Jets. It also marked the fourth consecutive offensive effort that failed to get to the 30 point threshold. QB Patrick Mahomes' season continued to be a bit rocky as he would be picked off three more times and finish with just 133 yards passing. The defense played pretty well holding down the Jets' running game and getting 2 takeaways, but the effort was not quite good enough to get the big win.

   Final Analysis: San Fran is finding ways to win games, KC is finding ways to lose them. Trends are what they are. San Francisco 28-26?

 1:00 PM- BUFFALO BILLS (2-3) AT NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (3-2)

Critical Game with Playoff Implications Running High

   This is one of those types of games where the winner will feel great and the loser will feel awful. Both teams are beginning to sense that catching the Jets this season does not seem in the cards so the wildcard has to be a priority at the moment. Both clubs are coming off tough defeats that has kinda upset the applecart a bit. The Bills were nipped, 32-30, by the Vegas Raiders, while the Patriots were stung by the San Francisco 49ers. 28-21. QB Josh Allen would be sacked 6 times and picked off once, but he still managed to throw for 334 yards and 2 scores and HB James Cook cooked for 106 yards on 17 carries. But the defense could not hold down Vegas' back Ashton Jeanty who ran for 140 yards on 20 carries. The Pats got a bit more consistency out of QB Drake Maye, but he still found the opposing team's uniform again and has now thrown 10 picks on the season!

   Final Analysis: Quarterback play has been the story, for the most part, for both of these teams. Whichever team can get the better effort out of their signal caller should win. If the Bills can get James Cook going again that would be huge. The past record says go with the Patriots. New England 27-23.

 1:00 PM- WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (3-2) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-4)

Rising Commanders Head to Pitt to Face Sagging Steelers

    Entereing week 6, this is the classic confrontation between a hungry and ascending team pitted against a proud franchise that seems to be in a state of flux. Washington is looking more and more like a legit playoff contender as they took care of business last week against a long time thorn in their side, the New York Giants, by a convincing, 37-16, margin. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, squandered an opportunity to turn their year around as they were bested, 45-33, by the Carolina Panthers. Rookie QB Ty Simpson did manage to throw for 353 yards and 2 scores, but he also would complete just 50% (22-44) of his passes and would be picked off 4 times. He had not thrown an interception in any of his first four games as a pro.

   Final Analysis: Washington QB Jayden Daniels is benefitting from a a solid running game led by backs Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Antonio Gibson. Ty Simpson has not been getting nearly that type of support with the team's top rusher, Jaylen Warren, mustering a mere 37 carries to date. Washington 30-21.

   1:00 PM- INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (5-0) AT JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (4-1)

Which Team Grabs the Division's Top Spot in Key Showdown?

    No team has been able to slow down the Colts' running scheme as of yet. Last week, Indy steamrolled over the Houston Texans rushing for 256 yards on the ground behind the combined efforts of Aaron Jones, Kareem Hunt, and DJ Giddens. The Jags suffered their initial loss of the year as they were upended, 22-17, by the Tennessee Titans. It was the first game all year that QB Trevor Lawrence did not have a TD pass. A worrisome trend, though, might be forming as the loss did have Lawrence completing less than 60% of his throws for the third consecutive game.

   Final Analysis: This is a massive game within the division and the AFC. A win by the Colts would have them owning wins over both the Jags and Titans and would push them 2 games ahead of JVille. A Jags' win would likely put this traditionally wild division back into chaos yet again. Both teams have been solid versus the run, but the Jags will need to figure out the Colts' scheme or risk becoming the next team stomped under the Indy hooves. Indianapolis 30-20. 

 1:00 PM- DETROIT LIONS (2-3) AT TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-2) 

Is The Door Open For These Two to Step Thru?

    For both the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the opportunity to seize the moment appears real. For Detroit, they are sitting just 1 game behind the divisional leading Green Bay Packer, while Tampa Bay is still perched atop the NFC South tied with the surprising Carolina Panthers. Obviously, each franchise can envision fulfillment of a campaign leading to the playoffs. However, as always, each team has to win games like these in order to get to the post-season promised land. Detroit was knocked off last week in a key game versus Green Bay, 27-20, as the absence iof star back Jahmyr Gibbs reared its ugly head. Simply put, the Motor City bunch is going to have to figure out some way to win without his services or this season could get away from them. The Bucs nipped a short 2-game losing slide in the bud with a narrow, 20-17, win over the Saints. QB Baker Mayfield had a day to forget, but the defense saved the day with 4 takeaways that included 3 interceptions off QB Spencer Rattler.

   Final Analysis: Bucs pretty good at stopping the run and the Lions sorely need one of their backs to pick up the slack for Gibbs' MIA. Not sure they can actually get that one done. Tampa Bay 24-18.

 4:05 PM- NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-5) AT CHICAGO BEARS (2-3)

Saints' Prayers Go Unanswered. Windy City Wonders Showing Some Life?

   Almost nothing has gone right for the Saints this season. In last week's most recent debacle, QB Spencer Rattler would throw 3 interceptions leading to a tough, 20-17, loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rattler has now thrown an interception in all 5 of his games this year. The Bears started off slowly, then looked good in weeks 3 and 4, and then lost to the Eagles, 33-13, last week. So, everyone is asking if this team is starting to gel or is it going to be a year of ups and downs? Fortunately for Chicago, the franchise gets a Saints' team that looks in complete disarray which should allow the Bears to claim their third win out of their last four outings.

   Final Analysis: Halos probably do not have enough firepower to win here. They have scored 22 or fewer points in four of their first five games whereas the Bears have posted 24 or more points in four of their first five. Chicago 31-21.

4:05 PM-MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-4) AT DENVER BRONCOS (1-4)

Grounded Fish, Broken Broncos Meet in Colorado

   Two teams not enjoying their seasons collide in Denver, The Dolphins just have not been the same for some time now. Denver keeps knocking on the door, but keeps finding ways to lose another game. However, the Broncos finally pulled out a big win last week as they stunned the Seattle Seahawks, 31-15! While the offense continued to sputter, at least QB Bo Nix did not turn it over, and the defense came up big shutting down Seattle back, Kenneth Walker. Walker came in with four straight 100+ yard efforts and would be limited to just 13 yards on 17 carries in this one!

   Final Analysis: If Denver can rely on their D to get it done and have Nix just manage games, they can win. Miami is playing like a team that just has not gotten it together. Denver 24-20,

    4:15 PM- DALLAS COWBOYS (2-3) AT ARIZONA CARDINALS (5-0)

Porous Pokes Face Hi-Octane Cards in 'Zona

    When a team is the worst rushing unit in the NFC and the only team in the league without a single rushing touchdown, has a -9 turnover margin, has a rookie QB who has tossed 8 interceptions compared to just 9 TD passes, and is dead last in the entire PFL at stopping the run (198 YPG allowed!), there really is no visible route to a win against one of football's top teams. Such is the near impossible task confronting the Dallas Cowboys in their matchup with the Cardinals. To make matters even more daunting, consider that Arizona also leads the NFC in scoring defense (15 PPG) and has 34 sacks to its credit.

   Final Analysis: A horrendous Cowboys' team really has no shot here. They cannot run the ball, the QB throws picks, and the defense cannot stop anyone. Arizona 45-12.

4:05 PM- LOS ANGLES CHARGERS (4-1) AT LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (3-2)

Huge Game in Vegas: Bolts Eying Divisional Honors While Raiders See Chance to Regain Control

    The recent demise of the Kansas City Chiefs opened the window for the Vegas Raiders to bring in a breath of fresh air to the AFC West last season as they bulldozed their way to the divisional championship. Now, as the favorites, they have to contend with new challengers like the Chargers. LA has not been in the divisional picture for years now since long time, and legendary head coach, Jim Hatzis retired. The Raiders lean heavily on the legs of back Ashton Jeanty to get it done. Jeanty is coming off his best game of the season as he rushed for 140 yards on 20 carries in his squad's, 32-30, edging of the Buffalo Bills. He is currently third in the AFC with 495 yards rushing trailing the Colts' Jonathan Taylor and, oddly, the Chargers' Omarion Hampton (509 yards). Both teams like to run the football in order to take the pressure off their quarterback. LA, though, leads the league in scoring defense (13 PPG).

   Final Analysis: Likely a Tour de Force type endeavor. Both teams doing a very good job at protecting football with the Chargers coming in with a +7 TO ratio and the Raiders with a +6! Los Angeles 20-17.

8:20 PM- GREEN BAY PACKERS (3-2) AT NEW YORK GIANTS (0-5)

Pack Trying to Regain NFC North Supremacy. G-Men a Mess?

   The Packers have been wandering in PFL also-ran status for sometime now. They have a shot at returning to their preferred position as the top dog in the NFC North, but need to win matchups like this in order to do so. The Giants had become a bit of a post-season fixture in recent times, but have had a string of things go wrong this season especially on defense. Big Blue has been one of the top defensive teams in football over the past 3+ seasons, but this year has been a totally different experience. The Giants have yielded 30+ points in every game this season and that is forcing the club out of its traditonal power running game and into more of a passing style that does not really fit the team's modus operandi nor the skill set of QB Jaxson Dart. The team is dead last in the league with a 22% third down conversion rate and has gotten into the red zone a league worst 12 times!

   Final Analysis: Seems too much going bad for the Giants to pull out of this. If the D cannot hold up, as it has in the past, then the desired running style gets hindered and things go from bad to worse. Green Bay is not playing terrific ball, as the running game is still AWOL, but the D is solid and they have enough at WR and QB to win games. Green Bay 30-22.

8:30 PM-CINCINNATI BENGALS (3-2) AT TENNESSEE TITANS (4-1)

Cinci in AFC North Hunt! Titans in AFC South Battle

    A pretty big game in the AFC Looms here. The Bengals have won three of their last four and now trail the division leading Baltimore Ravens by just 1 game. The Titans are enmeshed in a wild AFC South war with 3 teams all at 4-1 or better. Cinci finally got running-back Chase Brown rolling last week. He racked up 135 yards rushing (His first 100-yard game this year) on 14 carries last week as the Bengals rolled, 41-31, over the Atlanta Falcons. The Titans got by the Jacksonville Jaguars in a pivotal divisional game, 22-17, as they recovered from their week 4 loss to the Colts. QB Cam Ward is enjoying an outstanding season, thus far, and has thrown for over 300 yards and at least 2 touchdowns in every game this year!

   Final Analysis: Tennessee seems settled and playing very good ball overall. The Bengals are dangerous and, if they can get Browns chugging along, they could be one tough team to put away. Tennessee 30-24.