NFL Week 6: 5 Divisional Matchup Questions

Week 6 of the 2011 NFL Season is poised to be a great one; with the parody this year in the league, some teams that were supposed to be afterthoughts are firmly in control of their divisions and teams with Super Bowl aspirations are struggling to keep their playoff hopes alive. This is a pivotal week for determining those divisional races and as such I believe it is most important to analyze the divisional matches from this week. Following are my five questions for the four Week 6 divisional matchups.

Will the Redskins' RBs End the Eagles' Playoff Hopes?

After the acquisition of several Pro Bowl defensive free agents, Philadelphia looked poised for at least a Super Bowl berth this year; however, at 1-4, things are clearly not going as well as planned. Despite the fact that this is effectively a playoff game for the Eagles, I do not see them fixing all of their issues quickly enough to pull out a win Sunday afternoon.

The “Wide 9” formation has created a lot of opportunities for the defensive ends, but it has also exposed the Eagles extremely weak linebacking unit to the opposition’s running game. I expect the Redskins' three-headed rushing attack to be the difference in this game. The Redskins will control possession, run down the clock and win the game on the ground.

Will the Redskins' RBs end the Eagles' playoff hopes: YES

Can Vick Stay Healthy?

Michael Vick has also seen his share of problems in the 2011 NFL season; he has already thrown more interceptions in his first four games than he did all of last season, thus lowering his QB rating to a very average 85.3. This season has been statistically great for elite quarterbacks as we have seen their offenses put up “video game-like" numbers.

However troubling the statistical decline in Vick’s key numbers may be, I personally am more concerned about the long-term health of the Eagle’s “100 million dollar man.” Injuries happen in the NFL, it’s just a part of the game, but to have been taken out of the game twice in four weeks is not a good sign for his durability at this age. I expect the Redskins defensive line, led by rookie Ryan Kerrigan, to bring pressure and wear down the Eagles' often injured QB. 

Can Vick stay healthy? DOUBTFUL

Can Drew Brees Be Stopped?

The Buccaneers are in a tough spot this week after getting roughed up by the 49ers in San Francisco last week. I think that the Buccaneers are a decent team, but I just cannot see Josh Freeman leading them past Drew Brees and the Saints.

Consider this, the Saints statistically have the second best passing attack in the league this year and they are playing against the league’s 20th best team against the pass. Expect the Saints to run away with this one; I believe it will be a statement game and they will use it to establish themselves as the clear favorites in their division and as a contender in the NFC.

Can Drew Brees be stopped? NO

Will Chicago Be Able to Stop the Run?

While the Packers and Lions have stolen all of the attention this season, and rightfully so, I do believe that this divisional matchup between the NFC North’s bottom dwellers could be a good one.

In today’s NFL, the passing game has become so important that it has marginalized the worth of the running back position. However, the Vikings have the exception to the rule and will let the league’s best back, Adrian Peterson, carry their team in Week 6. With Peterson lined up in the backfield, it should come as no surprise that the Vikings have the league’s third best rushing attack; what does come as a surprise is the poor play of Chicago’s defense this year, which is currently ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed. I expect Peterson to be the deciding factor in a slim victory for the Vikings.

Will Chicago be able to stop the run? NO

Can the Dolphins Salvage Their Season?

The Miami Dolphins are a mess; their starting quarterback, Chad Henne, has just been placed on injured reserve, their coach is on the “hot seat” and their star wide receiver, Brandon Marshall, has promised to be ejected from their game against the Jets. Ok, I love the emotion, but seriously, how would losing the team's star receiver help their cause?!

Honestly, unless the Jets show up completely unprepared I don’t foresee any instance where the Dolphins would come away with a win this week. The Patriots, and surprising Bills, have put a lot of pressure on the Jets to perform and they will win easily this week.

Can the Dolphins salvage their season? NO