New York Jets @ Cleveland Browns
Due to their slow start to the season, a game which should have been viewed as a no-brainer for the away side on paper, has morphed into a showdown between two division bottom-feeders as the New York Jets travel to Cleveland to take on the Browns.
As the Indians and Cavaliers enjoy life-changing historical runs in their respective sports, we have the Browns to remind us of Cleveland's miserable past.
Not only have the Browns started poorly, they also dumped newly acquired franchise quarterback Cam Newton earlier in the season to go with...Ryan Tannehill as quarterback.
Tannehill will face his former Jets teammates - teammates who were glad to see him hit the door.
"I'm happier here in Cleveland," Tannehill said. "They (Jets) are trading players like baseball cards. That's not how you build a franchise - you can't just plug and play guys. There's no chemistry there, just new assets each week. We're going to come out and prove that we are on the rise here in Cleveland."
Newly added Desmond Trufant, AJ Bouye, and Joey Bosa are all set to make their Jets debut in front of the Dawg Pound.
"San Diego signed me but was too frustrated with the whole contract deal to make it work long-term," Bosa said. "I'm glad to be with my new and forever teammates here in New York. We are ready to eat."
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: At some point this juggernaut on paper will begin to click. The Jets are too good to be under .500. A date with the Browns seems like the proper starting point as we head towards a turnaround.
PREDICTION: Jets win 24-0
New England Patriots @ Buffalo Bills
After their emphatic 35-14 victory over the previously undefeated Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills have clearly established their place as the #1 team in all NFL Power Rankings.
Their 6-1 record exists with a singular blemish: A shocking Week #4 loss at New England (without Tom Brady).
"A lot was said after that game," Aaron Rodgers said. "We were frauds, not ready, and other stuff like that. We did not play our best football that day. But, I expect our team and home fans to come out ready on Sunday this time around."
Rookie Cyrus Jones had an historic night with three interceptions (two returned for touchdowns) during the Patriots victory four weeks ago. His comments after the game also made headlines as he seemingly dismissed Rodgers and his Bills teammates comparing them to current NCAA players.
"Coach (Bellichick) told me to button it up this week," Jones said. "But, man, you caught me in a moment. I couldn't remember scoring two on D or having three picks in a game since high school. So yeah, I'm gonna have to compare you to college guys if that's how you're playing at the moment."
A loss Sunday would push the Patriots to 4-4. Couple that with the strong play by the Bills (and the Dolphins despite their loss last week) and New England could be locked in to a dogfight to even make the playoffs in 2016.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Rodgers to target Cyrus Jones early and often. Aaron Rodgers, as we know, is a quiet assassin. He will look to change the narrative of Jones and company by getting even and then some Sunday.
PREDICTION: Bills win 31-21
