Another test for Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan
Friday 14 October 2016 09:08, UK
The NFL provides plenty of important games and week six is no different as the schedule throws up five divisional clashes. Elsewhere, the San Diego Chargers will look to change their fortunes against the defending Super Bowl champions on Thursday night.
1. NFC Clash
The 4-1 Atlanta Falcons continue to impress, having beaten the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos in the last two weeks, and now travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Atlanta have the gained the most yards this season, whilst Seattle, who are currently at 3-1, have given away the fewest.
It is a return to Seattle for Falcons head coach Dan Quinn, who served as defensive coordinator before taking the job in Atlanta last year. He will want to use Julio Jones to full effect after the wide receiver had just two receptions for 29 yards in Denver.
Jimmy Graham has recorded back to back 100+ yard games and is beginning to show the form that made him the NFL's highest paid tight end in 2014. The Seahawks will look to utilise him again as Russell Wilson returns from a bye week in full health.
2. How do Philadelphia respond?
The Philadelphia Eagles lost their first game of the season last week as two late turnovers, both forced by cornerback Darius Slay, gave the Detroit Lions a 24-23 win.
It's bounce back time for the Eagles, who now face a Washington Redskins side with three consecutive wins under their belt. Can Carson Wentz forget the late interception and lead Philadelphia back to winning ways?
3. Prescott's biggest test
The Dallas Cowboys take on the Green Bay Packers in Winsconsin on Sunday, which could prove to be the toughest opposition rookie quarterback Dak Prescott has faced so far.
The fourth round pick has already set a first year record for completed passes without interception (155), but now plays a Green Bay side coming off their best defensive performance of this season. The Packers have only made two interceptions this year, but are fifth in sacks (14).
If he comes through this one, the decision whether to drop Prescott for Tony Romo would become an even more difficult one for head coach Jason Garrett.
4. Back to their best?
The Arizona Cardinals were a favourite for the Super Bowl preseason, but they have struggled to perform so far this year. The Cardinals will have quarterback Carson Palmer back under centre this week, which provides a massive boost for the offence.
Arizona will face the New York Jets, who have struggled in the secondary all season, not helped by the loss of cornerback Darrelle Revis, who has a hamstring injury and is doubtful for the game. If Palmer can find his wide receiver trio of Larry Fitzgerald, Michael Floyd and John Brown, the Cardinals could show their 2015 form.
Watch the Philadelphia Eagles take on the Washington Redskins live on Sunday October 16, from 5:30pm on Sky Sports 2.
