Tom Brady returns, the Atlanta Falcons take their high-powered show to the Rocky Mountains, and Aaron Rodgers welcomes the sliding New York Giants to Lambeau Field. NFL Week 5 is full of intrigue. Kevin Jeffers picks the top five games to watch. All times UAE.
Patriots at Browns, Sunday, 9pm
Tom Brady is back after serving his four-game suspension, and just in time as far as the Patriots are concerned. New England were shut out 16-0 by Buffalo last week. The prior three weeks were well-handled by backups Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett, and a 3-1 start without their star quarterback is more than fine. Now, though, the rest of the league get a full-powered Patriots attack, starting with the woeful Browns (0-4).
Texans at Vikings, Sunday, 9pm
This inter-conference match between two division leaders might not be pretty, unless you consider sacks and interceptions a thing of beauty. Don’t expect a lot of scoring in this clash between two of the league’s best defences.
Falcons at Broncos, Monday 12.05am
A match-up of the league’s top offence and top defence. Atlanta (3-1) are scorching, averaging a league-best 38 points a game. The defending champion Broncos (4-0), meanwhile, are allowing a paltry 16 points a game. Denver have the league’s best secondary, but will face their biggest test yet against the league’s top passer, Matt Ryan, and receiver, Julio Jones.
Bengals at Cowboys, Monday, 12.25am
Dallas have emerged as one of the league’s best surprises with their 3-1 start spearheaded by two rookies. Quarterback Dak Prescott has been a revelation starting in place of Tony Romo, and running back Ezekiel Elliott leads the league in rushing. Cincinnati (2-2) are well-balanced and play great defence, and can’t afford many more losses while keeping up with Pittsburgh and Baltimore in the AFC North.
Giants at Packers, Monday, 4.30am
An opening-week win over Dallas feels like a long time ago for the Giants (2-2), and the going doesn’t get any easier against a well-rested Packers team (2-1) coming off their bye. Eli Manning v Aaron Rodgers is a great primetime quarterback duel for the Sunday-night capper.
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