Thursday night gave us an early Week 6 upset when the San Diego Chargers beat the Denver Broncos. Could there be more in store? Here are five NFL games to watch on Sunday evening.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) at Washington Redskins (3-2), Sunday, 9pm UAE time The NFC East has proven surprisingly competitive, thanks mostly to the emergence of the Philadelphia Eagles as legitimate contenders. After rookie quarterback Carson Wentz and the team suffered their first loss last week, a trip on the road to defending division champions Washington is a pivotal test of strength for both sides.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) at New England Patriots (4-1), Sunday, 9pm UAE time Cincinnati's hopes of extending their run of five straight trips to the play-offs is in serious jeopardy with their disappointing start, and the road does not get easier this week in New England, where Tom Brady and the Patriots are looking like their typical title-calibre selves.
Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (4-1), Monday, 12.05am UAE time Oakland have been the most exciting team in the league, with a fun offence led by emerging star Derek Carr at quarterback. Their defence has been more than suspect, though, and they will welcome a consistent Kansas City side in need of a division win to keep pace in the AFC play-off hunt.
Dallas Cowboys (4-1) at Green Bay Packers (3-1), 12.25am UAE time Dallas rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott has been leading the league in rushing (546 yards) behind a gigantic offensive line. But Green Bay have by far the NFL's best run defence, allowing only 42.8 yards a game. Which side wins the line of scrimmage will determine this NFC heavyweight bout.
Atlanta Falcons (4-1) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1), 12.25am A game full of subplots. Atlanta coach Dan Quinn came to the team after guiding Seattle's defence to league-best status for two years, and the Seahawks are still among the best on that side. The Falcons offence showed last week in Denver it can handle an elite defence when on the road. Another such showing in Seattle and the surprising Falcons might be the team to beat in the NFC.
kjeffers@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter @NatSportUAE
Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/TheNationalSport