Week 5 NFL Preview- Part 1

I know I'm putting this up a couple days earlier than normal, but I'm going to have limited computer access over the next ten days or so. But I'll post as much info as possible.

Cleveland at Buffalo
These are two lousy teams. Both allow way to many hits, yards, and red zone chances with high conversion rates. I can see this game going one of two ways: shoot out or a game of field goals, since both teams have converted only 33% of their red zone chances into touchdowns. The difference between the teams is turnovers. Buffalo is -4 on the season, which is bad, but Cleveland is worse at -7. I'll take the Bills in a shootout, but it wouldn't shock me if the Browns pull the "upset." Final score 31-28 Buffalo.

Dallas at Kansas City
After glancing at the numbers, I was surprise about how close these teams are on the defensive side of the ball. The total yards allowed was virtually identical, caused four turnovers, and about the same number of sacks (six and five, respectively). Dallas differentiates itself by allowing just a 40% red zone conversion rate against, compared to 75%. Offensively, it isn't even close. The Cowboys have gained over 150 more yards per game. Plus, their line keeps Tony Romo relatively clean, by allowing just eight sacks. Final score 24-14 Dallas.

Minnesota at St. Louis
This is a game between two teams on the opposite ends of the NFL spectrum with the Vikings vying for a Super Bowl and the Rams in the Bradford-McCoy derby. The only similarity is the sack and hit numbers taken by their quarterbacks. They are very close, but after yesterday's game, it appears that the Vikings line is beginning to jell. The Vikings should dominate this game, based on turnover differential alone (+5 to -8). Final score 41-7 Minnesota.

Oakland at New York Giants
Another game with teams on opposite poles of the landscape. I was surprised that the pressure both teams give to the opposing quarterbacks is close, but that's about it. The telling numbers are the yards, as the Giants have gained nearly 200 more per game (That was not a misprint.), while the Raiders have allowed about 120 more per game. It's been said before, but JaMarcus Russell needs to be replaced. That offense has been sputtering all season long with him at the helm. Also, I need to mention a number that Giants fans need to take note of, because it be concerning to them, since the teams they've played haven't been the cream of the NFL crop. They are only 24% in converting red zone opportunities into touchdowns this season. It won't affect them in this game, but I wonder if it haunts them against New Orleans. Final score 31-3 New York Giants.