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NFL Week Five Preview

Will Mendhall’s return be the spark to light the Steeler’s season?

NFL games begin in a few hours and the Gal Pal household is excited to be going out to catch the action as the game they are most looking forward to is not playing on local tv thanks to the Redskins.

Here are the games I’m on the lookout for.

Eagles vs Steelers

This is the game Gals and Pals because I’m an Eagles fan and my lovely sister Shannon is a Pittsburgh fan (my other sister Rachael is a Cowboys fan FYI).

Despite my personal involvement with this game this is a great match up because every week we have to ask what sort of team will come out of Philly? While they are 3-1 at some point the turnovers and wasted opportunities are going to come back to haunt them.

The Steelers are coming off a bye week and are getting returning players Rashard Mendenhall and James Harrison could be the boost this team needs.

Key for victory for the Steelers- figure out a running game- right now they are averaging only 65 yards rushing per game- that is not enough for a solid offense and creates too much pressure on your receivers.

Since there are too many people I love involved in this game I’m not picking a winner but Fly Eagles Fly

Broncos vs Patriots aka Manning vs Brady

The Patriots are coming off a monster of a win against the Bills last week. Averaging 438 yards of offense per game they should be a favorite to win this home game.

But with the addition of Peyton Manning to the Broncos this season is the only reason people care.

This quarterback rivalry has been a favorite for years in the NFL. And given that Manning is still being questioned about his arm strength we have to wonder how many match ups between these two future hall of famers will we see?

I have a feeling that Brady is going to pull this out- the Pats have a great running game- averaging 144 yards per game. But like in recent years we have to question their defense- they allow over 367 yards per game this season. Give Manning those options and he’ll light up the red zone.

Get to either quarterback and you win the game- it really is that simple and yet so hard to do.

I’m taking the Patriots.

Falcons vs Redskins

The Falcons take their undefeated show on the road to DC.

Offensively these teams are well matched. Both average about 30 points per game, both average about 250 yards passing- though the Redskins are miles ahead of the running game.

The difference is the defense and the Falcons win that battle on paper at least.

So what about in the trenches?

Falcons normally play in a climate controlled dome. Today’s game is being played outdoors and the weather could be a factor. If Redskin QB RGIII were a little more season I might give the edge to the Skins.

But Matt Ryan and the Falcons are having a banner year- and I think experience is the one stat that really matters mid season.

I think the Falcons are going to remain undefeated.