Fansided

NFL Week 5: Trends which will decide each game

By Russell S. Baxter

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play against the Las Vegas Raiders at the line of scrimmage during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on October 4, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bills defeated the Raiders 30-23. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 04: Quarterback Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills calls a play against the Las Vegas Raiders at the line of scrimmage during the first half of the NFL game at Allegiant Stadium on October 4, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bills defeated the Raiders 30-23. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 04: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers after a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 04: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Chargers after a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

Half of the 12 teams that reached the playoffs in 2019 are 2-2 or worst.

Just four weeks into the 2020 season and six teams still haven’t lost a game. Meanwhile, the New York Jets, Houston Texans, New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons are still in search of their first victory of the year. One of these teams made a change at head coach earlier this week. It’s also worth noting that there have been 63 games played this season and both home and road teams own a 31-31-1 record.

Of course, given the various circumstances surrounding several teams and COVID-19 results, as well as a possible weather issue on Monday night (via the Associated Press), this week’s schedule could have several last-minute changes. Stay tuned.

NOTE: All times ET

Thursday, Oct. 8

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Chicago Bears (3-1), 8:20 pm

Buccaneers: After stubbing their toes on the opening Sunday at the superdome, Bruce Arians’ team has now reeled off three straight victories. Last week vs. the visiting Chargers, quarterback Tom Brady and company bounced back from a 24-7 second-quarter deficit. And while the Buccaneers’ defense wasn’t super sharp against rookie Justin Herbert and the Los Angeles’ offense, Todd Bowles’ unit has made quite the turnaround after a shaky start in 2019. In the team’s first 10 games a year ago, Tampa surrendered 313 points and a surprising 31 offensive touchdowns. In the Bucs’ last 10 contests, Arians’ club has permitted 85 fewer points and just 19 offensive TDs.

Bears: Last Sunday, the Bears suffered their first loss of the season as head coach Matt Nagy opted for veteran quarterback Nick Foles in favor of Mitch Trubisky. The result was a 19-11 setback at home to a Colts’ team that currently boasts the league’s top-ranked defense. Now Chicago hosts a Buccaneers’ team that has allowed the fourth-fewest points in the league. This season, Trubisky (6-3) and Foles (4-2) have combined for 10 TD passes and five interceptions. But it’s also worth noting that those 10 offensive touchdowns are the only ones for the Bears, who rank 20th in the league in rushing (110.5 yards per game) and have yet to run for a touchdown this season.

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