Week 6 Picks

Week 5: 10-4  Overall: 46-32

So the Steelers lost to the Titans.  I don’t feel so bad since every single NFL expert picked Pittsburgh as well.  Here is week 6:

Raiders vs. Falcons

The Raiders have been inconsistent at best while the Falcons continue to shine each week with the help of Matt Ryan and his dynamic offensive weapons.  Although McFadden has stayed healthy, he has not had a big start to the season like he did last year.  He needs to have a great game for the Raiders to keep up.  Falcons don’t seem like the type of team who will go undefeated this year, but this is not the week they are handed their first loss.

Pick: Falcons

Bengals vs. Browns

The Browns aren’t as bad as their 0-5 record, but the Bengals are a very solid team.  The Bengals have potential to put up some big numbers against this struggling defense.  If they fall short and keep it a low scoring game the Browns have a chance with the help rookie Trent Richardson.  The Bengals offense might be tough for the Browns to keep up with.

Pick: Bengals

Rams vs. Dolphins

This looks to be an intriguing match-up.  The Rams got a big win over Arizona last week by putting Kolb in the dirt what felt like every other play.  The Dolphins will run on you and run on you well with a multitude of talented backs.  Oh, and they stop you from running too.  A struggling Bradford doesn’t get much better with the loss of his number one target Amendola.  The Dolphin’s D helps them win this game.

Pick: Dolphins

Colts vs. Jets

Reggie Wayne is not only the most targeted receiver in football he also continues to put up huge numbers.  This team looked bound and determined to play well for Chuck Pagano.  Now they look to keep the ball rolling against the disappointingly bad Jets.  Without Revis this defense is mediocre and their offense is even worse.  Look for a another good performance from Andrew Luck.

Pick: Colts

Lions vs. Eagles

The Eagles lost a game that they could have won last week against Pittsburgh.  Now they face the 1-3 Lions who have yet to get in a rythm offensively.  If this game becomes a shootout, whoever gives up the least amount of turnovers will win.  If only the Eagles knew how good they would be if they gave McCoy the ball, they would run away with this one.

Pick: Eagles

Chiefs vs. Buccaneers

The Chiefs have their running attack back this year with a healthy dose of Charles.  They now don’t have their quarterback this week.  Former Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn will take over as the starter.  This bodes well for the Bucs.  If they can contain Charles they win easy.

Pick: Buccaneers

Cowboys vs. Ravens

The Ravens here are clearly the better over all team.  They are a team on a roll while the Cowboys continue to crumble.  I think both of those trends will continue.

Pick: Ravens

Bills vs. Cardinals

The Bills defense continues to give up points.  Fitzpatrick looks great at times and other times he appears to be intentionally throwing to the opposition.  The Cardinals coming off their first loss of the season will be without their top two back, Wells and Williams.  Stephens-Howling will try to pick up some of the slack but explosive as he may be, he is not an every down back.  This will be another week of a large amount of pass attempts for Kolb.  If he continues to get sacked, they’ll be in trouble.

Pick: Cardinals

Patriots vs. Seahawks

The Patriots are very good.  They are even better when they run the ball.  The Seahawks, as pedestrian as their quarterback play has been this year, is a pretty good team.  They play tough defense and shut down your receivers with corners who are over 6 feet tall.  Seattle also has a guy on offense capable of going beast mode, which is helpful.  If it is low scoring the Seahawks have a good chance of pulling out an upset.  I just find it hard to believe they can get much going offensively.

Pick: Patriots

Giants vs. 49ers

Both of these teams are good.  Very good.  The 49ers the past few weeks look indestructible as Alex Smith looks like a first over all pick (oh wait he was).  The Giants might finally be getting Nicks back to add to their already potent offense.  With a pass rush that can get to the quarterback, this could be a good test for the ‘9ers to see if they really are the best (or top 3) team in the league.

Pick: 49ers

Viking vs. Redskins

The Skins almost pulled out an upset against the Falcons last week but RG3 had to be taken out of the game after a hard hit.  This week he faces a whole ‘nother monster.  This team is very different, more like the trend we are seeing in the NFL; defense, running game, and solid QB play.  I think this Viking team is for real for at least the regular season. 

Pick: Vikings

Packers vs. Houston

This is another great match-up this week.  The underwhelming Packers team faces the undefeated behemoth that is the Texans.  Rogers who has been suffering from bad o-line play and his top receiver unable to make it on the field, must find another way to win.  Oh did we mention his starting running back is out for the year.  Houston meanwhile is on a tear.  They have been running the ball well as expected but a healthy Schaub makes for an efficient Schaub.  Plus this Houston defense is amazing, even after being depleted in the offseason.  Even with Cushing out for the year, I look for them to make life rough for Rogers next week.

Pick: Houston

Broncos vs. Chargers

Both of these teams are in similar positions.  They are in the same devision which is a weak one. Both at times look formable and at other times look middle of the road.  They both have QBs trying to prove themselves.  The Chargers have a young talented running back who had a break out game last week however.  If they get Mathews involved early I like the Chargers chances.

Pick: Chargers