NFL Week 6 picks

Last week: 6-8 (42-32)

Trying to atone for my miserable 6-8 from last week...

Chicago (3-2) at Atlanta (3-2)
Two of the surprise teams of the year, one more so than the other. I still don't like Kyle Orton despite his decent stats - he inspires zero confidence. I'm actually pretty sure I'd take the QB/RB combo of Ryan/Turner over Orton/Forte. In spite of that I think the Bears win here. Atlanta comes back down to Earth after tight win in Lambeau and the Bears D comes up big. Chicago 27 Atlanta 20

Baltimore (2-2) at Indianapolis (2-3)
Really important match-up for both teams here. This is make or break for the Colts. A loss here and they're 2-4, four games behind in the loss column to the Titans and competing with the Chargers, Patriots, Jags, Jets and co for the Wild Card. Baltimore should run with abandon against the worst rush defense in the league. Peyton Manning won't be on the field much, but I think Baltimore loses another game in the fourth quarter that they should have won. Indianapolis 19 Baltimore 16

Detroit (0-4) at Minnesota (2-3)
Massive win for the Vikes on Monday Night to pretty much keep their season alive. They follow it up with a take care of business game at home against Detroit. Peterson will be wild. Minnesota 37 Detroit 21

Oakland (1-3) at New Orleans (2-3)
Danger game for the Saints because the Raiders aren't that bad. That said Drew Brees doesn't let them lose this one. New Orleans 28 Oakland 23

Cincinnati (0-5) at NY Jets (2-2)
The Bengals are seemingly getting better each week. The Jets game against Arizona was probably their aberration game of the year. If the Jets are to be legitimate playoff contenders these are games they absolutely must win. NY Jets 27 Cincinnati 24

Carolina (4-1) at Tampa Bay (3-2)
Clash of the AFC South titans. Both teams play similar styles, great defense and pound it with a double-headed running game. The edge goes to Carolina in the passing game though. On a last quarter drive who do you want - Jeff Garcia throwing to Antonio Bryant, or Jake Delhomme throwing to Steve Smith? That outweighs home field advantage. Carolina 24 Tampa Bay 14

St Louis (0-5) at Washington (4-1) LOCK OF THE WEEK
Could be ugly. Very ugly. Washington 35 St. Louis 13

Miami (2-2) at Houston (0-4)
The Texans aren't as bad as they look. They've had a shocking schedule with their first four games on the road. They nearly beat the Colts and the Titans too. I like their chances here at home with the Wildcats, er, Dolphins coming back down to Earth. Houston 27 Miami 16

Jacksonville (2-3) at Denver (4-1)
The Jags are really not a good football team. They looked atrocious on Monday night. The running game has become stagnant and the entire offense relies on David Garrard. The defense is no better either, susceptible to the pass. The Jags runners might go wild on the Denver D, but the Denver pass is going to do the same and worse to Jacksonville. Denver 28 Jacksonville 21

Dallas (4-1) at Arizona (3-2)
Being touted as a danger game all over the place, but Dallas will come out and re-assert their claim as the best team in football. Dallas 36 Arizona 17

Philadelphia (2-3) at San Francisco (2-3)
Philadelphia might have to win all of their out-of-division matches to make the playoffs, shocking as that sounds. Don't pencil this in as a win though, Frank Gore, JT and the Niners aren't all that bad. That said when good teams need to win they generally do. Philadelphia 26 San Francisco 17.

Green Bay (2-3) at Seattle (1-3)
If Seattle lose this one at home against a banged up out of sorts Green Bay I think you could just about call time on their season. If Hasselbeck plays I think they win, if he doesn't they don't. Green Bay 21 Seattle 17

New England (3-1) at San Diego (2-3) UPSET OF THE WEEK
One of the better rivalries in the game right now, and hands down the clash of the week. The Chargers might be the better team but New England are more balanced and better coached. Look for the Pats to place a nail over the San Diego coffin. New England 20 San Diego 15

NY Giants (4-0) at Cleveland (1-3)
Not exactly must-see TV for a Monday night clash. The Giants take care of business and Derek Anderson loses his business. New York 30 Cleveland 19