Reinspire

NFL Week 6 Predictions

Another week, another round of upsets, another bunch of teams under-performing, and another collection of lackluster picks. Unfortunately I was caught off guard by a few games and ended up with an 8-6 record for last week. Sure, it’s over 50%, but it’s definitely not what I’m shooting for.

Among the major highlights from last week is the great run that the Washington Redskins have been on. They’ve proven me wrong a couple of time already this season, and I’m done casting doubt on that team. Jim Zorn—who many questioned the hiring of (myself included)—has the ‘Skins playing extremely well, and they could be a scary force in the NFC this year. They’ve already played all of their division foes on the road (and beaten 2 of them), and with the Rams, Browns and Lions as their next 3 opponents, they could easily find themselves with a 7-1 record at the half-way point of their season.

A few more thoughts from last week: The Saints could have easily won last night on MNF, but they missed too many opportunities and shot themselves in the foot by giving up the ball 4 times. Minnesota was out-played for most of the game, and the Saints wasted another opportunity.

The Packers defense really needs to fix itself quickly, or they could find themselves in 3rd place in the NFC North very soon. Already the Chicago Bears have passed them to take the lead, and with Minnesota’s win in New Orleans last night, they’re currently sharing 2nd place.

Finally, the Pittsburgh Steelers offense has figured things out, and that’s going to make the Steelers one of the favourites in the AFC this season. Ben Roethlisberger has played through a lot of pain and is really embracing his leadership role for the Steelers — and that’s been translating to wins.

Anyways, here are my picks for week 6:

Away	Home	Comments	Pick	Result
Note: the Bills, Chiefs, Steelers and Titans have a bye this week.
Last week: 8-6 (57.1%), Season total: 51-23 (68.9%)
Bengals (0-5)	Jets (2-2)	The Bengals are just a mess. I expect the Jets offense will continue to improve, especially coming off their bye week.
Bears (3-2)	Falcons (3-2)	The Falcons are undefeated at home so far, but I think the Bears took a big step last week and should be able to get a win in Hotlanta.
Ravens (2-2)	Colts (2-2)	It’s been a real struggle so far for the Colts, but they look like they’re on their way back.
Rams (0-4)	Redskins (4-1)	Jim Zorn has the Redskins playing very good football this season and they could be pushing the Cowboys for the NFC East title come December.
Panthers (4-1)	Buccaneers (3-2)	The Panthers offense is really rolling these days, and that might be the difference here.
Lions (0-4)	Vikings (2-3)	After a tough Monday night win, the Vikings get to host Detroit, which should allow them to get another W and stay in the hunt in the NFC North.
Dolphins (2-2)	Texans (0-4)	Sure, the Dolphins have knocked off the Patriots and the Chargers… but something’s got to give in Houston, and last week’s performance against the Colts was enough to prove to me that they’re poised for their first win.
Raiders (1-3)	Saints (2-3)	If the Saints can’t count on their kicker, that’s going to be a major concern for the rest of the season. They should be able to take the Raiders though.
Jaguars (2-3)	Broncos (4-1)	Normally I’d take the Broncos at home… but against the Jags, the Bronco defense makes me hesitant.
Packers (2-3)	Seahawks (1-3)	The biggest concern right now for the Packers is their leaky defense… luckily for them, the ‘Hawks defense is just as bad. The Pack’s O gets the edge in this one.
Cowboys (4-1)	Cardinals (3-2)	The Cardinals are looking solid on offense, but I think their defense leaves them at a big disadvantage in this match. Shootout in the desert? It could be.
Eagles (2-3)	49ers (2-3)	The Eagles need to win these kinds of games if they want to compete in the NFC East.
Patriots (3-1)	Chargers (2-3)	The Chargers have to start playing better football. This week at home is the perfect time to start. LT says this is a “must win” for the Chargers, and I tend to agree.
Giants (4-0)	Browns (1-3)	Well, after seeing the first 5 weeks, the Giants may actually be better than last year’s Super Bowl team.

This week I’m hoping for some consistency and hopefully that will get me back on track and back up over the 70% mark. Here are this week’s ESPN Expert Picks. Who are you picking this week? Let me know in the comments!