NFL Week 6 Picks

Last week proved to be another wild weekend on the gridiron. With Washington winning two tough division match ups in a row, Houston completely imploding at the end of the fourth quarter, Miami completing back-to-back upsets, Arizona knocking Buffalo from the ranks of the unbeaten in dominating fashion, Denver’s defense stifling an offense, and the Saints showering gifts upon the Vikings with two fumbles, two interception, eleven penalties, and a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown that not even two Reggie Bush punt returns could overcome. How could anyone possibly ask for more drama?

So although I’m not really happy with the outcome of my picks, I could say that after such a wild weekend, I at least came out above .500. So just to run the numbers, at the completion of Week 5, my weekly numbers were 8-6 straight up and 7-6-1 against the spread. This puts my new totals at 44-30 or 44 of 74 (.595) straight up and 38-34-2 (.514) against the spread. Only one way to improve these numbers and that’s to move along into the next week. So let’s get started.

----Picks in red against the spread----

ALL TIMES ARE EASTERN

Open Date: Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Pittsburgh Steelers, Tennessee Titans

Sunday, October 12^th, 2008

St. Louis Rams(0-4) at Washington Redskins(4-1) 1:00PM

After back to back impressive road wins against the Cowboys and the Eagles, the NFL has been put on notice that the Redskins are here to play. Now that they are returning home to play…who?...the Rams?...if your looking for an upset here, your wishing on a hope and a prayer.

Skins are for real and looking to make their run on the NFC East with a win

(Redskins -14)

Miami Dolphins(2-2) at Houston Texans(0-4) 1:00PM

I’m of the opinion that the Houston Texans will do whatever it takes to lose at all costs. Hey, Rosenfels, here’s a hint…when you’re trying to protect a lead late in the fourth quarter, don’t make stupid fumbling leaps into the air, protect the ball when your scrambling out of the pocket, and don’t throw interceptions!!! Are you kidding me? Meanwhile, the Dolphins are turning some heads. Did they really just win back to back games?

Dolphins make it three in a row

(Dolphins +3)

Detroit Lions(0-4) at Minnesota Vikings(2-3) 1:00PM

The Vikings were given a gift in last weeks match up against the Saints, but you can’t blame them for taking advantage of it and holding on for a win in the end. This week they will host a trouble Lions team.

Vikings move to .500 and stay within their division race

(Vikings no line)

Oakland Raiders(1-3) at New Orleans Saints(2-3) 1:00PM

The Saints looked awful in their performance against Minnesota last week. Despite some big numbers and two punts returned for touchdowns by Reggie Bush they still weren’t able to overcome their own miscues. After that performance I could definitely see an upset pulled off by Oakland this week, but then again, this is Al Davis’ Raiders.

Saints pull themselves back together for a win

(Saints no line)

Carolina Panthers(4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers(3-2) 1:00PM

Carolina with travel to Tampa this week to face a Buccaneer team looking to rebound at home after their loss to Denver in a close game. Unfortunately for Tampa, the Panthers won’t be willing to let the Buccaneers take the time to bandage their wounds.

Panthers pull off a road win in Tampa

(Panthers +2)

Cincinnati Bengals(0-5) at New York Jets(2-2) 1:00PM

Although the Bengals kept in the game last week against Dallas, they are still an undisciplined team. The Jets on the other hand have begun to settle into life with Brett. The Bengals defense can’t stop him, and they won’t be able to out gun him. Bengals are looking at some more sorrows.

J.E.T.S., Brett, Brett, Brett!!!

(Jets -6)

Baltimore Ravens(2-2) at Indianapolis Colts(2-2) 1:00PM

After losing back-to-back games by three points, the Ravens have got to be fuming. What better way to vent your frustrations than on Peyton Manning and a Colts team that has seemed…well…off this year. Only problem…the Colts could come out gunning on any given week.

Ravens continue the Colts losing streak at Lucas Oil Stadium

(Ravens +5)

Chicago Bears(3-2) at Atlanta Falcons(3-2) 1:00PM

Atlanta has managed to teeter back and forth between a .500 team and a winning team weekly. The pattern says they lose this week. The Bears say they can assist them with that.

Bears win as their defense stifles the Falcons

(Bears -3)

Jacksonville Jaguars(2-3) at Denver Broncos(4-1) 4:05PM

Although they’re far from a bad team, Jacksonville hasn’t been the dominating team they were thought to be before the start of the season. This week they will have to take the show on the road to play in Investco Field against a Denver team that has been finding ways to get it done.

Broncos continue to make Denver a tough place to play for opponents

(Broncos -3.5)

Philadelphia Eagles(2-3) at San Francisco 49ers(2-3) 4:15PM

Eagles may not be among the teams with winning records at this point in the season, but they are a tough team playing in a tough division and while the 49ers have had moments that have looked good, it would have to be called an upset for them to pull off a victory this week.

Eagles increase their record to .500

(Eagles -5)

Green Bay Packers(2-3) at Seattle Seahawks(1-3) 4:15PM

With Rodgers still nicked up and the Packers traveling for a road game. I’m going to have to call this a close game. While Rodgers could still arrive ready to play and the Packers have the ability to blow this game out of the water, I’m going to say the Seahawks could take this opportunity to bounce back from the beating they took at the hands of the Giants.

Seahawks manage a win and send the Packers packing

(Seahawks -3)

Dallas Cowboys(4-1) at Arizona Cardinals(3-2) 4:15PM

After the Cowboys performance against the Bengals last week this game feels like it could actually go either way. When Dallas is running on all cylinders they can mow through teams at home and on the road, but as we saw last week, the Cardinals can run up a scoreboard of their own.

Cowboys hang on for a close victory

(Arizona +5)

Sunday, October 12^th, 2008, Sunday Night Football

New England Patriots(3-1) at San Diego Chargers(2-3) 8:15PM

New England just hasn’t been the same without Brady, but the Chargers haven’t had the start everyone expected either, and L.T. has been an average back at best. However, the game will be held in San Diego and there is something to be said for home field advantage.

Chargers look to put Miami in the rear view by winning at home

(Chargers -6)

Monday, October 13^th, 2008, Monday Night Football

New York Giants(4-0) at Cleveland Browns(1-3) 8:30PM

The Giants have been eating teams like the Browns for lunch this season and although Plaxico Burress feels no need to redeem himself after his suspension, he is a player that loves playing in a national spotlight. I’m not expecting any surprises here, but I’m sure looking forward to watching the Giants take on a much more difficult schedule the second half of the season.

Giants continue to manhandle yet another sub .500 team

(Giants -8)

And with that, another week has come and gone. My how time flies when you’ve got hard hitting, turf pounding, spiral sailing, nonstop action playing out every week in the NFL. Man I love this game!!!