Week five was the first week that included byes in the schedule, so there was only a “partial” slate of games played. I picked 9 winners out of 13, raising the record for the season to 53 right and 24 wrong. Here are my week six selections:
Buffalo at New York Giants – the Bills’ win over the Eagles was a big deal, since Philly needed the game badly. They are doing one thing this season the Giants have struggled to do the last couple of years – playing consistently. The “bad” Giants showed up last week and were upset by Seattle, and I think the Bills will find a way to scratch out a win here.
Carolina at Atlanta – Cam Newton has transformed the Panthers into one of the NFL’s most exciting teams, but that doesn’t necessarily translate into wins. The Falcons will win this division matchup at home.
Indianapolis at Cincinnati – the Bengal defense, statistically the best in the league, will have no trouble shutting down the now punchless Colts. Cincinnati wins at home.
San Francisco at Detroit – who would have ever guessed that going into week 6 of the season, these 2 teams would have only one loss between them? This should be a great game, and I see the Lions staying unbeaten with a rousing win in front of their home fans.
St. Louis at Green Bay – the Rams are an improved team but have been playing a brutally tough schedule. They’ll get beaten soundly by the Pack in Lambeau Field.
Jacksonville at Pittsburgh – the Steelers are not among the league’s elite teams this year, in my opinion, but will win this game handily at home. Jaguars’ rookie QB Blaine Gabbert will be overwhelmed by this situation.
Philadelphia at Washington – this is the week the Eagles break out of their funk. They will bring the Redskins back down to earth with a huge division win, propelling them right back into the NFC East race despite their poor start.
Houston at Baltimore – tough loss for Houston at home last week, and they’ll drop another in this contest against the Ravens in what should be a low-scoring game.
Cleveland at Oakland – the Raiders’ emotional last-second win over the Texans last week a day after legendary owner Al Davis passed away was one of the season’s best highlights so far. I see them rolling over the Browns at home in what should be another emotional scene.
Dallas at New England – the Cowboys are a good match for New England, but the Pats will pull out another typical workmanlike win at home.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay – the young Bucs have to be reeling after getting pasted in San Francisco last week, but on a hunch I think they’ll rebound with a strong effort at home and edge out the Saints for a big division win.
Minnesota at Chicago – in what should be a tough NFC North slugfest, the Bears’ defense will be the difference and they’ll win a close, low-scoring game.
Miami at New York Jets – getting the Dolphins at home is just what the doctor ordered for the Jets to turn around what has been a disappointing start to the 2011 season so far. They’ll keep the Fish winless with a one-sided victory under the Monday Night spotlight.