Computer problems caused me to miss picking NFL games for weeks 4 and 5, and I had a poor week 3 also, choosing only 7 winners out of the 16 games played, putting the season count at 30 correct and 18 wrong. I guess I’ll just consider the last 2 weekend’s games my “bye” weeks for the season. Now that I’m rested and my computer has had the benefit of the week’s rest, here are my week 6 picks:
Pittsburgh at Tennessee – the Steelers got a lot of ailing starters back from injury last week, and looked like the Steelers of old. They should topple the Titans with a solid, all-around typical Steeler effort.
Oakland at Atlanta – the Raiders can be a handful at home, but won’t compete on the road against a strong Falcon team that seems to have put it all together this year. Atlanta wins.
Dallas at Baltimore – I just can’t get comfortable with picking the Cowboys to win with Tony Romo at the helm, especially against a defense as tough as the Ravens’. Baltimore will win easily.
Cincinnati at Cleveland – the winless Browns are competing hard every week, and this will be their breakout week. They’ll take out their Ohio rivals at home in a close game.
St. Louis at Miami – this is a battle of two improving clubs, and should be a close, competitive game. I’ll go with the Dolphins at home.
Indianapolis at New York Jets – the Jets are reeling but haven’t fallen so far off the map that they won’t win this game. Rex Ryan’s defense schools rookie QB Andrew Luck and New York wins.
Detroit at Philadelphia – Lions’ pass rush may spend the day pounding on Michael Vick, but the Eagles are better, more veteran team with more weapons and will win at home.
Kansas City at Tampa Bay – the Chiefs have been a Jeckyl and Hyde act, and aren’t good enough to overcome a Buccaneer club that is coming on, despite recent losses. Tampa wins at home.
Buffalo at Arizona – the Bills have come apart at the seams the last 2 weeks, while the Cardinals will be rested and motivated after suffering their first loss last Thursday. Arizona wins in a blowout.
New England at Seattle – Pats’ offense is getting on a roll, and will make just enough plays to knock off a game Seahawk team.
New York Giants at San Francisco – this is a rematch of last year’s NFC title game, won by the Giants. This year, the Niners are more experienced, and playing more consistent football on both sides of the ball than the G-Men, and will win this game.
Minnesota at Washington – the Vikings have been an early season surprise, but they’ll falter here on the road. Redskins win a high-scoring game.
Green Bay at Houston – two teams going in opposite directions this year. On a hunch, I’ll pick the Packers to settle in on the road, play a solid game in all 3 phases and hand the Texans their first loss of 2012.
Denver at San Diego – It’s hard to be sold on the Chargers as contenders, but they’ll be good enough at home to overcome Peyton Manning and beat the Broncos on Monday night.