With a little luck, we’ll be able to play every game on the Week 6 NFL schedule without any cancellations or postponements. Let’s take a look at what’s ahead.
Falcons at Vikings (-3.5)
Are either of these teams as bad as their records indicate they are? The Falcons are probably a little closer than Minnesota.
Only one of Atlanta’s five losses has come by less than four points. With their head coach and GM being fired, the Falcons are in a state of disarray, so their problems aren’t likely to be fixed right away.
Pick: Vikings -3.5
Ravens (-7.5) at Eagles
You have to give the Eagles a little credit; they don’t go down without a fight. But the offensive line and injuries at wide receiver are making it too difficult on Carson Wentz.
With Lamar Jackson coming to town, all of the pressure is on the Philadelphia defense, which doesn’t seem like a winning formula.
Pick: Ravens -7.5
Bears at Panthers (-2.5)
For the first time this season, the Panthers are favored to win a game. It only took three straight wins to make that happen. The shocking part is that they’ve done it without Christian McCaffrey on the field.
However, the Bears have a strong defense and some weird fourth-quarter magic. Somehow, Chicago is finding a way to win games late, especially as the underdog.
Pick: Bears +2.5
Bengals at Colts (-8)
It’s hard to pick which of these teams was more disappointing last week. The Bengals were pitiful offensively and will face another tough defense this week.
Of course, the Indianapolis defense had a disappointing day against the Browns. At this point, the Colts are a safer bet to bounce back than Joe Burrow and the Bengals.
Pick: Colts -8
Browns at Steelers (-3.5)
It might be time to start buying stock in the Cleveland offense. The Browns have won four in a row and scored at least 32 points in each game.
Even against a tough Indy defense last week, the Cleveland offense got rolling. Even if they can’t get over the finish line, it’s easy to see this game being a field-goal game.
Pick: Browns +3.5
Lions (-3.5) at Jaguars
Fingers crossed that if a game has to be postponed this week that this is the game. Neither defense has been able to figure it out early in the year, but the Lions are undoubtedly the more potent offensive team.
The Detroit offense has started to come around since Kenny Golladay returned from injury. That should help Matthew Stafford out-play Gardner Minshew.
Pick: Lions -3.5
Washington at Giants (-3)
Are the Giants seriously favored in a game? Apparently, that’s what happens when you find a way to lose to a backup quarterback. In fairness, Washington has lost four in a row by at least 14 points, so they are moving in the wrong direction.
Washington also has great uncertainty at quarterback while the Giants are a little better than the numbers suggest defensively. The G-Men are too good to go winless in 2020, so this could be the game.
Pick: Giants -3
Packers (-2.5) at Buccaneers
This is a rare Aaron Rodgers versus Tom Brady matchup, so enjoy. One would think that Brady will rise to the occasion.
However, Rodgers has played at an MVP level all season. Meanwhile, the Green Bay defense has been decent at times and has had two weeks to prepare. The same can’t be said of Tampa’s defense.
Pick: Packers -2.5
Rams (-3.5) vs 49ers
The wheels are coming off for the 49ers, who are underdogs for the first time since the Super Bowl. Jimmy Garoppolo’s mobility is questionable due to injury, and the last person he wants to see is Aaron Donald.
That will spell trouble for San Francisco, especially with Jared Goff and the Rams clicking offensively.
Pick: Rams -3.5
Cardinals (-2.5) at Cowboys
What’s more concerning, Andy Dalton at quarterback or the Cowboys giving up over 30 points in three straight games? The answer is both with Kyle Murray coming to town.
To be fair, the Cardinals still have a lot to prove, but the Cowboys have glaring concerns on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Cardinals -2.5
