Week 6 predictions
Sunday 1:00
Carolina Panthers (1-4) /24-34/ Atlanta Falcons (2-3)
Cam Newton needs to start winning games to justify the hype. But it won’t happen here, despite the Falcons possibly losing Julio Jones with a hamstring injury. The Falcons will get back on track in the Georgia Dome, look for Michael Turner to have a big day.
San Francisco 49’ers (4-1) /13-27/ Detroit Lions (5-0)
The Niners’ good start to the season comes to an abrupt end at the hands of Matt Stafford and Megatron. They might be able to stop Jahvid Best, but they can’t go toe to toe with the Lions’ passing game.
Indianapolis Colts (0-5) /17-20/ Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)
This is a tough one to call for me. Curtis Painter has made the Colts a better team, but the Bengals D is very impressive so far this season, so I’m going with Cincinnati, but only just.
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) /10-29/ Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)
Last week, everyone thought CJ2K was on for a million yards against the ailing Steelers. Cue the old guard putting in an impressive performance, shutting down Tennessee and their franchise RB. The revival continues this week against a poor Jaguars defense… unless Maurice Jones Drew runs all over Pittsburgh. Déjà vu?
St Louis Rams (0-4) /7-45/ Green Bay Packers (5-0)
Blowout. Rams to the slaughter. This could get messy for St Louis at Lambeau. The Pack go marching on, so get Aaron Rodgers in your fantasy team now.
Buffalo Bills (4-1) /30-33/ New York Giants (3-2)
This could be a cracker in the Big Apple, with two high power offenses and leaky defenses. The Giants will want to get back on track after a poor defeat to Seattle, and if they can find a way to stop Fred Jackson, it may well be the beginning of a Buffalo slide.
Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) /31-27/ Washington Redskins (3-1)
The Eagles just can’t go 1-5, they’d be almost out of the race for the NFC East before the race even started. They will focus on stopping the Skins’ running back committee, which may open up things for Sexy Rexy, but in an aerial shootout, Michael Vick has better weapons. Philly get back on track in the capital.
4:05
Houston Texans (3-2) /17-28/ Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
If Joe Flacco can keep his head, the Ravens are the real deal in the AFC North, and Houston is the best team in a division that looks weaker and weaker every week. The Ravens will pack the box and attempt to stop Arian Foster, while Matt Schaub looks around for Andre Johnson, only to remember he’s injured, as Haloti Ngata and Terrell Suggs thunder into him. Again.
Cleveland Browns (2-2) /13-23/ Oakland Raiders (3-2)
This will be a real battle in Oakland, as the Raiders try to consolidate last week’s Houston victory. More yards for Darren McFadden, and look for Darrius Heyward-Bey to provide a ‘big play’ option for Jason Campbell. The Browns need to find a way for Peyton Hillis to produce.
4:15
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) /28-38/ New England Patriots (4-1)
I cannot see a way that this game finishes under 50 points. Brady and co. will put up 400 total yards or more, no matter what schemes Rob Ryan devises. Dallas’ chances rest on what Tony Romo turns up, and how often they can get to no. 12. The Cowboys will put up a fight at Foxboro’, but it still might not be enough.
New Orleans Saints (4-1) /34-19/ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Tampa were awful last week. And although they won’t be that bad again, the Saints are a step up. I have no idea how good a team the Buccaneers are, a different one turns up every week, but to be successful, they have to get Legarette Blount involved more, and Mike Williams needs to stand up and be counted. Not this week though.
8:20
Minnesota Vikings (1-4) /13-23/ Chicago Bears (2-3)
For the Vikings to win last week, they needed Kevin Kolb to have a nightmare, and Jay Cutler will not be so generous at Soldier Field. Donovan McNabb is not the answer for Minnesota, and they seem reluctant to give Christian Ponder a chance, so they will look to Adrian Peterson again. He’ll have some success against a Bears defense that has looked vulnerable against the run, but Matt Forte will cancel him out, if not outdo him.
MNF: 8:30
Miami Dolphins (0-4) /10-20/ New York Jets (2-3)
Where to start with this one? QB troubles and defensive worries for both sides. But you have to go with Rex’s Jets on Monday night, Sanchez and all. I can’t see the ‘Phins winning anything with Sage Rosenfels or Matt Moore under center. Daniel Thomas (if fit) could prove the man to rest hopes upon, but Miami may be planning to ‘suck for Luck’. In that respect, they do well again here.
