Week 6 NFL Predictions: Underdogs Most Likely to Force an Upset

Each year, upsets are a big part of the NFL. However, in 2014, underdogs have had their way with supposed favorites on plenty of occasions. We only have to look back one week to see several instances where the "lesser team" emerged victorious.

In Week 5, the Buffalo Bills overcame a switch at the quarterback position and defeated the red-hot Detroit Lions in a decisive road contest. Soon after, on Sunday night, the New England Patriots had their way with the Cincinnati Bengals, pummeling the visiting favorite by an impressive 26-point margin.

We have a very intriguing slate of games once more in Week 6, as several pivotal divisional showdowns and other evenly matched contests will certainly lead to some compelling action on the gridiron. So, here's the burning question: Which underdogs will come away with a win this time around?

Let's take a look at three likely candidates.

Jacksonville Jaguars (+4) at Tennessee Titans

Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Yes, the Jaguars are the league's only 0-5 team, and they are ranked near the bottom of the league in practically every major statistical category. But here's the thing: Jacksonville is actually improving.

After being blown out four times to start the season, the Jaguars weren't all that bad against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5.

Offensively, the team couldn't get into the end zone, but Blake Bortles continues to show why the was an early first-round selection in this year's draft—even with the lack of a running game. Turnovers have been an issue for the quarterback, but head coach Gus Bradley is committed to limiting those mistakes, according to a tweet from John Oehser of Jaguars.com:

Helping the cause this week, the Jaguars will get a boost on offense, as rookie Storm Johnson is replacing the plodding Toby Gerhart at running back. The receiving corps should also be bolstered with Cecil Shorts back in the fold.

On defense, the Jaguars played a successful bend, don't break style, allowing 20 first downs to Pittsburgh but just 10 offensive points, giving the unit an increased level of confidence heading into Week 6.

On the other side of the coin, the Titans have been dreadful across the board. Even after getting out to a huge 25-point lead over the Cleveland Browns in Week 5, the team found a way to lose the game, marking its fourth consecutive loss. Adding insult to injury, quarterback Jake Locker was hurt in the process, and he is expected to miss the team's Week 6 contest against Jacksonville.

Jacksonville is giving up a league-worst 33.8 points per game. However, Tennessee isn't far behind, allowing an average of 27.8. If Jacksonville can keep up the momentum it established in Week 5 against the Steelers, this young team could come away with its first victory of the season on Sunday.

Washington Redskins (+3.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Patrick Semansky/Associated Press

Believe it or not, this matchup isn't terrible for a Washington team currently riding a three-game losing streak.

After quarterback Kirk Cousins' debacle against the New York Giants in Week 4, he came back and produced a strong performance against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 5, completing 21 of his 36 attempts for 283 yards, two touchdowns, zero interceptions and a passer rating of 102.0. That showing was without a viable running game, as Washington's backs produced just 28 yards on 15 carries.

This week, Washington is up against another stout run defense in Arizona. However, Cousins could be poised for a big day against the Cardinals' 31st-ranked pass defense. If DeSean Jackson could torch the Seahawks for 157 yards and a score, imagine what he'll do against a secondary that hasn't been able to stop much of anything.

Sure, Washington's defense isn't very good in its own right. However, surprisingly enough, the Redskins are ranked 10th in the league against the pass entering Sunday. Adding to the chances of success for Washington, backup quarterback Drew Stanton is cleared to play, via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:

"

One piece to #AzCardinals puzzle: QB Drew Stanton cleared for Sunday after passing concussion tests, source says (as @mikejurecki reported).

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 11, 2014"

This game should be expected to remain close throughout the duration. However, if Cousins can build upon the progress he made in Week 5 against Seattle, he'll have a field day in Arizona and come away with a huge win.

New York Giants (+2.5) at Philadelphia Eagles

Kathy Willens/Associated Press

Over the last three weeks, the Giants were one of the hottest teams in the NFL, defeating the Houston Texans, Washington Redskins and Atlanta Falcons by no less than 10 points thanks to a budding offensive scheme and a very efficient Eli Manning.

Just how good has New York's signal-caller looked recently? He's thrown for a total of 734 yards, eight touchdowns and one interception while maintaining a passer rating greater than 100 over his last three contests. Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com expects more of the same:

That's probably an accurate assumption considering Manning is set to face an Eagles secondary ranked 29th in the league against the pass, allowing an average of 274.2 yards through the air per game.

New York's offense will remain balanced despite the absence of running back Rashad Jennings. Rookie Andre Williams proved to be a viable option out of the backfield, rushing for over 60 yards and a score in each of his last two contests.

While Eagles quarterback Nick Foles will get some shots through the air against the Giants' 24th-ranked passing defense, his lack of efficiency this season could haunt him once more against a secondary that has come away with a league-high eight interceptions this year.

Winning on the road in prime time will be a difficult task for the Giants on Sunday night, but this well-rounded team is riding plenty of momentum and is poised to leave Philadelphia with a victory.

All game odds courtesy of Odds Shark and current as of October 11.