Week 6 NFL Predictions: Breaking Down Biggest Games

After some scintillating NFL action on Sunday, it's time to look ahead to Week 6, which features several explosive matchups.

The Detroit Lions, coming off a demoralizing loss to the Green Bay Packers, look to get back on track against the reinvigorated Cleveland Browns.

The Packers look to continue rolling against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Meanwhile, Tom Brady and the New England Patriots will be determined to defend home turf against the New Orleans Saints.

Let's take a look at the action.

Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns

The Lions flopped in true Detroit Lions fashion on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers.

In the 22-9 defeat, Matthew Stafford was sacked five times, despite being sacked just three times through Week 4. Rookie left tackle Riley Reiff had a particularly excruciating day against the Packers pass rush.

That doesn't bode well for the Lions in Cleveland. The Browns were tied for first in the NFL with 18 sacks headed into the week's action, and added two more against mobile quarterback E.J. Manuel. The Browns were also ranked first in yards allowed per pass attempt before Manuel averaged 6.5 yards per attempt against them.

Detroit can be dangerous through the air, but the Browns specialize in stopping the pass and Calvin Johnson missed Week 5 with a knee injury and his status for Week 6 is currently in doubt.

I don't expect the Browns to score many points with Brandon Weeden back under center, but I also don't think they'll have to. 

Prediction: Browns 20, Lions 17

Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens

The Packers have had the Lions' number for years, and that didn't change in Week 5. 

However, they face a different foe in Week 6, and they will be playing away from home this time.

The Packers have gone 0-2 on the road this season, losing to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3. They have allowed 34 points to both teams.

Meanwhile, the Ravens are coming off a hard-fought 26-23 victory over the revitalized Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. They sacked Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill six times in the victory.

I think the Ravens' pass rush can rattle Aaron Rodgers, like the Bengals did to him in Week 3.

Home-field advantage will also help, as the Ravens have defeated the Cleveland Browns and Houston Texans in Baltimore this season.

Prediction: Ravens 27, Packers 24

New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots

At this point, I have to take the Saints over the Patriots.

The Saints are now 5-0 after bruising the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Week 5, 26-18. 

They also ranked eighth in the NFL in yards allowed per pass attempt before Sunday's battle. 

Add the fact that they ranked second in points per drive, via Football Outsiders, and you have yourself a well-rounded team. 

Coming off a rough 13-6 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Patriots are not at their best right now. And it's worth noting that they have not looked spectacular this season, either, beating the Buffalo Bills by two points and the New York Jets by three points.

If Rob Gronkowski returns from injury in Week 6, it gives the Patriots a better chance to outlast the Saints at home. However, I still don't think they defeat one of the NFL's best teams in 2013.

Prediction: Saints 27, Patriots 23