Week 6 NFL Picks: Early Predictions for Sunday's Best Games

There are few easy games over the course of the NFL season, so it should be no surprise that many of the league's top contenders will be challenged once again in Week 6.

While fans can feel free to miss the snoozefest between the Carolina Panthers and Minnesota Vikings, there are still a number an exciting matchups featuring elite teams looking to send a message to the rest of the league.

These teams have all seen plenty of success in the past few years and are looking to once again make a run at the postseason. A big showing this week will certainly help them accomplish that goal.

New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots

This is easily the most anticipated game of the week, although it might have been better if the Patriots were able to win their last game. Still, it does not get much better than a battle between Drew Brees and Tom Brady.

Then again, it will actually be the defenses that decide this game.

While few would have predicted this, the Saints and Patriots have two of the top four defenses in the NFL in points allowed per game. They both do a good job of getting to the quarterback and forcing turnovers, which keeps opponents from scoring.

The difference in this one is that Brees already has a great connection with his receiving targets, while Brady is still forming his.

When the pressure comes, Brady will not be as comfortable throwing the ball and it will lead to mistakes and eventually a Saints victory.

Prediction: Saints 24, Patriots 17

Green Bay Packers at Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens' win over the Miami Dolphins proved that they could win on the road. However, there are still a number of other problems that have not been solved.

Baltimore's rushing attack is second-worst in the league at 2.8 yards per carry and the squad has still not found a consistent receiving target outside of Torrey Smith. 

Meanwhile, the Packers are just getting better offensively. While the unit was always capable of throwing the ball, it has found some balance in the rushing attack. Against the Detroit Lions, Eddie Lacy came within one yard of being the third different 100-yard rusher for the Packers in as many games.

Although the Ravens have proven the ability to rush the passer, Green Bay will simply have too many weapons to stop.

Prediction: Packers 31, Ravens 21

Washington Redskins at Dallas Cowboys

Even though this is a matchup between two teams with losing records, the NFC East could be on the line in this rivalry game. Just as importantly, these squads are not as bad as they have been to this point in the year.

Tony Romo was blamed for the 51-48 loss to the Denver Broncos despite putting together one of the best statistical games of his career.

On the other side of the ball, Robert Griffin III is finally getting healthy and ready to once again show why he is the most exciting player in football. 

The only problem is neither defense will get too many stops in this one. Those who love offense should be excited, although they might need to bring calculators to keep score.

In the end, the Cowboys have looked better offensively and should be able to squeak by with a win at home.

Prediction: Cowboys 38, Redskins 35

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