NFL Week 6 Picks: Predicting Trickiest Games on the Schedule

There are always a few games on the NFL schedule that will cause you to waffle back and forth when filling out picks for your office pool or betting tickets.

Last weekend, we had to deal with matchups such as Seattle vs. Indianapolis, Baltimore vs. Miami and Oakland vs. San Diego, and there are some tricky games on the schedule once again in Week 6. 

But rather than flip a coin to determine which team you pick, take a look at the following arguments. 

Carolina Panthers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Both teams enter Week 6 with just one mark in the win column, with both wins coming against winless teams. 

Translation: The Panthers and Vikings aren't very good this year.

The Vikings automatically receive consideration as the home team—especially considering the horrific performance Carolina put on tape in Week 5 against the Cardinals in Arizona. 

But All-Pro running back Adrian Peterson will have a difficult time making headway against Carolina's vaunted front seven. The Panthers allow just 92.3 rushing yards per game, ranking seventh in the NFL. 

Even coming off his three-interception showing against the Cardinals, I trust Cam Newton to make plays when it matters more than I do Matt Cassel or Christian Ponder. Minnesota's defense has been atrocious this year against the pass, allowing 326 yards per game, and Newton is due for a big game. 

Final Score: Panthers win 27-17

New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots

New Orleans is one of only three undefeated NFL teams. Meanwhile, the Patriots just got shut down by the Cincinnati Bengals. However, that doesn't mean this matchup translates to an easy win for the visiting Saints. 

The Patriots have long featured one of the NFL's most explosive offenses, but Tom Brady has struggled to make do with a skeleton crew of wide receivers, running backs and tight ends this year, thanks to injuries to the team's star players.

But while New England's offense has struggled, its defense has risen to the occasion. Led by Jerod Mayo, Aqib Talib and Chandler Jones, the Patriots have forced 10 turnovers this year and have been able to hold opposing offenses to just 228.8 passing yards per game.

New England's defense will do just enough to keep Drew Brees and the Saints at bay. 

Brady will bounce back from a horrible performance in the pouring rain at Cincinnati to play well at home against the Saints this Sunday.

Danny Amendola is getting healthy, while the rookie receivers have played better this year at home. 

Final Score: Patriots win 31-30

Washington Redskins vs. Dallas Cowboys

The NFC East is a crap shoot.

With a record of 2-3, Dallas is tied for first place with the Philadelphia Eagles right now, while the Redskins are just a half-game off the lead with a record of 1-3.

Washington won both games against Dallas last season, but this year's team by no means resembles the squad that won this division a year ago.

Both teams struggle to defend the pass. Dallas ranks No. 31 in the league, allowing 326.4 yards per game, and Washington ranks No. 28, allowing 298.8 yards per game.

But the Cowboys are shutting down opposing rushing attacks this year, allowing just 82.8 yards a game, while the Redskins feature the second-worst run defense in the league, allowing 142.3 yards per game.

With that in mind, look for Cowboys offensive coordinator Bill Callahan to call plenty of running plays for DeMarco Murray this Sunday night in Dallas.

On the other side, Alfred Morris will struggle to run, which will cause trouble for Robert Griffin III against Dallas' pass-rushers.

Final Score: Cowboys win 35-28

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