Week 6 NFL Predictions: Teams That Will Rattle Balance of Power with Big Wins

As we saw last week, it is still early enough in the season for a few outcomes to twist what we thought we knew about the NFL. 

For instance, the undefeated New England Patriots were abused by the Cincinnati Bengals, 13-6. That matchup flipped around the perception of the balance of power in the AFC, and it is games like that which help keep the NFL so interesting. 

There are more games on tap this week that will entertain us while also flipping over some preconceived notions. 

Chicago Bears

Week 6 Opponent: New York Giants

After two straight losses, the Bears have rightfully become an afterthought in the NFC. They will get some buzz going once again after a beatdown of the Giants. Not that beating the Giants in itself is worthy of buzz. The Giants are still looking for their first win after all. 

However, the Bears will be impressive with how they win.

Behind the erratic play of Jay Cutler this year, the offense has been uneven. Cutler has thrown six picks and those have kept the offense from establishing a real rhythm. 

The offense will find its rhythm this game. The Giants are just 21st in opponent interceptions thrown percentage and just generally playing terrible on that side of the ball. New York has yet to hold an opponent under 31 points this year. 

Meanwhile, the Bears will abuse the Giants' poor offensive line and force them into multiple turnovers.

Prediction: Bears 35, Giants 13

New Orleans Saints

Week 6 Opponent: at New England Patriots

I can't imagine this is a fun week of practice for the Patriots. They are coming off a loss to the Bengals where the offense mustered just six points.

The Patriots are going to come out feisty and focused, but it still won't lead them to a victory.

The Saints are playing too well. New Orleans' offense has been almost unstoppable for years. However, the defense has been another story. This year, the Saints have been average on defense, and that is a huge improvement. New Orleans is 12th in passing defense and 18th in rush defense. 

That won't be enough to stifle the Patriots as the Bengals did—especially taking this into account:

However, it will be enough to create enough stops for the Saints to triumph. 

The Patriots have been playing good defense, but they haven't been going against elite passing attacks. And when they faced the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Ryan shredded them for over 400 yards. 

Drew Brees will put in similar work and the Saints will come out with another impressive road win. 

Prediction: Saints 27, Patriots 24

Dallas Cowboys

Week 6 Opponent: Washington Redskins

The Cowboys are going to prove to be the NFC East's saving grace, and they will prove their conference superiority with a big win over the Redskins.

It is easy to get caught up in Tony Romo's late interception that cost the Cowboys a shot at upsetting the Denver Broncos. That was one impressive offensive showing, however, as the Cowboys posted 48 points behind Romo's five touchdowns.

The Broncos had been playing very good defense, and the Cowboys passing attack was shredding them.

Now that offense will be going against the terrible defense of the Redskins.

Washington is coming off a bye, which followed a game where it allowed just 14 points. However, that defensive effort came against the Matt Flynn-led Oakland Raiders. Flynn was cut shortly thereafter, and I have to believe the fact that he couldn't lead the Raiders to more than 14 points against the anemic Redskins defense was a big reason why.

Even with that performance, the Redskins are still ranked 28th in pass defense and 31st in rush defense.

The Cowboys will light up the scoreboard.

Prediction: Cowboys 35, Redskins 27