NFL Week 6 Picks: Teams That Will Pick Up Much-Needed Victories

It's never too early for a team to need a victory, and the San Francisco 49ers are one of the teams that will come away with a much-needed win in Week 6.

Each team on this list is in a different situation. Some are in contention, and one is in the middle of a disastrous season. However, each squad needs a victory this week.

The first five weeks have featured some surprises—like the New York Jets—and several disappointments—like the NFC East.

Here is a schedule for Week 6 along with a list of teams that will pick up big wins this week.

Pittsburgh Steelers (at New York Jets)

This will be a battle of two teams headed in different directions. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-4 this year and are looking for answers on offense. The New York Jets are 3-2 with a rookie quarterback, and they just went into Atlanta and handed Matt Ryan a rare home loss.

Pittsburgh can't run the ball, and New York has been one of the top teams against the run. The Steelers rank fifth against the pass, and the Jets are in the bottom half of the league. Quarterback Geno Smith has turned the ball over 11 times this year, including eight interceptions, but the Steelers have yet to record an interception on defense.

After losing to the Minnesota Vikings in London two weeks ago, Pittsburgh was off last week. Coach Mike Tomlin has led his team to five consecutive wins after a bye. He will have his team ready to play this week. The Jets have had a short week to prepare after playing on Monday.

Running back Le'Veon Bell has had two weeks to get into a rhythm with the offense, and Ben Roethlisberger should finally have some help on the ground.

Despite not having a win, the Steelers rank 10th in total defense. The Jets have alternated wins and losses, and four of their games have been decided by one possession. Unfortunately for Jets fans, their team won't be able to carry over the momentum from Monday night.

Philadelphia Eagles (at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

While this doesn't look like a great matchup, it has a lot of importance. Both teams will be without their opening-day quarterbacks. Josh Freeman is no longer with the Buccaneers, and Michael Vick isn't expected to start for the Eagles, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com:

Although they are only 2-3, the Eagles are tied for first in the NFC East. The Dallas Cowboys will host the Washington Redskins, which is a winnable game for Dallas. Philadelphia needs to beat the winless Buccaneers in order to keep pace.

Tampa Bay's run defense is ranked ninth, but LeSean McCoy is playing at another level. The 25-year-old is averaging 140 total yards per game, including 102.8 rushing yards. He has led the Eagles to the league's top running attack.

Philadelphia's defense has struggled this year, but Mike Glennon will be making only his second start for Tampa Bay. Chip Kelly's offense ranks eighth in scoring, and McCoy will help Nick Foles enough to lead the team to a victory.

San Francisco 49ers (vs. Arizona Cardinals)

Out of the games on this list, this is the only one that features two contenders. Both the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers sit at 3-2, which puts them in a tie for second place in the NFC West. The winner of this game will establish itself as the top challenger to the Seattle Seahawks.

Arizona has a lot of weapons on both sides of the ball. Carson Palmer has done a great job of improving the offense, and receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd are legitimate playmakers. Running back Andre Ellington has impressed with his ability to run and catch the football. Corner Patrick Peterson has quietly turned into one of the best players in the game.

Had they not blown a lead to the St. Louis Rams in Week 1, the Cardinals could be tied with the Seahawks at 4-1. However, they are 1-2 on the road, and they beat the Buccaneers by only three points for their lone road victory.

San Francisco needs this game. After starting the season 1-2, the 49ers have rebounded to win their last two games in impressive fashion and by a combined score of 69-14.

The 49ers have been interesting. They have scored 34, 34 and 35 points in their three victories. In their two losses, they have scored a total of 10 points.

Palmer has thrown nine interceptions, and San Francisco has picked off six passes. He will throw a costly interception in this game, and the 49ers will escape with a victory.

*All stats are courtesy of NFL.com