NFL Week 6 Picks: Road Teams That Will Cover Spread in Tight Matchups

One of the toughest factors to determine when picking NFL games is how much home-field advantage should be considered. Generally speaking, teams are more comfortable at home, but whether it's enough to swing a matchup is a seemingly never-ending debate.

Of course, not all teams get the same type of edge from playing in their home stadium. For example, the Seattle Seahawks receive far more of a boost from their raucous fanbase than virtually every other team. There isn't one catch-all number that fits every situation.

Knowing that, let's examine three teams that should be able to go out on the road and emerge with victories, while also covering the spread in the process. All odds used are courtesy of Vegas Insider.

Carolina Panthers (+2.5 at Minnesota Vikings)

Cam Newton has been struggling to match the success of his first two seasons. The Vikings defense should be the perfect remedy. Minnesota is giving up over 325 passing yards per game and ranks in the middle of the pack against the run.

It should open the door for a breakout performance for the Carolina offense, which has been holding its own on the ground, but its aerial attack ranks near the bottom of the pack. Newton simply has too much talent to keep putting up such lackluster numbers.

As for the Vikings offense, Matt Cassel finally provided some stability under center against the Pittsburgh Steelers before the team's bye week. It's going to take more than one good game to think he has what it takes to completely bolster the unit, though.

Prediction: Panthers by three

Philadelphia Eagles (-2 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

The Eagles have been handed a golden opportunity. The offense is showing signs of progress under Chip Kelly, and none of their division rivals were able to pull away early in the NFC East. It gives Philadelphia a chance to take control.

In order to do that, LeSean McCoy and Co. must take advantage of games against reeling teams like the Bucs. Mike Glennon proved in his first start that he's very much a raw talent, and Tampa doesn't have enough talent elsewhere to make up for mundane quarterback play.

The Eagles should continue to push the pace. The more possessions the better in this game because it will give Philadelphia's playmakers more touches and put the defense in a position to pressure Glennon into rookie mistakes.

Prediction: Eagles by 10

Indianapolis Colts (-1.5 at San Diego Chargers)

Coming into the season the Colts were a popular choice to fade after their surprise 11-5 season. Instead, they have looked even better than last year, using a well-rounded offensive attack and an improved defense to come flying out of the gates.

While the Andrew Luck-led offense gets most of the headlines, the 11th-ranked defense deserves a boatload of credit. Robert Mathis has been a force coming off the edge and Jerrell Freeman is quietly becoming an impact performer.

On the flip side, the Chargers are coming off a 10-point loss to the Oakland Raiders. The loss continued a run of frustrating inconsistency for San Diego. The defense, which is giving up over 400 yards per game, won't be able to slow down the Colts.

Prediction: Colts by eight

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