NFL Week Six: Five Things to Watch For

I've been saying it since week one, and the theme of this article (and this season) hasn't changed: The NFL started with a bang in the offseason with its story-lines, and it hasn't stopped.

Brett Favre and Michael Vick were just two of the many interesting stories to start the season, and while Favre is still a big part of what's going on it Minnesota and the NFL, we're now getting very interested in several other stories.

From the Denver Broncos surprise 5-0 start, several teams still struggling to find their first win, to the Manning brothers both being undefeated, there is no shortage of things to discuss and argue over heading into week six.

Take a look at the five top stories this week, as well as some fantasy perspective:

5. Can New England Avoid Another Upset?

I don't see why not. First of all, their only two losses that were "upsets" happened to come against a very aggressive 3-2 New York Jets team, and an undefeated (5-0) Denver Broncos team.

Tom Brady and co. will be going up against one of the league's worst pass defenses, and they shouldn't have any trouble taking advantage.

Fantasy Perspective: Sit New England running backs if you can afford to, but go nuts with Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and feel free to throw-in Joey Galloway and Julian Edelman as low-end WR3's or decent Flex plays if you're starving for a receiver.

As for the Titans' side, play Chris Johnson simply because he's Chris Johnson, and keep your hands off the rest of the bunch.

4. Will an 0-5 Team Finally Catch a Break?

Yeah, I think so, and possibly more than one. Here are the matchups:

Rams @ Jaguars

The Rams don't stand a chance against just about everybody (except the Washingon Redskins?), and were awful in the red zone last week against Minnesota. Don't bank on Jacksonville dropping a goose egg two weeks in a row.

Jaguars 34, Rams 21

Chiefs @ Redskins

Many fantasy experts are saying Matt Cassel will have a hard time against Washinton's defense. Have they seen him lately? Larry Johnson is almost certainly staying grounded for the sixth straight game, but I like Cassel's chances if the KC defense can mess with Jason Campbell enough.

Chiefs 24, Redskins 17

Panthers @ Buccaneers

This is where that "possibly" comes in, as the Buccaneers always play the Panthers tough, and Carolina isn't a great team. However, Carolina's strength is its running game, while Tampa Bay's weakness is, well, almost everything. However, they are particularly bad at stopping the run.

Panthers 30, Buccaneers 20

Titans @ Patriots

Another upset special (which you can follow above more closely) could be in the works, but I just can't see this Titans' defense stopping Tom Brady and his receivers enough to actually get a win.

It just isn't realistic.

Patriots 35, Titans 17

3. Can the Vikings Validate Themselves by Beating the Ravens?

Yes, and they will.

The Ravens are definitely a good football team, but a sketchy pass defense and two losses in five games show they aren't exactly a great football team.

The Vikings, on the other hand, just might be one, and are playing at home.

At this point, are you really willing to bet against the Favre magic?

Fantasy Perspective: Both offenses will find it fairly easy to pass on suspect pass defenses, and mostly because they won't be able to get anything going in the run game against stout run defenses. Feel free to start Brett Favre and Joe Flacco, and try to choose wisely between their receivers.

Oh, and as good as Baltimore's defense is against the run, don't even think about sitting Adrian Peterson. Add how awesome he can be with Cedric Benson's performance last week, and then divide it by Baltimore. It still might equate to decent fantasy numbers.

2. Battle of the Unbeatens: New Orleans Saints vs. New York Giants

Everyone has to pick a winner, but after dissecting game film and checking updates, rosters, injuries, and stats, most writers and experts are right back where they started:

These are two teams that can run and pass the ball as they please (a rarity), and also have very good defenses. If Drew Brees has any amount of time to throw, however, you have to give the Saints the nod, whose offense has been more impressive on the ground and has the potential to destroy an average Giants' secondary.

Saints 27, Giants 24

Fantasy Perspective: The Giants will try to run the ball and could fail, but the due diligence will still make it worth your while to stat both Brandon Jacobs and Ahmad Bradshaw. Also, expect Eli Manning and the passing offense to keep flying high against only a so-so pass defense, but do be aware of the possibility of some turnovers through the air.

As for Drew Brees, do you really expect him to go three straight games without a score or under 200 yards? Yeah, me neither. Be careful who you start in the Saints' backfield, however, as the RBBC situation is more cloudy than ever.

Take a chance on Jeremy Shockey this week, too, as he'll likely try to get some revenge against the team that traded him away.

1. Can Broncos Prove They Are "For Real" and Go 6-0?

They definitely can. They may or may not be worthy of being called the best team in the league right now, but you don't hold your opponents to an average of eight points if you're not a solid team.

Currently, their defense is the name of the game, but the offense is definitely catching up. It's not that I don't believe in Kyle Orton, Brandon Marshall, and the rest of Denver's so-called misfits, but I just don't see the Chargers blowing a chance to get within a couple of games in a division that is getting very close to being out of reach.

If San Diego blows this game, they can just about kiss division hopes (and likely the playoffs) good-bye.

Chargers 24, Broncos 20

Fantasy Perspective: The Broncos shouldn't have much trouble helping you out with some nice stats under the lights, but don't count the Chargers out simply because they're facing a good defense.

Yes, there's the possibility Denver shuts San Diego down, but just look at the Chargers' last prime-time game to see what they're capable of.