NFL Week 6 Predictions: What Big Ben's Return Means to the Steelers and More
Well, Week 5 of the NFL 2010 season gave sports fans, writers and analysts alike a lot to talk about. Will the alleged Brett Favre scandal and the tendinitis in his elbow finally end his game-starting streak? How will the Rams recuperate without the Bradford-to-Clayton connection that was just beginning to become the game-changing factor? Back with his Steeler team, will Roethlisberger's first game showcase a prepared quarterback that's fired up and ready to go?
A boatload of questions, many of which will be answered emphatically on the gridiron in Week 6.
Miami Dolphins vs. Green Bay Packers
1 of 13
Green Bay: 3-2
Miami: 2-2
Although Miami's loss to the Patriots was bad (3 turnovers by Chad Henne and a mind-blowing amount of special teams miscues will do that to you), they really need to show what the character of this flip-flopping team really is. They started a promising 2-0 and seemingly did everything they could toward knocking that foundation down with a loss to the Jets and of course the blowout loss to the Patriots.
The Packers, on the other hand, are not quite as badly off, but injuries are certainly taking a toll on them. Ryan Grant, Clay Matthews and Jermichael Finley are injured as well as Aaron Rodgers, who is cleared for practice although there are still questions about his condition after the concussion.
Both teams are struggling - the Dolphins after a bad loss and the Packers with injuries - heading into this game, and are overall pretty closely matched.
GameDay
With the Packers offense struggling with an injury at quarterback, the Dolphins could take an early lead. And if their passing game can get going and Brandon Marshall can make a few of his trademark big plays, the Dolphins could have a convincing lead by the half.
The Packers will need to rely on their passing game, led by Rodgers, to be the backbone of this game's offense, and I see them doing well especially in the second half. There will be a lot of pressure on Aaron Rodgers to make the tough throws when he's called on.
Although this game could go either way, I see the Packers pulling out a win as a result of a balanced defense and sturdy offense.
Final Predicted Score: Packers 20, Dolphins 13
New Orleans Saints vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2 of 13
New Orleans: 3-2
Tampa Bay: 3-1
Another tough one to call. The Saints offense, which was so productive last year, has lapsed into mediocrity, partially due to the crippling loss of Reggie Bush. Drew Brees also has fallen short of expectations, not seeming to pull off the spectacular plays that were his forte last year. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have recovered from a blowout to the Steelers and Josh Freeman is beginning to come into his own. The Buccaneers are performing at a high level, but the Saints have a lot of potential that for some reason hasn't been unlocked.
GameDay
I don't see the Saints doing well on the defensive side of the ball in the Buccaneer's hometown. Although the Bucs will struggle against a still very formidable Saints defense, New Orleans has not been able to force the game-breaking turnovers so far this season. However, the offense should be able to turn around their atrocious performance against the Cardinals and come out of the half with a solid lead.
The Buccaneers will perform better in the second-half, and some big plays will make the game close. The Saints will finish strong, even though the Buccaneers have the talent to produce some good drives and make it difficult for them before the game ends. A close match could end either way, but I see the Saints coming out with the victory.
Final Predicted Score: Saints 24, Buccaneers 17
Indianapolis Colts vs. Washington Redskins
3 of 13
Indianapolis 3-2
Washington 3-2
The Redskins performed well against the Packers last week, winning in overtime after a Packers missed field goal and a game-saving pick by safety LaRon Landry. The Colts, conversely, looked confused at times against the Chiefs. Peyton Manning was off on some of his throws and as a result, the first half was limited to field goals. However, the Colts have a lot in the tank as they proved through their victory against a formerly undefeated team, and they should steal some of the Redskins' fire.
GameDay
Washington's passing game, which has looked very good under the leadership of Donovan McNabb, should again experience success against the Colts, but the Colts defensive line should stifle their rushing. Look for Manning to rebound after an unspectacular performance against Kansas City last week, lighting up the Redskins' secondary.
The Colts should have a solid performance throughout the entire game, displaying a consistency that I don't see the Redskins having in this game. The Colts should stick to a slim lead throughout, eventually outlasting the Redskins.
Final Predicted Score: Colts 27, Redskins 21
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Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots
4 of 13
Baltimore 4-1
New England 3-1
A Ravens team that couldn't seem to put all the pieces together last year, finally seems to be producing in 2010. A Patriots team that has performed very well this year is facing pessimistic outlooks after the Randy Moss trade but is nevertheless a top contender in the AFC. It's a good matchup pitting an aging Ravens defense against a Patriots offense that is also past its prime.
Despite losing their No. 1 receiver, the Patriots are deep on offense, spearheaded by Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate, and of course Tom Brady at the helm. No one has seen New England's offense yet and it remains to be seen what changes they'll make when they perform on Sunday.
The Ravens, without such a vaunted passing attack as the Patriots and with a still-maturing quarterback in Joe Flacco, have put together a vicious balanced offense that slashed through the Denver Broncos last week. Their running backs are good as well although their running game has faltered in the first weeks and only now seems to be coming into their own.
GameDay
Both teams should come out strong offensively. Look for Brady to exploit all the flaws he can find in the Ravens good, but not exceptional secondary that has only notched one turnover this year. The Ravens, however, should test New England's young secondary with the likes of Anquan Boldin, T.J. Houshmanzadeh, and Derrick Mason, complementing it with a solid rushing attack.
The Patriots will no doubt give the Ravens a run for their money, but overall I can't see Baltimore losing this one.
Final Predicted Score: Ravens 27, Patriots 24
Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles
5 of 13
Atlanta 4-1
Philadelphia 3-2
The Falcons' offense, led by Matt Ryan, stuttered against the Browns last week, putting up mediocre numbers especially in the red zone. However, overall their offense has been overlooked and performed exceptionally, and their defense has done a good job this season of containing their opponents and it is a solid unit.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have their own stout defense and an offense that looks promising, despite the injury to Michael Vick that put Kevin Kolb temporarily at the front. WR DeSean Jackson, RB LeSean McCoy and TE Brent Celek have all looked good this season.
It looks to be an interesting matchup, with both NFC teams boasting a good roster of solid players although the Eagles have been riddled with injuries coming into this game.
GameDay
Look for Matt Ryan to come out passing effectively once again, hitting top receiver Roddy White who has 37 catches for 463 yards already this season. The Eagles should keep the game close by forcing at least one turnover in the first half.
The Falcons D should limit Kolb and the Eagles when it comes to passing, forcing the Eagles to rely on their running game. I expect the Falcons to pick up a second-half lead and run with it to the end, fending off the Eagles in a close match.
Final Predicted Score: Falcons 24, Eagles 20
Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants
6 of 13
Detroit 1-4
New York 3-2
After a disappointing start to the season at 1-2, the Giants have picked themselves off the ground with convincing wins over the Bears and the Texans. The Lions offense has performed extremely well even though Matthew Stafford was injured in Week 1, with backup Shaun Hill putting up some impressive numbers. However, this production will be brought to a halt against the Giants, with their incredible pass-rush inflicting pressure on Hill and forcing the throwaways and interceptions that they have excelled at in these past few weeks.
The Lions defense, on the other hand, is really nothing to be excited about except for the addition of promising rookie Ndamukong Suh, a defensive lineman who has already gotten an interception on the season. The attack of Eli Manning, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham supplemented by power runner Ahmad Bradshaw will be tough for them to handle, and the Giants are riding high after drubbing the Bears and Texans.
GameDay
Expect the Giants offense to roll over the Lions while their defense intercepts Hill multiple times and plays in their hard-hitting style. I don't see that Detroit has much chance of winning this one even though they have a real playmaker in Calvin Johnson. By the end of the 3rd quarter the game will be well out of reach for Detroit, who will suffer a blowout after running over the Rams last week.
Final Predicted Score: Giants 31, Lions 10
Oakland Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers
7 of 13
Oakland 2-3
San Francisco 0-5
In San Francisco, a lot of people are shaking their heads in disbelief at what happened to their team. In preseason, they were a cult pick as a dark-horse Super Bowl contender. Weeks later the 49ers are at 0-5 with Alex Smith struggling, Singletary on the hot seat and fans calling for the heads of everyone conceivable.
The Raiders come off an unexpected win against the Chargers last week with relief quarterback Campbell at the head. Earlier in the season, Campbell was benched for Bruce Gradkowski but with Gradkowski out of last week's game with an injury, Campbell is looking to start and lead Oakland to victory over the red and gold.
GameDay
The 49ers have committed many key turnovers in the past few games, but I don't expect them to do it against this Raiders defense. A struggling Alex Smith should have a good day with something to prove. Oakland's running game has performed well even with Darren McFadden sidelined, and McFadden will likely back up Michael Bush on Sunday.
My expectation is that the 49ers will go into the half with the lead, but a Raiders rally in the third quarter will give them the victory, sending the 49ers to 0-6.
Final Predicted Score: Oakland 27, San Francisco 20
Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings
8 of 13
Dallas 1-3
Minnesota 1-3
The controversy in the NFC playoffs last season was widespread, with fingers pointed by the Cowboys, who accused the Vikings of running up the score when they went for it on 4th-and-3 for a touchdown. Now in 2010, both teams have fallen short, and doubts have surfaced about whether either of these teams will even make the playoffs.
A Vikings defense has performed well the past few games, with a formidable pass-rush that has put pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Unfortunately, the Minnesota offense has sputtered. A good receiving corps is seemingly useless, as a controversy-racked Favre just isn't getting it done like he used to.
Meanwhile, the Cowboys with high expectations have done the same, fallen flat. They now stand at last place in the NFC East. They did have a promising win against the Houston Texans, only to be beaten badly by the Tennessee Titans at home.
GameDay
The Favre-to-Moss connection should show signs of coming into its own, a big factor in the game. Brett Favre still has something left in the tank and Moss as a receiver is a huge deep threat against a Cowboys secondary that has thrived with few deep threats in their past games. Still, with the exception of a few highlight moments, the Vikings will have to rely on #28 and their running game to power themselves past the Cowboys.
Tony Romo could perform well in Minnesota if he can reduce his tendency to go up-and-down. As long as Felix Jones and Marion Barber can get it done in the running game - something they have faltered with recently - the Cowboys could put pressure on Favre, force some bad throws, and solidify a lead.
However, I don't see the Cowboys winning this one. The Vikings have too many weapons and should come out of this game with a hard-earned victory.
Final Predicted Score: Minnesota 21, Dallas 17
Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
9 of 13
Tennessee 3-2
Jacksonville 3-2
Both of these teams are coming off decisive victories in Week 5 - the Titans over the Dallas Cowboys and the Jaguars over the Buffalo Bills. Both have looked up-and-down after the past few weeks, suffering some bad losses but also showing sparks of potential.
Vince Young, after a horrible, multi-interception game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, has shaped up remarkably in the past weeks, and has looked calm and poised in the pocket when throwing and completing an impressive amount of passes per attempt. David Garrard for the Jaguars has looked very good as well, especially in clutch situations - a big question last season. Both teams have top-tier contenders at running back in Chris Johnson for the Titans and Maurice Jones-Drew for the Jags.
GameDay
Much of the keys for the Jags' success rests on David Garrard. Will he be able to make the tough pressure plays against a Titans defense that has only allowed 21 of 70 on third down? If he falters, the Jaguars will have to rely on Jones-Drew and a tough blocking O-Line to carry the team through it.
For the Titans, the secret is rushing Chris Johnson against a Jaguars front seven that has looked mediocre the past couple of weeks. However, the home field advantage and a Jaguars quarterback-running back duo that has really impressed lately will make it tough for the Titans.
Final Predicted Score: Jacksonville 23, Tennessee 17
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Houston Texans
10 of 13
Kansas City (4-1)
Houston (3-2)
The Chiefs, after posting an uninspiring 4-12 record last season, have become unlikely contenders and the last undefeated team in the NFL before faltering against the Indianapolis Colts. The Texans, who were a top pick after beating the Colts in Week 1, have seemed to sink into mediocrity with a struggling Matt Schaub.
Kansas City's team is not built around a passing quarterback, despite high hopes for Matt Cassel, but the strong defense and Jamaal Charles-led running game is a good foundation for this team. The Texans have a running back with great potential in Arian Foster and a maturing but impressive quarterback in Schaub. Houston's offense should be able to move the ball effectively, but there are a lot of questions about Cassel and whether he is ready to lead the Chiefs.
GameDay
The Chiefs' running game should come out strong against the Texans, and look for their special teams to win the field-position battle. I expect Matt Schaub to be limited against a young but promising Chiefs secondary, and Matt Cassel will face similar issues (he has only thrown 4 TDs on the season). But overall I think the Chiefs will be able to move the ball best, utilizing their running game which is 3rd best in the NFL, averaging 148.8 yards per game. If they can shut down the Texans running game and put pressure on Schaub last week like the Giants did they should come out with the win.
Final Predicted Score: Kansas City 21, Houston 20
Seattle Seahawks vs. Chicago Bears
11 of 13
Seattle 2-2
Chicago 4-1
Surprisingly, Seattle's defense has held other teams to only 2.75 yards per rush attempt this season, second only in the league behind the Pittsburgh Steelers, but is backed up by a stuttering offense led by a struggling Matt Hasselbeck, whose good moments have been few and far between this season. Meanwhile, the Bears started 3-0, fell flat against the New York Giants, but picked themselves up again with a landslide win against the Carolina Panthers.
Chicago's home field advantage will be a factor in this matchup, but the Seahawks under Coach Pete Carroll have played with toughness in all their games so far. Jay Cutler, after suffering a concussion against the Giants, sat out the Panthers game but is ready to come back and start against Seattle. Cutler has a 102.2 passer rating and has looked good in recent weeks.
GameDay
Look for the Bears to come out blitzing strong to put pressure on Hasselbeck and force key bad throws and potential interceptions. Julius Peppers, one of the top defensive ends in the league, will be an integral factor in keeping Hasselbeck off his rhythm. The Bears D-line is one of the best in the NFL and I expect them to win the battle in the trenches.
Meanwhile, if Jay Cutler can muster enough protection, he has the ability to get the ball in those tight spots where his receivers can make the catch, especially against a Seattle offense that has allowed over 300 yards a game passing. He will also be bolstered by the Bears elite special teams led by return man Devin Hester.
The Seahawks have a chance if they pressure Cutler, who may be gun-shy after getting pummeled by the Giants pass-rush, and if their offense can get things going. But the Bears just have too many weapons and talent. Look for the Bears to maintain a solid lead throughout the game, keeping Seattle from getting any real momentum.
Final Predicted Score: Bears 24, Seahawks 13
San Diego Chargers vs. St. Louis Rams
12 of 13
San Diego 2-3
St. Louis 2-3
It's safe to say that the season hasn't gone as planned for San Diego. Philip Rivers has been exemplary, throwing for 11 TDs, 1,759 yards, and only 4 interceptions. However the rest of the Chargers team has struggled. A team with a multitude of weapons can't seem to put it all together, and the atrocious special teams is not the entire issue.
The Rams are the opposite situation - a team that went 1-15 in 2009 but that appear to be turning around their record, already notching two victories under the guidance of young quarterback Sam Bradford. However, they were blown out by the Detroit Lions last week, which has to be a fly in the ointment for coach Steve Spagnuolo.
GameDay
The Chargers are too good of a team not to put the pieces together at some point, and today may very well be the day. Even without Vincent Jackson, their receiving corps is very good, as their stats show (ranked 1st in the NFL in average passing yardage). The Rams secondary is certain to be tested by the threats of Antonio Gates and Malcolm Floyd.
The Rams will have to rely on a developing passing offense and a solid rushing offense led by Steven Jackson. But there is a very real mental low point from the bad loss in last week's game, and the Chargers are a better team than the 1-4 Lions. The Rams will have to stomach another tough loss.
Final Predicted Score: Chargers 33, Rams 13
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
13 of 13
Cleveland 1-4
Pittsburgh 4-1
There's a lot to be happy about in Pittsburgh. A lot of people had completely written the first portion of their season off without starting quarterback Roethlisberger, but the Steelers surprised, rallying behind their #1 defensive unit and longtime backup Charlie Batch to win four of their first five games until their streak was ended by the Baltimore Ravens.
Now the Browns, who lost several close games this season, travel to Pittsburgh to take on the black and gold. Quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Seneca Wallace are sidelined with ankle injuries, and the Browns are starting rookie quarterback Colt McCoy.
GameDay
Expect Roethlisberger to come out on fire. After sitting out the first four games of the season, he is no doubt itching to play. The Steelers defense has been dominant this season and to make matters worse, the Browns are starting a rookie quarterback and their bruising power back Peyton Hillis is injured.
The home field advantage, one of the best in the league, finishes it off for the Steelers. Last season when the Browns unexpectedly toppled Pittsburgh, sacking Roethlisberger eight times. The Steelers will remember it - barring a miracle, this game will go to Pittsburgh in a blowout.
Final Predicted Score: Pittsburgh 38, Cleveland 6
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