NFL Full of StoryIines In Week 6: Top 6 Questions To Be Answered
Part of what has made this NFL season so exciting is that there are no truly elite teams poised to make a Super Bowl run.
This time last year, the Saints looked explosive on both sides of the ball, and most of the experts believed they had a decent shot to win it all.
This year's playoff race will likely come down to the wire in most divisions, and the parity in the NFL has already led to some interesting storylines.
Here are the biggest questions that can start to be answered in Week 6.
Question 1: How Will the Vikes and Pats Fare Following the Randy Moss Trade?
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So far in 2010, Minnesota has looked far removed from its 2009 form. Heading into the match-up at home against Dallas, I expect the Vikes' offense to finally explode with the dynamic combination of Peterson and Moss to create space for the rest to work.
Prediction: The Cowboys continue their trend of playing to the level of their opponent but fall short as the Vikings' offense finally gets on track. Minnesota 31, Dallas 23.
New England, on the other hand, will have to adjust its attack to make up for the loss of Randy's talents. The Pats lack a proven deep threat to counter the Ravens' pressure up front.
However, the Baltimore secondary is still banged up and having faced below-average QBs in four of its first five weeks, game planning against Tom Brady will be its biggest challenge yet.
Prediction: New England's new post-Randy chemistry carries through the bye week and they win the old-fashioned way with a gritty performance. New England 23, Baltimore 20.
Question 2: Can San Diego and Indianapolis Make Statements on the Road?
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Predicted to be two of the AFC's most potent offenses going into the season, San Diego (as usual) and Indy (surprisingly) have started the season off slowly. This is especially true on the road where the Chargers are 0-3 and the Colts are 1-2.
San Diego has put up big offensive numbers and outgained its opponent in each of its three road losses, but the Chargers turned the ball over 10 times in those three games and made plenty of mental mistakes.
Can they right the ship at St. Louis this week? Prediction: The Bolts start out sluggishly but prevail against a weakened Rams offense, picking up momentum for Week 7 and beyond. San Diego 27, St. Louis 17.
The Colts looked to be getting back on track at Denver in Week 3, but then lost inexplicably to the 1-2 Jaguars in Week 4 and looked less than stellar at home against the Chiefs in Week 5. They face another underrated defense at Washington this week.
The Skins have pulled off some magic in their three wins so far and DC may finally be a dangerous place for opponents to visit.
Prediction: The Colts win a close one as Washington's magic runs out, but the Colts still leave something to be desired heading into the bye. Indianapolis 21, Washington 20.
Question 3: With Big Ben's Return, Is Pittsburgh Poised for a Playoff Run?
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Pittsburgh has had a surprising start to the season and with Ben Roethlisberger's removal as team captain, they have found leadership in other places.
I would be hesitant about putting faith in the Steelers' ability to turn things around from such a poor showing in 2009, if it weren't for their 3-1 start and a favorable remaining schedule.
Prediction: The Steelers take care of business against the Browns at home and reclaim the lead in the AFC North, putting pressure on the Ravens in the division race. Pittsburgh 30, Cleveland 9.
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Question 4: How Will The Saga of The Philly QB Continue?
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Michael Vick was electric in two wins and looked poised for another strong performance before being injured against the Redskins.
Kevin Kolb bounced back and looked like the confident leader he was supposed to be going into the season. He should get the nod again with Vick unlikely to be ready when the Eagles face the Falcons this week.
Andy Reid has said Vick will be the starter once he's healed, but Andy has also done more flip-flopping than John Kerry during the 2004 presidential campaign.
My guess is the Week 6 outcome makes things even messier.
Prediction: Kolb leads the Eagles to another 'W' against a Falcons team that has struggled on the road, further complicating the QB controversy in Philly.
Philadelphia 27, Atlanta 20.
Question 5: Can Coach Singletary and Alex Smith Survive an 0-6 Start?
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As crazy as it sounds, an 0-6 team may still be right in the playoff hunt. The NFC West is that bad, and San Francisco doesn't play another division opponent until Week 10.
Part of the reason there has been so much criticism in San Francisco is because of the lofty expectations heading into the season.
Obviously, those expectations were overblown. But the Niners playoff chances are not.
Prediction: The 49ers and Alex Smith earn a Bronx cheer following a close win in the battle of the Bay. San Francisco 24, Oakland 20.
Question 6: Who WIll Emerge As the Beast of the East?
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The NFC East race seems to be destined to last until Week 17, and heading into Week 6 there are three 3-2 teams tied atop the standings. The surprisingly 1-3 Dallas was the favorite to win before the season started.
However, if the Cowboys lose Week 6 and at least one of their division foes wins, they would fall to 2.5 games out of first place with a brutal schedule remaining.
Prediction: With the Giants finally finding some harmony on both sides of the ball, it won't be an easy hill for the 'Boys to climb.
New York 33, Detroit 17
Philadelphia 27, Atlanta 20
Indianapolis 21, Washington 20
Minnesota 31, Dallas 23
NFC East Standings after Week 6:
New York 4-2
Philadelphia 4-2
Washington 3-3
Dallas 1-4
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