NFL Picks for This Weekend's Slate of Games: Is It Week Six Already?

Yes, it may be a bit early in the week for picks, but I just can't help myself.  After going 9-5 in week five, here are some sure-fire predictions for this week's contests:

Chicago Bears (3-2) at Atlanta Falcons (3-2)

Line: Bears by two-and-a-half

Who would have thought that this game would matter?  Both teams are either leading or in contention to lead their division. 

Look for the Bears to put a ton of pressure on Matt Ryan and force the Falcons to run (which they don't mind).  Michael Turner is a beast and Matt Forte could be NFC Offensive Rookie of the Year.  I think the Bears will cover and improve to 4-2.

Bears 27, Falcons 23

Dallas Cowboys (4-1) at Arizona Cardinals (3-2)

Line: Cowboys by five-and-a-half

Dallas has shown that they are a porous defense at times, and gave Cincinnati its most impressive offensive performance of the season. 

I think the Cowboys will struggle in this one, but ultimately prevail.  And, dare I say it:  Cover.  Take the Boys.

Cowboys 38, Cardinals 31

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-3) at Denver Broncos (4-1)

Line: Broncos by three-and-a-half

Denver made a statement with its victory over Tampa Bay—its defense can play. 

Look for Denver's offense to get back on track in this game, and pair that with the fact that Jacksonville has struggled this season.  Denver could have a big day.  Take the Broncos to cover in this one.

Broncos 31,  Jaguars 20

Miami Dolphins (2-2) at Houston Texans (0-4)

Line: Houston by three

I actually like the Houston Texans in this one.  They are in desperate need of a win, and their offense has been good in their recent close losses. 

The Dolphins played great defense against the Chargers' excellent offense last week, so this game should be fun to watch.  I think Houston will cover easily.

Texans 24, Dolphins 13

Baltimore Ravens (2-2) at Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

Line: Colts by five-and-a-half

Indy made a ferocious comeback against Houston, and I think they may struggle a bit with Baltimore's defense.  I still like the Colts to win this game, but not cover.

Colts 23, Ravens 20

Detroit Lions (0-4) at Minnesota Vikings (2-3)

Line: off the board

The Vikings' defense will shut down the Detroit offense.  Simply put—Vikings roll.

Vikings 34, Lions 14

Oakland Raiders (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-3)

Line: off the board

New Orleans may be the best 2-3 team in the league, considering all the injuries they have had to cope with.  I think Drew Brees and the Saints will simply overwhelm the Raiders in this game.

Saints 41, Raiders 20

Cincinnati Bengals (0-5) at New York Jets (2-2)

Line: Jets by six

This should be a high scoring game, but I think the Jets will force Palmer into some bad throws resulting in picks.  Jets win big in this one. 

Take the Jets to cover, maybe the over/under.

Jets 33, Bengals 23

Philadelphia Eagles (2-3) at San Francisco 49ers (2-3)

Line: Eagles by five

With Brian Westbrook out for a while, the Eagle offense becomes very hard to predict.  I like the 'Niners in an upset victory this week, although it will be a hard-fought defensive battle both ways.

49ers 17, Eagles 16

New England Patriots (3-1) at San Diego Chargers (2-3)

Line: Chargers by six

Stay away from this game please. 

The Chargers are so unpredictable, and the Patriots can flat out play some defense.  But, you never can tell which team will show up.  Patriots steal one on the road.

Patriots 28, Chargers 24

Green Bay Packers (2-3) at Seattle Seahawks (1-3)

Line: Seahawks by three

Seattle has been a major disappointment this season, and they need to get on track fast.  A home game against a struggling Packers team should be just the cure. 

Seahawks will cover in this one.

Seahawks 27, Packers 20

Carolina Panthers (4-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

Line: Bucs by two

Carolina is hot right now and the Bucs are coming off a poor offensive performance.  I like Carolina in this game to upset the home team. 

Panthers 30, Bucs 16

St. Louis Rams (0-4) at Washington Redskins (4-1)

Line: Redskins by 13-and-a-half

As crazy as it may sound, this may be too low of a number.  Redskins should cover with ease in this one.

Redskins 41, Rams 13

New York Giants (4-0) at Cleveland Browns (1-3)

Line: Giants by seven

Seven is a pretty high number for a road team to be favored by, but the Giants are the best team in the NFL right now.  Plaxico Burress is back, and the G-men are poised to make another Super Bowl run. 

Giants cover here.

Giants 31, Browns 17