Week 6 NFL Predictions: New York Jets and 3 Desperate Teams That Will Win

The first five weeks of the NFL season have put some teams in desperate situations. Teams that were virtual locks for the playoffs and even Super Bowl contenders at the beginning of the season are now hanging on by a thread.

All three of these teams made the playoffs in 2010. With one possible exception, none are looking that great to get back this year.

They all have to start winning and start winning now. Fortunately, the matchups are right in Week 6 for them to do just that.

New York Jets

My, how things have changed since the 2-0 start. Now, they are 2-3 and reeling, desperate to win and preserve their playoff chances.

Fortunately, a reprieve of some sorts awaits the Jets. The Dolphins may not be as bad as their winless record would suggest, but they aren't a team that should beat the Jets.

The Jets will need to find more overall consistency if they are to make the playoffs. But for this week, order will be restored.

Atlanta Falcons

As was said on NBC's Sunday Night Football broadcast, the Falcons are swimming upstream. They are 2-3, one game behind the Buccaneers and two behind the Saints. The Buccaneers and Saints play each other, so someone is going to win that one.

The Panthers do have Cam Newton, who is keeping them in games on a weekly basis. Still, the Falcons have a much better team.

In Atlanta, I fully expect Matt Ryan to have a big game and lead his team to a win. No, I don't think the Falcons will make the playoffs, but they will stay alive for another week.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Now, the Steelers aren't desperate because of their record. Pittsburgh comes into this game at 3-2, only one game behind the Ravens.

Still, they are beaten up by injuries and really need to find a more consistent game. Going back and forth between winning and losing isn't going to work for the Steelers if they hope to get back to the playoffs, and eventually make a run once there.

The Jaguars are a perfect remedy for them. Look for the Steelers to beat Jacksonville and get on track with a two-game winning streak.