NFL Picks Week 6: New England Should Be Wary of Dallas

It seems as if every year for the past seven or eight years, the New England Patriots come into the season one of the favorites to take home the Lombardi trophy.

It also seems that every year for the past four or five years the Dallas Cowboys have high expectations to win the NFC East and go deep into the playoffs. Unfortunately for America's team, injuries and Tony Romo's inconsistencies—among many other issues—have hurt them dramatically.

The Cowboys head into this game coming out of a bye week, a bye week that was preceded by a heart-breaking loss to the Detroit Lions. The Pats are 4-1 and coming out of a big win against the rival New York Jets.

With the Cowboys struggling a bit and the Patriots on a roll, the Pats are going to steam roll the Boys right? Well here are four reasons why it might not be so easy for Brady's bunch.

The Pats' Abysmal Secondary

Many would assume that no one could be 4-1 with the worst secondary in the NFL. Well the Patriots have accomplished just that by allowing an average of 326.6 yards passing per game. 

Their secondary has been just dreadful. They even gave up 416 yards passing to Dolphins' quarterback Chad Henne. That's just not acceptable to allow those type of numbers against any quarterback, much less Chad Henne. The numbers did not improve over the next three weeks.

If it were not for the New York Jets' anemic offense and a 166-yard passing performance by Mark Sanchez, these numbers would be ever worse than what they already are.

The Cowboys Passing Attack

Although the Cowboys have had their struggles the late in games, they still have the third best pass offense in the NFL. With an average of 331 yards passing per game, the Boys have really demonstrated a great ability to pass the ball effectively.

Their leading receiver, tight end Jason Witten has led the way with 336 yards receiving over the first four games. Witten, Miles Austin and Dez Bryant have become one of the best receiving corps in the league.

With the combination of the Cowboys' pass attack and Pats' weak secondary, there could be a good possibility that they might be able to take advantage.

The Boys Shutting Down the Run

Not only do the Cowboys have one of the best pass offenses in the league, they also have one of the best rush defenses.

They come into the matchup with the Patriots with the best rush defense in the league, while the Patriots have the sixth best rush offense in the league. Something has to give this weekend.

Stopping the Patriots and their three headed rushing attack with BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Steven Ridlay and Danny Woodhead will be essential if the Cowboys have any chance to beat the Pats.

If the Cowboys stop the running game, they can put more pressure on the Tom Brady and slow down the pass attack, which no one has done this season.

Tony Romo Looking for Redemption

The Cowboys have actually played well this year. If it wasn't for two fourth quarter collapses they would be 4-0 right now. Unfortunately, they're not and Tony Romo played a role in these losses.

This is especially true against the Detroit Lions, where he threw two pick-sixes that helped the Lions make that improbable comeback.

Although it seems as if Romo is constantly underachieving, he has shown that he can lead a very strong offense.

After the game against the Lions, Romo will be looking to right some wrongs and get the Cowboys in the right direction. If he plays well on Sunday this will not be an easy game for the Pats.

Erick Fernandez is the creator of I Want to Thank My Hood & My Psychiatrist