NFL Picks Week 6: Which Teams Are on Upset Alert?

Week 6 is an interesting week in pro football because we're beginning to see exactly which direction the season is headed for most of the franchises.

We can already pick out a few contenders as well as those on the bottom of the food chain. However, upsets are inevitable, and that's what can cause parity regardless of the sport.

To that end, here are three upsets for Week 6 in the NFL.

Detroit Lions (vs San Francisco 49ers)

Despite having a one-dimensional offense, the Lions have been able to win games in any way, shape or form.

There's no denying that they're going to make the postseason, but the San Francisco 49ers prove to be their toughest test yet in 2011.

For one, San Fran knows how to run the ball very well, and QB Alex Smith is managing games to the point where he has only thrown one pick.

Expect the 49ers to keep it on the ground against Detroit's No. 18 ranked rush defense, while they constantly blitz QB Matt Stafford when on defense.

Also, with the Lions vulnerable to slow starts (like against Minnesota and Dallas), the 49ers will have complete control of the tempo throughout.

49ers 27, Lions 23

Atlanta Falcons (vs Carolina Panthers)

Although these two teams are only separated by one game, the Panthers are clearly a team on the rise and are much better than their 1-4 record (all four losses by no more than one score).

As for Atlanta, they're significantly underachieving this year after their 13-3 campaign just a year ago.

The home loss against Green Bay may very well have been the dagger in Atlanta's 2011 season, as they squandered off a 14-0 lead and lost 25-14.

Sure, it's the Packers and they are that good, but losing in that matter leaves the Falcons very susceptible against a hungry team like the Panthers.

The biggest difference here is that Carolina has a much better pass defense, and they are also just as good, if not better, with Cam Newton and their passing offense.

Atlanta continues to struggle with inconsistency, whereas the Panthers are just now learning how to win.

Panthers 28, Falcons 21

New England Patriots (vs Dallas Cowboys)

Until the Pats' pass defense actually slows down opposing offenses on a more consistent basis, New England is going to be a vulnerable team.

The 2-2 Cowboys will be their first test at home, and Dallas has the No. 3 ranked passing offense.

They also have the No. 1 ranked rush defense, so forcing Tom Brady to be one-dimensional will happen.

Slowing Brady down is difficult, even if New England can't run the ball, but the Cowboys offense will be just as effective, if not more effective this week. Tony Romo gets a road win that may save his team's season.

Much thanks to WRs Miles Austin and Dez Bryant who are closer to being 100 percent than at any other point this season.

Cowboys 38, Patriots 35

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