Week 6 NFL Picks: 49ers, Lions Collide in Motown

In an unexpected 2011 thus far, the Lions, 49ers, Bills and Redskins have a combined record of 16-3, and all have their sights set on the playoffs. Two of those teams, the Lions and 49ers, meet up in Week 6 in perhaps the most anticipated game of the week.

Who would have predicted that in the beginning of the season?

It's been a crazy season so far, and the good news is we are just getting started. Can you imagine if the NFL didn't end the lockout? I think I'd be going crazy. 

Week's Top Performers 

Top Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, 30-37, 406 yards, 4 TDs

Top Running Back: Darren McFadden, 22 carries, 181 total yards, 2 TDs

Top Wide Receiver: Calvin Johnson, 9 catches, 176 yards, 2 TDs

Top Kicker: Mason Crosby

Top Defense: Pittsburgh Steelers

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons

Of the disappointing teams thus far in 2011, the Falcons have been a big letdown through five weeks. Following a 13-3 season in 2010, the Falcons got rocked at home, 48-21, to the Packers en route to their Super Bowl run. A season later, it appears the Falcons still have not recovered from that loss and something just isn't clicking with them this season. They better get it together fast, and this week will not be easy as Cam Newton is coming to town.

This season, the Panthers have been competitive in every game this season, and that's against the likes of the Packers and Saints. The only problem is they have just one win in those five games. Cam Newton continues to tear apart defenses week by week, but he isn't getting much help from his defense. At 1-4, the playoffs are likely out of the question for the Panthers, but that's not what this year is about. This year is about seeing development out of Cam Newton, and so far I'd say that's been a success. 

On Sunday, the Falcons are in a must-win situation, and Matt Ryan shines at home. After losing at home last week to the Packers, I don't expect them to lose another one here. I think the Panthers lose another close one here.

Fearless Forecast: Falcons 27, Panthers 24

Indianapolis Colts at Cincinnati Bengals

One of the biggest surprises of the season thus far has been the Cincinnati Bengals. At 3-2, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has done an incredible job with that defense and has them ranked No. 1 in the whole league in total yards. With a great defense the Bengals will be in a lot of games this year. Want another reason this team is winning? The play of rookies Andy Dalton and A.J Green. After losing Carson Palmer, and Chad Ochocinco in the offseason, it was supposed to be a struggle for the Bengals on offense. Okay, so it hasn't been a perfect offense, but Dalton has been consistent and has played with a short memory when making mistakes. It also helps when you have A.J Green.

After taking Green fourth overall, he has been everything the Bengals expected him to be and more. He has 24 catches for 402 yards and three touchdowns. He has become a nightmare for opposing defenses.

The Colts come into this game 0-5, and searching for answers without Peyton Manning. Last week, hosting the Chiefs, the Colts surrendered a 24-7 halftime lead, keeping them winless. When will that first win come? It won't happen this week in Cincinnati, sorry to say. 

Here is an interesting thing to consider: If the Colts get the first pick in the draft, do they take Andrew Luck? How much faith do they have in Peyton Manning's health?

Fearless Forecast: Bengals 27, Colts 10

San Francisco 49ers at Detroit Lions

Before the season started, never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted that the 4-1 49ers would be squaring off in Detroit against the 5-0 Lions in Week 6 in the game of the week. That's just the kind of season it's been so far.

At 4-1, the 49ers are coming off of a 48-3 rout of the Buccaneers. Had it not been for a Week 2 collapse against the Cowboys, this team would be undefeated right now. In the win over Tampa Bay, Alex Smith was sharp, throwing three touchdowns in the game. I don't know how Jim Harbaugh did it, but he has made Smith look like a different quarterback. Since being picked No. 1 overall back in 2005, Smith has failed to live up to expectations. The Niners have been loyal to him, and it's his last shot. It's their division to lose.

Even a better story than the 49ers has been the undefeated Lions. People thought the Lions were going to be good this year, but nobody expected this. They are 5-0 for the first time since 1956 and are coming for the NFC North crown. Calvin Johnson already has nine touchdowns in just five games this year, and has transformed himself into one of the best if not the best receiver in the NFL. The man they call "Megatron" is un-guardable.

And Matthew Stafford? Yeah, he's not too bad either. The first pick in 2009 has got his season off to a red hot start, throwing 13 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He and Johnson have quickly become the deadliest tandem in football, and everyone on this Lions team is buying into Jim Schwartz' system. This team believes, and that's weird to say of a Lions team.

On Sunday, I'm curious to see how the 49ers respond in Detroit. Their offense is going to have to be ready to put up points. The Lions are at home, and I think that's going to be the deciding factor. That, and I just think the Lions are a better team.

Fearless Forecast: Lions 24, 49ers 17 

St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers

Let me just start by saying that this game will be ugly folks. I mean really ugly.

0-4 vs. 5-0.

Rams offense vs. Packers offense.

Should I go on?

At 0-4, the Rams have been a major disappointment. After finishing 2010 a game shy of missing the playoffs, they were the favorites to win the NFC West this year. Things have not gone according to plan, as Sam Bradford has no weapons on offense but Steven Jackson. The Rams offense currently ranks 31st in the NFL, and they are searching for answers.

Good luck against the Packers. The 2010 Super Bowl Champs look even better than they did a season ago, and Aaron Rodgers is a man on a mission. Rodgers has thrown for under 300 yards just once this season, and has just two interceptions as well. I fear for the Rams defense on Sunday.

This game will not be pretty. Packers win it easily.

Fearless Forecast: Packers 38, Rams 13

Buffalo Bills at New York Giants

Games like last week are exactly why it's so hard to trust the New York Giants. Having won three straight games, the Giants took their foot off the gas at home against the Seahawks, losing 36-25. Just like previous Giants teams, they made careless, stupid mistakes that cost them the game.

Same old Giants. 

As for the Bills; this is not the same old Bills team. This team is different than previous teams. They believe in themselves and each other. Fred Jackson has turned himself into an MVP candidate and ranks third in the league in rushing. Not to mention that Bills defense, which leads the league in turnovers with 16. Three of those turnovers have also been taken back for touchdowns. The Bills have a recipe for success; run the football and force turnovers. Chan Gailey knows what he's doing. 

In this game, I'm on the fence as to who to pick. The Bills are feisty and seem like they can find a way to win any game, but on the road against a Giants team coming off an embarrassing loss is going to be tough. I don't see the Giants losing two in a row at home. They will rebound here.

Fearless Forecast: Giants 26, Bills 20

Jacksonville Jaguars at Pittsburgh Steelers

Foot injury? What foot injury? Last week, with Ben Roethlisberger playing on a sprained foot, he played his best game of the season, throwing not one, not two but five touchdown passes. Any talk that the Steelers are in trouble this season were put to rest, as Roethlisberger silenced the critics. 

It gets even easier this week at home against the Jaguars.

At 1-4, the Jaguars have lost their last four games, and Blaine Gabbert is still searching for his first win of his career. It's not happening this week. Thus far, Gabbert has faced the likes of the Panthers, Saints and Bengals. He has never seen a defense like the Steelers though, and will be in for a rude awakening. 

Trust me. 

In this game, expect the Jaguars to struggle to move the ball against the Steeler defense and for the Steelers to dominate at home.

Fearless Forecast: Steelers 27, Jaguars 6

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins

I probably shouldn't be picking the Eagles in this game. No, I definitely shouldn't. This is a team on the verge of disarray. Having lost four straight games, Andy Reid is on the hot seat and Eagles fans are fed up with both him and Juan Castillo. I still don't understand how Castillo, a converted offensive line coach, gets the defensive coordinator job. It puzzles me. As the Eagles continue to lose, the pressure will mount more and more. Michael Vick said the Eagles "Dream Team" label is gone, and it never should have been there in the first place (Thanks for that one, Vince Young). For the Eagles to get where they want to be, that run defense needs to be fixed. They rank 30th in the NFL, giving up 140.2 yards a game. 

Mike Shanahan loves to run the football, and expect no different on Sunday. All three Redskins running backs; Ryan Torain, Tim Hightower, and Roy Helu should see success against a bad Eagles rush defense. That's how the Redskins are going to win this game, by running the football. The Eagles have been exposed in that matter. 

The Redskins have been one of the league's biggest surprises so far, but not if you ask the Redskins themselves. Even before the season started, a confident Rex Grossman said this team would win the NFC East. He sounded crazy, but give him credit so far, this Redskins team can compete. When it all comes down to it, though, how confident are you in Rex Grossman? You always just get the sense that when it matters most, he won't deliver. 

Last week I picked the Eagles to win, and it was a mistake. This week I'm doing the same thing. They are desperate and a game like this could make or break their season. Remember the last time the Eagles traveled to Washington? Michael Vick put on a video game like performance, scoring six touchdowns in a 59-28 rout. I'm going to say there is no chance of that happening again. Not the way this team is playing. 

It won't be a blow out, but I'm going with the Eagles again here. My Eagles side continues to give in week to week. 

Fearless Forecast: Eagles 24, Redskins 20

Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens

Next, we have the Texans and Ravens playing in an AFC clash. I know it's been said a million times, but if the Texans don't win the division this year then major changes need to be made. I know Mario Williams is out for the year, but that's no excuse. The division is theirs to lose. Can they win in Baltimore this week without Andre Johnson?

Playing without Johnson last week against the Raiders, Matt Schaub led them all the way down the field, only to throw an interception to Michael Huff on the game's final play. On plays like that, you miss Andre Johnson and how you can just lob it up for him and hope for the best. This week the Texans brought in former Ravens wide receiver Derrick Mason, and it's funny that his first game with the Texans will be against his former team. You can bet he wants to win this game. 

At 3-1, the Ravens have yet to allow a quarterback to throw multiple touchdowns in any game this season. With the Texans missing Andre Johnson, Matt Schaub may struggle in this one. If the Ravens can stop Arian Foster, then they will be in good shape. 

I say the Texans lose this game, and fall to 3-3. 

Fearless Forecast: Ravens 23, Texans 16

Cleveland Browns at Oakland Raiders

No team had a more meaningful, emotional win last week than the Oakland Raiders. After their beloved owner, and NFL legend, Al Davis passed away, the Raiders played with a purpose on Sunday, and they quite simply, just won, baby. The Raiders are relevant again, and the Chargers better watch out, because this team is coming for the AFC West crown. With the No. 1 rushing game in the NFL, the Raiders have a formula to win. Hue Jackson has them believing. 

They should have no trouble with the Browns this week. At 2-2, the Browns offense has been inconsistent. Colt McCoy has been up and down this season, and threw it in their last game sixty times. That's way too much for any quarterback, and specifically in this Browns system. They should be pounding the ball with Peyton Hillis. Can their offense wake up Sunday in Oakland?

This will be the Raiders first home game since the passing of Al Davis, so you can bet it's going to be emotional. They will win this one for Al, again.

Fearless Forecast: Raiders 24, Browns 10

Dallas Cowboys at New England Patriots

One of the most anticipated games of the week is in Foxborough, where the Cowboys and Patriots will meet up. Just in case you forgot about the Cowboys last game, let me refresh your memory. 

After leading 27-3 in the third quarter against the Lions, the Cowboys collapsed, most notably Tony Romo, who threw three interceptions. Games like that are exactly why it is so hard to trust Tony Romo. He's won just one playoff game in his career, and for every game he dazzles us, there is always that one game where you see why he gets so much critique. Two weeks have passed from that disaster in Detroit, and the Cowboys come out of their bye week against Tom Brady and company, in New England. 

The Patriots on the other hand have won two straight after losing to the Bills 34-31, snapping a 15-game winning streak versus them. Since that game, the Patriots defense is slowly but surely getting better. Yes, that secondary still has major problems, but by the end of the season Bill Belichick will get it right. He always does.

The last time Tom Brady faced a Rob Ryan defense was last season, in Cleveland, when he went 19-36 in a 34-14 loss. Did Ryan figure out something on how to stop Brady in that game? We will find out on Sunday.

The Cowboys are well rested after that bye week, but the Patriots are the better team and win it here.

Fearless Forecast: Patriots 31, Cowboys 27 

New Orleans Saints at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Following a 48-3 embarrassment in San Francisco, the Buccaneers return home to play the 4-1 Saints. All season long the Bucs have struggled with their offense, and it hit rock bottom last week. Yeah, I'd say that defense didn't play too well either last week. They better be ready this week, though. 

After dropping their opener in Green Bay, the Saints have won four straight, and look destined to win the NFC South. Drew Brees continues to play at a MVP level, while getting big contributions on offense from guys like Darren Sproles and Jimmy Graham. For the Saints, Graham has been the story of the year so far. He already has 32 catches this season and has become Brees' comfort blanket. That's just another dimension to this Saints offense. 

Historically, the Buccaneers play the Saints tight, and I expect that again to be the case here. They aren't as bad as they displayed last week and will play significantly better here. I just don't think it will be enough.

Fearless Forecast: Saints 20, Buccaneers 17

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

That must have felt good for the Vikings to get a win last week, right Vikings fans? Of their four games in 2011, the Vikings by all means could have won each and every one of them. However, due to failure to execute late, and blowing second half leads,they all resulted in losses, leaving the Vikings 0-4. Finally though, last week hosting the Cardinals, the Vikings put it all together for a 34-10 win. In the win, Adrian Peterson ran for three touchdowns, and the Cardinals are lucky that game wasn't worse. This team isn't as bad as their record, and I like their chances Sunday Night in Chicago.

At 2-3, the Bears biggest problem is their offensive line and their failure to protect Jay Cutler. Last week Cutler played like a warrior in Detroit, but it wasn't enough, in a 24-13 loss. Perhaps the most perplexing thing for the Bears coming out of that game was the play of their defense, giving up big plays. Those big plays included a 73-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson and an 88-yard burst from Jahvid Best. What's going on with that Bears defense?

On Sunday night, the Vikings will do what they love to do most, and that's give the ball to Adrian Peterson. If they want to win this game, though, it's all going to come down to the play of the quarterback as it almost always does. Donovan McNabb needs to be accurate and that's no secret.

There's just something about the Bears I don't like, and I'm going with the Vikings in this one.

Fearless Forecast: Vikings 21, Bears 20

Miami Dolphins at New York Jets

No player on the Miami Dolphins is more tired of losing than Brandon Marshall, evident by his comments earlier this week. On Monday night, Marshall claims he is going to play like a "monster, "and will likely be kicked out of the game in the second quarter. Look, Marshall is an amazing talent and nobody can say otherwise, but all his career the guy has been plagued with off the field non-sense and he's at it again. By all means, I do hope he plays well because yes, he's on my fantasy team. 

The Jets come into this game 2-3, and have lost their last three games. Last week in New England, they got exposed on the ground by BenJarvus Green-Ellis, as he ran for 136 yards. Where is that mighty Jets rush defense at? Rex, you've got a problem, as your team is giving up 134.8 yards per game on the ground. That's no good. 

The drama will be high on Monday night, and much of the focus will be on that Brandon Marshall-Darrell Revis matchup. When these two teams play it's always close, but it might be different this time around. Matt Moore is starting and the Dolphins are a mess. 

This one could get ugly.

Fearless Forecast: Jets 30, Dolphins 13