NFL Picks Week 6: Atlanta Falcons and Desperate Teams on Upset Watch

We're still in the first half of the season. Still, it's time for some struggling preseason contenders to show everyone why they were expected to be contenders.

These are teams in matchups that look favorable. Actually, I think they will win on Sunday. But they are not in games that can be taken lightly. If they take these opponents lightly, they will find themselves in a hole that they can't dig themselves out of.

Atlanta Falcons

Even without Julio Jones, the Falcons should win this one. They are the more talented team. But Cam Newton is playing without much fear right now.

Newton also has veteran weapons at his disposal. If the Falcons' offense slips at all, they will be outscored in this one.

Chicago Bears

Any team with Adrian Peterson on it has a chance. Also, when you consider that the Bears have a hard time keeping Jay Cutler on his feet, Jared Allen is a scary opponent.

With two undefeated teams in the NFC North, a division title seems like a long shot. but if the Bears drop another game here, it's unlikely that a return trip to the playoffs is in the cards.

New York Jets

The Dolphins will be desperate. At some point, they are going to win a game. I know that the Dolphins aren't a great team, but they aren't anywhere near as bad as they have shown this year.

As if that wasn't enough, the Jets and Dolphins have also turned into pretty intense rivals. You had better believe that the Dolphins will relish the chance to put their rivals into a deeper hole.

If the Jets can actually get the ball in the end zone and find some stability on offense, they will win this one. But that's easier said than done.