NFL Predictions Week 6: The Falcons and Others Will Turn To Run Game for Wins

More and more this season, NFL teams are turning to the pass game.

A historical amount of passing, in fact. Even Eli Manning is throwing 400 yards these days. Just a couple of years ago, it was spectacular when Drew Brees would accomplish that feat, now it's being done all over the NFL.

Things, they are a changin' and it's apparent the NFL is now a passer's league.

Still though, the run isn't completely non-existent and if these three teams are smart, they'll focus on it during their Week 6 matchups.

Atlanta Falcons

Once they traded up to take Julio Jones, the Falcons changed their identity. Unfortunately for them, that run-driven identity is what has made them good the last couple of years.

Now, as they continue to focus on the pass they continue to lose winnable games. This week, however, they get a chance to go back to their old ways.

Jones is out due to injury and the Panthers give up 4.9 yards per carry. The Falcons have understandably had to pass more because the offensive line isn't opening up any holes, but that should change against Carolina.

A heavy dose of Michael Turner will not only be successful in terms of moving the ball, it will keep Cam Newton off the field. 

New York Giants

The Giants are another team that are beginning to lose more because they are abandoning the run.

All-Pro running back Ahmad Bradshaw is averaging just over 14 carries per game. He's only averaging four yards per carry, but he still needs to get the ball more. He's the type of big, punishing back who will get better as the game goes along.

Eli Manning has had fun throwing the ball around, I'm sure, but he's turned it over eight times in five games.

If the Giants want to upset the hungry, ball-hawking Bills (12 interceptions on the season, most in the NFL), they will need to slow the game down and hand the ball off to Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs.

Buffalo is giving up a healthy 5.5 yards per carry.

Cleveland Browns

Browns coach Pat Shurmur has already said that he wants to get Peyton Hillis more involved, so there isn't much need for an investigation here.

Especially in this game, though, it would be a smart thing to do. Oakland is giving up 5.2 yards per carry and Hillis is certainly capable of taking advantage of that.

It's always better to try and slow a game down if you're on the road, and the Browns should try to do just that against the Raiders. They arguably have a better defense and would stand much more of a chance in a low-scoring game.

Running the ball is the way to do that.