NFL Picks Week 6: New York Jets, Chicago Bears and Teams That Must Win on Sunday

Given the fact that only five percent of teams that fall to 1-4 comeback to make the playoffs under the NFL's current postseason format, it's safe to say that the Philadelphia Eagles are facing a must-win situation on Sunday at Washington.

But for the teams flirting with .500 that are still in good enough shape to make a playoff run this fall, there is still hope considering that much of the league still remains upside down after five weeks of action.

Here are the teams facing must-win scenarios (considered a game a team should and must win to remain in legitimate contention) in Week 6, in no specific order:

New York Jets (2-3)

The Jets head into their Monday night matchup with division rival Miami having lost three-straight road games, and three-straight games overall.

In those losses, the Jets have resembled anything but a two-time AFC Championship Game participant.

Mark Sanchez's quarterback play has been shaky, inexcusable for a third-year player, and the New York ground attack has been completely stifled.

The defense must improve if Rex Ryan's tiring predictions are to come true, but a win on Monday night is a move in the right direction.

Atlanta Falcons (2-3)

Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons failed to capitalize on what could have been the turning point in their thus far mediocre 2011 season on Sunday night when they blew a 14-point lead at home to the Green Bay Packers, the very team that embarrassed them in the divisional round of last season's playoffs.

Instead, the Dirty Birds find themselves two games back of the NFC South-leading Saints at 2-3, and facing a must-win game at the Georgia Dome in Week 6 against division rival Carolina and the sensational rookie Cam Newton.

Newton has outplayed Ryan to this point this year, but if he can do it Sunday the Falcons are in serious trouble.

Chicago Bears (2-3)

The Bears fell to the undefeated Detroit Lions last Monday night, and surprisingly, no one was surprised.

Jay Cutler continues to take a beating under center and one has to wonder if the Bears' defense can hold up for the defending NFC North champions all season.

A home win over the 1-4 Minnesota Vikings on Sunday would bring Chicago back to .500 on the season, and pull them to either two or three games back of the Lions and Packers in the division.

Cincinnati Bengals (3-2)

For the Cincinnati Bengals, it's not a matter of if, but when.

When will they show their true colors and completely fall apart on and off the field?

A win Sunday over winless Indianapolis would give the Bengals their fourth win of the year, and that's huge considering they still have two matchups with the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers each.

The AFC North title will be a long shot for Cincinnati, but if they don't win a home game over the depleted Colts, they won't have any shot.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter @_Pat_Clarke