2011 NFL Survivor Pools: Week 6 Picks and Analysis

One thing is for sure: the New York Giants play down to their competition.

They let the St. Louis Rams hang around for a while, they should’ve lost to Arizona and Seattle torched their depleted defense with a backup quarterback.

Their only other win has come over the Eagles, but the more they lose, the less that win means.

What are we left with? One big regret.

The Giants single handedly axed thousands of people in their respective pools last week and those smart enough to avoid the overwhelming majority pick are laughing. 

That disappointment will not happen this week.  If you want a disappointment, look to Brandon Marshall. His goal on Monday night is to get ejected against the Jets.

He either wants to further his already flawless reputation, or do anything he can to assure the Dolphins have the worst record and get Andrew Luck.

I thought this strategy wouldn’t be pulled out until at least Week 10. 

Week 6 Games I Like

1. Bengals over the Colts. Yes, the Bengals over the Colts.

Andy Dalton is maturing and AJ Green is a beast on the outside. Dalton is developing a good relationship with his fellow rookie Green and tight end Jermaine Gresham, and has convinced me they have enough firepower to continue the Colts losing streak. Cedric Benson’s suspension will likely not take effect for another several weeks, so having him only makes their chances better to win this one at home.

2. Packers over the Rams.

The Packers are looking like they are in midseason form already and there is no way the Rams can slow them down. Steven Jackson claims to be back at full strength, and is the only factor that can keep St. Louis in this one. Rodgers is spreading the ball out well and five different receivers are into double-digit receptions already.  

Packers roll here.

3. Steelers over Jaguars.

The Steelers are back, ladies and gentleman. Last week against the Titans, Ben Roethlisberger tied a team record with five touchdown passes and all previous struggles were behind them.

They rushed for a season-high 174 yards without their starter Rashard Mendenhall. Tight end Heath Miller is getting himself back in the offense.

I don’t expect Blaine Gabbert and the Jaguars to give the Steelers any trouble in this one. I’m moreinterested in seeing if Mendenhall can get back on track.

4. Falcons over the Panthers

Atlanta is 2-3 and in desperate need for a win. They are coming off a tough loss to the defending Super Bowl Champion Packers and they lost leading receiver Julio Jones as well. He is the latest to fall under the hamstring plague in the NFL this season and is out this week. Head Coach Mike Smith remains hopeful he’ll be back next week for a showdown with the 5-0 Lions.

Roddy White and Harry Douglas will shoulder the load on the outside and Michael Turner should have a day against the Panthers 27^th ranked rush defense (135.2 YPG). Cam Newton is still winless and will remain winless after this week.