NFL Picks Week 6: Atlanta Falcons and More Teams on Upset Alert

Struggling teams like Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Seattle erupted for big wins in Week 5, reminding the league that the gap between the haves and have-nots isn’t always as big as it looks. This trio of favorites is particularly vulnerable heading into Week 6:

Atlanta Falcons (vs. Carolina)

The Panthers won’t pose the same insurmountable challenge as Green Bay did a week ago, but Atlanta is still in for a dogfight against Cam Newton. The fast surface of the Georgia Dome will make Newton’s cannon arm even more dangerous against a Falcons secondary that’s already given up its share of long gainers this season.

Michael Turner and the Atlanta ground game could stave off defeat, but if the game is left in the hands of the inconsistent Matt Ryan, it’s hard to see how the Falcons will come out on top.

Chicago Bears (vs. Minnesota)

A 1-4 Vikings team playing on the road wouldn’t normally seem that threatening, but Adrian Peterson blew up last week and has played the Bears tough throughout his NFL career. Chicago’s bigger problems are in the defensive secondary, but stopping a running back of Peterson’s caliber is probably beyond a front seven that got burned repeatedly by Jahvid Best on Monday night.

On the other side of the ball, the Vikings’ defensive line will be salivating at the chance to make plays against a beat-up Chicago front. Jay Cutler may get a lucky shot or two in against the unreliable pass defense, but even at Soldier Field, this game will likely go to Minnesota.

New York Giants (vs. Buffalo)

Although Eli Manning and company are more dangerous on their home field than elsewhere, it’s hard to fathom their being three-point favorites over powerful Buffalo. The Giants’ indifferent defense is going to have its hands full with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson.

The Bills defense hasn’t been any great-shakes either, but even if Eli and his receiving corps turn in a couple more long TDs, the Bills have more weapons and more confidence right now. Barring a huge day from the New York ground game, the Bills should win in a shootout.