NFL Picks Week 6: Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears and Teams That Will Tumble

It may be too early in the 2011 NFL season to write teams off entirely, even for those that have really hit the skids of late.

As for these squads, well, Week 6 might not be the best time to turn the beat around.

Philadelphia Eagles

Is there anyone left on the Eagles bandwagon these days?

Frankly, I'd be surprised if there was. From dreadful defending to awful offensive line play to questionable play-calling from head coach Andy Reid, Philly's failures extend to the farthest reaches of the team's football acumen (or lack thereof).

It's strange to think that a team that won the NFC East last season, and only seemed to improve over the summer, could struggle as mightily as these Eagles have, yet there's nothing to suggest that their woes are about to end.

Not with a trip to Washington, anyway. The Redskins sport the sort of plotting ground game that will leave Philly's run defense, ranked 30th in the NFL, exposed once again. Meanwhile, DC's much-improved pass-rush will have its way with the Eagles' Swiss-cheese O-line to keep Michael Vick scrambling frantically from start to finish.

Chicago Bears

Speaking of terrible pass protection, it doesn't get much worse than what the Bears have offered Jay Cutler. Granted, Cutler's pretty fragile even in a strong pocket, but Chicago's front five hasn't done him any favors this season, surrendering 18 sacks through five games.

You'd think things would improve for Da Bears against the 1-4 Vikings, but (sorry to break it to ya) they won't. Minnesota is second in the NFL with 16 sacks this season, thanks to the dynamic duo of Jared Allen and Brian Robison.

They'll have their way with Cutler and his nonexistent offensive line—just as Adrian Peterson will do his fair share of damage to a Bears defense that ranks 28th in rushing yards per game and dead last in yards per carry.

There's not much that Matt Forte, terrific a player as he is, can do about that.

Houston Texans

The Texans aren't toast just yet this season, they've just run into a few (big) bumps in the road, between injuries to key players and games against tough teams.

I don't anticipate them getting much of a reprieve on the road against a well-rested Ravens team. Houston did the right thing in picking up Derrick Mason from the Jets, but he won't be nearly ready enough after just one week to be an effective target for Matt Schaub, much less a temporary fill-in for Andre Johnson.

Baltimore's defense won't make things any easier, either. The Ravens don't quite get after opposing quarterbacks like they used to, but they're still third in the NFL in total yards per game allowed and first in scoring defense.

And good luck to the Texans getting much of any pressure on Joe Flacco without the pass-rushing expertise of Mario Williams, who will miss the remainder of the season with a torn pectoral muscle.