NFL Predictions Week 6: Teams Who Will Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

Even in Week 6 of the NFL season there are many teams in need of a win to save their playoff lives. Three of those teams are the Jacksonville Jaguars, Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers.

Each team can still make the playoffs, but a win on Sunday would really help them reach the goal of playing meaningful football in January.

Let's take a look at why these three teams will win this week and keep their playoff dreams alive.

1) Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars are playing the Pittsburgh Steelers this week and their best chance to win is by giving the ball to star running back Maurice Jones-Drew.

Jones-Drew has had an unusually poor season thus far, and getting him involved in both the passing and rushing attacks would give the Jaguars a good chance to beat the Steelers.

Jacksonville will beat the Steelers on Sunday with an effective ground game and a good pass defense.

2) Carolina Panthers

The Panthers face a struggling Atlanta Falcons team in a crucial NFC South showdown this week.

Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will dominate the Falcons pass defense which is very poor, and were beaten badly by Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers last week.

The Panthers defense will pressure Matt Ryan and put up too many points for him and the Falcons to match.

Carolina wins a big game against a division opponent this week with a big passing day from Newton, who will go over 300 yards passing.

3) Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles need to win this week or they won't win the NFC East division again. At 1-4 and in the midst of their first four-game losing streak in almost six seasons, the time is now for the Eagles to save their season.

Michael Vick will protect the ball against the Washington Redskins this week, something he failed to do against the Buffalo Bills last Sunday when he threw four interceptions.

Vick always does well against the Redskins, and last year had the best game of his career at Washington in a 59-28 rout last November.

The Eagles offense will be too much for the Redskins to handle, and Philly will finally get a much needed win.