NFL Picks Week 6: Games That Will Result in Defensive Struggles

The current-day NFL has transformed from the one that consisted of tough defense and running the football.

In today's game, there is a heavier reliance on aerial attacks and winning games by putting up astronomical numbers on offense.

Despite this, there still are some good defenses out there. There are also certain match-ups that result in defensive struggles despite this new type of play we have seen in 2011.

Here are three games that will be defensive struggles this week.

San Francisco 49ers @ Detroit Lions

The 49ers and Lions have been the two biggest surprises after five weeks of NFL action.

The 49ers are sitting at 4-1 while the Lions are one of two undefeated teams with a 5-0 record.

Both of these teams have relied heavily on defense this year.

Sure, the Lions have a great passing attack and can put up points too, but it's been the defense that has come up big in the close games.

San Francisco is allowing 15.6 points per game, statistically second-best in the league. The Lions rank fourth in that category, allowing just 17.8 points per game.

Indianapolis Colts @ Cincinnati Bengals

The Indianapolis Colts are just plain bad without Peyton Manning under center.

They have one of the worst offenses in the league, and accompany it with one of the worst defenses.

Luckily for them, the Bengals don't have very much firepower on offense either.

Their defense, however, is the top-ranked unit in the league in terms of total yards allowed.

The Bengals should win this game, but there aren't going to be a lot of points put on the board.

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens

It may not be the first thought that comes to mind when you see this matchup, but the Ravens and Texans both have two of the best defenses in the league.

The Ravens obviously make a living off their defense, which is allowing a league-best 14.2 points per game.

A Texans offense that is battling injuries will struggle against them this weekend.

The Houston defense is much-improved under Wade Phillips this year. What was one of the worst passing defenses in the league a year ago is now one of the better groups in the league.

The Texans have allowed a mere 19.0 points per game. They should be able to hold true to that number against a Ravens offense that has struggled with consistency.