NFL Picks Week 6: New York Jets and More Teams That Will Bounce Back from Losses

The short NFL schedule means that even a two-game losing streak can hurt a team’s playoff chances. Recovering from a tough loss to get back on the winning side can make all the difference in a close division race.

These three teams are in the best positions to turn their fortunes around in Week 6:

New York Jets (vs. Miami)

In the biggest turnaround of the week, the Jets go from facing Tom Brady and the high-powered Patriots to another divisional game…against perhaps the worst team in football. Ineffective starting QB Chad Henne is done for the year with a shoulder injury, leaving the offense in the hands of failed Panthers backup Matt Moore.

The much-ballyhooed Jets defense should have a field day in this one, while Mark Sanchez gets his second consecutive shot against a bottom-of-the-barrel pass defense. This time around, though, 21 points should be more than enough to secure a victory.

Atlanta Falcons (vs. Carolina)

Atlanta will have its hands full on defense, as the secondary that got torched in the second half by Aaron Rodgers last week faces cannon-armed Cam Newton. Fortunately for the Falcons, they won’t have to leave the outcome up to the defense.

Carolina’s run defense is among the league’s worst, and a steady diet of Michael Turner will keep the Falcon offense marching and the ball out of Newton’s hands. As long as the inconsistent Matt Ryan doesn’t kill his own team with turnovers, Atlanta should be able to grind out a home win.

Chicago Bears (vs. Minnesota)

The reeling Bears’ offense isn’t a sure thing against any opponent these days, but the Vikings are 25th in the league in passing yards allowed. Jay Cutler has shown that when he can get into a rhythm (other than the one produced by bouncing off the turf while being sacked), he can put points on the scoreboard.

Adrian Peterson is coming off his best performance of the season, but the Lance Briggs-led Bears defense has been far more vulnerable to the long pass, and Donovan McNabb hasn’t connected on many of those. It won’t be a walkover for Chicago, but Matt Forte should put up enough combined yards to give the Bears the win.