NFL Predictions Week 6: Panthers vs. Falcons and Games That Will Be Decided Late

While most of us probably enjoy a good blowout if our team is on the positive side, there is nothing better than a tightly-contested game that goes down to the wire when you're an impartial observer. The best part is that those games can happen when you least expect it.

There are tons of evenly-matched teams doing battle this weekend, so there will be plenty of opportunities for some late-second finishes. Here are three Week 6 games that I expect to be decided in the final moments.

Cleveland Browns vs. Oakland Raiders

Despite the fact that the Oakland Raiders are seven-point favorites, I expect this game to be a very competitive one. The Cleveland Browns aren't the most exciting team, but they are very gritty and tend to push teams to the limit.

Browns quarterback Colt McCoy has done well in head coach Pat Shurmur's West Coast offense, and because of that they should be able to keep up with the Raiders and their explosive running game behind Darren McFadden.

This should be a knock-down, drag-out affair that features plenty of field goals in my opinion. I don't think it will be the prettiest game ever played, but the ending will certainly be riveting.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

The 3-1 Washington Redskins have been one of the league's more surprising teams this season as they currently sit atop the NFC East. They have gotten the job done with solid defense and an opportunistic offense, but most of their games have been decided late.

On the other hand, the 1-4 Philadelphia Eagles are by far the NFL's biggest disappointment. The Eagles have a stacked offense with quarterback Michael Vick at the controls, but they have been too turnover prone and the defense has been very porous.

The Eagles really can't afford more than one or two more losses this season, so this game will be absolutely vital. I expect the Redskins to play a slow-paced game in order to bog down the Eagles' high-flying offense, so Philly will have to win this one in the latter stages.

Carolina Panthers vs. Atlanta Falcons

Despite a 1-4 record, the Carolina Panthers have been extremely impressive this season thanks to rookie quarterback Cam Newton. He has been everything he was advertised to be and so much more as he is one of the league's leading passers and a threat with his legs as well.

Expectations were high for the Atlanta Falcons on the heels of a 13-3 2010 season, but at 2-3, they have already matched their amount of losses from last year. The offense has been up and down, but the real problem has been the defense which has been killed through the air.

The Panthers have kept every one of their games within seven points, so either team will likely have a chance to win late in the fourth quarter. If the Falcons can tighten up their secondary and run the ball effectively with Michael Turner they will win, but otherwise it could be a Carolina upset.