A quick peek at week six of the NFL season

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While it’s be a tumultuous NFL season thru five weeks, some things are starting to take shape.  Of course all if that may change in one week.  Having said that, here’s a look at week six of the NFL.

Eagles @ Giants The Eagles haven’t looked like a Super Bowl champion coming out of the chute and the Giants are predictably 1-4.  The Eagles are also without RB, Jay Ajayi.  This is a huge game for the Eagl4es.  As for the Giants, I doubt they’re going anywhere even if they win this game.  I think the Eagles pull it together at least for this week.  As a sidebar, it’ll be interesting to watch for histrionics out of Giants WR and GM want to be, Odell Beckham Jr.  Pick: Eagles.

Buccaneers @ Falcons   Jameis Winston is starting for the Bucs, which should be good news for the Falcons.  The Falcons defense has been repeatedly scorched but I don’t think Winston can exploit them.  The Bucs defense was in chaos when they played the Bears before their bye week.  The Falcons offense and QB, Matt Ryan, figure to continue the Bucs defensive frustration.  Pick: Falcons

Seahawks @ Raiders  Jon Gruden’s return has been less than glorious.  Currently the only game his Raiders have won is an officials’ aided overtime win over the Browns.  The Seahawks have shown a semblance of a running game recently.  That should give Russell Wilson a little breathing room.  That should be enough against the Raiders.  Pick: Seahawks

Panthers @ Redskins  This is one of the most interesting matchups in the NFL this week.  Alex Smith is coming off a terrible week against the Saints while Cam Newton threw two picks against the Giants.  I actually like Smith better as a quarterback, but the Panthers defense overall.  Pick: Panthers

Cardinals @ Vikings  Unlike the previous game, I’m not conflicted on this pick.  The Cardinals managed a win against the 49ers last week.  Cardinals’ fans may have to savor that for a while.  The Cardinals do have a nice defense, but the Vikings passing game, led by Kirk Cousins and wide outs, Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs should still be effective.  Pick: Vikings

Colts @ Jets:  Andrew Luck looks more and more like the Andrew Luck of old.  Unfortunately, the guys around him also look a lot like their old selves.  Meanwhile, the Jets have gotten a couple of wins behind rookie QB, Sam Darnold.  I think Luck carries the Colts to a win.  Pick: Colts

Bears @ Dolphins:  I really like this matchup for the Bears, which scares me.  The Dolphins offensive line is a mess and the Bears pass rush is ferocious.  While I rank the quarterback matchup of Ryan Tannehill and Mitch Trubisky as about even, Trubisky has more tools to work with, plus a better offensive line. What could go wrong for the Bears? We’ll see.  Pick: Bears

Chargers @ Browns:  The Browns are indeed better this year.  Playing Baker Mayfield at quarterback rather than Tyrod Taylor has accelerated the team’s improvement.  I still don’t think they will beat the Chargers.  I like the experience of Chargers QB, Philip Rivers, in what figures to be a close game.  Pick: Chargers

Steelers @ Bengals:   It seems like every year I have a problem getting a handle on the Bengals. That’s why even though I’m picking the Bengals, I do it with hesitation.  Andy Dalton has had a nice season and the Bengals defense looks good.  The Steelers seem to have a tremendous amount of dysfunction this season.  I’m picking the Bengals and will probably hate myself Monday.  Pick: Bengals

Bills @ Texans:   The Texans have won their last two games in overtime.  Each time they’ve been aided by a questionable decision in overtime by the opposing head coach. I don’t think things will get to that point this week.  Look for a win for the Texans and a week of development for Bills rookie QB, Josh Allen.  Allen could have a tough week against the Texans pass rush.  Pick: Texans

Rams @ Broncos:   I thought the Broncos had a pretty good defense until the Jets put up 34 points on them.  The Rams pretty much have everything you could want in an offense.  The Broncos look to a middle of the road team while the Rams may be the best team in the NFL.  Pick: Rams

Ravens @ Titans:   The Titans come in at 3-2.  They lost last week to the Buffalo Bills.  Their offense is woefully devoid of a capable passing game.  Ravens QB, Joe Flacco, doesn’t do a whole lot for me but I like the Ravens air game better than that off the Titans.  Pick: Ravens

Jaguars @ Cowboys:  I view the Cowboys matchup against the Jaguars much like I viewed their matchup against the Texans.  Their offense just doesn’t have enough to do much against a good defense.  I don’t like the Jaguars offense, either.  I especially don’t think Blake Bortles is a quality QB, still, I think the Jags are a better team than the Cowboys.  That should be enough Sunday.  Pick: Jaguars

Chiefs @ Patriots:  Here’s the NFL’s main event for week six.  It’s basically the young upstart vs. the reigning king.  I think Tom Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time.  I also think Patrick Mahomes is a young Aaron Rodgers.  I doubt Mahomes will ever match Brady’s ring count, but, barring injury, I do think he has an excellent chance of being a hall of fame quarterback.  At this point I would pick the Patriots over any team in the NFL, with the exception of the Rams.  And the Chiefs.  If they meet in the playoffs I might see thing differently.  Pick: Chiefs

49ers @ Packers:  The 49ers aren’t a bad team with Jimmy Garopollo at quarterback.  Without him they are.  Even slowed by a knee injury, Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.  I doubt this week’s game will come down to Mason Crosby’s foot.  For his sake, I hope it doesn’t.  Pick: Packers