NFL Week 6 2009 Predictions

On paper at least it looks like an easy week to read.  That has been the kiss of death in the past though, so lets see how we get on.

Our NFL picks for week 6 as follows:

Sunday 18th October

Baltimore @ Minnesota
A – The Ravens have stumbled a bit over the last few weeks and the Vikes are off to their best start in a while now. Whilst we can’t rule out a second half season Favre collapse yet, we probably can count on Jared Allen becoming good friends with Joe Flacco. Vikings win.

G – I am of the feeling that this one could go either way, but on paper I would take the Vikings.  I can’t see it being an easy one, but it should be another winning week for Minnesota here.

Carolina @ Tampa Bay
A – I really want the Bucs to do well, as I’m looking forward to backing them come the Wembley game. It’s probably fair to say that they’re improving and that Josh Johnson might be a short term option over the next couple of seasons. Carolina – one of my pre-season picks – are trying to struggle back to respectability after seeing off the Redskins last week. They seem like the right pick here, and as much as I think the Bucs will give them a good game I’m going to go with the easy option of a Panthers win.

G – As with Andrew, I will be a Bucs fan for the day at Wembley.  I can’t see them winning this week, or next week to be honest, but they are improving, and that is great news for the International Series game

Cleveland @ Pittsburgh
A – Steelers walk. I mean win.

G – With Cleveland struggling to beat the Bills last week, I am not expecting too much this week.  Steelers win.

Detroit @ Green Bay
A – Nice to have some easy ones (he said, preparing the humble pie for Monday). Packers win.

G – I am not so sure it will be an easy one.  The Lions are another improving team.  A Green Bay win, but not the roll over many predict I don’t think.

Houston @ Cincinnati
A – The Texans continue to thoroughly vex me. I was keeping an eye on the Bengals during pre-season, and though they’ve been good it wasn’t really in the way I was expecting. The Texans are giving up an embarrassing 5.2 yards per rushing attempt. Cedric Benson should have a good day, meaning that Carson “4th Quarter” Palmer shouldn’t have to do too much. But even if he does, he’s probably good for it. Bengals win.

G -The Bengals have been a joy to watch so far.  I expect another good performance and a win this week.

Kansas City @ Washington
A – “When two tribes go to war, one is on and two can’t score.” – Yeah, that Frankie was a wise man. I hope he made it to Hollywood OK.
For the first time in history, a team will start the first 6 weeks of a season meeting winless teams. This… this is shocking that we’re only 2-3 in that range. That said, I’ve seen all those games and think we should grab the 2 wins happily.
The Chiefs are improving week on week and took the Cowboys the distance last week in the third week of their consecutive stretch against the NFC East. That said, the Skins are unbeaten at home, and I fancy them (fan blindness?) to get the win here.

G – I watched the Kansas Dallas game last week, it wasn’t one of the highlights of the season, even the week to be honest.  The Chiefs did look like they are capable of beating the Skins though and for that reason I pick a Kansas win.

NY Giants @ New Orleans
A – With both teams delivering on both sides of the ball so far, this could be a great game. Like Graham, I hope I can watch it. Giants in a narrow win.

G - I really want to watch this one (which probably means it is blacked out on GamePass, I must check) It has the makings of a grand battle.  I want to pick the Saints, but I have to go with the Giants here.

St Louis @ Jacksonville
A – The Jags are coming of a truly humbling 41 point shutout. That’ll hurt. But the Rams are looking really bad all across the board – quite possibly worse than the 2-14 2008 Rams. Despite their erratic nature, we do know that the Jags can play so they’re my pick here.

G – I picked the Jaguars last week, and there would be no way I would pick them again if it weren’t for the fact that they are playing the Rams.  Jaguars win.

Arizona @ Seattle
A – Another home win for the Seahawks. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that it won’t be another shutout though.

G -  I like Arizona this season, but much more at home than on the road.  Seattle are in good form and should hold out for this game.

Philadelphia @ Oakland
A – Oakland’s promising start (1 game) has fallen to pieces and it remains a complete mystery how JaMarcus Russel is still getting a start when he’s really quite so terrible. Eagles to dominate in the Bay.

G -No contest here really.  I’d like to see a good game, but I think the Eagles will take Oakland apart.

Buffalo @ NY Jets
A – The Jets were in a great shoot-out with the Dolphins last weeks and the Bills haven’t really done much at all. I’m calling a Jets win here.

G -Both teams are coming off of two loses, but the Jets will be the team to end that streak this Sunday.

Tennessee @ New England
A – Got to be the Patriots here. The Titans are a team in trouble at 0-5. Worse is that they’re not playing badly at all – at times they look great (last week wasn’t really one of those times) and they’ve been in some good games. Sadly, this season is surely over for them now in terms of the post-season. Look for the to have a strong run in the second half of the season but getting a loss here.

G – The Patriots (especially Brady) have been getting a lot of stick over the last week.  I still think that there is little for them to worry about (well, until they face the Dolphins anyway ).  I feel they will be coming to London with a win.  The Titans on the other hand are going to be facing a lot of pressure.

Chicago @ Atlanta
A – This is a tough one to call. Surely the toughest of the week. Graham fancies the Falcons but I think Chicago will have enough here.

G – Atlanta showed some quality to get past the 49ers last week.  With the home advantage and weaker opponents I think this will be a comfortable Falcons win.

Monday 19th October

Denver @ San Diego
A – San Diego to get it done here. The Broncos are showing everyone that they’re for real, but the Chargers will have enough on both sides to get it done here.

G -  Another game that I am really looking forward to.  I wasn’t conviced with the Broncos until now.  Any team brave enough to play a game in that kit are a team to be afraid of.  I expect Denver to continue their winning streak here.

	Andrew	Graham	Guest: Lawrence	Guest: Brian	Actual
Baltimore Ravens @ Minnesota Vikings
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers
Houston Texans @ Cincinnati Bengals
Kansas City Chiefs @ Washington Redskins
New York Giants @ New Orleans Saints
St. Louis Rams @ Jacksonville Jaguars
Arizona Cardinals @ Seattle Seahawks
Philadelphia Eagles @ Oakland Raiders
Buffalo Bills @ New York Jets
Tennessee Titans @ New England Patriots
Chicago Bears @ Atlanta Falcons
Denver Broncos @ San Diego Chargers