After an embarrassing week five when I slipped below .500 for the week, I am aiming to get back on track in week six. Many readers challenged me on some of the games and they were right on target in picking against me. However, overall I'm still chugging along at over a 60% clip, so I'm still way ahead of the game and equal to most of those so-called experts. Without further self-promotion (as if I truly need it!), here we go:
Steelers over Browns: Gee, wouldn't it be a great fairy tale if Cleveland's Colt McCoy could beat Pittsburgh's Big Ben in both of their first starts of the season? Yes it would but fairy tales don't always come true! Ain't happening.
Packers over Dolphins: While a lot of the experts are actually picking Miami to beat the walking wounded of Green Bay, I still see Lambeau Field as a decent advantage for the Packers despite their injuries.
Falcons over Eagles: Atlanta goes on the road in what could have been an interesting story if Philadelphia QB Michael Vick was healthy and playing. But alas, he is not and they are not as good with Kevin Kolb at the helm.
Chiefs over Texans: Houston is fast proving that you can't win with a good offense and a terrible defense, while the Chiefs are fast proving that they are for real in 2010 and will contend for the AFC West.
Saints over Buccaneers: Time for Tampa to face reality and that is that New Orleans is still a better team than them and anxious to prove to the league that the Super Bowl Champs are still... the champs.
Bears over Seahawks: Not only is Chicago a better team at home, but Seattle is not good at all on the road, and both of these things will lead to a Bears victory.
Giants over Lions: Sounds like a sci-fi title, and it would have to be science fiction if Detroit thinks it has a chance to win at New York (uh,...New Jersey?).
Chargers over Rams: Once again, I'd love to see San Diego QB Phil Rivers whine and complain, but their offense is so good right now that even a surprisingly improved St. Louis team shoulldn't be able to keep up.
Broncos over Jets: Here's my "Upset Special Pick of the Week,"and it's a doozy! Denver gets back home and their passing offense exposes a weakness in pass coverage of New York. Despite the greatness that is 'Revis Island,' the rest of the Jets' secondary is not as impressive and Denver QB Kyle Orton will throw a lot to anyone wearing the same colors as his.
49ers over Raiders: I so want to pick Oakland in this game but if San Francisco is going to win even one game in 2010, this has to be it, right? I said right? Anyone...?
Vikings over Cowboys: One of these two teams has to drop to 1-4 and virtually out of the postseason already. Minnesota has come closer to winning so far and are at home, which is a huge advantage. Dallas just keeps making mistakes and while Tony Romo will probably throw for 400 yards, he'll also probably throw four balls to the guys in purple and the Vikings' gimpy old man will finally get his second win of the season.
Colts over Redskins (Sunday Night Football): I was tempted to go with this as my "Upset Special," but am not quite ready to accept the end of the 'Peyton Manning era.' No way he allows his team to go to 3-3 but Washington will be out to prove that their QB is better than the one wearing the horseshoe. Uhh,...nope.
Jaguars over Titans (Monday Night Football): Not exactly a stellar MNF match-up, but with two of the better RB's in the NFL in this game,it could be an exciting one. While I like Tennessee's defense a bit better, Jacksonville's passing attack and home field advantage should make the difference.
(As always, I'll 'Pick & Pan' the Ravens @ Patriots game on Sunday morning.)
Last week: 6-8 (ouch!)
Season record: 47-29