Week Six NFL Predictions

Panthers @ Falcons - The Falcons just don't seem to be playing like the same team that had a first round bye in the NFC last year. That problem starts with their defense, who has given up 383.4 yards per game, but their problems don't end there. Matt Ryan has been less than stellar, with a 7:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio this year. He's also been sacked 14 times, as the offensive line hasn't been able to give him the time to get the ball to playmakers like Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez.
Meanwhile, the Panthers played the NFC powerhouse Saints to the wire this past week, and Cam Newton has exceeded maybe even his own expectations with his permormance thus far this year. An 84.3 quarterback rating is very solid for a rookie quarterback, but especially one who wasn't necessarily believed to be an instant impact player as a passer. UPSET OF THE WEEK!! Prediction: Panthers 24, Falcons 20.
Colts @ Bengals - Since Curtis Painter took over for Kerry Collins at quarterback, the Colts have looked like a much better team than their 0-5 record would indicate. Joseph Addai will probably miss this game with a leg injury, so that'll mean more run for rookie RB Delone Carter.
For the Bengals, they are very much a Marvin Lewis team, in that this team is a ball control, ground-oriented offense that wants to minimize mistakes, and they have perhaps the most underrated front seven in all of football. Rookie QB Andy Dalton has been a good game manager, and has utilized some of the young playmakers on the outside very well. AJ Green is having a stellar rookie campaign (24 catches, 402 yards, 3 TD), and second year TE Jermaine Gresham has also played well (21, 208, 3). Prediction: Bengals 21, Colts 13.
49ers @ Lions - Matching two of the most surprising teams in the NFL, the 49ers come off of a dominant performance on both sides of the ball in their 48-3 shellacking of the Buccanneers. Frank Gore is now seemingly healthy (35 carries, 252 yards, 3 TD the past two weeks), and Alex Smith is playing very solidly at quarterback. Jim Harbaugh seems to have his fingers on the pulse of this team, as they are probably performing better than their overall talent level would indicate.
The Lions have now won 9 consecutive regular season games dating back to last year, and a lot of that has to do with the return of a now-healthy Matt Stafford. Calvin Johnson has 9 touchdowns on the year, and is simply impossible to cover in jump ball situations (as evidenced by his catch against three Cowboys two weeks ago). The defensive line plays with a mean streak, and now has first rounder Nick Fairley, who is back from a foot injury that had kept him out of action until this past week. I'd still like to see their offensive line be able to open up more holes for Jahvid Best. Prediction: Lions 23, 49ers 21.
Rams @ Packers - St. Louis just hasn't been able to get on track this year, which is painful since before the season started I felt like this team could make a little bit of noise in the NFC. Playing a tougher schedule has definitely not helped either, and it will again be a tough task as they play the defending champions this week. Expect a big day from Aaron Rodgers in this one, though the Rams will be competitive for a while. Prediction: Packers 31, Rams 16.
Bills @ Giants - The Bills again forced four interceptions from a Pro Bowl quarterback, the most recent coming in last weeks 31-24 win against the Eagles. Buffalo has still allowed 450-plus yards in each of their past four games, but part of those struggles can be attributed to Kyle Williams fighting a nagging leg injury since the preseason. Shawne Merriman (Achilles) and Donald Jones (ankle) will miss this game for the Bills.
The Giants are a bit of an enigma. Seemingly signature wins (29-16 road win in Philadelphia) followed by major letdowns (last week's 36-25 home loss to the Seahawks). The one thing that will be consistent is the pass rush, as Jason Pierre-Paul, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora will bring heat against opposing quarterbacks. Prediction: Giants 27, Bills 24.
Jaguars @ Steelers - Jacksonville's offense is struggling, as the combination of McCown and Gabbert at quarterback has combined for 750 yards, 3 touchdowns, 6 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 58.7. The Steelers have seemed to find their groove after their dismantling of the Tennessee Titans this past week. Prediction: Steelers 30, Jaguars 10.
Eagles @ Redskins - Hard to believe a team that seemed like a lock to make a playoff run has gotten off to a 1-4 start this year, however thats what the Eagles are staring down. Just about every week from here on out is a must-win, but against a division opponent who they're trailing in the standings means that Andy Reid has got to turn this thing around quickly.
The Redskins have done a good job of winning close games this year, a last minute field-goal away from being 4-0. Shanahan as usual gets the most out of his running backs, as Ryan Torain, Tim Hightower and Roy Helu have all contributed on the ground (which is a nightmare for fantasy football owners), and their young pass rushers Ryan Kerrigan (2) and Brian Orakpo (3.5) head a defense that has recorded 15 sacks through four games. Prediction: Eagles 26, Redskins 20.
Texans @ Ravens - After seemingly being ready for primetime in their 17-10 win over the Steelers, the Texans were knocked back down to earth in their 25-20 loss to Oakland this past week. To make matters worse, they also lost pass-rusher Mario Williams for the season with a torn pectoral muscle. Arian Foster is back and healthy for the Texans, but their offense will still be without All-Pro Andre Johnson this week.
The Ravens have had a bye week to prepare for this game, and with Ray Rice accounting for 539 total yards and four touchdowns, the Ravens seem ready for another run in the postseason. The Texans will have their time, but not this week. Prediction: Ravens 24, Texans 17.
Browns @ Raiders - The Raiders are coming off of an emotional previous weekend, losing owner Al Davis on Saturday, then going to Houston and beating the Texans 25-20. Darrius Heyward-Bey is finally playing like a first round pick (7 catches, 99 yards and a TD in the win), and their offensive line has continued to open up holes for Darren McFadden. Jason Campbell has done a great job at being a game manager, and this Raiders team is going to be in the thick of the AFC playoff race all year.
The Browns have some turmoil as well, with the news that RB Peyton Hillis was advised to sit out with strep throat by his agent, perhaps to signify his unhappiness with the lack of a new contract. While I do believe Mike Holmgren needs to pony up for the face of his franchise (and Madden cover-boy), I'd rather see Hillis take the high road than question his long-term future in Cleveland to the media. Prediction: Raiders 27, Browns 20.
Cowboys @ Patriots - Dallas is just a few plays away from being a 5-0 team, and were it not for a monumental second-half collapse at home against the Lions in week four, this team would be 4-1. It looks as though both Dez Bryant and Miles Austin will play, which should definitely alleviate some of the pressure on lightning-rod QB Tony Romo, who should be able to move the ball fairly easily against a porous Patriots pass defense.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are having no trouble putting up yards and points this season, as the Brady/Welker combination has been unstoppable this year. Since their road loss to the Bills, they've found more offensive balance, which has resulted in two wins against good teams (at Oakland, vs Jets). Their defense has been solidly below average this year, and they no doubt miss LB Jerod Mayo (out for the next several weeks). Prediction: Patriots 30, Cowboys 28.
Saints @ Buccanneers - The Saints were given a scare last week by Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers, needing a fourth-quarter touchdown drive to leave with a 30-27 victory. The Bucs are coming off an embarrassing effort against the 49ers this past week, and are going to be without RB LeGarrette Blount this week. For a team that seemed to have so much promise at the end of last year, teams are prepared, and the Bucs have adjusted. Prediction: Saints 38, Bucs 17.
Vikings @ Bears - The Vikings got off the scheid last week in their 34-10 home win against the Arizona Cardinals. That score is deceptive, as Donovan McNabb is still struggling both with accuracy (10-21) and finding his play-making WR Percy Harvin (only 18 catches for 183 yards and 0 TD this season). Adrian Peterson is still their bread and butter, but to win against good teams, they have to find consistent quarterback play.
The Bears are looking to rebound following last Monday's 24-13 loss to the Lions. Mike Martz has seemed to learn how to call run plays, and Matt Forte has been the beneficiary (47 carries, 321 yards the last two weeks). Jay Cutler has been more careful with the football this year, but they are lacking the big plays in the passing game this year (23rd in pass yards/game). Prediction: Bears 20, Vikings 13.
Dolphins @ Jets - The Dolphins have had the bye week to get QB Matt Moore ready for this start against the Jets. While Moore isn't a super-talented quarterback and won't make as many big plays as Henne, I think he'll do a good job of hitting his first and second reads, and isn't afraid to check down to players like Fasano and Bush.
The Jets are in near must-win mode if they want to have a realistic shot at the playoffs. Turnovers have been the bugaboo for the Jets, and in particular QB Mark Sanchez. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer needs to get back to this teams bread and butter: a ground based attack with play-action that will allow Sanchez single coverage to hit big-play threats in Santonio Holmes and Plaxico Burress deep. Prediction: Jets 21, Dolphins 16.

Last Week: 8-5 (.615)
Season: 52-25 (.675)