Sunday Football
TouchDown
Week 6:
Week 5 unofficially kicked off the second quarter of the NFL season. There’s no doubt that having four weeks to analyze for every team was key in setting up our best picks and predictions so far in 2023.
Teams both good and bad responded like expected based on the matchups and their recent successes or failures. But every week, the counter starts at zero and the projections will get tougher as teams adjust and evolve.
So lets see if we can keep the momentum in week 6.
Our Picks:
Bengals vs Seahawks
Pick: Bengals -3.0 @20/21
This might seem like evenly matched teams given the Bengals’ off record at 2-3 and the Seahawks sitting at 3-1 coming out of a bye. But this is a terrific matchup for Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase to stay hot against a struggling pass defense. Defensively, the Bengals have the pass rush with Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard to take advantage of the Seahawks hurting at the tackles for Geno Smith. Cincinnati also tends to be a better home team and Seattle already won on a long road trip against the much weaker Giants in Week 4.
Titans vs Ravens – London 2.30pm GMT
Pick: Ravens ML @2/5
Lamar Jackson and the entire Ravens’ offense is not fitting so well in the new system with critical mistakes and an inconsistent running game, sometimes using Jackson, sometimes not. The Titans also have had Jackson’s number in the past. That said, the Titans’ defense is suddenly breaking down up front and has a bad secondary. The Ravens also can keep slowing Derrick Henry across the pond. John Harbaugh’s team rebounds well as Mike Vrabel’s team fails to overachieve for the mild upset.
Falcons vs Commanders
Pick: Over 42.5 @10/11
The Commanders are breaking down against the run. The Falcons tend to stop the run well and force teams to pass. Sam Howell will be game but he’s sloppy with his dual threat. Desmond Ridder cleaned up a little and found his groove throwing to Kyle Pitts and Drake London, two guys who can cause issues for Washington’s defense. Plus, Washington stinks against the run now and Bijan Robinson can be a much bigger impact player than Brian Robinson Jr. Were going with the over, looks a safe options.
Bears vs Vikings
Pick: Vikings ML @5/8
The Vikings may be without hamstrung top wide receiver Justin Jefferson, an absolute Bears killer. But they still have plenty of firepower around Kirk Cousins with T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison and K.J. Osborn with whom to attack the Bears pass-rush less pass defense all over the field. Justin Fields will stay hot passing but the traditional running game is hurting and the Vikings should work to double-cover D.J. Moore and force him to throw elsewhere.
Browns vs 49ers
Pick: 49ers -9.5 @10/11
This number isn’t really respecting the fact the 49ers are an offensive machine with all their key weapons healthy around Brock Purdy. It also doesn’t factor how well they travel east with Kyle Shanahan and that the Browns’ two key players, Deshaun Watson and Myles Garrett, coming in nursing injuries. The Browns’ defense is good, but the 49ers are too multiple, versatile and explosive for them and their offensive line will get ripped in front of Watson.
Dolphins vs Panthers – Our Lock
Picks: Dolphins ML @1/10
Double with Over 47.5 @10/11
Were loving the Dolphins so far this season and they are destroying teams at home with their speed and quickness, whether with their dynamic power running game or big-play passing game. The Panthers have struggled defensively with both of those aspects. They also are not good in pass protection for Bryce Young and the Dolphins’ defense is built to rush the passer. Tua Tagovailoa cleans up some things to be the better former Alabama star QB.
Raiders vs Patriots
Pick: Raiders -3.0 @1/1
There’s some real heat on Josh McDaniels in Year 2 as Raiders coach. There should be real lament on the part of Bill Belichick for no longer having McDaniels calling his offense, Jimmy Garoppolo replacing Tom Brady instead of Mac Jones, and yeah, not re-signing Jakobi Meyers. This is the ultimate revenge game for many things Raiders and it’s time to keep smacking Belichick’s depleted defense and shaky offense when it’s down.
Rams vs Cardinals
Pick: Rams ML @10/31
The Cardinals’ pass defense fell apart against a simliar pass-happy offense last week as the Bengals ripped them on the back end. They absolutely have zero answers for Cooper Kupp, Puka Nacua and Tutu Atwell in coverage and their offense will miss James Conner (knee) this week. Josh Dobbs also will have more issues against a sneaky good pass defense with fine pressure coming around Aaron Donald.
Jets vs Eagles
Pick: Eagles ML @1/3
This line might seem a little puzzling given this is a short road trip for the Eagles and the Jets are coming off an emotional much-needed road win in Denver. The Eagles showed their full fury with Jalen Hurts and their front lines in Los Angeles and can cause some issues for Zach Wilson, who’s connecting better each week with his wide receivers. The problem here is a contained running game for Breece Hall while Philly gets D’Andre Swift and DeVonta Smith going big-time agian.
Bills vs Giants – Our Game of the week.
Pick: Over 44.0 @10/11
We also like the Spread Bills -15.0 @10/11
The world got a break from the Giants in prime time in Week 5. So what happens? They’re back under the lights, this time with Daniel Jones (neck) also hurting along with Saquon Barkley (ankle), Wan’Dale Robinson (concussion) to add to the offensive line woes minus Andrew Thomas. Why give us this needless Brian Daboll revenge game, at Buffalo, no less?
Why, our game of the week. Some would rather watch Paris 2024 promos for three hours. OK, it is fun watching Josh Allen go nuts again in a blowout while the football gods allow Tyrod Taylor to make a surprise start vs. his most notable former team. NBC may not have flexed this game, but Buffalo needs to flex on someone after London.
The National Football League is a professional American football league that consists of 32 teams, divided equally between the American Football Conference and the National Football Conference.
Best NFL Picks and Tips
0 Comments