NFL Week Six Picks
Yeah, it just keeps getting worse. Or, you know, I just keep getting worse.
Truth is, I’m having trouble getting engaged in this season. Or staying engaged, I guess. When there’s a game in front of me, I’m into it. Otherwise, I spend the time I usually dedicate to thinking about football wondering how anyone thinks it’s a good idea to play football during a pandemic.
Anyhow, that’s my excuse for going 9-5 straight up and 6-8 against the spread in week six, and for why I currently sit at 52-24-1 (.682) straight up, 31-43-3 (.422) against the spread for the season.
And still here I go with ill-advised and ill-favored picks for week six.
Here’s what not to expect.
Houston (+3.5) at Tennessee
The Titans’ extra short week following their Tuesday evening pummeling of the Bills, and the leveling factor of division rivalry, are the only things that keep this game close. And it still won’t be that close. Tennessee by six.
Cincinnati (+7.5) at Indianapolis
If this game were being played in Cincinnati, and there was such a thing as home field advantage this season, a spread of just more than a touchdown in Indy’s favor might make sense. Under existing conditions. not so much. Colts by 14.
Atlanta (+4) at Minnesota
There’s no in-season fix for the Falcons. But the same more than likely can be said of the Vikings. Minnesota by a field goal.
Denver (+8) at New England
It’s hard to imagine this will be the week when the Broncos’ offense finally gets some traction. (Maybe week six of the 2021 season?) Patriots by 13.
Washington (+2.5) at NY Giants
Does this actually qualify as a professional football game? Brand X by three.
Baltimore (-9.5) at Philadelphia
The NFC East is just a power pack this season, isn’t it? Baltimore by 20.
Cleveland (+3.5) at Pittsburgh
I think the Browns could actually win this game — if they can sprout a defense. Or, alternately, it it works out the Steelers don’t actually have much of an offense. I’m inclined toward option two. Cleveland by a point.
Chicago (+1) at Carolina
One of these teams is better than I’ve been giving them credit for. But I’m not sure which. (Maybe it’s both.) So I’m picking the home team to win by three.
Detroit (+3) at Jacksonville
The coin came up tails. So that’s Jacksonville. By one? I guess.
NY Jets (+9.5) at Miami
Even the division rivalry thing can’t make a game of this uneven matchup. Dolphins by 16.
Green Bay (-1) at Tampa Bay
The notion that Aaron Rodgers is (or ever has been) a better quarterback than Tom Brady is absurd. The notion that the 2020 Packers are a more balanced and complete team than the 2020 Buccaneers is on the money. Green Bay by four.
LA Rams (-2.5) at San Francisco
It’s probably time the Niners start thinking about the draft. Rams by seven.
Kansas City (-5) at Buffalo
I’m not sure the Bills are quite ready for this match yet. Kansas City by three.
Arizona (-1) at Dallas
The Cowboys’ season ended last week. I think everyone knows that. Cardinals by a field goal.
