NFL Preview: Week 6

After five weeks, we are at a point where statistics begin to have relevance. We are entering the meat of the schedule now, where a lot of pretenders may be found and the quality teams step to the fore. There appears to be a number of potentially entertaining matchups. Buckle up those chin straps and let’s kick some ass, shall we?

Cincinnati -6 At Tampa Bay 42

On the surface, this one looks like a no-brainer. The Bengals need to comeback big after having been humiliated at home two weeks ago, otherwise the hype will fade. However, last week the Bucs’ new QB came to play. Right now, neither defense is playing all that hot, so we need to look at the respective offenses. Is Cincinnati worth the points? Aye, cap’n.

Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 27, Tampa Bay 17

At Washington -10 Tennessee 39

Last week, the Titans fought tooth n’ nail barely losing to Indy at the end, and they’re still giving up 100+yd/gm more than they’re getting. Meanwhile, the Skins continue their lackluster up and down season, and are right about 330 yd/g on both sides of the ball. If they were able to put up 36 points two weeks ago against a top notch defense, they should be able to do the same with Tennessee. Still, based on their performance, I remain gun-shy about them.

Projected Final Score: Washington 24, Tennessee 16.

At Dallas -13 Houston 43

13-point spreads make your fearless prognosticator a little squeamish, but you have to figure that the Cowboys will be entering this game in ill humour after last week’s ill-fated trip to Philly. Somebody’s gotta pay and—as luck would have it—another “patsy” comes to Dallas…

Projected Final Score: Dallas 34, Houston 13.

Buffalo -1 At Detroit 39.5

The Buffalo team that was pulverized last week will be facing a team that has yet to win. Detroit’s offense is marginally better than Buffalo’s where the Bills are significantly better on defense. All season, I’ve incorrectly predicted that the Lions will turn things around with Marinelli’s disciplinary style. Do we go Honolulu Blue? Hmmm… (even a blind pig gets an acorn now and again)

Projected Final Score: Detroit 21, Buffalo 17.

Seattle -3 At St. Louis 44.5

It’s never to early to show who’s the boss (or whether hype is real or just smoke). The Seahawks are finally coming to, after the knockout punch at Chicago two weeks ago. The Rams have played well to date, but they have not faced a defense as good as Seattle’s. Alexander is out again for the ‘Hawks, so the receiving corps will have to step it up. If the ‘Hawks want to regain some of the respect and luster that was tarnished, there’s no better way of proving it than against a division rival under adverse conditions.

Projected Final Score: Seattle 31, St. Louis 27

At Atlanta -3 NY Giants 43

The G-Men go down south to face Vick & Co. in the Dome. The problem is not with the Giants’ offense so far. Inconsistent at times, but they’re still among the league leaders in total offense. Atlanta’s defense to date is averaging about 50 yd/g fewer than New York’s. At home, the Falcons usually win.

Projected Final Score: Atlanta 20, NY Giants 16

Philadelphia -3 At New Orleans 46

This is another contest of contender/pretender, as both clubs squarely fit in this uncertain space. Saints have benefited early from a weak schedule, while the Iggles had a big win at home lasr week vs. Dallas. Both clubs’ offenses have been healthy of late, but Philly’s offense has been down right prolific, and despite the Saints’ wonderful start, McNabb’s going to light it up.

Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 35, New Orleans 27
At Baltimore -3 Carolina 33.5

Whether McNair’s poor performance was weather-related or a harbinger of things to come remains to be seen. The offense appears to be declining over the past few weeks. The defense played well enough to win last week, but turnovers killed the Ravens’ chances. This week they come home to face the Panthers, winners of three straight. Is Delhomme capable of besting the vaunted Ravens’ D? There’s a certain #52 in the home sweater who will convince his crew not to be overly hospitable to the visitors. Cowlina may be trending up, but this week they’ll hit a brick wall.

Projected Final Score: Ravens 17, Carolina 13

At NY Jets -2.5 Miami 36

Somethin’s gotta give: The surpising Jets (winless at home) meet the struggling Dolphins (winless on the road) “stuck in the mud somewhere in the swamps of Jersey”. Harrington took the helm as Miami’s QB last week and it’s his job to lose. Last week, Mangini’s crew were smacked down big time…the Dolphins offense may be anemic, but the defense has played pretty well. Defense rules the day on this one.

Projected Final Score: Miami 20, NY Jets 14


San Diego -10 At San Francisco 42.5

Are the Chargers worth the points at Candlestick? Oh yeah! That’s all you need to know.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 31, San Francisco 17

At Pittsburgh -7 Kansas City 36.5

There’s nothing worse than crossing the turf of a wounded animal. The reigning Super Bowl champs have played like anything but at 1-3. Damon Huard has performed admirably as Green’s replacement. The issue is whether the Steelers’ mystique can be enough to post a win. KC has a great pass defense, so look to the Steelers to run, run, run. I’m going upset, here.

Projected Final Score: Kansas City 23, Pittsburgh 17

At Denver -15 Oakland 36.5

How bad are the Raiders? Very bad, my friend, very bad indeed. Are the Broncs this good? 15 points good? With Jake Jekyll at QB? Heck, there may not even be fifteen points scored in the game.

Projected Final Score: Denver 23, Oakland 10