Week 6 Preview

It’s moving into that time of year when the days are shorter the weather gets chillier and the carefree summer days become but distant memories. In short, it’s getting to be football time. After this week, the haves and have-nots will be sorted out to a large extent. The margin of error for teams like Chicago, San Diego and Seattle is slim. Win now or forgetaboutit…

The following teams are our lucky winners in the “Take A Week Off Free” contest are: Buffalo, Denver, Detroit, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh and San Francisco.

Cincinnati -3 At Kansas City 41.5

Talk about a match between two dreadful teams: The Horribles Collide: One has a horrible offense while the other has a terrible defense. Due to the appalling degree of mediocrity that now exists in both the AFC North and West, both of these teams are still in the races of their respective divisions. Something’s gotta give, and this time it is the visitors’ turn to create some breathing space.

Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 27, Kansas City 17.

At Jacksonville -6.5 Houston 37

Right now, the Jags are in the midst of putting together a pretty good year while the Texans are slowly returning to earth. A solid performance by Jacksonville would further their cause. Having to rely on a last-second field goal to defeat a bad team at home speaks volumes about how far the Texans need to go to become legit.

Projected Final Score: Jacksonville 23, Houston 16.

At Cleveland -4.5 Miami 45

The Dolphins showed a lot of spunk taking Houston to the wire last week while the Browns played a tough football game against New England only to fritter things away on turnovers. This will be Cleo Lemon’s first week at the controls for Miami and you’d have to think a learning curve is in order. The Browns will most likely be without Jamal Lewis and his absence combined with the Florida heat may make things unpleasant for the guests.

Projected Final Score: Miami 21, Cleveland 20.

At Chicago -5.5 Minnesota 37.5

Da Bears may have saved their season last week at Lambeau and must be licking their chops at the prospect of facing the woefully inadequate Vikes. This is a perfect game for Chicago to build upon last week. All the defense needs to do is remain stout and all the offense need to is “NO TURNOVERS”.

Projected Final Score: Chicago 24, Minnesota 13.

Philadelphia -3 At NY Jets 42

Trying to decide between these two is much like sticking your hand in a bees’ nest. Either way, you will get stung. If McNabb shows up as Dr. Jekyll, the Eagles will do just fine. However, things may get interesting if Mr. Hyde appears. The Jets O-Line has been taking quite a beating of late such that even the maligned Winston Justice looks like an All-Pro.

Projected Final Score: Philadelphia 24, NY Jets 20.

At Baltimore -9.5 St. Louis 37

There’s no question that the Ravens’ defense presents a big challenge for any team, much less an 0-5 injury riddled bunch. The offense netted but three field goals and yet the defense held up for the win. Half of the Rams’ starting offense will be watching from the safety and comfort of the sidelines, so don’t go looking for an offensive explosion from the home team. If they weren’t facing a lackluster offense, taking the spread would be a no-brainer.

Projected Final Score: Ravens 20, St. Louis 13.

At Tampa Bay -3 Tennessee 38

Pretty soon, Chucky’s going to have to take out want ads for a running back. This week, Tampa Bay has culled Zach Crockett from the scrap heap. He was a great inside goal-line back for the Raiders…about five years ago. The Bucs will maintain their brave face, notwithstanding last week’s defeat. Tennessee is not going to lose this week.

Projected Final Score: Tennessee 20, Tampa Bay 16.

At Green Bay -3 Washington 40.5

Was last Sunday a blip on the radar screen or a downward trend for the Pack? They had the Bears down and out and let the game slip away. Meanwhile, Coach Gibbs has the Redskins off to a nice start at 3-1. Favre reverted to his gun slinging days in the second half last week. This week, he’d better stick to Coach McCarthy’s game plan. Jason Campbell is also developing into a very good quarterback but still has moments when his lack of experience is detrimental. In a case of the grizzled old vet and the young gun, wisdom suggests that experience has the edge.

Projected Final Score: Green Bay 23, Washington 17.

At Arizona -3.5 Carolina 40.5

It seems like Carolina has been coming on slowly in recent weeks as they look to wrest control in the NFC South, while the Cardinals have been playing well of late under Kurt Warner. This week, there’s no safety net at quarterback for Coach Whisenhunt, but the same thing’s true for Coach Fox. David Carr is the guy from here on out. Carr demonstrated remarkable courage last week coming back from a painful injury to lead his team to a win. However, Arizona has played very well at home, and all things being equal, get the edge on Sunday.

Projected Final Score: Arizona 24, Carolina 20.

New England -4.5 At Dallas 52.5

For the Cowboys, this is a “statement game.” For New England, this is just one more game on the schedule. Both teams didn’t exactly distinguish themselves last week, though the media-types have been hyping the game as a Super Bowl preview. (Let’s not get carried away here, boys, it’s only October). Anytime elite teams match up, it ought to be entertaining…once more however, America is being treated to another display of TO’s shameless self-promotion (and they told us that things were “different this year”). Not that any of the hype phases the Patriots, as the core group has “been there, done that.” Nor will any team coached by Machiavelli come into any game feeling smug and secure. This week, the Patriots win, though only by a whisker.

Projected Final Score: New England 27, Dallas 24.

At San Diego -9.5 Oakland 44.5

The Chargers appear to be emerging from their September fog while the Raiders appear to be on the rise once more. In order for the Chargers to feel completely over the hump what they need is a good, old-fashioned AFL whipping of the Silver & Black. To mark the occasion, they’re coming out in their original “Powder Blues”. Next stop, Balboa Stadium.

Projected Final Score: San Diego 31, Oakland 24.

At Seattle -6.5 New Orleans 43

The network programmers must be pulling out their hair over this one. This was supposed to be a match up of NFC contenders. Last week, Seattle was humiliated by Pittsburgh, and it’s legitimate to consider whether they have peaked. This week, Deion Branch is out and one of the pillars of the team, Mack Strong, hung up his cleats for good. On the other hand, there is no team that has been such an inexplicable disappointment than the Saints. There will be a week when the offense breathes life, but to be a player in the game, they need to earn the right.

Projected Final Score: Seattle 23, New Orleans 16.