Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming up. Through five weeks of play, the parity of the NFL is well defined. Only one team is undefeated while 31 teams have at least one win (thanks for saving me Houston last week). In fact, five teams have four wins, eight teams have three wins, 12 teams have two wins, and six teams have one win. For Week 6 there will be a lot of interesting matchups to keep an eye on this week. I'll keep an eye on: the Ravens-Giants, Bills-Chiefs, and the Cowboys-Eagles matchups this week. Let's get to the picks!
Week 6 Preview
Week 6 of the National Football League's regular season starts in Chicago, Illinois and finishes up at Inglewood, California. The week features a 14-game slate where 28 teams will play. The Detroit Lions, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders, and Tennessee Titans have a bye this week. Week 6 will have a Thursday night game, eight early games, three late games a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the single game and CBS will carry the doubleheader this week. Let's get to the picks!
Week 6 Picks
Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking is my former roommate.
Washington (1-4) @ Chicago (2-3) (Amazon; 8:15 pm): TW: Commanders; CV: Commanders
The two teams lost their games last week as the Commanders lost to the Titans and the Bears lost to the Vikings. The 2022 season hasn't gone the way the two teams had planned but each game is a new. Washington comes into this game with two straight gut wrenching losses. Chicago had a chance to comeback against the Vikings but they faltered. I like the Commanders in the matchup as I do like the matchup of their wide receivers over the Chicago secondary. Carson Wentz has been productive and at times risky with his play. The interceptions really hurt him. I'm not sure what to expect in this game but I feel Washington will take the win.
Cincinnati (2-3) @ New Orleans (2-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
The Bengals lost to the Ravens and the Saints beat the Seahawks last week. Cincy has had a rough go of it in 2022. Super Bowl hangover is real for them and the Rams so far. New Orleans has had the same go of it but without the Super Bowl hangover. Taysom Hill had the game of a lifetime against the Seahawks last week and they could utilize him again in this game. The challenge is fending off the stifling Bengals defense that can make offenses like mince meat. The matchup itself seems like a decent one and I do like the road team in this game as they do have quite a bit of talent across the both sides of the ball. I'll take the Bengals.
Baltimore (3-2) @ NY Giants (4-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Giants; CV: Giants
Both teams got wins last week as the Ravens beat the Bengals and the Giants beat the Packers. Two teams that on paper makes for a good game. The Ravens had some bumps in the road closing games out. The win last week against Cincinnati proved that they can win again in a close ballgame. New York has had a renaissance season and the catalyst is head coach Brian Daboll. The locker room seems to respond to him well and they play their ass off for him. The Ravens could very well beat the Giants in this game but I like the Giants enough to stick with them for another week. I'll take the G-men in an upset.
Jacksonville (2-3) @ Indianapolis (2-2-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Jaguars; CV: Jaguars
The Jaguars lost to the Texans and the Colts beat the Broncos last week. The Jaguars-Colts series finishes up early this season. The last time these two teams met, the Jaguars defense ravaged Matt Ryan and the Colts offense. That was with Jonathan Taylor who was still healthy. In this game, he's out. I don't trust the Colts enough to get the job done. If there was a sample size of that trust, it would be that barn burner against the Broncos. Jacksonville isn't necessarily safe either but they have somewhat of a shot to win with Trevor Lawrence at quarterback. The game is just a shit storm but I'll take the Jaguars.
Minnesota (4-1) @ Miami (3-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Vikings beat the Bears and the Dolphins lost to the Jets last week. Minnesota has had a good start with a few squeaker games that came down to the wire. What they face is a Dolphins team that is without Tua Tagovailoa who is out on concussion protocol. Along with Tua, the Dolphins also have Teddy Bridgewater out on an injury. Miami will have to go to 3rd stringer, Skylar Thompson, under center. Thompson didn't do a lot in the game against the Jets but he'll have his hands full against the Vikings defense. Fortunately for him, he has weapons to throw to. Assuming he can get the ball to them. The Vikings have had a solid offense this season and their balance of offense has led to their success. With seven touchdowns and five interceptions for Kirk Cousins, the passer has had a good start. I'll take the Vikes but the Dolphins aren't to be taken lightly.
New England (2-3) @ Cleveland (2-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots; CV: Patriots
The Patriots beat the Lions and the Browns lost to the Chargers last week. Bill Belichick goes up against the team that originally gave him a head coaching opportunity back in 1991. For 2022, the Patriots seem to have some stability at quarterback with Bailey Zappe. With a running game to match the Browns will have their hands full with this Patriots offense. New England has got it done on defense holding the #1 scoring offense in the Lions to zero points. For the Browns, they have an offense to match the Patriots with a running tandem of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. What I think will be key in this game is the progression of Bailey Zappe. He doesn't need to be a stud but with Damien Harris out for a few games with injury he'll need to throw for more than 100 yards. At least to keep a balance on offense. I'll take the Pats in a close one.
NY Jets (3-2) @ Green Bay (3-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Packers
The Jets beat the Dolphins and the Packers lost to the Giants last week. New York has had a good year so far surprisingly with a 3-2 record. They have been a good 3-2 while the Packers have been a bad 3-2. The reason for the Jets success has been their running game who have a plethora of running backs that can help Zach Wilson out when needed. Green Bay hasn't looked like the Green Bay of the past as they have looked flat on offense at times and their defense seems to give up points like clockwork. If I think the Packers rebound is to start, I feel the rebound will start with this game. I do like the Aaron Rodgers vs the Jets defensive line matchup a bit. I'll take the Packers.
San Francisco (3-2) @ Atlanta (2-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers
The 49ers beat the Panthers and the Falcons lost to the Buccaneers last week. Atlanta has been a bit of a surprise and not a living carpet of the NFL. They've had some great success on offense with Marcus Mariota at the helm. Another reason for their success has been Cordarelle Patterson. Unfortunately for the Falcons, he's out with injury. San Francisco has been the 49ers of old despite the loss of Trey Lance. The keeping of Jimmy Garoppolo has been key to the 2022 49ers. That and they kept Deebo Samuel on the roster. I don't see the Falcons surprising the NFL world in this game as they have a tough task ahead of them in stifling the 49ers offense. I'll go San Fran.
Tampa Bay (3-2) @ Pittsburgh (1-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
The Buccaneers beat the Falcons and the Steelers lost to the Bills. It's the GOAT vs the rookie in this quarterback matchup. Tom Brady has played well in 2022 and I think it will continue into this game. The team around him is questionable at times. His favorite targets in Chris Godwin and Mike Evans have been in and out of the lineup at times this year and the Bucs have looked flat at times. Pittsburgh seems to be another story altogether. Their quarterback situation is a mess and their defense can't stop anyone without TJ Watt. The game seems like a trap game for the Buccaneers but I'll take the risk and take Tampa.
Arizona (2-3) @ Seattle (2-3) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Cardinals; CV: Cardinals
The Cardinals lost to the Eagles and the Seahawks lost to the Saints last week. This matchup used to have some flare to it but in recent years has dimmed down a bit. Both teams have solid choices in quarterback with Kyler Murray and Geno Smith. The game will come down to who can keep either quarterback off the field. The Cardinals are a scrappy bunch that if the game can keep it close they have a shot to win. Seattle has been a nice story with the emergence of Geno Smith. The game seems like a toss-up but I'll take the Cards.
Carolina (1-4) @ LA Rams (2-3) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The Panthers lost to the 49ers and the Rams lost to the Cowboys last week. Carolina made headlines with the firing of head coach Matt Rhule. The firing was needed as he went 11-27 in three seasons as the Panthers head honcho. Definitely not getting a lot done. To make matters worse is that Baker Mayfield is out with injury for this game. Sam Darnold is still rehabbing an injury he suffered in the offseason so it will be PJ Walker getting the start. The Rams have struggled this season and the play of Matthew Stafford has deteriorated as 2022 goes on. It really seems that on paper the Rams have the talent to win but the game proves otherwise. I'll take the Rams.
Buffalo (4-1) @ Kansas City (4-1) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Bills
Both teams won last week as the Bills beat the Steelers and the Chiefs beat the Raiders. Last time these two teams met was a fairly good game. It was really and truly a great game in the AFC Divisional playoff back in January. The game is a national game on CBS and quite frankly its a great idea. If this game is anything like the playoff game, it'll have a lot of fireworks. I think it will be a contest in favor for the Chiefs. The game will come down to forcing other players on the Bills to beat you other than Josh Allen. If the Chiefs defense can contain him in the pocket they have a good shot to win. Buffalo also has a good shot to win as well as they have one of the best offenses and an overall solid defense. It's a game that a lot of people will be watching but I think the Chiefs will win in a toss-up.
Dallas (4-1) @ Philadelphia (5-0) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles
Both teams won last week as the Cowboys beat the Rams and the Eagles beat the Cardinals. No love lost for these two teams in an NFC East matchup. Dallas comes into this contest with four straight wins with Cooper Rush at quarterback. When it comes to the controversy at quarterback, I'd go with the hot and in Cooper Rush and keep Prescott at the bench at least for now. Rush will have a tall task going up against the Eagles who boast a 5-0 record as the NFL's only undefeated team. Philadelphia will also have a tall task in trying to move the ball on the Dallas defense who made the Rams offense like lamb to the slaughter. The Eagles offense is centered around Jalen Hurts which can be a good thing and a bad thing. Good in that the many talents of him can help your team. Bad in that other players aren't a factor in this game. Spreading the ball around will be ideal for the Eagles. I'll take the Birds.
Denver (2-3) @ LA Chargers (3-2) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
The Broncos lost to the Colts and the Chargers beat the Browns last week. Week 6 wraps up with an AFC West matchup. Russell Wilson has looked off this season and the last week's contest against the Colts proved that. It seems more than just communication issues with him and his receivers. The Chargers on the other hand, don't seem to have those issues. Justin Herbert has been himself so far in 2022 despite one game where injuries seemed to affect his play. The play of Austin Ekeler has kept the Chargers offense on balanced football. I'll take the Chargers in that I like the more in-sync offense.
Early & Late Game TV Pairings (courtesy of 506sports.com)
Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings
CBS Early
New England @ Cleveland
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
Cincinnati @ New Orleans
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta
Baltimore @ NY Giants
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Jacksonville @ Indianapolis
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton
CBS Late
Buffalo @ Kansas City
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
FOX Single
Tampa Bay @ Pittsburgh
Joe Davis (or Brandon Gaudin), Daryl Johnston
NY Jets @ Green Bay
Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olson
Minnesota @ Miami
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
San Francisco @ Atlanta
Adam Amin (or Chris Myers), Mark Schlereth
Carolina @ LA Rams (Late)
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez
Arizona @ Seattle (Late)
Chris Myers (or Noah Eagle), Robert Smith
Note: The play-by-play announcers for FOX will depend on the times of the two National League Division Series that Joe Davis and/or Adam Amin are calling. For more info on which game is being shown in your area: check out: NFL 2022: Week 6 Maps
2022 Pick ‘Em Records
My record:
Week 1: 8-7-1
Week 2: 8-8
Week 3: 5-11
Week 4: 11-5
Week 5: 10-6
Total: 42-37-1
Cardinal Viking's record:
Week 1: 6-9-1
Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 5-11
Week 4: 6-10
Week 5: 9-7
Total: 37-42-1
Previous Picking Records:
2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2019: 161-94-1
2020: 167-88-1
2021: 173-98-1
