NFL 2023 Week 6 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again! With five weeks in the books we are seeing some of the contenders rise up while there are some who are trying to string a few wins early in the season while there are others who are likely trying to get through this season and get to the draft. Game's that I will keep an eye on this week is the Broncos-Chiefs, 49ers-Browns, Commanders-Falcons, and the Cowboys-Chargers matches. In this post I will do a rant of the week, a week 6 preview and picks and the Early & Late game TV broadcast pairings. Let's get to work!

NFL Rant of the Week

So I have been holding off talking about this for a while but can the NFL chill out with the Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce shindig. In this day and age with social media, the whole world seems to just focus all of their attention on the two. It's a nice story but can we just try to calm down on it. Can you take it easy just a little bit Swifties? 

Week 6 Preview

The sixth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Kansas City, Missouri and ends in Inglewood, California. The week has a 15-game slate where 30 teams will play. Only the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers have a bye this week. The week features a Thursday night game, a Sunday morning game, seven early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. FOX will have the doubleheader while CBS will have the single, regional game. Let's get to the picks!

Week 6 Picks

Note: All gametimes are in US Eastern. TW is me and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate.

Denver (1-4) @ Kansas City (4-1) (Amazon; 8:15 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs

The Broncos lost to the Jets and the Chiefs beat the Vikings last week. Week 6 gets started with an AFC West matchup that might beg you to watch the MLB playoffs (local team Twins won last night). At least when it comes to the Broncos. Their offense seems to be either really good or very pedestrian. They're a mess. At least we have Kansas City on this matchup. They've had some concerns with health but otherwise their offense is not much of a concern. Their defense has been shaky. Suffice to say I know that the Chiefs are the better team and I will take them. 

Baltimore (3-2) @ Tennessee (2-3) (NFL Network; 9:30 am): TW: Ravens; CV: Titans

The Ravens lost to the Steelers and the Titans lost to the Colts last week. Another UK series game in the early Sunday morning window. It poses two teams that seem similar in their offense. Baltimore seems to have their shakes against the Steelers but do better against other teams. They really should've handled Pittsburgh a lot better. Tennessee has been the same team as they have been pretty much all season and well into last season with Ryan Tannehill playing the sidekick role to Derrick Henry. The Titans need to have Tannehill lead this team to a win. I don't trust Tennessee a whole lot. I'll take the Ravens. 

Carolina (0-5) @ Miami (4-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Dolphins; CV: Dolphins

The Panthers lost to the Lions and the Dolphins beat the Giants last week. Carolina has been somewhat competitive in their games. They nearly won a game against Minnesota but they've yet gotten dub #1. They'll have a tall task to get it with the #1 offense in the NFL. Miami has been really good on offense, that is a fact. Their defense is just as good I feel. I feel this could be a trap game but Miami has yet to have one so far this season. They did have a huge loss against Buffalo but that was on the road. Miami has done good at home. I'll take Miami.

Indianapolis (3-2) @ Jacksonville (3-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Jaguars

The Colts beat the Titans and the Jaguars beat the Bills last week. The Colts won't have Anthony Richardson on the active list as the rookie quarterback has a shoulder injury. Gardner Minshew will have his 2nd start this season. The Colts offense has gotten better so far this year and they have been somewhat of a surprise this season. Jacksonville has continued on with their sustained success starting from last year. They've had their shares of disappointments this season. I'm willing to venture a guess that they could fall a bit short in this game. Just a hunch. 

Minnesota (1-4) @ Chicago (1-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Bears; CV: Vikings

The Vikings lost to the Chiefs and the Bears beat the Commanders last week. Ooh boy these two teams are so good. Definitely brings the best out of people. Minnesota has had terrible luck this season, they fall short in one-score games and they give up the ball early to the point where they are down by more than one possession. They keep it close but not quite enough. The Bears have been kind of a different story. Two weeks ago they lost a game on a 28-7 lead. They came out and smoked Washington on Thursday night. If they can continue their offensive explosion they have a good shot to win it. At some point the Vikings need to win again. I just think not quite in this game, not without Justin Jefferson. 

New Orleans (3-2) @ Houston (2-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Texans; CV: Texans

The Saints beat the Patriots and the Texans lost to the Falcons last week. New Orleans got a bit of a confident boost in whooping the Patriots at Gillette Stadium. I would like to tell people to calm down a bit. New England is not a great team. Suffice to say that the Saints have some good pieces on offense and they just have some issues at quarterback and turning the ball over. Houston however, has yet to have their quarterback cause a turnover. CJ Stroud has thrown seven touchdown passes but has yet to throw a single interception. It helps that the Houston offense can be efficient but I think they will have a decent test to face with the Saints and their decent pass rushing defense. I'll take the Texans a bit. 

Seattle (3-1) @ Cincinnati (2-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Seahawks

The Seahawks had a bye and the Bengals beat the Cardinals last week. Seattle will be rested for this game. Geno Smith has continued his success form 2022 into 2023. Their offensive line and running game has been continuing to do well as well. Cincinnati has been a bit disappointing this season but their offense got off to a great start last week with three touchdown passes from Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase. It feels to a point that maybe that the Bengals finally can start winning games and get back into the AFC North race. I'll take a risk and take the Bengals. 

San Francisco (5-0) @ Cleveland (2-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: 49ers; CV: 49ers

The 49ers beat the Cowboys and the Browns had a bye last week. The game definitely feels like a mismatch of epic proportions. The Niners have looked nearly unstoppable on offense or on defense. Cleveland has been an alright team. The last time we saw the Browns was a beatdown against Baltimore with Dorian Thompson-Robinson at quarterback. Their success this season has happened with DeShaun Watson at quarterback and he needs to be back as soon as possible. Cleveland's defense is good as they can put pressure on the quarterback and Niners quarterback Brock Purdy has executed quite comfortably. If they can't pressure Purdy then it'll be a long game for the Dawg Pound. 

Washington (2-3) @ Atlanta (3-2) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Falcons; CV: Falcons

The Commanders lost to the Bears and the Falcons beat the Texans last week. Washington had seemed to get off to a good start earlier in the season, getting to a 2-0 record. Since then, they have had a 2-3 record. They need to get back to playing better on defense and keep Sam Howell from throwing interceptions. Atlanta is way too good for them to get freebies like a fumble or a turnover. Desmond Ridder has had an interesting start to the season. Mostly good than bad but it would be nice if he could pass a bit more. Atlanta is a running team and they have one of the better rookie offensive players in Bijan Robinson. It could be an interesting matchup but I would take the Falcons in this game. 

New England (1-4) @ Las Vegas (2-3) (CBS; 4:05 pm): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders

The Patriots lost to the Saints and the Raiders beat the Packers last week. Things look quite ugly in New England. Their offense can't sustain drives, they can't run or pass block, they can't run the ball effectively. The defense has only one blemish in that they can't create turnovers. Las Vegas has had some good moments this season as they beat both the Broncos and the Packers so far in 2023. Their defense is good and their offense can put together some good drives. I do believe that the Raiders will win this game but I question how much they will win by. This might be New England's last chance for a win for a while. 

Arizona (1-4) @ LA Rams (2-3) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams

The Cardinals lost to the Bengals and the Rams lost to the Eagles last week. Arizona has had some success in 2023. Their record doesn't show that but they have had some fun times in Cardinal land. Josh Dobbs has been a good addition in the absence of Kyler Murray. Los Angeles seems to be the better team in almost every way, except maybe at the quarterback spot. Matthew Stafford has had some ups and downs this season with health and a plethora of wide receivers. It was a task for the Cardinals to cover Puka Nacua but to also cover the now healthy Cooper Kupp. Maybe in a few scenarios where the Cardinals can win this game but the Rams are on paper, the better team. So I'll go with the Rams. 

Detroit (4-1) @ Tampa Bay (3-1) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Lions

The Lions beat the Panthers and the Buccaneers had a bye last week. Detroit hasn't looked like your grandfather's Lions, nor your father's Lions, nor the Lions of yesteryear. They are legit offensive juggernaut. It all starts with Jared Goff who has thrown nine touchdown passes while throwing three interceptions. David Montgomery currently has six touchdowns to his name. Certainly a 4-1 record means a lot to the Motor City faithful. Tampa has been quite a surprise as well. Their offense seems to run through Baker Mayfield who is having a renaissance season with seven touchdown passes and two picks. Tampa has a top-10 rush defense and if they can shut down the Lions run game, they'll have a good time for sure. I'll take Tampa. 

Philadelphia (5-0) @ NY Jets (2-3) (FOX; 4:25 pm): TW: Eagles; CV: Eagles

The Eagles beat the Rams and the Jets beat the Broncos last week. Philly's record speaks for itself. Other than a shaky game against Washington, they haven't missed a beat. If there was a weakness to Philly's team it would be their pass defense which they give up an average 267.6 yards/game through the air. Fortunately for them, they get to play against one of the worst passing offenses in the Jets who get 182.2 yards/game from their quarterbacks. If Philly's defense can make life uncomfortable for Zach Wilson then they'll have a rough time. I'll take the Eagles.

NY Giants (1-4) @ Buffalo (3-2) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills

The Giants lost to the Dolphins and the Bills lost to the Jaguars last week. Daniel Jones might not get the start in this game as he left last week's game against Miami with a neck injury. New York is hopeful. Should they go up to Western New York with Tyrod Taylor, it could be an interesting game. Taylor was a former Bills player. Maybe they could use a jumpstart with a new face at quarterback for this one. Buffalo has had its ups and downs this season but their offense having a slow start last week was a bit shocking. They'll need to get back to putting six anytime they make it onto the field. I'll take the Bills.

Dallas (3-2) @ LA Chargers (2-2) (ABC/ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers

The Cowboys lost to the 49ers and the Chargers had a bye last week. Week 6 wraps up with an entertaining game full of offense. Dallas comes into this game with a rough performance against the Niners. They can get back to playing better football against the Chargers. Los Angeles comes off a relatively good bye week for a chance to have some players rest up. A 2-2 record isn't bad but it isn't great in the scope of Brandon Staley's job security. They will be without Mike Williams who suffered a ACL injury against Minnesota. The Chargers have been known to let me down when it comes to picking them but I'll give them a shot. 

Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings

Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings.

CBS Single

Seattle @ Cincinnati
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

Carolina @ Miami

Kevin Harlan, Trent Green

Washington @ Atlanta

Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville

Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta

New England @ Las Vegas (Late)
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

FOX Early

San Francisco @ Cleveland

Kevin Burkhardt, Greg Olson

Minnesota @ Chicago

Brandon Gaudin, Robert Smith

New Orleans @ Houston

Chris Myers, Mark Sclereth

FOX Late

Philadelphia @ NY Jets

Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

Detroit @ Tampa Bay

Adam Amin, Daryl Johnston

Arizona @ LA Rams

Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2023: Week 6 Maps

Records

Cardinal Viking:

2023: 
Week 1: 10-6

Week 2: 10-6

Week 3: 8-8

Week 4: 13-3
Week 5: 6-8

Total: 47-31

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1
2021: 167-104-1
2022: 157-112-2

My record: 

2023:
Week 1: 9-7

Week 2: 11-5
Week 3: 11-5

Week 4: 14-2

Week 5: 7-7

Total: 52-26

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2

See you after the Monday night game for the Week 6 recap post!

-Tom

NFL 2021 Week 6 Picks

 Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. The week that is Week 6 will surely bring some surprises, upsets and good games for football fans around. I'll be keeping an eye on the Chargers-Ravens, Cardinals-Browns and Bills-Titans games this week. In this post I'll do a preview of the week and my picks for the games. Let's get to work!

Week 6 Preview

The sixth week of the National Football League's regular season will start in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and finishes in Nashville, Tennessee. The week features a 14-game slate that will have 28 teams playing. The Atlanta Falcons, New Orleans Saints, New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers are on a bye this week. The week features a Thursday night game, a Sunday morning game, seven early games, three early games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. CBS will have the doubleheader and FOX will have the single, regional game this week. 

Week 6 Picks

Note: TW is me, and CV is Cardinal Viking, my former roommate. All game times are in US Eastern.

Tampa Bay (4-1) @ Philadelphia (2-3) (FOX/Amazon/NFL Network; 8:20 pm): TW: Buccaneers; CV: Buccaneers
Both teams got wins last week as the Buccaneers beat the Dolphins and the Eagles beat the Panthers. Week 6 starts with a relatively decent matchup. The Buccaneers look to be on a tear lately and it proved last week over a 45-17 victory against Miami. Miami was decimated with injuries to key players so that might've played into it. The Buccaneers defense will likely get some key guys back on defense and that doesn't spell well for the Eagles looking to get back into the NFC East race. Philly has a solid pass offense with great targets. I just don't think that they can keep up with the Bucs. 

Miami (1-4) @ Jacksonville (0-5) (CBS; 9:30 am): TW: Jaguars; CV: Jaguars
Both teams lost as the Dolphins lost to the Buccaneers and the Jaguars lost to the Titans last week. Another early morning game this week. Both teams aren't really good. Miami was supposed to be a playoff contender and they really fell off the ladder and Jacksonville was expected to be bad. Jacoby Brissett and Tua Tagovailoa have had injuries this season and I really question how they can play well. Miami's defense has been a disappointment as well. If there's a chance that the Jaguars win a game and snap the 20-game losing streak it just might be this one. 

Green Bay (4-1) @ Chicago (3-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Packers; CV: Packers
Both teams won last week as the Packers beat the Bengals and the Bears beat the Raiders. The rivalry returns this season. Green Bay played an okay game against the Bengals but they didn't seem right in that one. Perhaps that the Bengals defense is legit or that Mason Crosby had some bad luck in his golf game. Chicago had one of their better showings against a distracted Raiders team. I think the game will come down to how well Mason Crosby will do as I think the Bears defense will give the Packers some trouble in it. 

Cincinnati (3-2) @ Detroit (0-5) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Bengals; CV: Bengals
Both teams lost last week as the Bengals lost to the Packers and the Lions lost to the Vikings. Cincy has been one of the surprise teams so far this season. Detroit not so much. Much to the credit to the Bengals success is their defense which has allowed only 20 points/gam which puts them at 7th place in the NFL. Detroit has come close in a lot of games and they might have a shot to take dub #1 in this one but as long as Joe Burrow is in this one, I hate to give them any faith. 

Houston (1-4) @ Indianapolis (1-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts; CV: Colts
Both teams lost last week as the Texans lost to the Patriots and the Colts lost to the Ravens. Davis Mills and the Texans had a better showing last week against New England but they fell short of winning. Carson Wentz had a return to form against Baltimore on Monday night and I think that the momentum will continue into this week as Houston's defense isn't trustworthy. 

Kansas City (2-3) @ Washington (2-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chiefs; CV: Chiefs
Both teams lost last week as the Chiefs lost to the Bills and the Football Team lost to the Saints. A battle of who will have the worser defense in this one. Prior to this I would've gone with the Chiefs hands down. After the way they've played so far this year, I am starting to have my doubts. Kansas City is also banged up on offense as Tyreek Hill and Clyde Edwards-Helaire are injured. Travis Kelce will be available to play but someone is going to need to step up on defense. Washington can give them some trouble as they do have a decent running game in Antonio Gibson. 

LA Chargers (4-1) @ Baltimore (4-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Chargers; CV: Chargers
Both teams last week as the Chargers beat the Browns and the Ravens beat the Colts. Justin Herbert and company put up 47 on the Browns and almost lost. They've been the story so far this season with Herbert at the helm but I think its been the defense that has been just as good. Baltimore has done well this year but they've relied on Lamar Jackson so often this season. This one will be a good one to watch that is unfortunately not on the late-game window. I'll take the Chargers based on their better defensive play. 

LA Rams (4-1) @ NY Giants (1-4) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Rams; CV: Rams
The Rams beat the Seahawks and the Giants lost to the Cowboys last week. The Rams did well against the Seahawks and are coming into this game with longer rest. Matthew Stafford has been a beacon in the revitalized Rams offense. New York is banged up a lot on offense and will likely rely on Mike Glennon again this week. It's a tough choice but I think the Rams will take this one. Sarcasm included. 

Minnesota (2-3) @ Carolina (3-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Vikings; CV: Vikings
The Vikings would beat the Lions and the Panthers lost to the Eagles last week. Its a huge game for the Vikings and a huge game for Sam Darnold. Minnesota wants to get back into the playoff picture and they certainly will need to win this game. Kirk Cousins will play well in this game but his weapons will be limited as a lot of the Vikings running backs and wide outs will have had injuries. Carolina will have injury problems of their own but their offense didn't put up enough points to win against the Eagles. It'll be a tight game but I think the Vikes will find a way to win. 

Arizona (5-0) @ Cleveland (3-2) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Browns; CV: Cardinals
The Cardinals beat the 49ers and the Browns lost to the Chargers. Another good game to keep an eye on. Arizona has an undefeated record and they go into a place that has been good for the Browns this season. Cleveland possesses a great running game and the Cards defense will have their hands full stopping Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Kyler Murray has a decent running game but can they do well enough to be the Chubb-Hunt tandem of Arizona? It'll be an offensive showcase and I think the Browns will beat the Cardinals. 

Dallas (4-1) @ New England (2-3) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Cowboys; CV: Cowboys
The Cowboys beat the Giants and the Patriots beat the Texans last week. This is the marquee game? I mean it would be marquee if it was Prescott vs Brady but Tom Brady doesn't play in New England anymore. All that aside the Cowboys look to be the team to beat in the NFC East while the Patriots are just trying to stay within a playoff spot. New England barely beat the Texans and largely was the fact that their defense made Davis Mills look like a god. I think Dallas will take it.

Las Vegas (3-2) @ Denver (3-2) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Raiders; CV: Raiders
Both teams lost last week as the Raiders lost to the Bears and the Broncos lost to the Steelers. Out with Jon Gruden and in with interim Rich Biaccia. Such scandal as Jon Gruden with those emails could destroy a ballclub but the Raiders could become a more unified team because of the hardship. Or they could fall into disarray and fall off the face of the earth. The Denver Broncos were at one point undefeated but a soft schedule has decimated their record to a measly 3-2. Las Vegas has a solid club and I think they'll find a win for Rich Biaccia. 

Seattle (2-3) @ Pittsburgh (2-3) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Steelers; CV: Steelers
The Seahawks lost to the Rams and the Steelers beat the Broncos. Russell Wilson will miss this game due to an injury on his finger. Geno Smith will get the start for Seattle. Seattle's gameplan will likely have to center around limiting the Steelers wide receivers now that JuJu Smith-Schuster is out for the season. Ben Roethlisberger showed signs of him returning to life and the running game finally got into a groove with Najee Harris. I'll take the Steelers because of their defense.

Buffalo (4-1) @ Tennessee (3-2) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Bills; CV: Bills
Both teams got wins as the Bills beat the Chiefs and the Titans beat the Jaguars. Week 6 finishes with a good game with two AFC teams with great offensive power. Buffalo made their way past their biggest obstacle in the Chiefs and it seems that this game could be an a cinch in most people's eyes. Tennessee exposed themselves quite a bit in losing to the Jets. However, they do have Derrick Henry who is in my opinion the best running back in the league right now. Buffalo's defense is currently 3rd in stopping the run, holding runners to 78.4 yards/game. I think Buffalo takes it.

Early & Late Game Broadcast Pairings (courtesy of 506sports.com):

Note: games in bold are the game showing in my area

CBS Early

Kansas City @ Washington
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis

LA Chargers @ Baltimore
Greg Gumbel, Adam Archuleta

Houston @ Indianapolis
Spero Dedes, Jay Feely

CBS Late

Dallas @ New England
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo

Las Vegas @ Denver
Andrew Catalon, James Lofton

FOX Single

Green Bay @ Chicago
Joe Davis, Greg Olson

LA Rams @ NY Giants
Adam Amin, Mark Schlereth

Minnesota @ Carolina
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma

Cincinnati @ Detroit
Chris Myers, Daryl Johnston

Arizona @ Cleveland (LATE)
Kevin Kugler, Mark Sanchez

For more information on which game is being shown in your area, check out: NFL 2021: Week 6 Maps

2021 Pick'em Records:

My record:

Week 1: 7-9
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 9-7
Week 5: 12-4

Total: 48-32

Cardinal Viking's record:

Week 1: 6-10
Week 2: 12-4
Week 3: 13-3
Week 4: 10-6
Week 5: 10-6

Total: 51-29

Previous Picking Records:

Cardinal Viking:

2017: 167-89
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 151-104-1
2020: 163-92-1

My record: 

2012: 164-90-2

2013: 162-92-1

2014: 172-83-1

2017: 164-92

2018: 156-98-2

2019: 161-94-1

2020: 167-88-1 

Expect the Week 6 Recap post sometime after the Monday night game or on Tuesday. Enjoy the games!

-Tom