My week four picks netted me a 2-2 records in published picks (4-2 counting the other games I picked). I will be keeping up to date records throughout the year as I did last year for the skeptics. Either way, week six provides interesting matchups from years past, ones that may recall bad blood?Pats/Bolts, Ravens/Colts, all interesting match-ups. I would also like to point out that this is the toughest week of picks I have to deal with. Here are my picks for week six.St. Louis 16 Washington 24 I cannot say that I have faith in Jim Haslett as the new skipper for the Rams, especially with the way Jason Campbell is playing through week four, without throwing one interception (note my pick in the Skins/Boys game). And yes, I am still skeptical of Campbell at the QB position. However, the Redskins are playing like they might get over the hump in Seattle this season. The Rams are not set on a QB, and their defense is suspect at best. Take the Redskins in this one.
New England 13 San Diego 23 The past two years, these teams have met in the playoffs, all with the same outcome. However, for those of you who do not follow the NFL close, or say, do not watch ESPN, Tom Brady is out for the year, leaving Cassel to tend to the reins. Ouch. In addition the defense is still old, and is giving up easy points. However, the fact that the Chargers had to crawl back against the Raiders in week four scares me. Either way, take the Chargers to get it right this week.
Jacksonville 14 Denver 17 This is a hard game to pick, let’s be honest. The Jags are playing well, yet just getting it done at the end of games. Denver was running a fun and gun in the first three weeks, only to be stopped by the Chiefs in week four. The problem? Both of these teams are inconsistent, whether they get the win or not. I will take the Broncos and Jay Cutler to do it right this week.
Cincinnati 17 NY Jets 24 Brett Favre in New York, one word?rollercoaster. He starts out well in the preseason, then to drop a bit in weeks one through three. However, week four he produces six TD’s, something he didn’t even do in Green Bay. Cincinnati is scratching their heads still, wondering why they cannot put up a win. It goes right back to defense, and the Bengals have a weak one. In addition, there are questions surrounding Carson Palmer’s elbow. Sorry Marvin, it’s another loss in week six.
GAME OF THE WEEK Baltimore 10 Indianapolis 13 I cannot say that I have not been impressed with the Ravens’ defense so far this season, regardless of the bias that I am charged with having. Ray Lewis looks like he’s 23 again, and the secondary is playing exceptional. On the other side of the ball, Peyton and the usually high-powered offense has stalled, with definitive injuries to key players both running routes, and watching Manning’s back. In addition, Bob Sanders is injured on defense. This game should come down to the wire, especially with the way the rest of the Colts’ games have. Although I would not be surprised if the Ravens did it, I’ll take the Colts in the 4th quarter.