Week 6 of the 2016 NFL season is set to begin. This week the Vikings and Buccaneers sit idle on bye weeks. For the other 30 teams I will now attempt to pick the winners of each game based off of the spreads. If you agree of disagree tweet at me @treydaubert to let me know where I’m wrong for my NFL week one predictions. *All spreads are courtesy of oddsshark.com
Thursday Night: Broncos At Chargers (SD +3)
The Broncos were not sure if Trevor Siemian was going to go in this one but it appears they will have their starting qb back in action. Denver will of course be without DeMarcus Ware as that talented defense did not look the same without him in a blowout lose to Atlanta. San Diego despite terrible luck in the injury department has had an explosive offense (30.4 points per game). That marks ranks 2nd in the NFL. I think the Chargers will put up more points than people expect and get the win in an AFC West rivalry game.
Chargers defeat Broncos 31-21
Sunday 1 ET: Bengals At Patriots (CIN +8.5)
The Bengals were embarrassed by the Cowboys a week ago. Cincy frankly isn’t this bad, I’ll take them getting 8.5 points. I think the Patriots win the game but not by more than one score. New England has been a powerhouse this season so maybe this pick will come back to bite me. The Patriots injury report for the record is quite lengthy including Gronk, Bennett, Edelman, and Blount.
Patriots defeat Bengals 28-21
Sunday 1 ET: Steelers At Dolphins (MIA +7.5)
The Dolphins have been flat out embarrassing this season. It seems to me that Adam Gase has already lost control making panic moves benching players left and right. Pittsburgh has looked unstopable since the return of Le’Veon Bell. Pittsburgh has too many weapons to lose. Normally I hate giving up more than 7 points but I can’t see how the Steelers don’t cover with this explosive offense. Pittsburgh may have found their missing x-factor after a breakout performance out of Sammie Coates last week.
Steelers defeat Dolphins 38-17
Sunday 1 ET: 49ers At Bills (SF +9)
As a betting man I probably wouldn’t touch this game but I will go with the Bills here. Giving up 9 points is way to much for me but the Bills have been hot riding a 3 game winning streak over the Cardinals, Patriots, and Rams. This team has found their rhythm and should have enough to pull out the victory. The most noteworthy part of this game is the return of Colin Kaepernick as the 49ers starting qb. I think the rest of the public are going to find out just how bad this guy is so the media simmers down about him. It’s safe to say Jim Harbaugh is a miracle worker.
Bills defeat 49ers 31-20
Sunday 1 ET: Browns At Titans (CLE +7)
Why do I like the Browns in this one? I’ll tell you. Coaching, the advantage goes to Hue Jackson. Titans head coach Mike Mularkey has a career record of 20-42. I can’t possibly see this Titans team going 3-3 in any stretch. Even if the Titans do pull out a win they shouldn’t be 7 point favorites over anyone. I’m taking the Browns to get their first win. Then again maybe I’m just being optimistic because I do not want to see Deshaun Watson in Cleveland if they snag the first NFL Draft Pick.
Browns defeat Titans 10-9
Sunday 1 ET: Ravens At Giants (BAL +3)
Both teams are riding losing streaks as this game looks more and more like one that could decide the season. Baltimore, losers of two straight, have made a change at offensive coordinator firing Marc Tresman earlier this week. That move was one that should have been made a year ago as the Ravens have had virtually no vertical passing game. The Giants, losers of 3 straight, seem to be a mess offensively. They are getting terrible offensive line play and Eli Manning hasn’t been very accurate. I’m going with the Ravens in this one getting points. They just seem more trust worthy considering the Odell Beckham story is still on going.
Ravens defeat Giants 27-24
Sunday 1 ET: Jaguars At Bears (JAC +2.5)
Jacksonville is getting 2.5 points and a lose could realistically mean the end for Gus Bradley. I like their chances here. They have a better roster on both sides of the ball. I trust Blake Bortles more than I do Brian Hoyer. The Bears are also rattled with injuries as Kevin White and Jeremy Langford are already out and Alshon Jeffrey seems like he may miss the game as well.
Jaguars defeat Bears 28-14
Sunday 1 ET: Panthers At Saints (NO +2.5)
Talk about an elimination game. Both teams have one win and could spell the end of their seasons with another lose. Cam Newton looks like he will be back for the Panthers which should give them the edge. Of course if he doesn’t play that changes the outlook of this game. New Orleans ranks 32nd in the league allowing 32.4 points per game. Expect a big bounce back win out of the Panthers.
Panthers defeat Saints 27-23
Sunday 1 ET: Eagles At Redskins (WAS +2.5)
It’s time for a classic NFC East showdown. The Skins seem to be on the right track after winning 3 straight after an 0-2 start. The Eagles have showed they are also contenders after a 3-1 start early in this season. I like Redskins chances particularly after the suspension of Lane Johnson. Philadelphia might struggle in pass protection without their star tackle. I like Ryan Kerrigan to have a field day in a Washington win.
Redskins defeat Eagles 33-24
Sunday 4:05 ET: Chiefs At Raiders (OAK +1.5)
Andy Reid is 15-2 in games following a bye week. That mark is the best winning percentage of any coach in the history of football. Vegas knows this so it’s so surprise the Chiefs are favorites. Kansas City also gets a huge boost from the return of Jamaal Charles which makes this offense much more explosive. Oakland’s offense has been dynamic all season but the Chiefs have the defensive personnel to slow them down including all pro corner Marcus Peters.
Chiefs defeat Raiders 41-37
Sunday 4:25 ET: Falcons At Seahawks (ATL +6.5)
This line is interesting to say the least. Atlanta leads the NFL in every statistical category yet somehow remains a big time underdog. Now I know Seattle has a serious home-field advantage but this seems like too many points for me. This could be a scenario where the Seahawks really lean on Christine Michael and the run game to keep the opposing offense off the field. I’ll take the Seahawks to win but not by 7.
Seahawks defeat Falcons 20-17
Sunday 4:25 ET: Cowboys At Packers (DAL +3.5)
I love Dallas in this match up. The Cowboys lead the NFL in 3rd down conversion and have been such an efficient offense. The Cowboys also lead the NFL in basically every rushing category giving Aaron Rodgers less opportunities. I think Dallas just has that edge right now and will play with a fire after losing on the catch rule in the playoffs to Green Bay in 2014.
Cowboys defeat Packers 28-14
Sunday Night: Colts At Texans (IND +3)
Both teams seem to be mediocre as the battle for the division will be a interesting one all season. I’ll go with the Colts in this one getting points. The big reason for my thinking is it appears Brock Osweiler has been a huge bust coming over in free agency. The Texans haven’t been the same defensively after losing J.J. Watt for the season.
Colts defeat Texans 35-28
Monday Night: Jets At Cardinals (NYJ +7.5)
This line seems a bit fishy to me. Todd Bowles, the Jets head coach, is a former Cardinals defensive coordinator and knows this team well. The Cardinals may also have to wait another week for the return of Carson Palmer. In a battle of 2 good defenses I want the points. I think the Cardinals will win but only by a field goal. Expect a low scoring game.
Cardinals defeat Jets 17-13
