Week 6 Preview

Five Big Games

- Giants vs. 49ers: A rematch of the NFC Championship Game and perhaps a preview of a repeat for this postseason. 49ers are on a roll, outscoring their two cupcake opponents 79-3 the last two weeks and have been looking forward to redemption from January’s loss. We all know the defense is great, but last week the 49ers became the first offense in NFL history with 300 yards passing and rushing in the same game. The Giants offense has also been red-hot, ranking only behind New England in points and yardage, despite dealing with a bunch of injuries to key players. Eli Manning is probably the best road QB in the NFL, but the 49ers will be ready. If anybody cares, it is Brandon Jacobs first time facing his former team.

- Packers vs. Texans. The hardest game of the week for me to pick. Green Bay has done a good job bouncing back from losses and the Texans may be due for a letdown. The Texans are undefeated but haven’t played anybody better than the 2-3 Broncos, and struggled against a Jets team last week missing all its key players. The Packers will be without running back Cedric Benson, but the Packers haven’t been able to run the ball anyway.

- Broncos vs. Chargers. The two best teams in the AFC West square off in San Diego. After a tough loss to the Saints, I still don’t know what to think about the Chargers. Peyton Manning has played as expected for the Broncos. The defense has been susceptible but against the Falcons, Texans and Patriots who hasn’t? Peyton Manning has lost five of his last six games against the Chargers.

- Patriots vs. Seahawks. The NFL’s most prolific offense against the stingiest defense. Seahawks have allowed only 3 offensive touchdowns while the Patriots have scored 18. Something’s gotta give. The Patriots passing defense is ranked 30th while the Seahawks passing offense is ranked 31st, so the Pats biggest weakness should be able to cover. The biggest surprise for the Patriots is the ground game: they rank 3rd in rushing offense. This is Tom Brady’s first trip to Seattle, a place that has already shut down Aaron Rodgers this season.

- Cowboys vs. Ravens. Cowboys have had an extra week to prepare for the Ravens, who are coming from a game they could only kick field goals in. Cowboys have turned the ball over 11 times in four games, including 5 against the Bears.

Upset Alert

Colts over Jets
Packers over Texans

(7-3 overall)

Miller’s Fearless Picks

Picking four road teams.

Steelers over Titans. Pittsburgh is getting players back and Big Ben has been terrific already. The Titans have so many issues on both sides of the ball. Steelers have won three straight meetings and ought to make it four. 28-20

Colts over Jets. Andrew Luck looks like a seasoned vet and Mark Sanchez looks like a lost rookie. Tim Tebow will be starting next week. 24-17

Patriots over Seahawks. Russell Wilson will not be able to generate enough points to keep the Seahawks in the game. 28-19

Vikings over Redskins. No RG3, and the Vikings have been very strong on defense and careful on offense. 23-21

(4-0 last week, 11-9 overall)

The Rest of the Games

Steelers 28, Titans 20
Ravens 20, Cowboys 16
Rams 17, Dolphins 14
Eagles 34, Lions 31
Bengals 28, Browns 17
Colts 24, Jets 17
Buccaneers 28, Chiefs 21
Falcons 34, Raiders 28
Patriots 28, Seahawks 19
Cardinals 24, Bills 22
Vikings 23, Redskins 21
49ers 30, Giants 23
Packers 27, Texans 26
Broncos 28, Chargers 21

(8-2 last week, 36-20 overall)