NFL: Week 6
Will the nightmare finally end for the "Dream Team?" Which Tony Romo will show up against the Patriots? And 49ers/Lions the game of the week???
I have the answers in my week six picks, plus why the Bengals will go 4-2 and how they can guarantee a sellout crowd at Paul Brown Stadium.
CINCINNATI over Indianapolis: I've really missed watching Colts QB Peyton Manning play football this year as most football fans have, but I won't miss him this Sunday. The Bengals have lost seven in a row to the Colts, but those were all with number 18 under center. So, their chances look pretty good on Sunday and here's why.
On paper, Indianapolis does not pose much of a threat at 0-5 without Peyton Manning. RB Joseph Addai is doubtful of playing and that's not good for a team that already ranks 30th in the league in rushing. The defense has also struggled in the running game, giving up 145.2-yards per game, second last in the NFL.
I truly think this year's team is finally buying into head coach Marvin Lewis and his coaching staff. There are no more large personalities and big mouths getting in the way. Gone are the guys who don't want to play for this team and the only guys that remain are ones that want to win and do it in a Bengals uniform.
Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has been a great addition and he has the offense playing pretty good football, despite their youth. Rookie QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green have been nothing but impressive. Dalton has thrown for over 1,000-yards and six touchdown passes in five games. Three of those touchdown passes have been to Green, who leads the Bengals with 24 receptions and 402-yards receiving. The futures of Dalton and Green could not look brighter and Bengals fans will hopefully have the luxury of watching them play together for the next decade.
Defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has his unit ranked the number overall defense in the NFL and he is still not satisfied. Zimmer's defense is ranked third against the pass, seventh against the run, and they have only given up 94 points all season. The front seven is one of the best in football and they still haven't played an entire game like they are capable of playing.
Sunday's game is not sold out, again, which means another local television blackout, but the Bengal players could really careless. They don't care who is or who isn't there. Sure they would like to play in front of a packed stadium like every other NFL player, but they know the only thing that will put more butts in the seats is them winning more football games. And they don't need a full stadium to do that.
Other than the Pittsburgh game, the Bengals will probably not sellout another game all season. However, if the Bengals have a home playoff game, I guarantee it will be a sellout. The schedule is very favorable and we have seen how the Bengals are capable of playing, so could we see them in the playoffs?
Everyone is probably thinking of Jim Mora's famous saying, "Playoffs. Playoffs. You kidding me? Playoffs," when I say that, but I really think it's a possibility. I had the Bengals going 4-12 this season and it looks like I was wrong and that's fine with me. I believe in this team, I believe in Marvin Lewis and so far I have to give Mike Brown thumbs up.
It's only been five games, 11 remain, and it's one game at a time, so be patience. But the thought of having the 2011 Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs will be at the back of my mind. Bengals 27, Colts 16. Who-Dey.
Now for the rest of my picks for Week 6 in the NFL.
Week 6 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
ATLANTA over Carolina: Cam Newton and the Panthers time will come, but another loss this week in Atlanta. Panthers will keep is close though as every one of their games has been decided by seven points or less.
Buffalo over NY GIANTS: The Buffalo defense leads the league in interceptions and no one turns the ball over quite like Eli and the G-Men. Advantage Bills. Ryan Fitzpatick leads Buffalo to a win.
Game of the Week:
DETROIT over San Francisco: When people looked at the schedule before the season started, not many circled Detroit/San Francisco as a game to look forward too. Well, you better get excited about this one. Detroit is off to their best start since the Eisenhower administration and rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh has the 49ers 4-1 and atop the NFC West.
These teams could meet again in the playoffs come January, but I like the Lions on Sunday. Detroit is at home and with that defensive line led by Ndamukong Suh and no one being able to stop Megatron, aka WR Calvin Johnson, the Lions stay undefeated.
GREEN BAY over St. Louis: Here's a stat for you, the Rams have only scored 46 points in four games this season and the Packers haven't scored less than 25 points in any of their five games. Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind and Green Bay stays undefeated.
Philadelphia over WASHINGTON: Will the nightmare come to an end for the "Dream Team?" The Eagles season is on the line Sunday in the nation's capital and they have to win this game. I've picked them every week this season and I'll stay with them one more time. Philly in a close one.
PITTSBURGH over Jacksonville: The Jaguars were less than impressive last week against the Bengals and Jack Del Rio's head coaching seat is on fire. A trip to Pittsburgh won't make the seat any cooler.
OAKLAND over Cleveland: There is not a more physical team in the NFL than the Oakland Raiders. They have a group of tough, rugged players on both sides of the ball and kicker Sebastian Janikowski looks like h could make a 60-yard field goal in hurricane force winds. Cleveland has to make the long trip to the West Coast and usually doesn't go over very well.
BALTIMORE over Houston: Texans LB Mario Williams is lost for the season, QB Matt Schaub is also hurt and his favorite target, WR Andre Johnson, is still out with a hamstring injury. On top of that Houston has to travel to Baltimore to take on one of the league's ferocious defenses. Houston has never defeated Baltimore in four meetings and they won't make it the first time on Sunday.
NEW ENGLAND over Dallas: Which Tony Romo will show up in this Sunday? The one that led the Cowboys to victories against San Francisco and Washington, or the one that showed up against the Lions and Jets? Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan may have a good game plan against Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, but I still don't think it will be good enough to stop Brady no matter how good or bad Tony Romo plays.
New Orleans over TAMPA BAY: The Buccaneers were blown out of the water last week in San Francisco and they look to rebound Sunday against Drew Brees and the Saints. That's easier said than done. Despite the Saints struggles on defense, Brees and the defense will put up enough points to get the win.
CHICAGO over Minnesota: If the Bears have any slim chance of catching Detroit and Green Bay they need to beat the rival Vikings Sunday night. I think they do, but catching the Lions and Packers is a different story.
NY JETS over Miami: The Dolphins may have had two weeks to prepare for Rex Ryan's Jets, but a month probably wouldn't be enough time. Matt Moore gets the start at quarterback for Miami with Chad Henne having season ending shoulder surgery. Moore becomes the 16th quarterback to start for the Dolphins since the retirement of Dan Marino before the 2000 season.
A list that includes according to ESPN, Jay Fiedler, Damon Huard, Ray Lucas, Brian Griese, A.J. Feeley, Sage Rosenfels, Gus Frerotte, Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Cleo Lemon, Trent Green, John Beck, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne and Tyler Thigpen. For Dolphin fans, the draft and hopefully Andrew Luck can't come soon enough.
Last Week: 8-5
Overall: 54-23
I have the answers in my week six picks, plus why the Bengals will go 4-2 and how they can guarantee a sellout crowd at Paul Brown Stadium.
CINCINNATI over Indianapolis: I've really missed watching Colts QB Peyton Manning play football this year as most football fans have, but I won't miss him this Sunday. The Bengals have lost seven in a row to the Colts, but those were all with number 18 under center. So, their chances look pretty good on Sunday and here's why.
On paper, Indianapolis does not pose much of a threat at 0-5 without Peyton Manning. RB Joseph Addai is doubtful of playing and that's not good for a team that already ranks 30th in the league in rushing. The defense has also struggled in the running game, giving up 145.2-yards per game, second last in the NFL.
I truly think this year's team is finally buying into head coach Marvin Lewis and his coaching staff. There are no more large personalities and big mouths getting in the way. Gone are the guys who don't want to play for this team and the only guys that remain are ones that want to win and do it in a Bengals uniform.
Offensive coordinator Jay Gruden has been a great addition and he has the offense playing pretty good football, despite their youth. Rookie QB Andy Dalton and WR A.J. Green have been nothing but impressive. Dalton has thrown for over 1,000-yards and six touchdown passes in five games. Three of those touchdown passes have been to Green, who leads the Bengals with 24 receptions and 402-yards receiving. The futures of Dalton and Green could not look brighter and Bengals fans will hopefully have the luxury of watching them play together for the next decade.
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| DT Domata Peko and the Bengals are the number one ranked defense in the NFL. (Photo Courtesy Bengals.com) |
Sunday's game is not sold out, again, which means another local television blackout, but the Bengal players could really careless. They don't care who is or who isn't there. Sure they would like to play in front of a packed stadium like every other NFL player, but they know the only thing that will put more butts in the seats is them winning more football games. And they don't need a full stadium to do that.
Other than the Pittsburgh game, the Bengals will probably not sellout another game all season. However, if the Bengals have a home playoff game, I guarantee it will be a sellout. The schedule is very favorable and we have seen how the Bengals are capable of playing, so could we see them in the playoffs?
Everyone is probably thinking of Jim Mora's famous saying, "Playoffs. Playoffs. You kidding me? Playoffs," when I say that, but I really think it's a possibility. I had the Bengals going 4-12 this season and it looks like I was wrong and that's fine with me. I believe in this team, I believe in Marvin Lewis and so far I have to give Mike Brown thumbs up.
It's only been five games, 11 remain, and it's one game at a time, so be patience. But the thought of having the 2011 Cincinnati Bengals in the playoffs will be at the back of my mind. Bengals 27, Colts 16. Who-Dey.
Now for the rest of my picks for Week 6 in the NFL.
Week 6 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
ATLANTA over Carolina: Cam Newton and the Panthers time will come, but another loss this week in Atlanta. Panthers will keep is close though as every one of their games has been decided by seven points or less.
Buffalo over NY GIANTS: The Buffalo defense leads the league in interceptions and no one turns the ball over quite like Eli and the G-Men. Advantage Bills. Ryan Fitzpatick leads Buffalo to a win.
Game of the Week:
DETROIT over San Francisco: When people looked at the schedule before the season started, not many circled Detroit/San Francisco as a game to look forward too. Well, you better get excited about this one. Detroit is off to their best start since the Eisenhower administration and rookie head coach Jim Harbaugh has the 49ers 4-1 and atop the NFC West.
These teams could meet again in the playoffs come January, but I like the Lions on Sunday. Detroit is at home and with that defensive line led by Ndamukong Suh and no one being able to stop Megatron, aka WR Calvin Johnson, the Lions stay undefeated.
GREEN BAY over St. Louis: Here's a stat for you, the Rams have only scored 46 points in four games this season and the Packers haven't scored less than 25 points in any of their five games. Aaron Rodgers is playing out of his mind and Green Bay stays undefeated.
Philadelphia over WASHINGTON: Will the nightmare come to an end for the "Dream Team?" The Eagles season is on the line Sunday in the nation's capital and they have to win this game. I've picked them every week this season and I'll stay with them one more time. Philly in a close one.
PITTSBURGH over Jacksonville: The Jaguars were less than impressive last week against the Bengals and Jack Del Rio's head coaching seat is on fire. A trip to Pittsburgh won't make the seat any cooler.
OAKLAND over Cleveland: There is not a more physical team in the NFL than the Oakland Raiders. They have a group of tough, rugged players on both sides of the ball and kicker Sebastian Janikowski looks like h could make a 60-yard field goal in hurricane force winds. Cleveland has to make the long trip to the West Coast and usually doesn't go over very well.
BALTIMORE over Houston: Texans LB Mario Williams is lost for the season, QB Matt Schaub is also hurt and his favorite target, WR Andre Johnson, is still out with a hamstring injury. On top of that Houston has to travel to Baltimore to take on one of the league's ferocious defenses. Houston has never defeated Baltimore in four meetings and they won't make it the first time on Sunday.
NEW ENGLAND over Dallas: Which Tony Romo will show up in this Sunday? The one that led the Cowboys to victories against San Francisco and Washington, or the one that showed up against the Lions and Jets? Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan may have a good game plan against Tom Brady and the Patriots offense, but I still don't think it will be good enough to stop Brady no matter how good or bad Tony Romo plays.
New Orleans over TAMPA BAY: The Buccaneers were blown out of the water last week in San Francisco and they look to rebound Sunday against Drew Brees and the Saints. That's easier said than done. Despite the Saints struggles on defense, Brees and the defense will put up enough points to get the win.
CHICAGO over Minnesota: If the Bears have any slim chance of catching Detroit and Green Bay they need to beat the rival Vikings Sunday night. I think they do, but catching the Lions and Packers is a different story.
NY JETS over Miami: The Dolphins may have had two weeks to prepare for Rex Ryan's Jets, but a month probably wouldn't be enough time. Matt Moore gets the start at quarterback for Miami with Chad Henne having season ending shoulder surgery. Moore becomes the 16th quarterback to start for the Dolphins since the retirement of Dan Marino before the 2000 season.
A list that includes according to ESPN, Jay Fiedler, Damon Huard, Ray Lucas, Brian Griese, A.J. Feeley, Sage Rosenfels, Gus Frerotte, Joey Harrington, Daunte Culpepper, Cleo Lemon, Trent Green, John Beck, Chad Pennington, Chad Henne and Tyler Thigpen. For Dolphin fans, the draft and hopefully Andrew Luck can't come soon enough.
Last Week: 8-5
Overall: 54-23
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