After a fantastic week in the NFL, making early picks and predictions for Week 6 leaves us trying to pick through what was real and what was a smokescreen. As the NFL standings begin to take shape, what could Week 6 have in store for us?
NFL picks and predictions Week 6 | NFL lines and odds
Glancing through this week’s NFL odds, there are some intriguing lines. Do the sportsbooks have it right or are they missing something? Let’s take a look at whether there is anything we can take advantage of this week with our early Week 6 picks and predictions.
[metabet_core_odds_board league=”nfl” site_id=”profootballnetwork” hide_consensus=”yes” hide_location=”yes”]Thursday Night Football picks and predictions | Week 6
Here are the Week 6 picks and predictions and NFL odds for Thursday’s game as of 5 AM ET on October 11.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7) at Philadelphia Eagles
Time and channel: 8:20 PM ET, FOX, NFL Network, and Amazon Prime
How the Eagles got out of their game with the Panthers with a victory is somewhat of a mystery. Philadelphia appeared to be thoroughly dominated before Jalen Hurts once again woke up in the fourth quarter. The Buccaneers are a more ruthless team than the Panthers, so there should be less opportunity for a late comeback.
Buccaneers vs. Eagles Prediction: Buccaneers 34, Eagles 20
Sunday Week 6 free NFL picks and predictions
Here are the Week 6 picks and predictions and NFL odds for Sunday’s games as of 5 AM ET on October 11.
Miami Dolphins (-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time and channel: 9:30 AM ET, CBS
The expected return of Tua Tagovailoa could not come soon enough for the Dolphins, who have now lost four straight. London has not been a happy hunting ground for Miami, who are 1-3 on the other side of the Atlantic. However, this is a new regime for the Jaguars, who will not be used to managing a traveling team.
Both teams have question marks surrounding the future of their head coach. The Dolphins should be the better team, but this could be another London game in the balance in the fourth quarter.
Dolphins vs. Jaguars Prediction: Dolphins 24, Jaguars 21
Kansas City Chiefs (-6.5) at Washington Football Team
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
The Chiefs would never have imagined that after Week 5 they would be bottom of the division or under .500. However, that is exactly the situation they find themselves in. This week, they are facing a Washington team that is among the worst defenses in the league. If this game is close, it will be major red flag for the Chiefs going forward in 2021.
Chiefs vs. Washington Prediction: Chiefs 35, Washington 20
Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens (-3.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
The Chargers have been superb, but going on the road to Baltimore will be another big test for this up-and-coming team. Los Angeles cannot afford to let this game and their two-game lead over the Chiefs in the NFL standings evaporate.
The Ravens have a chance to match the Chargers at 4-1 on Monday Night Football. They have not looked quite right, and they will not roll over for the Chargers. This should be a close game in Baltimore.
Chargers vs. Ravens Prediction: Ravens 27, Chargers 24
Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers (-1.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
The Panthers will be devastated to have let the game against the Eagles slip. Meanwhile, the Vikings have made really tough sledding of their 2021 season. They could easily be 0-5 if two field goals had gone differently. If the Panthers do not win this game at home, there will be serious question marks over the direction of this team in 2021.
Vikings vs. Panthers Prediction: Panthers 24, Vikings 23
Green Bay Packers (-4.5) at Chicago Bears
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
Coming off an emotional roller coaster in Week 5, the Packers could be there for the taking for the Bears. Chicago has been widely derided, but they have a real chance to show they are serious players in the NFC.
Unfortunately, the Bears have won just one of their last 10 games against the Packers. Even with a fresh QB under center, that kind of streak against one of the best in Aaron Rodgers will be hard to snap.
Packers vs. Bears Prediction: Packers 24, Bears 21
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at Detroit Lions
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
This should be a victory for the Bengals. However, with a wild, emotional loss last week combined with the rigors of an overtime period, there is some burnout concern. Plus, there are the worries surrounding Joe Burrow and his neck. The Lions will play hard, but they lack the talent of the Bengals, assuming Burrow can play.
Bengals vs. Lions Prediction: Bengals 23, Lions 17
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (-10)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
The Texans had one of their best offensive performances under Davis Mills but could still only put up 22 points. However, the Colts have hardly been a juggernaut. They should be able to win, but covering a 10-point spread is something completely different for a team averaging 20 points per game. This game should go the way of the Colts, but it will likely be closer than 10 points.
Texans vs. Colts Prediction: Colts 24, Texans 17
Los Angeles Rams (-10.5) at New York Giants
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
Whether Daniel Jones is on the field or not, this should be a game the Rams win comfortably. The Giants’ defense just allowed 44 points to the Cowboys, and the Rams offense is equally as good as Dallas’. The only difference Jones likely makes is whether this is a two- or three-score game.
Rams vs. Giants Prediction: Rams 34, Giants 20
Arizona Cardinals at Cleveland Browns (-3)
Time and channel: 4:05 PM ET, FOX
This is a clash of two of the best teams in the NFL as the Cardinals look to stay unbeaten. Cleveland’s defense was exposed by the Chargers, but Arizona’s defense is also vulnerable. This should be a high-scoring NFL game and those are always tough to make picks and predictions for. The Browns need this one more at home and that could make all the difference.
Cardinals vs. Browns Prediction: Browns 34, Cardinals 30
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (-3)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, CBS
The Raiders’ season could be set to unravel after a strong first three games. The Broncos are also facing that danger after two poor outings against the AFC North. This matchup should be one the Broncos can win on both sides of the ball.
Raiders vs. Broncos Prediction: Broncos 24, Raiders 21
Dallas Cowboys (-4) at New England Patriots
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, CBS
The Patriots escaped with a win in Houston, but the way they got there was almost a disaster — mistakes upon mistakes on offense while their defense was exposed by Davis Mills. Neither of those is a good thing when you are set to face Dak Prescott and this Cowboys offense. The Patriots are rarely embarrassed at home, but this could be different.
Cowboys vs. Patriots Prediction: Cowboys 30, Patriots 20
Seattle Seahawks at Pittsburgh Steelers (-5)
Time and channel: 8:20 PM ET, NBC
This game suddenly looks a lot less star-studded than it did at the start of the season. Geno Smith will go on the road looking to salvage the Seahawks’ season, which sits precariously at 2-3. The Steelers’ situation is no better, but if they cannot overcome the wounded Seahawks at home, questions will start to mount.
Seahawks vs. Steelers Prediction: Steelers 24, Seahawks 20
Monday Night Football: Free NFL picks and predictions
Here are the Week 6 picks and predictions and NFL odds for Monday’s game as of 5 AM ET on October 11.
Buffalo Bills (-4.5) at Tennessee Titans
Time and channel: 8:15 PM ET, ESPN
The Bills just put on a dominating performance against the Chiefs and will roll into Tennessee feeling confident. However, big statement victories can often be followed by a letdown game. The Bills cannot afford that against a Titans team that has failed to impress this season.
One concern for Buffalo could be the success Patrick Mahomes and Darrel Williams had on the ground in Week 5. If Ryan Tannehill and Derrick Henry get rolling, this could be a tough game. Tennessee humiliated the Bills last season, but Buffalo’s defense looks drastically different in 2021.
Bills vs. Titans Prediction: Bills 31, Titans 24