A quick look at every game on the NFL schedule for Week 6, along with the consensus pick of Athlon Sports editors Mitchell Light, Rob Doster, Nathan Rush, Patrick Snow and Steven Lassan:
Bills (4-1) at Giants (3-2)
The Wide Right Bowl will feature countless replays of Scott Norwood’s infamous 47-yard missed field goal at the end of Super Bowl XXV — which resulted in the second Lombardi Trophy for the Giants and the first of four consecutive Bills’ losses on Super Sunday. This time, New York state supremacy is on the line.
Giants by 3
Colts (0-5) at Bengals (3-2)
Normally, a two-hour drive down I-74 to Cincy would be a welcome road trip for Colts fans. But there may be fewer blue jerseys in the stands this year, as winless Indianapolis has shown few signs of life so far. Meanwhile, the Bengals are hopeful that the rookie QB-WR duo of Andy Dalton and A.J. Green can win again and match the team’s 2010 win total.
Bengals by 3
Jaguars (1-4) at Steelers (3-2)
The final leg of Pittsburgh’s four-game tour of the AFC South, which has already included a close call win at Indianapolis, a late loss at Houston and a blowout of Tennessee.
Steelers by 9
Eagles (1-4) at Redskins (3-1)
The heat is on Andy Reid and Michael Vick to stop Philly’s downward spiral. “Dream Team” never happened; “Redeem Team” still can.
Eagles by 1
49ers (4-1) at Lions (5-0)
Jim Harbaugh’s Niners hope to catch Motown hung over from a weeklong Monday night party following the team’s first MNF win since 1998.
Lions by 3
Rams (0-4) at Packers (5-0)
When a winless team visits an undefeated club this late in the season, odds are both squads exit with zeros — as opposed to ones — in the respective columns that were already blank. Just a roundabout way of saying St. Louis will almost certainly lose at Green Bay this week.
Packers by 14
Panthers (1-4) at Falcons (2-3)
Local legend Cam Newton — who was born in College Park, Ga., and attended Westlake High School in Fulton County — returns to Atlanta’s Georgia Dome for the first time since leading Auburn to a 56–17 win over South Carolina in the SEC title game. The Panthers’ rookie will be playing in front of friends and family as he looks for the first road win of his career.
Falcons by 4
Browns (2-2) at Raiders (3-2)
Expect an emotional scene at the Black Hole, as Al Davis (July 4, 1929 – Oct. 8, 2011) is honored by the Raider Nation in the first home game since the three-time Super Bowl champion owner’s passing. The Browns are fresh off a bye week but are walking into an even more hostile environment than usual in Oakland.
Raiders by 6
Texans (3-2) at Ravens (3-1)
Houston has problems following the loss of linebacker Mario Williams (torn pectoral) and the likely absence of receiver Andre Johnson (hamstring) — arguably the team’s top playmakers on both sides of the ball.
Ravens by 7
Saints (4-1) at Buccaneers (3-2)
Drew Brees has made the Tampa-St. Pete area his home away from home the past two years — throwing for a combined 450 yards, six TDs and one INT during 38–7 and 31–6 road wins.
Saints by 6
Cowboys (2-2) at Patriots (4-1)
New England has the league’s best offense (495.2 ypg) and worst defense (433.0 ypg). Dallas has a quarterback, Tony Romo, who has been hailed as the best (playing through injury vs. 49ers) and the worst (throwing away win vs. Lions). After what must have felt like an excruciatingly long bye week, the eyes of Texas are on Romo in this high-profile matchup.
Patriots by 9
Vikings (1-4) at Bears (2-3)
This Sunday night tilt features the only two teams in the NFC North that are not unbeaten. Last season, Chicago cruised to a pair of wins against Minnesota — with a 27–13 victory in Week 10 and a 40–14 blowout in Week 15.
Bears by 4
Dolphins (0-4) at Jets (2-3)
Rex Ryan’s club is in desperation mode heading into this Monday night AFC East fight. After suffering losses to the Patriots, Ravens and Raiders, the Jets are in a must-win mindframe against the winless Dolphins — who will give Matt Moore his first start against the No. 5 pass defense (203.0 ypg) in the league.
Jets by 7
