Who Dat Dish NFL Pick’em! Week Six
By John Hendrix
Oct 5, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Who Dat Dish NFL Pick’em is back for another week of our game picks. It was a very successful week overall for the staff, as everyone finished at 10-5 or greater on the week. Along with myself, Barry and Simon went 12-3. Andrew continues to hold firm on the top spot, but his lead is dwindling. Let’s look at the standings after Week Five:
- Andrew (@ShootsMcGavin), 52-24
- Simon (@Daugulis), 47-29
- John (@JohnJHendrix), 46-30
- MacGyver (@SaintsTailgate), 45-31
- Barry (@HarahanWhoDat), 45-31
- Ian (@IDear_Sports), 44-32
- Federico (@FedeFerrari10), 43-33
- Ryne (@RHancock19), 41-35
In case you forgot, here’s the teams on the bye week this week: Saints, Chiefs. This means we’re again only minus one game this week, here’s how Week Six plays out, which favors a ton of road teams:
Thoughts from John
Indianapolis at Houston
A huge showdown in the AFC South for these two respective teams. If Thursday Night Football has told us anything, it’s that these games are typically going to be a blowout, and uninteresting. I think this game has the potential to break the mold. After all, look at what the Texans did with the Cowboys. Although they didn’t earn a win, they still hung with them. I think Luck, who has been one of the best quarterbacks of the year so far, edges out the Texans in a thriller.
New England at Buffalo
Suddenly we’re to believe that the Patriots have things figured out with their crushing victory over the Bengals. One might easily overlook the Bills, which has been the case for this entire season. The winner of this game will have a firm grasp on the AFC East. Believe me when I say that Tom Brady has the Bills’ number. The Patriots are 25-3 in this millennium against the Bills, and haven’t lost to them since 2011, which was at Ralph Wilson Stadium. I don’t look for this mold to change, but what an opportunity for the Bills.
Carolina at Cincinnati
Despite a crushing loss to the New England Patriots, the Bengals are still playing some good football overall. The Panthers were able to beat out the Bears at home last week, but haven’t won a non-conference game in this young season (Ravens, Steelers). The Bengals have already fended off one NFC South opponent this year (Falcons) with ease, and they’re going to make it two in a row.
Pittsburgh at Cleveland
You might feel like it was just yesterday that these two teams played. Well, it kind of was. These two met in Week 1, and are back again to duel. The Steelers were able to do everything right in the first meeting to get off to a monster lead over the Browns. The Brownies would end up battling back, but fall short at the end of it all. I expect this to be a much closer matchup this time around. Just remember that the Steelers are 8-1 in this decade, and 26-4 over the Browns in this millennium.
Green Bay at Miami
After a blowout of the rival Vikings on Thursday Night Football, the Packers head down to enjoy to sun and fun of Miami. Both of these teams are well-rested, as the Dolphins enter fresh off a bye week. It’s hard for me to tell you that the Packers are going to fumble this one away, but they are only 1-2 on the road this young season (victory over Bears). Look for Rodgers to have a big day.
Detroit at Minnesota
It’s time to see what the Lions are made of, as they start the ‘Life without Megatron’ chapter of this season. We’re not sure how long Calvin Johnson will be down, but the Lions do possess other weapons (Golden Tate, Eric Ebron), and do have a very solid defense. Teddy Bridgewater should be back, but unfortunately for him, the Lions defense is not the Falcons. Look for the Lions to roll.
Denver at New York Jets
Jets win? Uh, no. The Broncos defense might be able to replicate everything the Chargers did last week.
Baltimore at Tampa Bay
After a close game with the Colts, the Ravens (like the Packers) head down to Florida for some fun in the sun. Don’t think for a second that Steve Smith isn’t aware of the Bucs, and he’ll be a heavily favored target of Joe Flacco on the day, as will tight end Owen Daniels. The Ravens have to be aware of a classic ‘trap game’, much like the Saints found out last week, but should win.
Jacksonville at Tennessee
Even if Jake Locker can’t play on Sunday, I still like the Titans to win this game, assuming they can handle a lead.
San Diego at Oakland
The Raiders are the borderline worst team in football right now (again). Now they’ll have to host a Chargers team that has been fairly hot. The encouraging thing if you’re a Raiders fan is the fact that these teams have split matchups this decade (4-4), with the exact split not favoring a home team. Maybe you won out on your waiver wires this week in Fantasy Football and snagged Branden Oliver, who might just run all over the Raiders this week.
Washington at Arizona
Despite the improved outing for Kirk Cousins, I don’t see the Redskins marching into the desert and winning. Even with the 41-20 blowout suffered last week against the Broncos, the Cardinals are still even in points for and points against (86-86). Oh by the way, they still lead the NFC West, for the moment. Look for a heavy dose of Andre Ellington.
Chicago at Atlanta
It’s a tale of two teams that need a win desperately to break their 2-game skid. We’ve seen Atlanta play well at home, well, at least win, and struggle on the road. The Bears are the exact opposite, losing both of their games at home, and are 2-1 on the road. At the end of it all, I see this as a shootout, and might just come down to the final drive. I’ll take the Bears though.
Dallas at Seattle
Please, please, please – Tony Romo throw at Dez Bryant with Richard Sherman on him. I seriously want to see that for the sake of who comes out on top. You only need to know one thing with this game, Seattle has lost once in forever at home. I don’t think the Cowboys can weather the 12th Man.
New York Giants at Philadelphia
Are we due for a ‘bad Eli’ or an Eagles meltdown? The Eagles have been able to put up the points, but they sure haven’t been able to keep them off the scoreboard. This kind of formula can sustain for so long, but I don’t think the Giants are the team to slow them down. They meet for the 165th time in NFL History on Sunday Night Football, and I’m expecting the Eagles to avenge the 15-7 loss suffered last year at Lincoln Financial Field.
San Francisco at St. Louis
The Rams have heart, and haven’t given up in their games this year, but I can’t even begin to have them win this game. They traditionally do play some close games, but the recent momentum in this matchup favors the 49ers, and that’s who I’ll take.
Agree or disagree with our picks? Who do you have as a ‘upset of the week’ candidate?