The trade deadline was a popular topic leading into this week's games -- names like Kirk Cousins and Jerry Jeudy were floated around -- and it has certainly created some drama around the league. It will be interesting to monitor as the October 31 deadline approaches and let's dive into the Week 6 matchups.
**All betting lines from bet365.com** (Updated Oct. 15)
Denver Broncos (1-4) @ Kansas City Chiefs (4-1)
These divisional matchups on a short week can be tricky and the Broncos seemingly give the Chiefs fits, especially Justin Simmons who has intercepted Patrick Mahomes three times in his career. The Chiefs have won ugly so far this year (except the Bears win at home) and I think this will be another gritty game. Pick: Chiefs, 26-17.
Line: Chiefs -10.5
ML: Chiefs
Spread: Broncos
Baltimore Ravens (3-2) vs Tennessee Titans (2-3)
This is the last game of the London series for this season and the Ravens have to feel like they really let one get away in last week's loss. I think the Ravens need to get Gus Edwards going more instead of relying on Lamar Jackson's legs so much. This feels like a defensive-minded game and the Titans will lean on Derrick Henry to grind down their defensive front. Pick: Ravens, 21-17.
Line: Ravens -5
ML: Ravens
Spread: Titans
Carolina Panthers (0-5) @ Miami Dolphins (4-1)
The Dolphins have the most prolific offense in the NFL right now with talent everywhere and some have compared it to the 'Greatest Show on Turf' in the early 2000's. They did get a bit complacent last week at home to the Giants and I think there is potential for that to happen again this week with the Panthers, but they should be able to jump out to a comfortable lead and coast from there. Pick: Dolphins, 30-17.
Line: Dolphins -14
ML: Dolphins
Spread: Panthers
Indianapolis Colts (3-2) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (3-2)
The Jags have won eight straight home games against the Colts and with Gardner Minshew starting, this could be a revenge spot. The Jags had some slow starts to begin the year, but they look much more polished over the last couple weeks and they should be able to hold off the Colts. Pick: Jaguars, 26-23.
Line: Jaguars -4
ML: Jaguars
Spread: Colts
Minnesota Vikings (1-4) @ Chicago Bears (1-4)
This is a tough game to call as neither team really has anything going for them to start the season. Even though Justin Jefferson is out, I'll lean towards the Vikings here as I think they are a bit better than their record indicates. Pick: Vikings, 27-20.
Line: Vikings -3
ML: Vikings
Spread: Vikings
New Orleans Saints (3-2) @ Houston Texans (2-3)
This is a great matchup as the Saints have proven to be resilient despite some of the injuries on offense and the Texans have been pesky to start the season. I'm still not convinced the Saints have the horses for a deep run this year and much of that has to do with a lack of weapons on offense. Pick: Texans, 23-20.
Line: Saints -2.5
ML: Texans
Spread: Texans
San Francisco 49ers (5-0) @ Cleveland Browns (2-2)
The Browns will be without Deshaun Watson in this game, which puts the onus on P.J. Walker to try and pull off the upset over the 49ers. With the weather a bit of an uncertainty in this game, the Niners should be able to lean on Christian McCaffrey to come away with a win in the 'Dawg Pound'. Pick: 49ers, 24-17.
Line: 49ers -9.5
ML: 49ers
Spread: Browns
Seattle Seahawks (3-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (2-3)
The Bengals started the season slow and now Joe Burrow seems to be getting healthier each week. It looks like Tee Higgins will suit up for this game as well, which gives Burrow his full complement of offensive weapons. I think the Bengals are going to go on a run here, and it starts at home to the Seahawks. Pick: Bengals, 21-17.
Line: Bengals -3
ML: Bengals
Spread: Bengals
Washington Commanders (2-3) @ Atlanta Falcons (3-2)
The Falcons excel at home and more specifically, Desmond Ridder loves playing on home field as he has yet to lose a game at home in college or the NFL. Bijan Robinson is one of the most dynamic rookies we've seen in the NFL and it's time for Arthur Smith to really open up the playbook to let him work. Pick: Falcons, 24-21.
Line: Falcons -1.5
ML: Falcons
Spread: Falcons
New England Patriots (1-4) @ Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
The Patriots are in need of a star on offense and maybe this will be the year they finish with a high enough pick in the first round to get that impact player. With some key injuries on the defensive side of the ball, this team's identity is crushed right now and Mac Jones doesn't instill much confidence when it comes to moving the ball. Pick: Raiders, 21-17.
Line: Raiders -3
ML: Raiders
Spread: Raiders
Arizona Cardinals (1-4) @ Los Angeles Rams (2-3)
The Cards haven't been a push over like many anticipated heading into the year, but I think the Rams will be able to control this game at the line of scrimmage and allow Matthew Stafford enough time to pick apart this secondary. Pick: Rams, 28-20.
Line: Rams -7
ML: Rams
Spread: Rams
Detroit Lions (4-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
The Lions are red hot and many consider them the biggest threat to the Eagles and 49ers in the NFC. While that may be true, Todd Bowles has the Bucs playing some scrappy football and out to a 3-1 record atop the NFC South. I think Baker Mayfield can make some plays on the back of a strong defensive performance to steal this game at home. Pick: Buccaneers, 24-21.
Line: Lions -3
ML: Buccaneers
Spread: Buccaneers
Philadelphia Eagles (5-0) @ New York Jets (2-3)
The Jets got a big road win in Denver last week and gave the Chiefs all they could handle the week before. I liked the Jets to keep this close, but Sauce Gardner has been ruled out and that should open up the passing game for Jalen Hurts. Pick: Eagles, 28-17.
Line: Eagles -6.5
ML: Eagles
Spread: Eagles
New York Giants (1-4) @ Buffalo Bills (3-2)
This is a layup game at home for the Bills and they need it coming off a loss to the Jags last week. Tyrod Taylor will start in place of Daniel Jones and the status of Saquon Barkley looks murky ahead of this game. Despite that, I can see a late cover here by Brian Daboll's squad. Pick: Bills, 31-17.
Line: Bills -15
ML: Bills
Spread: Giants
Dallas Cowboys (3-2) @ Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
The final game in Week 6 features two teams looking for a spark to send their season in the right direction. The Cowboys were embarrassed in prime time last week by the Niners and the Chargers are trying to keep pace with the Chiefs in the AFC West, coming off their bye week. If Mike McCarthy gets out coached here, the question marks will really start to come out about his future. Pick: Cowboys, 27-24.
Line: Cowboys -1.5
ML: Cowboys
Spread: Cowboys
Results
Week 5
ML: 10-4
ATS: 11-3
Overall
ML: 54-24
ATS: 48-27-3
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