NFL picks and previews: Week 6

By Ryan McSheffrey, For The Miami Student

Redskins (2-3) at Jets (3-1)...NYJ -7

Are the Jets a great team? Probably not. But, at this juncture, they're certainly in the playoff conversation. That defense is nasty. The 'Skins are competitive, but New York should manhandle quarterback Kirk Cousins and Co. >>Jets 23, Redskins 17

Cardinals (4-1) at Steelers (3-2)...PIT +3

I'm always a fan of Super Bowl rematches of the recent past, and this is one of the two we get this week. This game would have looked a lot juicier on the schedule if Ben Roethlisberger was still in the picture though. Pitt can beat mediocre teams like the Chargers behind a ball-control Mike Vick offense, but that's not likely against a team of the Cardinals' caliber. >>Cardinals 30, Steelers 20

Chiefs (1-4) at Vikings (2-2)…MIN -4

It should be interesting to see how much of a damper Jamaal Charles' ACL tear has on the Chiefs' offense. The Viking defense has no elite running back to account for, which could bog down Alex Smith, who only wants to throw short passes. >>Vikings 27, Chiefs 16

Bengals (5-0) at Bills (3-2)...BUF +3.5

Bills QB Tyrod Taylor's status for Sunday is up in the air. Buffalo probably doesn't have a prayer if they're forced to turn to EJ Manuel. I'll pretend Tyrod doesn't play. >>Bengals 24, Bills 13

Bears (2-3) at Lions (0-5)...DET -3

The Lions have taken a titanic step back from their 11-5 playoff team from a year ago. But that was expected: they lost perhaps the most dominant defensive tackle in the game in Ndamukong Suh and were a statistical anomaly. QB Matthew Stafford doesn't seem to be able to put a team on his back for the life of him. >>Bears 21, Lions 20

Broncos (5-0) at Browns (2-3)...CLE +4

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Cleveland Quarterback Josh McCown is red-hot, throwing for more than 340 yards in three straight games. But the Broncos, who look like the NFL's best defense so far, will help McCown fulfill his Ice Bucket Challenge. On the other side, Peyton could slide by with an effort similar to his Week 2 performance against the Chiefs. >>Broncos 27, Browns 9

Chargers (2-3) at Packers (5-0)...GB -11.5

Philip Rivers rolls into Lambeau Field with his team stored in his Jansport. He can only do so much. The Packers should win this easily, sporting one of the best offenses and maybe even an excellent defensive side. >>Packers 37, Chargers 24

Patriots (4-0) at Colts (3-2)...NE -8

Tom Brady has had this date circled on his calendar for ages, but so have the Colts. Every time you think the Patriots are motivated to the maximum, they go out and re-establish the limits. The Pats have trounced Andrew Luck's team in all four games.You've gotta expect Indy to put up more of a fight than they have in recent memory, but it'll be futile. >>Patriots 41, Colts 24