The Hail Mary - Week 6

In my NFL previews I predicted a 4-12 record for the DenverBroncos. For five straight weeks I have predicted that the Broncos would lose, and all five weeks they have won. Three of those five weeks they defeated pretty good teams in the Cincinnati Bengals, Dallas Cowboys, and New England Patriots. Heading into a divisional game at San Diego the Broncos are 5-0 and with a win can increase their division lead to 3 1/2 games. Their were only two people that I knew, including Broncos fans that believed in Denver this year. My friend Omar, and ESPN writer Bill Simmons. However, despite having a rookie coach, a new quarterback, tons of new parts on defense, and an off-season filled with turmoil the Broncos are the best team in the AFC. How will they fare in San Diego this weekend? Let's find out.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Kansas City (0-5) at Washington (2-3), Washington favored by 6

When will Vegas ever learn? The Skins won't cover this 6 point spread, and I wouldn't be surprised if they lose. They love to give other teams their first win and they might be in a giving mood against Kansas City. Reports have surfaced that Redskins players want Daniel Snyder to give coach Jim Zorn a vote of confidence. The players need to shut up and play. You know how Zorn will earn a vote of confidence? If you win! Especially against the pile of dung called a schedule that the Skins have played to this point. The Skins win but it won't be pretty.

Prediction: Washington 17, Kansas City 13

Philadelphia (3-1) at Oakland (1-4), Philadelphia favored by 14

I foolishly thought the Raiders could cover a large spread in the Meadowlands, but I am sticking with the Raiders to cover in this one. The only reason I think they will lose by less than 14 is because they are at home, where they usually are at least somewhat competent. JaMarcus Russell will probably pass for 75 yards but maybe the Raiders running game, ok, nevermind, Philly covers easily.

Prediction: Philadelphia 35, Oakland 14

Buffalo (1-4) at New York Jets (3-2), New York Jets favored by 9 1/2

Man, some really crappy games this weekend getting shown to the DC area. The Jets shine has come off after a 3-0 start, while the Bills are absolutely putrid. The Bills looked like they could be a sleeper team with the way they played the Patriots on opening night, but since have been atrocious. They can't seem to get Terrell Owens involved at all. The Jets defense was dominated by Miami's Wildcat but the Bils don't have tricks like those under their sleeve.

Prediction: New York Jets 27, Buffalo 13

Chicago (3-1) at Atlanta (3-1), Atlanta favored by 3

Finally a good game! These teams had a classic game last year where a miracle finish got the Falcons the win at home. This rematch should be even better. The Falcons destroyed the 49ers and continue to look like a team on the rise. The Bears have won three in a row, with two of those wins coming by the skin of their teeth. I think they will run out of late game magic against Atlanta.

Prediction: Atlanta 28, Chicago 24

Denver (5-0) at San Diego (2-2), San Diego favored by 3 1/2

Vegas is even slower than me in believing in the Broncos, making them underdogs in this Monday Night game. People keep expecting things out of the Chargers that we just aren't getting. Maybe they have to fall to 4-8 again but I don't think San Diego is better than Denver. The Broncos defense can slow down Philip Rivers and company, while the Chargers defense could have a heck of a time trying to slow down Broncos RB Knowshon Moreno and WR Brandon Marshall.

Prediction: Denver 24, San Diego 20

Rest of Week 6

Houston (2-3) at Cincinnati (4-1), Cincinnati favored by 4 1/2

The Bengals continue to find new and exciting ways to win. 5 games in and all of them have come down to the final seconds. I think that trend will continue this weekend. The Texans continue to be mystifying, good one week, bad the next. They even go from good to bad in the middle of games as evidenced by them nearly overcoming a 21 point deficit at Arizona last Sunday.

Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Houston 23

Detroit (1-4) at Green Bay (2-2), Green Bay favored by 13 1/2

The Lions pass defense is pretty terrible and something that Packers should definitely take advantage of but I will repeat what I wrote last week, the Lions really aren't that tbad. They hung in with defending Super Bowl champions last week, and I think they will test the Packers in Lambeau.

Prediction: Green Bay 30, Detroit 20

Baltimore (3-2) at Minnesota (5-0), Minnesota favored by 3

Baltimore is in danger from being 3-0 and considered the best team in football to 3-3 and beginning to panic. The Vikings have been impressive this year but this will be by far the best team they would have played. The Ravens defense isn't quite as fearsome as it has been, especially their pass defense. Adrian Peterson will have his work cut out for him, but if Cedric Benson can go over 100 on Baltimore, Peterson is certainly capable. Favre will take his share of hits but he will once again make plays late to keep Minnesota unbeaten.

Prediction: Minnesota 24, Baltimore 23

New York Giants (5-0) at New Orleans (4-0), New Orleans favored by 3

It is the battle of the unbeaten in N'awlins. The Saints offense hasn't been as prolific in their last two games, but their defense has looked much improved under new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. The Giants have played a schedule almost as easy as the Redskins but have been dominant against teams that they should be dominant against. I think the Saints are good but I don't think they are tough enough yet to compete with the Giants. The key for the Saints will be whether or not they can make life hell for a hobbled Eli Manning. I expect Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs to run well and keep the Giants rolling.

Prediction: New York Giants 27, New Orleans 20

Cleveland (1-4) at Pittsburgh (3-2), Pittsburgh favored by 14

Can anyone remember the last time the Browns beat Pittsburgh? If you do let me know because I am too lazy to look it up. The Steelers are expecting S Troy Polamalu to return as well as RB Willie Parker. Even if Parker can play the Steelers should stick with RB Rashard Mendenhall, who has played fantastic the last two games. Oh and he is on my fantasy team.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 28, Cleveland 10

Carolina (1-3) at Tampa Bay (0-5), Carolina favored by 3

The Panthers are lucky that the Redskins were inept enough to hand them a victory. The Panthers aren't very good. Their running game isn't clicking, and Jake Delhomme is a turnover waiting to happen. I have been impressed with Tampa QB Josh Johnson. His numbers aren't the greatest but I like the poise he has shown and his ability to make plays. I think Tampa get's Raheem Morris his first win as coach.

Prediction: Tampa Bay 24, Carolina 21

St. Louis (0-5) at Jacksonville (2-3), Jacksonville favored by 9 1/2

The Rams are so bad that they can be 9 1/2 point underdogs to a team that just lost 41-0 last week. However, I can't say I disagree, the Rams are atrocious in every way possible, who knows when they will get a win.

Prediction: Jacksonville 30, St. Louis 17

Arizona (2-2) at Seattle (2-3), Seattle favored by 3

It has become obvious that QB Matt Hasselbeck is the Seahawaks MVP. I still am not liking what I am seeing out of the Cardinals. I think this will be a close game but Hasselbeck will make the difference.

Prediction: Seattle 26, Arizona 24

Tennessee (0-5) at New England (3-2), New England favored by 9

I predicted the Titans would be bad but even I would have never guessed they would be this bad. Why is Jeff Fisher keeping Kerry Collins as the starting quarterback? The Titans season is over, get Vince Young in there and see what he can do. The Patriots have been an underwhelming road team but are 3-0 at home and should have no problem with the Titans.

Prediction: New England 27, Tennessee 14

Last Week Against the Spread: 8-6
Overall Against the Spread: 44-32

Last Week Straight Up: 10-4
Overall Straight Up: 51-25