NFL picks and score predictions for Week 6 as the 2020 season keeps rolling.
It’s only been five weeks, and the 2020 NFL season has already been a wild one. Then again, what should we expect from a year that has been anything but ordinary? Regardless of the madness 2020 has thrown at us, we’re ready to deliver our weekly NFL picks!
As always, we’ve got you covered with the Week 6 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Now I’ll never claim that these are going to be 100 percent correct. In fact, there’s a very good chance at least a few of my picks will go completely awry. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience, and careful consideration.
Things got a little better in Week 5, at least so far. After two pedestrian prediction outcomes in Weeks 3 and 4, I managed to walk away from Monday night with a 9-4 record for my Week 5 NFL picks (Tuesday night game pending). That moves my overall record for 2020 to 48-25-1. Not the greatest, but it could certainly be worse with how unpredictable this season has already been.
Just remember that making picks is not a science. As much research goes into it, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Isn’t that part of why we watch football in the first place?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 6. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
Week 6 Byes: Las Vegas Raiders (3-2), Los Angeles Chargers (1-4), New Orleans Saints (3-2), Seattle Seahawks (5-0)
New England Patriots (2-2) at Denver Broncos (1-3)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
This is going to be quite the interesting matchup. The New England Patriots have had a quiet last two weeks while they work their way through a COVID-19 breakout, and the Denver Broncos have now been inconvenienced by their opponent’s distractions.
So who can overcome the COVID-related delay and walk away with the W in Week 6? I’m still leaning towards the Patriots, especially if they can get Cam Newton back under center.
Then again, it’ll be all the more intriguing of a matchup if the Broncos can get Drew Lock back from injury. He was hurt earlier in the year, but he is expected to be available in Week 6. Although I don’t think Lock himself is enough to elevate Denver past the Patriots, having him running the show heightens the Broncos’ chances of winning.
In the end, though, I believe the Patriots earn the victory. They’ve been the more complete squad this season and they haven’t been hindered by injury nearly as much as the Broncos. If Newton is under center, New England improves to 3-2. If he’s not, I’m not so sure.
Prediction: Patriots win 27-21
Houston Texans (1-4) at Tennessee Titans (3-0)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
I know this probably seems like a “bold” pick. However, you have to keep in mind that the Tennessee Titans have had a rough last couple of weeks, from having their Week 4 game canceled to having their Week 5 game delayed due to the NFL’s first COVID-19 outbreak.
Not only have they not been playing games, but they haven’t even been practicing as much as the competition. There’s been controversy and far too many distractions. Put simply, I don’t think this team is coming into the game with clear minds.
Meanwhile, the Houston Texans are coming off their first win of the season. Bill O’Brien is gone, and the team is playing with more heart now that Romeo Crennel is in the driver’s seat. Deshaun Watson is still a work in progress, but the Houston defense stepped up in their Week 5 win and figures to continue to improve as the season progresses.
I expect more of the same from the Texans in this one, with the defense making life miserable for Ryan Tannehill all game long. They bend without breaking too much, allowing Watson just enough breathing room to get the win.
Prediction: Texans win 30-24
Cleveland Browns (4-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-0)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
All year long I’ve been picking against the Cleveland Browns and for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Well, it’s time I turn that approach on its head. They’re obviously two very talented teams, but I’m starting to get the sense that one is more prepared than the other to take the league by storm.
Yes, I’m talking about the Browns. For the last couple of years, we’ve been waiting for them to get it together. There’s enough talent on both sides of the ball, and now they’ve got a competent head coach in Kevin Stefanski who’s bringing out the best in this bunch. I was still on the fence heading into Week 5, but they sent the Indianapolis Colts home with a loss and I’m starting to believe.
Meanwhile, the Steelers are still a bit of an unknown. Yes, they’ve looked great on their way to an undefeated start. With that said, they’ve bested four teams with a combined record of 3-15-1. They’ve yet to face quality competition, which is exactly what the Browns are proving themselves to be.
As great as the Steelers defense has been this season, I’m not sure they’re ready to slow down Cleveland’s dangerous mix of top receiving threats and pummeling ground game. The Browns bring their divisional foes down a notch by knocking them from the ranks of the undefeated.
Prediction: Browns win 37-33
Baltimore Ravens (4-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-3-1)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
I’m sorry Philadelphia Eagles, but this is not your year. Carson Wentz hasn’t been on his game, and even when he is, the Philly defense isn’t doing enough to keep things competitive on the scoreboard. Even against their in-state rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the Eagles couldn’t keep it together.
Now they head into another daunting matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, a team that has been rolling all year long apart from a Monday night hiccup against the Kansas City Chiefs. Lamar Jackson will be ready to put a hurting on this Philadelphia defense, which currently sits near the bottom of the league standings in terms of points allowed per game.
Look for the Ravens to hit the Eagles with a balanced combination of running and passing, allowing the ground game to get going early before Jackson does his damage through the air. Wentz and the Philadelphia offense will attempt to counter, but I don’t see them getting much movement against this stingy Baltimore defense.
It’s already been a long year for the Eagles, who haven’t caught many breaks since the 2020 season got underway. Don’t expect that to change in Week 6 with a tough showdown against the Ravens proving too difficult a challenge to overcome.
Prediction: Ravens win 30-21
Washington Football Team (1-4) at New York Giants (0-5)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
It’s been a long season for both of these NFC East teams, and it’s probably not going to get much better anytime soon. Luckily for one of them, someone has to come away with the win in Week 6 as both squads are simply looking for a reason to look forward to the final 10 games.
Honestly, this was a hard decision to make. Both teams have been awful at times this season, and injuries haven’t helped their ability to stay competitive on the field. While the Washington Football team may have one win compared to the New York Giants’ zero, I’m thinking they’ll pull even before Sunday is over.
Why? Well for starters, the Giants seem to have a better defense overall. They’ve done a surprisingly solid job of keeping opponents from running up the score this season, even keeping things close in most games. If they can get after Kyle Allen early, they should be able to take advantage of Washington’s porous offensive line and wreak havoc.
On top of that, I still have faith in Daniel Jones as the future for the Giants. He may not have all of his top playmakers available, but he’s a smart quarterback who can make big throws in clutch moments. Look for him to step up and send Washington home with their fifth loss.
Prediction: Giants win 28-23
Atlanta Falcons (0-5) at Minnesota Vikings (1-4)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
As frustrating as the Minnesota Vikings have been this season, it’s too hard to have any faith in the Atlanta Falcons right now. Even with Dan Quinn being shown the door, there are too many flaws on this roster to warrant confidence heading into Week 6.
Matt Ryan is having a horrid year without Julio Jones to throw to, and the ground game hasn’t been able to get going despite some solid play from Todd Gurley. As if that wasn’t bad enough, the Atlanta defense has been a dumpster fire. They’re in the bottom three in almost every defensive category, and simply can’t make stops when they’re needed.
Realistically, the Vikings haven’t been much better. The defensive secondary has been a turnstile, as has the offensive line. Kirk Cousins is making plays, but gets pressured far too often and is turning it over too regularly as a result. The Minnesota running game has been outstanding, but Dalvin Cook got hurt in Week 5 and will likely be limited if he does play.
Despite all of that, I’m giving this one to the Vikings. They’ve shown an ability to get going on offense, and the defense isn’t as inept as Atlanta’s. It’s an ugly game on both sides, but Minnesota comes away victorious to keep their slim playoff hopes alive.
Prediction: Vikings win 24-23
Detroit Lions (1-3) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
Through five weeks, neither of these teams has been any bit impressive. Both have obviously struggled to win games, with inconsistent defense, a lack of offensive weapons, and too many turnovers causing problems for each squad.
However, someone has to win this one. And since I’m making the picks, I’ll roll with the Detroit Lions to take down the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 5.
The Detroit Lions haven’t been quite as productive offensively, as Matthew Stafford isn’t quite having the MVP season he was hoping for. Adrian Peterson hasn’t been bad on the ground, but even he isn’t the game-changer the Lions need at running back. Then again, it’s not like the Jacksonville offense is anything special.
What will help the Lions come away victorious is their defense, which isn’t nearly as battered at this point in the season as the Jaguars’ is. A couple of early turnovers will give the Lions the lead, and pounding the rock with Peterson should allow them to wear down the clock and get the W.
Prediction: Lions win 23-20
Cincinnati Bengals (1-3-1) at Indianapolis Colts (3-2)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
Despite the loss last week, I’m still confident in the Indianapolis Colts as one of the top teams in the AFC. There’s still a lot of football left to be played before we can start worrying about the playoffs, but I believe the Colts will be there when that time comes.
You can’t really say the same for the Cincinnati Bengals. Sure, Joe Burrow has been great nearly 100 percent of the time and Joe Mixon is holding his own, but the rest of the bunch hasn’t been anything special. The Cincinnati defense has been among the most vulnerable in the league, which is largely why they currently sit at 1-3-1.
I’d expect more of the same in Week 6. The Colts boast one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, which won’t make things easy for Burrow. Even if the rookie can avoid a complete disaster of a performance, I don’t think he’s got enough going right now to keep the points coming.
As long as Philip Rivers can avoid too many turnovers, the Colts should cruise in this one. They need a bounce-back win after getting toppled by the Browns, and I’m predicting they’ll find it at home against the Bengals.
Prediction: Colts win 26-17
Chicago Bears (4-1) at Carolina Panthers (3-2)
Sunday, October 18, 1PM ET
The Chicago Bears will probably make me regret this pick, as they’ve done pretty much all season long. However, I still feel like the Bears are overrated right now, while the Carolina Panthers are quietly proving themselves to be a team worth taking seriously.
The majority of the teams the Bears have beaten thus far are far from top competition. Their first three wins came against teams with a combined record of 1-13. Only in Week 5 did they put together an impressive win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tom Brady, albeit it was a defensive battle that Chicago only won by one point.
While the Panthers haven’t exactly racked up wins against quality clubs (except the Arizona Cardinals), they’ve been more impressive overall. Teddy Bridgewater is playing like a franchise quarterback, and the Carolina offense as a whole has stepped up with Christian McCaffrey injured. More importantly, the Panthers defense has been one of the best in the business.
It should be a gritty, low-scoring affair that’ll likely come down to who has the ball last. Ultimately, I’m predicting the Panthers get the win and bring the Bears down a notch after their easy early-season wins bloated their value a bit.
Prediction: Panthers win 18-16
New York Jets (0-5) at Miami Dolphins (2-3)
Sunday, October 18, 4:05PM ET
It pains me why I even have to explain why I’m picking the Miami Dolphins over the New York Jets in this pitiful matchup between two AFC East foes. Isn’t it obvious that the Jets are incapable of winning at this moment in time?
Put simply, the Jets have been a complete train wreck through the first five weeks of the season. They’re coming off a beating at the hands of the Cardinals and they even lost to a Broncos team that was led by a third-string quarterback who couldn’t protect the football. They sit here at 0-5, and it’s not a mistake that they’re winless heading into Week 6.
As for the Dolphins, they’ve been a pleasant surprise so far this season. Despite the 2-3 record, they’ve put together some outstanding efforts, including the complete demolition of the 49ers this past weekend. Ryan Fitzpatrick is playing some of his best football, and the Miami defense has stepped up in a big way.
The Dolphins will win this one without much effort, giving the Jets front office one more reason to send Adam Gase packing. It’ll also put the Miami at .500, meaning they may actually be relevant in the 2020 NFL Playoffs discussion. This is one weird year…
Prediction: Dolphins win 35-13
Green Bay Packers (4-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)
Sunday, October 18, 4:25PM ET
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have certainly been impressive on both sides of the ball this season. Although the offense hasn’t been as explosive as people imagined, they’re still looking like one of the better clubs in the NFC through the first five weeks.
That, however, doesn’t mean they’re ready to take down the undefeated Green Bay Packers in Week 6. The Packers have been outstanding through their first four games, as Aaron Rodgers apparently has something to prove in 2020.
What I believe the difference will be, though, is the Packers’ defense. Their secondary has quietly been one of the better units in the league this season, and their pass rush is more than capable of changing a game on its own. Look for Green Bay to get after Brady early and often, making the aging quarterback uncomfortable in the pocket.
A key turnover in the final minutes proves too much for the Buccaneers to overcome, as the Packers the clinching defensive stand. Brady plays well, but too many sacks and not enough support force the Buccaneers back to .500 while the Packers remain undefeated.
Prediction: Packers win 34-30
Los Angeles Rams (4-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-3)
Sunday, October 18, 8:20PM ET
Coming into the season, the San Francisco 49ers were seen as one of the top contenders in the NFC. It made sense considering they made it all the way to the Super Bowl last season. Unfortunately, they’ve looked like a shell of their former selves through five weeks.
The prime example of that was the Week 5 shellacking they suffered at the hands of the Dolphins. They were completely outclassed by a team that was 1-3 coming into the week. The defense couldn’t do anything to slow down the opposing passing game, and the San Francisco offense looked lost out there — hence, Jimmy Garoppolo‘s benching.
Considering the current level of disfunction dragging down the 49ers, I’m giving this one to the Rams. They haven’t been dominant this season, but they’re still winning consistently. Their only loss of the year came against the undefeated Buffalo Bills, who nearly blew a huge lead in the process.
Aaron Donald and the Rams defense does its thing, putting immense pressure on whoever is under center for the 49ers. Jared Goff and the Los Angeles offense also steps up, running up the score as San Francisco sits around wondering what’s gone so wrong.
Prediction: Rams win 37-18
Kansas City Chiefs (4-1) at Buffalo Bills (4-0)
Monday, October 19, 5PM ET
Believe it or not, the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t perfect. We want to think they are because Patrick Mahomes is so talented, but they aren’t invincible — just ask the Las Vegas Raiders, who toppled them from the ranks of the undefeated in Week 5.
If the Raiders can beat them, then so can the Buffalo Bills, right? I mean, the Bills did defeat the Raiders the week before, so anything is possible. Then there’s the fact that Buffalo simply hasn’t been slowed this season, even the odds seem to be stacked against them.
The Bills won’t have much trouble putting up points. Josh Allen is having an MVP-caliber season so far, and he’s getting plenty of help from top playmakers like Devin Singletary and Stefon Diggs. Look for the Bills to get into the end zone regularly, putting immense pressure on Mahomes to keep up on the scoreboard.
Ultimately, the Buffalo defense delivers a big-time stop in the fourth quarter to keep Mahomes and the Chiefs out of the end zone, securing the win along the way. The Chiefs are still among the AFC’s best, but the Bills make a case for themselves as the top dogs in the conference.
Prediction: Bills win 31-24
Arizona Cardinals (3-2) at Dallas Cowboys (2-3)
Monday, October 19, 8:15PM ET
I’m sorry, but I just don’t see this Dallas Cowboys team being able to win against potential playoff contenders within Dak Prescott. That’s the category I put the Arizona Cardinals in, which is why I’m giving the away team the edge in this Monday night showdown.
It’s not just about the Cowboys missing Prescott though. The Cardinals have been outstanding this season, especially on the offensive end. Kyler Murray, despite some continued growing pains, is coming into his own as the franchise quarterback for Arizona. Then again, it helps to have top receivers like DeAndre Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald to throw to.
Another point going against Dallas is their inferior pass defense, which has been shredded all season long. They’ve stayed competitive with Prescott passing for a ridiculous amount of yards, but I don’t see Andy Dalton having the same level of success.
Even if they lean more heavily on Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys are at a disadvantage on offense. That’ll keep them from keeping up with the Cardinals in the scoring department. Dallas falls to 2-4 and begins to wonder if it’s time to press the panic button.
Prediction: Cardinals win 41-32