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2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 6

By Gil Alcaraz IV

Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) moves out to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) moves out to pass against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Photo by Elsa/Getty Images
Photo by Elsa/Getty Images /

Minnesota Vikings (2-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-2)

Sunday, October 17, 1PM ET

Upset of the week? This seems like an upset, although even the Carolina Panthers probably aren’t convinced they’re the favorites in this one. Their early wins came against inferior competition, and now they’re coming off an ugly loss to the Eagles.

Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have been extremely hard to peg this season. They’re a couple of field goals away from being 4-1. They’re also a couple of fields away from being 0-5. The talent is there on paper, but they haven’t been able to put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball.

The reason why I’m giving this one to the Vikings is their reliable running game (even without Dalvin Cook) and their outstanding defensive front. I know the Panthers have their own impressive front seven, but Minnesota should be able to move the ball just enough to at least find the end zone a couple of times on Sunday.

I can’t say the same for the Panthers, who are dying without Christian McCaffrey in the lineup. Sam Darnold will have a tough time with the Vikings’ terrific pass rush, and a last-minute turnover drops Carolina to 3-3.

Prediction: Vikings win 25-23 | Spread: Panthers (-1)

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