NFL Daily Presents: Week 6 Picks ATS

Normal format this week as regular, hard hitting analysis comes with an array of guests. ESPN super analyst Chris Mortensen will be on, as well as Marwan Maaloof, Ken Moll, and Keith Kidd of Scouts' INC.

-Vikings-Bears will be interesting, and the balance of the game will hinge on whether Brian Greise can effectively throw the ball against a weak Minnesota secondary. I'm assuming that the Vikings won't be able to do much offensively, and that the Vikes will stuff Cedric Benson and the rushing game. The deciding factor will ultimately be Devin Hester. The game may come down to a defensive or special teams score, and I give that edge and 5.5 points to Chicago.
-Cleveland excels on even numbered weeks. That may sound like someone picking an NCAA tourney team by pretty colors or mascot, but it's a tried and true trend this season. It also helps that the Dolphins, led by Cleo Lemon are terrible. Expect the Browns to go vertical with Edwards and Winslow, and for Ronnie Brown to have another good game in a losing cause. Cleveland at home with the 4.5
-Green Bay is coming off a loss against the Bears, as they host the red hot Redskins. Ken Moll will start of the analysis of this one:
"Sprung, The Packers need to run the ball effectively. It's tough to stay with that approach when you get stuffed a few times but it's the best thing for Brett. He'll always get his throws in but keep the skins defense honest. The Packers defense will take care of itself."
Moll is assuming that the Packers will stuff the Washington run, and force Jason Campbell to make plays. If either running game works, that team would have a decided advantage. That being said, assuming the runs are neutralized on both sides, I give the edge to Favre and the home team plus the 3.5.
-As an aside, check out Thursday's New York Times discussing a riveting piece about the Odell Thurman case. The Bengals need a win over the Chiefs to save their season, and Kansas City must control the clock with Larry Johnson against a poor Cincinnati rush defense. That's the only way KC has a chance. I will now introduce to you a matchup of old dogs (Ty Law and Patrick Surtain) against new tricks (Chad Johnson and TJ Houshmanzadeh). Old dogs used to be new tricks, but new tricks now leave old dogs in the dust and earn the Jumpsuits at least a field goal win.
-I regret not having an insider's take on the Titans-Bucs game, because it will be a very underrated contest. Tennessee's D has been greatly improved, with stellar play from Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosch. With the Tampa rushing attack in the situation it's in, the Bucs will rely on big plays from Jeff Garcia. The Titans will rely on Vince Young. I have upset music singing in my brain, and the Titans will steal a road dog win. Woof.
-The Jets will be going back to the 60's with their old blue and gold New York Titans jerseys. Let's hope they're not ugly like the Eagles Parakeet duds, but Gang Green fans should hope for similar Parakeet results. I asked Marwan Maaloof if this game was an elimination matchup, with both teams only possessing a win each:
"SOS, You can classify it as an elimination game. I've said all along that there can't be anymore talk of "still early in the season". The route to the playoffs begins now!"
Yeah! I'm fired up now! The Jets have Chad Pennington! They're screwed! Eagles plus 2.5, I need to calm down.
-If Baltimore scores more than 10 points, they'll probably cover against the Rams. The team did put 31 up on Arizona in a loss, but that's not the Ravens D. All Baltimore has to do is pound McGahee and let the D do the work, Ravens plus 9.5.
-Big divisional game between the Jaguars and Texans, and it should be close. Keith Kidd told me that the Jags should win 20-10, but I'll take Houston to cover the 6.5 here.
-Football math! Carr+Testaverde+Moore= bad QB option. Unless the Panthers find a way to majorly D up against the Cardinals, I'll give Arizona the edge. No symbolic James reference there, Cards plus 3.5.
-San Diego shredded the Broncos and have the elite confidence that even a horrible coach like Norv Turner can't take away from them. Here's the plan, tranquilize Turner, give the ball to LT, and beat Oakland by 10+.
-As a Cowboys fan, I'm pumpedupbutscaredashell about this Duel in Dallas (TM??) against the Patriots. A big factor in this matchup will be what defenses Bill Belichik throws at Tony Romo, who managed to look worse than Pennington and John David Booty combined. Chris Mortensen takes us inside:
"Eleven men on the field...just kidding. Belichick typically decides to take away the most important factor/player from an offense and see how that team responds. In this case, I would expect him to do all he can to neutralize Terrell Owens and maybe Witten, the tight end."
With the multiple "scenes" Owens had this week, he needs to be fed the ball early and often. If that doesn't happen, and New England is able to spread out the Dallas defense, it could get uglier than a drunk Lindsey Lohan with a Parakeet jersey on. I'll go with the Pats with the 5.
-New Orleans hasn't proven jack, expect the Seahawks to rebound and romp over the Saints. Seattle plus the 7, big game for Alexander and 40+ throws for Brees.
-Will this be a trap game for the Giants? I doubt it, but it may end up being close in Atlanta. I'll cautiously take New York and the 3.5