Durkin: Week 6 NFL Picks
By Dan Durkin--
(CBS) Originally, this was the week Tom Brady was scheduled to return from suspension. Instead, he gets an opportunity to keep his Patriots undefeated and put the "Deflategate" narrative to rest against the Colts in an AFC Championship rematch.
Here's my take on how this weekend's action plays out.
(Home team in all CAPS)
Broncos 24, BROWNS 17 -- noon
It's strange to say it, but the Broncos are winning games in spite of Peyton Manning. They're winning games by playing suffocating defense, which will continue against an overmatched Browns team.
Bengals 27, BILLS 16 -- noon
This Bills offense is beat up, and the Bengals are playing as well as any team in the league. If quarterback Tyrod Taylor is unable to go for the Bills, this game could get out of hand.
VIKINGS 26, Chiefs 17 -- noon
Other than Matt Forte, no player was more instrumental to his offense than running back Jamaal Charles was to the Chiefs, who's now lost for the season with a torn ACL. The Vikings defensive line will dominate the line of scrimmage, and Adrian Peterson should have a big game.
Texans 21, JAGUARS 20 -- noon
Two AFC South basement dwellers face off in Jacksonville. Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles is dealing with a shoulder injury, which may limit his effectiveness and invite pressure from the Texans.
Bears 24, LIONS 21 -- noon
The Lions' season is on the brink. They can't run the ball, and they turn it over at an alarming rate. The Bears are starting to play well on defense and should force a few bad throws from Matthew Stafford as they get back to .500 before their bye week.
JETS 23, Redskins 17-- noon
Coming off their bye, the Jets should be refreshed against the Redskins. Kirk Cousins is turnover prone, which is a bad thing to be against an opportunistic Jets defense.
Cardinals 30, STEELERS 21 -- noon
The Cardinals should find a lot of holes in the Steelers secondary as they notch their fifth win of the season.
Dolphins 24, TITANS 20 -- noon
Dan Campbell makes his head coaching debut for the rebooted Dolphins. I have a feeling that Miami responds with a more physical game on both sides of the ball and to pick up a road win in Tennessee.
SEAHAWKS 26, Panthers 16 -- 3:05 p.m.
Seattle isn't the team most everyone expected it to be. The Seahawks lack the ability to put teams away like they have in the past. However, they should cruise at home against the undermanned Panthers.
PACKERS 34, Chargers 23 -- 3:25 p.m.
San Diego having to travel to Green Bay on a short week while coming off a loss is a bad combination. Aaron Rodgers will rebound from last week's performance as the Packers remain the NFC's only unbeaten team.
49ERS 23, Ravens 20 -- 3:25 p.m.
The Ravens just got lit up by Josh McCown and were lit up earlier in the season by Derek Carr. Colin Kaepernick has been brutal this season, but he will lead the 49ers to a home win against a disjointed Ravens team.
Patriots 37, COLTS 23 -- 7:30 p.m.
The Patriots have had this game circled on their calendars since the schedule first came out. This game will be their opportunity to show that the pressure of footballs had nothing to do with the outcome of the AFC Championship game.
EAGLES 31, Giants 27 -- 7:30 p.m., Monday night
The Eagles got their offense on track last week, and it should carry over against a porous Giants secondary. This is a big game for both teams, but I like the Eagles at home.
Season record through Week 5: 49-29 (Last week: 8-6)
Dan Durkin covers the Bears for CBSChicago.com and is a frequent contributor to 670 The Score. Follow him on Twitter at @djdurkin.
