Week 6 Picks

As we head into Week 6, the Broncos are off to a fast 5-0 start, and they host Jacksonville this week with the chance of getting to 6-0. The quick start by Denver and Peyton Manning has become one of the big storylines for the 2013 season. An undefeated season has been brought up a lot with the Broncos so far this year. I’m not too worried about an undefeated season. I just want the Broncos hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in February at the Meadowlands. But there are some really astonishing numbers that have highlighted this start for Denver. Here are a few nuggets to consider:

-Denver has scored 230 points in five games. They are averaging 46 points a game.

-The Broncos have scored at least 37 points in their first five games. Twice they hit 40 or more and twice they hit 50 or more.

-The Broncos only scored 50 points once in their history. They have scored over 50 points twice in the last two weeks.

-Peyton Manning started with 16 touchdowns and 0 interceptions in the first four games. He stands at 20 touchdowns and only 1 interception after five games. He is on pace for 60 touchdowns this year.

-Since Peyton Manning started with the Broncos last year, the team has played 21 regular season games. They have a record of 18-3 in those games. Including playoffs, they are 18-4 in their last 22 total games.

-The Broncos are on a 16-game regular season winning streak.

Those numbers are just a few of the numbers to digest, but in any event it is pretty staggering. I’m just enjoying this ride, and looking for another win this week over the Jags. You have to enjoy the journey not just the destination, so I’m taking it week to week and having fun along the way. Onto the picks for Week 6….

Last Week’s Record: 8-6

Thursday Night Pick: 0-1

Overall Record: 38-37-5

(HOME TEAM IN CAPS)

KANSAS CITY (-7) over Oakland: This line seems a little high, but I think the Raiders have trouble coming East this week. KC always is tough at home when they are a good team, and they will get to 6-0 with a solid win over Oakland.

TAMPA BAY (+2) over Philly: I think the Bucs get their first win of the season this week. I just can’t buy into Nick Foles for the Eagles this week. The Bucs are pretty bad, but they will find a way to get the job done at home.

Green Bay (-2) over BALTIMORE: The Ravens are a team that is going to confuse people all year long. You really can’t get a handle on them this early in the season. I have liked the Packers in this game all week, and I am not wavering. I’ll the Pack on the road with a huge win.

Detroit (-2) over CLEVELAND: This is another game that I have liked since the beginning of the week. If the Browns still had Brian Hoyer, than I would buy into them, but although they are 3-2, they have to back to Brandon Weeden. I’ll take the Lions defense in this matchup-even on the road.

 Carolina (+3) over MINNESOTA: The Ron Rivera Watch is on in Carolina. It is only a matter of time before Rivera gets the boot this year. In the meantime, this is a spot where the Panthers rise up and play well. Take them getting the points on the road.

St. Louis (+7) over HOUSTON: Do you really trust Matt Schaub this week? The Rams haven’t been that good so far this year, but I expect them to give a big effort this week. Look for a Texans win, but this game has a 20-17 feel to it.

Pittsburgh (+3) over NY JETS: Everyone is going to pick the Jets because the Steelers are 0-4, but be careful with rookie QBs. Geno Smith was great in the upset win over Atlanta on Monday night, but rookies can follow up a great performance with a stinker the next week. Dick LeBeau might be able to dial up something to confuse Smith this week. I’ll take the Steelers one more time this year before I give up on them.

Cincinnati (-7) over BUFFALO: The Bills are going with Thad Lewis at QB this week against this Bengals defense. E.J. Manuel is hurt, and the Bills have no real QB as a backup, so Lewis gets the start. I can’t see how the Bengals are going to lose this game. The Bengals are good, but Andy Dalton is the only thing that is holding them back from a Super Bowl run. They get the job done this week in Buffalo.

SEATTLE (-12) over Tennessee: This game would be interesting if Jake Locker was not injured. I would give the Titans a chance to keep it close. Now that Ryan Fitzpatrick is filling in for Locker, the Titans have no shot in this game. Plus, the Seahawks are coming home after blowing a game at Indy last week. No a good combination for the Titans.

Arizona (+10) over SAN FRANCISCO: The 49ers will win this game, but I think it will be closer than the experts predict. I have been riding the Cardinals all year long, and they have been a very solid underdog. I think the potential is there for a bloodbath with the Niners winning something like 31-6, but this will be closer than that.

NEW ENGLAND (-2) over New Orleans: The best game of the weekend by far. The Pats look like they will be getting Rob Gronkowski back for the game. With Gronk and Danny Amendola in the fold, the Pats offense should get going again. I think this is a back and forth game, and I think the Saints will play real well, but look for Tom Brady to will his team down the field for a game-winning score late.

DALLAS (-5) over Washington: This is a classic spot where everyone will pick the Cowboys because of what Tony Romo did to the Broncos last week, and then the Redskins will roll into Dallas on Sunday night and win by 10. I don't see it happening this week. Look for the Cowboys to take advantage of the matchups in the Redskins secondary and win this game by at least a touchdown

SAN DIEGO (+2) over Indy: The Chargers were pretty bad in their loss to the Raiders last Sunday, but I think that they rebound here. The Colts have been flying with wins over the Seahawks and Niners already this year. I think the Colts are due for a letdown while they are thinking about the Broncos and Peyton Manning next Sunday night.

Jacksonville (+27) over DENVER: The spread is just too high in this game. The Broncos should roll to an easy victory, but if they win 31-10, then you lose the bet if you take Denver. 27 points is just crazy. 

Final Score: Broncos-34 Jaguars-10