I went 9-5 on the picks last weekend, which I'm actually kind of okay with given that Week 5 was a wild one. My biggest surprise on that front was San Francisco losing at home to Arizona. I'm now 48-30 on the season. And we keep rolling. Bring on Week 6!
San Francisco 49ers (2-3) at Seattle Seahawks (3-2)
Brock Purdy traditionally plays well against the Seahawks and has a perfect 4-0 record as a starter. I do worry about the protection breakdowns in front of him, but fancy San Francisco to give the Seahawks their third loss in a row.
Neil's Pick… San Francisco
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) vs. Chicago Bears (3-2)
Both first-overall-pick quarterbacks are coming in hot. Trevor Lawrence snapped a nine-game losing streak last week and Chicago's Caleb Williams is getting better by the week. The Jags enjoy playing in London and sneak a close one.
Neil's Pick… Jacksonville
Washington Commanders (4-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-2)
Jayden Daniels and Washington's strong running game are going to present a real challenge to the Ravens. But Baltimore have their own Box Office superstar in Lamar Jackson and he will be the difference.
Neil's Pick… Baltimore
Arizona Cardinals (2-3) at Green Bay Packers (3-2)
This is a dangerous game for the Packers as the Cardinals head into Lambeau Field. Kyler Murray doesn't have to be perfect all the time to disrupt a game for the opposition. I think Green Bay win, but Jordan Love has stuff to tidy up.
Neil's Pick… Green Bay
Houston Texans (4-1) at New England Patriots (1-4)
For a 4-1 team against a 1-4 squad, there is quite a bit of intrigue. Houston will be missing star receiver Nico Collins and the status of running back Joe Mixon is up in the air. New England will be hoping for a new-quarterback bump from rookie Drake Maye.
Neil's Pick… Houston
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2) at New Orleans Saints (2-3)
Spencer Rattler will make his first NFL start for the Saints as he subs for the injured Derek Carr. Life won't be easy behind a banged-up line. Baker Mayfield should get his share of points for Tampa, even though he faces a veteran D.
Neil's Pick… Tampa Bay
Cleveland Browns (1-4) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Are we witnessing the end of days for Deshaun Watson in Cleveland? And if that is the case, what is his future? The Browns had no choice but to play him given his hefty contract. But why would anyone else take on his poor play and considerable baggage?
Neil's Pick… Philadelphia
Indianapolis Colts (2-3) at Tennessee Titans (1-3)
Anthony Richardson could still be sidelined for the Colts and that will mean more of Joe Flacco. That's not a bad thing. The veteran looks poised and in control back there and will score enough points to ease past the stumbling Titans.
Neil's Pick… Indianapolis
Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) at Denver Broncos (3-2)
The outcome of this game will hinge largely on how healthy Justin Herbert comes out of the bye week. The last time we saw the Chargers he was limping around against KC. Now, he faces a Denver team that has won three in a row.
Neil's Pick… LA Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)
The Silver and Black are turning to Aidan O'Connell at quarterback, but don't expect him to ride to his team's rescue with no Davante Adams in the lineup. I wouldn't expect heroics even if Adams were playing. The Steelers D will control this one.
Neil's Pick… Pittsburgh
Atlanta Falcons (3-2) at Carolina Panthers (1-4)
I expect Atlanta to win this one with some room to spare. So, what is important to me is how well the Falcons play on offense. After an encouraging game against Tampa Bay in Week 5, there is no excuse for any kind of letdown on Sunday.
Neil's Pick… Atlanta
Detroit Lions (3-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-2)
The Lions have coped very well with being a highly-touted team in 2024, opening with three wins from four. Dallas have teetered on the edge of being a hot mess at times, yet they are 3-2 and dangerous. I fancy them at home this week.
Neil's Pick… Dallas
Cincinnati Bengals (1-4) at New York Giants (2-3)
The Giants are coming off their best performance of the season (a road win in Seattle) and that makes them dangerous. But I think Cincinnati are very much alive in the AFC playoff race even at 1-4. Joe Burrow and his receivers are on fire.
Neil's Pick… Cincinnati
Buffalo Bills (3-2) at New York Jets (2-3)
Despite being a team that just fired its head coach in Robert Saleh, the Jets are playing for first place in the AFC East on Monday night. They face a Buffalo team that got cold almost as quickly as they got hot. But, in Josh Allen we trust.
Neil's Pick… Buffalo
