I had a good week on the picks front last weekend as I went 12-2. But I'm kicking myself because a perfect week was definitely attainable. I was convinced Jacksonville's London form would carry them past the Chicago Bears, but I have no excuses for picking the Cowboys to beat Detroit even though the game was in Dallas. The Cowboys have been miserable at home this season! Anyway, with six weeks in the books; I am now 60-32 on my predictions.
Denver Broncos (3-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-4)
The Saints have maybe two or three starters left healthy from the offense that exploded out of the gates in Weeks 1 and 2. The status of quarterback Derek Carr is also unknown at this time of writing. But I don't fully trust the Broncos, either, so give me the Saints on home turf.
Neil's Pick… New Orleans
New England Patriots (1-5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5)
Despite last week's dispiriting loss to Chicago, I thought Trevor Lawrence played pretty well. If the Jaguars can tidy up some of their penalties and ball-handling/ball security, they can leave London with a win. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye makes the Pats instantly more dangerous though.
Neil's Pick… Jacksonville
Seattle Seahawks (3-3) at Atlanta Falcons (4-2)
These two NFC playoff-chasers seem to be heading in opposite directions. The Seahawks have lost three in a row and are shipping far too many points. And that's ominous because Atlanta have won three straight and have averaged 429 yards of offense per game during that span.
Neil's Pick… Atlanta
Tennessee Titans (1-4) at Buffalo Bills (4-2)
Three of Tennessee's four losses have come by one score, which makes it incredulous that this team continues to stick with a quarterback who lets them down when the game is on the line. Will Levis should make way for Mason Rudolph, not that it would matter this week. Bills win!
Neil's Pick… Buffalo
Cincinnati Bengals (2-4) at Cleveland Browns (1-5)
Both Ohio teams have been major disappointments in the season's opening six weeks, but the Bengals still have hope because they have Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It's not the same for the Browns. Deshaun Watson looks broken at QB and Amari Cooper is now in Buffalo.
Neil's Pick… Cincinnati
Houston Texans (5-1) at Green Bay Packers (4-2)
We're in for a treat on Sunday as C.J. Stroud battles Jordan Love at Lambeau Field. Love has homefield advantage and good form on his side, but I think Houston are the more complete football team and their pass rush could cause some serious problems for Green Bay's attack.
Neil's Pick… Houston
Miami Dolphins (2-3) at Indianapolis Colts (3-3)
So many questions about this game. Will Miami have been able to get Snoop Huntley more comfortable at quarterback during their bye week? Can he spark a stagnant attack? And will Anthony Richardson return from injury for the Colts? Miami's offensive struggles will continue.
Neil's Pick… Indianapolis
Detroit Lions (4-1) at Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
For me, this showdown between two Super Bowl contenders comes down to Minnesota's defense against the Detroit attack. We know Jared Goff is a pure pocket passer, so how will he and his offensive line cope with the array of pressure brought by Vikings coordinator Brian Flores?
Neil's Pick… Minnesota
Philadelphia Eagles (3-2) at New York Giants (2-4)
Despite having a winning record, Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is clearly feeling some pressure. It helps his offense – and job status – to have A.J. Brown back at WR. The Giants could get rookie receiver Malik Nabers back from a concussion. They need him – he provides their offensive spark.
Neil's Pick… Philadelphia
Las Vegas Raiders (2-4) at Los Angeles Rams (1-4)
The Rams have struggled without Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp at wide receiver and Matthew Stafford has thrown just three TD passes. The latter of that injured pairing could return this week, but it is still unclear. Any kind of post-bye week surge will require that duo. The Raiders look lost.
Neil's Pick… LA Rams
Carolina Panthers (1-5) at Washington Commanders (4-2)
I get that Andy Dalton offers Carolina the best chance to win right now (and jobs could be on the line once again come the latter half of this season), but all he has delivered is one victory followed by three straight losses. Maybe just find out once and for all if Bryce Young can play quarterback?
Neil's Pick… Washington
Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) at San Francisco 49ers (3-3)
If Kyle Shanahan sees his 49ers get up by 10 points on Kansas City in the fourth quarter, keep an eye on the beads of sweat forming on his brow. He lost both Super Bowls to the Chiefs after blowing such leads. I feel the motivation levels will be sky-high for this inconsistent Niners team.
Neil's Pick… San Francisco
New York Jets (2-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2)
It is, of course, exciting to see Davante Adams added to New York's attack, but unless they can slot him in along the offensive line and he plays like an instant Pro Bowler; the Jets still have problems. Aaron Rodgers is taking way too many hits and here comes Pittsburgh's T.J. Watt.
Neil's Pick… Pittsburgh
Baltimore Ravens (4-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-2)
Both clubs are in a really good place right now and their offenses are rolling. Baker Mayfield has worked so well with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin to make the Bucs legit. But this is a step up in class against Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. I do think this MNF game will go down to the wire.
Neil's Pick… Baltimore
Los Angeles Chargers (3-2) at Arizona Cardinals (2-4)
In this second Monday night game, you have to wonder which version of the Cards turns up? Few teams blow as hot and cold as Arizona. We know what we're going to get from Jim Harbaugh's Chargers, who love to run the ball. But Justin Herbert also looked good at QB last week.
Neil's Pick… LA Chargers
