Ryan’s NFL Picks (2020): Week Six

Not my best week, but not my worst either. I’ve still managed to get most games right every week, and I won’t pretend to be upset that I was wrong about that Raiders/Chiefs game.

Overall Record: 51-26
Record: 9-5

Ryan’s NFL Picks (2020): Week Six

Denver Broncos @ New England Patriots: New England Patriots

If this game had happened last week, when it was originally scheduled, it would’ve been Brian Hoyer versus Jeff Driskel. Now, it’ll likely be Drew Lock versus Cam Newton. It’s crazy how much things change.

And by that, I mean, I’m still taking the Patriots, because Bill Belichick simply can’t be outcoached by Vic Fangio, regardless of who is playing quarterback.

Houston Texans @ Tennessee Titans: Houston Texans

Here’s my upset special of the week. I think that on paper, the Houston Texans are still the best team in the AFC South, and I still have my doubts about the Tennessee Titans. I think Tennessee beating down Buffalo says more about the Bills than it does about the Titans.

Cleveland Browns @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Cleveland Browns

Deep down, I think I’m trying to ruin my streak of winning weekends, because I don’t know that I believe this pick. I just feel like the Steelers haven’t beaten anyone respectable, that this game means a lot to the Browns, and that Cleveland is red hot right now.

Also, I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Myles Garrett > T.J. Watt.

Baltimore Ravens @ Philadelphia Eagles: Baltimore Ravens

Doug Pederson needs to be fired. I’m sorry Philly, I am, but Nick Foles is gone, and 2017 was a long, long time ago. He continues to fail his young quarterback, and it’s not like the defense is what it used to be either. Against a Ravens team that feasts on bad squads, I think the Ravens are the superior raptor on Sunday afternoon.

Washington Football Team @ New York Giants: Washington Football Team

I’m a little wary of this pick. Washington’s offense is a total dumpster fire, and I don’t even know which of the three quarterbacks they’ll start, but they have to be in better shape than the New York Giants. Without Saquon Barkley, they’re hurting for star power, and I’m not sold on Joe Judge or Daniel Jones.

What I am sold on is Washington’s defense. Their pass rush is insane, driven by an elite defensive line, and I’m counting on them to be disruptive enough to bring home a win for Ron Rivera.

Atlanta Falcons @ Minnesota Vikings: Minnesota Vikings

I’m sorry Atlanta, but last week was your last chance. Even after finally parting with Dan Quinn, I just don’t have any faith in you. The Vikings took Seattle to the limit on Monday night, so at least I know they can hang with the good teams.

Atlanta is not a good team.

Detroit Lions @ Jacksonville Jaguars: Detroit Lions

This is a weird one. This could go either way, and I’m really leaning Detroit because they have a better quarterback. The Jacksonville defense leaves a lot to be desired and eventually, Matt Patricia has to look relatively impressive as a coach, right???

Cincinnati Bengals @ Indianapolis Colts: Indianapolis Colts

Zac Taylor refuses to protect Joe Burrow in any sense of the word, and until he starts, I’m gonna have a hard time picking the Bengals.

Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers: Chicago Bears

Man, I can’t figure either of these teams out. I think I’ve almost always missed on the Bears, and I’m not doing much better with the Panthers. I’m rolling with Chicago because I trust the defense to make things uncomfortable for Teddy Bridgewater, and at least they did well against the Buccaneers.

New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins: Miami Dolphins

The Jets aren’t winning a game until they fire Adam Gase. Moving on.

Green Bay Packers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Green Bay Packers

Why isn’t this primetime? It’s Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers. So far we’ve had Tom Brady vs. Drew Brees and Tom Brady vs. Aaron Rodgers and neither has been primetime. Will Tom Brady vs. Patrick Mahomes get that or is only Derek Carr a big enough name to draw primetime?

Regardless, the Packers are on fire right now, Aaron Rodgers is Russell Wilson’s only threat for MVP. The Bucs can’t seem to handle agressive QBs… let’s hope that lingers.

Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers: Los Angeles Rams

The 49ers are so badly banged up, they should just pack it in for this year. At this moment, they’re the worst team in the league’s best division, and their only hope of a post-season berth is as the NFC’s first seven seed. Rams steamroll the 49ers.

Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills: Kansas City Chiefs

On a short week, the Bills have to host the Kansas City Chiefs, who are going to be a-n-g-r-y after getting spanked at home by the Las Vegas Raiders of all teams. The Bills didn’t look very good against Ryan Tannehill… so I don’t know what they’re going to do against Patrick Mahomes. Chiefs dominate on Monday… afternoon?

Arizona Cardinals @ Dallas Cowboys: Arizona Cardinals

Oh you thought I was done with upsets? Nah, I’m only getting started.

I think under the bright lights of primetime, the young Kyler Murray gets his first signature win against a dreadful Cowboys defense. I don’t think Andy Dalton is that much worse than Dak Prescott, but he won’t be able to keep Prescott’s incredible pace from this season.