NFL picks Week 6: Packers-Vikings and every other game

The Green Bay Packers will win a fourth straight when they take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 6.

The NFC North is heating up. The 4-1 Packers lead the way just ahead of the Lions and Vikings, who both sit at 3-2. Sunday’s meeting between Green Bay and Minnesota is huge.

Elsewhere around the NFL, a pair of 4-1 teams, Philadelphia and Carolina, collide on Thursday Night Football. The undefeated Chiefs host the Steelers, and the Falcons return from bye to play the struggling Dolphins.

Who leaves Week 6 with a victory?

Green Bay (4-1) at Minnesota (3-2)

Taking on Mike Zimmer’s defense is always a daunting task for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. But given Minnesota’s problems on offense after losing Dalvin Cook, and with Sam Bradford less than 100 percent, I expect Green Bay to keep rolling.

Pick: Green Bay

Philadelphia (4-1) at Carolina (4-1)

This Thursday night matchup will be an entertaining one. The Panthers and Eagles are a combined 8-2. Cam Newton is starting to look like himself. At home on a short week, Newton leads his team to a fifth victory.

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Pick: Carolina

Chicago (1-4) at Baltimore (3-2)

It was a tough start for Bears rookie quarterback Mitch Trubisky, and he has to face another talented defense away from Soldier Field on a short week. Trubisky showed potential in his NFL debut, but it’s another difficult one for him this week.

Pick: Baltimore

Cleveland (0-5) at Houston (2-3)

The Texans have lost some key pieces on defense, and the injury to J.J. Watt is a major blow. They get the Browns at home, however, and Cleveland will have no answer for Houston’s up-and-coming offense led by rookie passer Deshaun Watson.

Pick: Houston

Detroit (3-2) at New Orleans (2-2)

This should be an entertaining contest between two good offenses. Matthew Stafford is dealing with a couple of minor injuries which is troublesome for the Lions. That said, I trust Detroit’s defense a lot more than New Orleans’ to get the key stops necessary to win.

Pick: Detroit

Miami (2-2) at Atlanta (3-1)

The Falcons have had a week off to get over their upset loss to Buffalo, and the good news for them is they get the struggling Dolphins at home.

Pick: Atlanta

New England (3-2) at NY Jets (3-2)

The New York Jets are riding a three-game win streak. Nobody thought they’d read that in 2017. Unfortunately their bubble bursts this week. The Patriots are far too strong.

Pick: New England

San Francisco (0-5) at Washington (2-2)

Fresh off the bye and at home against the winless 49ers, it’s a victory for Washington.

Pick: Washington

Tampa Bay (2-2) at Arizona (2-3)

Doug Martin‘s return is key for a Buccaneers team in need of a win. He was the only positive to take away from their loss against New England last week. Arizona’s season hangs in the balance, but I’m edging the Bucs.

Pick: Tampa Bay

LA Rams (3-2) at Jacksonville (3-2)

This is one of the toughest games to call this week. But despite slipping up against Seattle, Todd Gurley should have a bounce-back performance against the league’s No. 31 run defense to help the Rams win.

Pick: LA Rams

Pittsburgh (3-2) at Kansas City (5-0)

Big Ben on the road. The undefeated Chiefs at home. I know who I’m picking.

Pick: Kansas City

LA Chargers (1-4) at Oakland (2-3)

The Chargers needed last week’s win desperately, but it could get tricky this week with Derek Carr (back) expected to return for the Raiders. Assuming Carr is 100 percent, the Raiders pick up a must-needed victory.

Pick: Oakland

NY Giants (0-5) at Denver (3-1)

Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse for the Giants, they lost their best player. Not only does an 0-5 record effectively end their season, they will now have to go the rest of the way without Odell Beckham Jr. and Brandon Marshall. Sterling Shepard also got hurt. Make it 0-6 for New York at Denver.

Pick: Denver

Indianapolis (2-3) at Tennessee (2-3)

Marcus Mariota (hamstring) could be back this week, even if his mobility is limited somewhat. Andrew Luck (shoulder) remains out for Indianapolis, which makes it difficult to pick against the home team, no matter how well Jacoby Brissett has played for the Colts.

Pick: Tennessee

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Season: 45-32

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