UTTQ Predictions: Week 6

The late games in Week Six feature a bevy of seemingly uneven matchups that should prove to be more entertaining then advertised. So without further adieu, the picks are in.

PHILADELPHIA 27, WASHINGTON 21
At some point this season, I'm going to have to stop picking these Eagles as they've let me down in the three previous times I've drawn them this season. Michael Vick isn't even playing at half the level that reaffirmed his status as a superstar a year ago and Philly has suffered for it. The Redskins on the other hand are feeling confident in their unexpected 3-1 start. As I've continued to preach from week to week, I still believe the Eagles will find their stride and become that dominant team we all expected to see prior to the season. Simply put, Vick must play better and be the dynamic playmaker that the Eagles offense needs. The losses have been close and this should be the weak that things finally swing their way again. Should the Eagles fall this week, their season for all intents and purposes, will be over.

CLEVELAND 14, OAKLAND 28
In the first home game since the passing of Al Davis, expect the Raiders to be playing with a heightened level of emotion. This combined with the shaky Browns coming into town spells out a W for the Black and Silver. Simple as that.

HOUSTON 24, BALTIMORE 30
In a season that looked extremely promising for the Texans, the injury bug has stripped them of their cornerstone pieces on both sides of the ball. The loss of Mario Williams for the season is devastating to say the least, and the absence of Andre Johnson cripples Matt Schaub's high powered offense. The Ravens on the other hand are a well-rounded bunch despite Joe Flacco's inconsistent play this season. The Texans still have a very legitimate shot at making the postseason for the first time in their history but they'll be back at .500 after this matchup.

DALLAS 34 NEW ENGLAND 31
No player in the NFL is as much of an enigma as Tony Romo who single handily seems to dictate the outcome of each of the Cowboys games so far this season. The Patriots D can be had through the air and if "Good Tony" can show up the majority of the game, the Cowboys have the talent to pull this one out. On the other hand, Tom Brady and company have been machine like on offense and will score a lot on Sunday. The Cowboys certainly have a shot at the playoffs in a NFC West that has underperformed thus far though they need this win to feel confident going forward, and I think Romo will deliver.

NEW ORLEANS 35, TAMPA BAY 17
No matter which way you slice it, Josh Freeman has taken a huge step backwards so far this season. He's already matched his INT total from a year ago and the Bucs offense hasn't shown all that much so far. Coming off an absolute schlacking at the hands of the 49ers, Drew Brees brings his high-powered offense into town in what must look like a nightmare game for Tampa. Not to mention that Freeman and the boys will be without LaGarrette Blount. I do expect Tampa to put up more of a fight than most, though the Saints win this one handily.

MINNESOTA 21, CHICAGO 24
Man, the Bears O-Line looked horrendous on Monday Night yet the one bright spot is that Jay Cutler almost single handily willed Chicago to a win despite being under pressure on every snap. The potential for the Bears to be a great team is there, but in a division with the only undefeated teams in football, their shot at the postseason is dwindling fast. Similar to the Eagles, I've consistently projected Cutler to have huge games and seen his offense come up short. Donovan McNabb saved his job with a 'W' last weekend over the woeful Cardinals, despite playing a subpar game. The question no longer seems to be if Christian Ponder will get the job but when the swap will occur. The Bears should put the final nail in McNabb's coffin come Sunday.

MIAMI 14, NEW YORK JETS 28
The Dolphins are not a good team and their 0-4 record shows it. To make matters worse (or better depending on your outlook) Chad Henne is done for the season and the Matt Moore era will now begin on Monday Night. On the other side, the Jets are an angry team that has underperformed so far this season and will look to vent some frustration. Rex Ryan hasn't had much to talk about to this point, but Monday Night's win should give him some material.