It’s that time of the week again! Stand up, underdogs!
Week 6’s intense lineup of games will have at least three favored teams fall. One those clubs are former Super Bowl champions. Don’t believe us? Read on below… allow us to discuss ’em.
Kansas City Chiefs (+1) at Oakland Raiders (-1); total: 47 (Sun, Oct. 16, 4:05 PM ET)
Why the Chiefs will win: Andy Reid’s brilliance. End of story. Seriously, though, coach Reid is one of the few coaches in the league who has that I-can-make-any-team-overachieve vibe in him. It’s not to say he’s the GOAT but his longevity and the amount of guys he has flourished is just too damn high. Oh, and he’s 15-2 in his career after a bye, which is insane!
This current Chiefs team has the personnel to have a good ‘ol offensive shootout with the Raiders. QB Alex Smith is averaging a career-high 268 yards per game and his coach is letting him sling it more than ever. His two main pass-catchers, Jeremy Maclin and Travis Kelce, who have the necessary speed, power, and hands, are combining for 100-plus of yards every game.
What they separate themselves with is defense; they are sure to be aggressive against Oakland’s passing attack. They should be able to show why they have a league-high eight INTs.
Why the Chiefs will lose: The Chiefs will lose if they don’t get to Derek Carr and his powerful O-line, who has protected the QB well, as they have only allowed five sacks this season. If they fail to do that, expect Carr to get the ball easily to his two crafty receivers, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, who have multiple 100-plus receiving yards this year.
Writer’s Prediction: The Chiefs (+1) win, 31-28.
Indianapolis Colts (+3) at Houston Texans (-3); total: 46.5 (Sun, Oct. 16, 8:30 PM ET)
Why the Colts will win: They are simply playing much better offense than the Texans right now, whether they are winning or losing. QB Andrew Luck is slowly getting back into his form (293 yards per game with 10 passing TDs). His primary receiver, T.Y. Hilton, is of course following his lead. Through five games this year, the speedy wideout has 507 yards, fifth-best in the leauge.
Their defense, as inconsistent as it is, should have no problem with the Texans’ struggling offense.
Why the Colts will lose: If the Texans’ offense play like they are projected to be, which is pure run and gun, the Colts might fall short on keeping up. QB Brock Osweiler has the size, strength, and other intangibles to be a headache for pass rushers and defensive backs (he just needs to be developed more).
The QB’s main man on the backfield, Lamar Miller, can also cause an array of problems. Miller is a pass-catching back who also has great vision, speed, and power. The RB is currently ninth in the league in yards from scrimmage (453).
Writer’s Prediction: Colts (+3) win a high-scoring game, 38-34.
Atlanta Falcons (+6) at Seattle Seahawks (-6.5); total: 45.5 (Sun, Oct. 16, 4:25 PM ET)
Why the Falcons will win: It’ll begin and end with the offense. Facing a team like the Seahawks presents a long list of challenges offensively, but if you are the Falcons right now, who just carved up the Broncos D pretty well, you are not going to sweat the next game. You’ll have all the confidence you need.
Atlanta will still have to figure out how to get around Seattle’s aggression on defense, but Matt Ryan is showing that he’s prepared for it. The QB is undoubtedly leading the MVP race now, thanks to his impressive production that currently places him first in passing yards (1740), yards per game (348), yards per pass (10.4), yards per completion (15), passer rating (121.6), and QB rating (93.6).
Why the Falcons will lose:Seattle still has the firepower to completely wall Atlanta’s offensive attack. They are at the top of the league in terms of fewest total yards allowed per game, with 264. The defense has the likes of Michael Bennett, Bobby Wagner, and Richard Sherman, all of whom are equipped with high football IQ.
The Falcons can also lose if they don’t get to the crafty Russell Wilson. As we’ve seen throughout the QB’s career, he has the ability to extend any play with his feet. He’s easily one of the most mobile QBs in the last decade or so.
