It was another mediocre week of picks last week and we’re trying to improve our record in Week Six.

Washington vs. New York Jets

These teams are mirror images of each other as both like to control the clock with a strong running game and neither wants their quarterback to do too much.  It should be a closer game than many think.  Jets 20, Redskins 17.

Arizona vs. Pittsburgh

It’s going to be difficult for the Steelers one-dimensional offense to do much against a pretty good Cardinals defense.  Carson Palmer will continue his fine play by carving up the Pittsburgh D.  Cards 27, Steelers 20. 

Kansas City vs. Minnesota

This is a game that the Vikings simply have to win if they’re going to hang in the Wildcard race.  The Chiefs are going nowhere fast and they should be looking toward the 2016 NFL Draft.  Vikings 24, Chiefs 13. 

Cincinnati vs. Buffalo

So the Bengals likely get E.J. Manuel instead of Tyrod Taylor.  As good as the Bills defense is, this one shouldn’t be particularly close.  Bengals 24, Bills 10. 

Chicago vs. Detroit

The Bears have done a nice job over the past two weeks of rescuing their season and Jay Cutler has played surprisingly well.  The Lions have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NFL, and Jim Caldwell might be coaching for his job.  It has to turn around in Motown, right?  Lions 23, Bears 17. 

Denver vs. Cleveland

The Cleveland offense has been the surprise of the NFL thus far.  With that said, they haven’t played against a defense that’s nearly as talented as Denver’s, and Wade Phillips will make Josh McCown look like….Josh McCown.  Broncos 27, Browns 13.

Houston vs. Jacksonville

The Texans finally have the right guy starting at quarterback and they know that this isn’t just a must-win game, it’s a must, must-win game.  The Jags still have too many injuries and they don’t know how to win.  Texans 20, Jaguars 13. 

Miami vs. Tennessee

The Dolphins have a much better roster with a more experienced quarterback and they just fired their head coach.  Usually teams respond in the short term well in these situations.  Dolphins 24, Titans 17. 

Carolina vs. Seattle

This will be a great test for both teams as Seattle can’t afford to drop another game and Carolina needs to see where they stack up against one of the elite teams.  Marshawn Lynch is back for the Seahawks, and they should roll.  Seahawks 27, Panthers 16. 

San Diego vs. Green Bay

Visiting teams don’t get wins in Lambeau Field against Aaron Rodgers.  The Chargers are a very mediocre team and they should play the Packers tough for a while.  Packers 38, Chargers 21. 

Baltimore vs. San Francisco

It’s anyone’s guess as to how this game will play out.  Colin Kaepernick is coming off his best game of the season but it’s hard to believe he will put together two such games in a row.  The Ravens have the better head coach and the better quarterback.  Ravens 24, 49ers 17. 

New England vs. Indianapolis

As much as they won’t admit it, this game has been circled on the Patriots calendar as soon as the schedule came out.  Andrew Luck is back for the Colts, but it won’t matter much.  Patriots 52, Colts 10.  

New York Giants vs. Philadelphia

If the Eagles lose this game, they will be in a complete state of flux.  If the Giants lose, they will likely still be in first place.  Take the more desperate team.  Eagles 30, Giants 27. 

Last week: 8-6

Season: 42-35