The Loop NFL Picks: Week 6

Vikings at Bears (+2½)

Star wideout Justin Jefferson will be sidelined at least a month, the latest blow to the postseason hopes for the 1-4 Vikings. The big question is whether the official campaign of tanking the season begins immediately, or whether they’ll wait until Sunday’s next debacle.
Pick: Bears by 3

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – OCTOBER 08: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings attempts to catch a pass during the second quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at U.S. Bank Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Panthers at Dolphins (-13½)

Three Dolphins (Tyreek Hill, De’Von Achane and Raheem Mostert) have posted the top speeds in NFL action this season, all in excess of 21.5 mph. The only pass catcher to move faster this year has been the Vikings’ Jordan Addison in his Lamborghini.
Pick: Dolphins by 21

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 08: Tyreek Hill #10 of the Miami Dolphins runs the ball to score a touchdown against the New York Giants during the third quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Rich Storry/Getty Images)

Eagles at Jets (+6½)

Injured New York quarterback Aaron Rodgers raised eyebrows again by challenging Travis Kelce to a debate on the COVID vaccine. It’s the strongest indication yet that mixing ayahuasca with ivermectin and hydroxychloroquine may cause brain damage and acute narcissism.
Pick: Eagles by 7

New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers waves to football fans before an NFL football game between the Jets and the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Oct. 1, 2023, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

Giants at Bills (-14½)

Giants star RB Saquon Barkley came to Daniel Jones’ defense last Sunday, yelling at fans in Miami who were verbally abusing his quarterback. Not much is known about the antagonists other than the assumption that they were wearing Giants jerseys.
Pick: Bills by 21

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 05: Saquon Barkley #26 and Darius Slayton #86 of the New York Giants leave the field after the game against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on December 05, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)

Cowboys at Chargers (+2½)

The NFL may fine 49ers TE George Kittle for wearing a T-shirt that said “(expletive) Dallas” during the Niners’ Week 5 rout. But there are no plans to fine Cowboys QB Dak Prescott who, by throwing interceptions on three consecutive possessions, actually did (expletive) Dallas.
Pick: Chargers by 3

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Dak Prescott #4 of the Dallas Cowboys is sacked by Nick Bosa #97 and Arik Armstead #91 of the San Francisco 49ers during the first quarter at Levi’s Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Lions at Buccaneers (+3½)

Detroit has won four of its first five games and is already building a commanding lead in the NFC North. Experts agree it’s the most impressive lion performance since King Moonracer took power on the Island of Misfit Toys.
Pick: Lions by 10

(Screen grab from YouTube)

Patriots at Raiders (-3½)

It’s a rematch of the Chandler Jones Game of last year, when the Patriots literally threw a game away to the Las Vegas defensive end. There’s a decent chance the former Raider will be watching Sunday’s contest from his rec room … unless he’s arrested again.
Pick: Raiders by 7

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Chandler Jones (55) breaks a tackle by New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) to score a touchdown on an interception during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 18, 2022, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Colts at Jaguars (-3½)

England’s favorite team, the Jaguars of Duval County, won for the second straight week in London, upsetting the AFC-leading Buffalo Bills. Jacksonville used a fool-proof strategy to beat the Bills: injuring their best defensive players.
Pick: Jaguars by 7

Buffalo Bills linebacker Matt Milano (58), top center, grimaces in a challenge during an NFL football game between Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

Ravens vs. Titans (+3½)

Baltimore coach John Harbaugh, trying to get his struggling Ravens an edge for this game in London, flew his team out to Britain six days early. Unfortunately for them, the Ravens again forgot to bring any competent running backs with them.
Pick: Ravens by 1

CINCINNATI, OHIO – SEPTEMBER 17: John Harbaugh the head coach of the Baltimore Ravens against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Saints at Texans (+1½)

New Orleans shut out New England last week, routing a Bill Belichick team that has been outscored 72-3 over the past two weeks. In a related note, Tom Brady giggled.
Pick: Saints by 3

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick shouts from the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Dec. 24, 2022, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)

OTHER GAMES

Commanders at Falcons (-2½):
Pick: Falcons by 3

Seahawks at Bengals (-3½):
Pick: Bengals by 7

Cardinals at Rams (-6½):
Pick: Rams by 7

49ers at Browns (+5½):
Pick: 49ers by 14

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 08: Christian McCaffrey #23 of the San Francisco 49ers rushes during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Levi’s Stadium on October 08, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

BYE WEEK

Packers, Steelers

RECORD

Week 5
6-8 straight up
7-7 vs. spread
Season
48-30 straight up (.615)
42-36 vs. spread (.538)

DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 08: Mekhi Becton #77 and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett of the New York Jets celebrate after beating the Denver Broncos 31-21 at Empower Field At Mile High on October 08, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

You can hear Kevin Cusick on Wednesdays on Bob Sansevere’s “BS Show” podcast on iTunes. You can follow Kevin on Twitter — @theloopnow. He can be reached at [email protected].

Related Articles

The Loop Fantasy Football Report Week 6: How can you replace Justin Jefferson?

The Loop Fantasy Football Update Week 5: Last-minute moves

The Loop NFL Picks: Week 5

The Loop Fantasy Football Update Week 4: Last-minute moves

The Loop NFL Picks: Week 4