Last week our week five NFL news looked at some big storylines. Now week six of the NFL heats up and so too does betting on NFL games. Some bettors are up by now and some are down, but this is the time in the season where a few things happen. First, for those who understand the game this is usually the time that team strengths and weaknesses are clearly defined. That makes it easier to bet. However, it’s also the time when unpredictable things, such as injuries and off field issues, can start to derail a team. The NFL is into its bye-weeks and players often need that extra week of rest to recover from injuries and to refuel their tank.
Colts (0-5) at Bengals (3-2)
The quarterback duel in this game features Chris Painter against Andy Dalton. That makes many people say, “Who?” It should be Payton Manning against Carson Palmer—two QBs who know how to fling the pigskin. But Manning is out after surgery and Palmer is out because he refuses to play for Cincinnati. Most people are in disbelief that the Colts don’t have a win as of yet. They are a team simply trying to get on track while the Bengals are on a streak and in second in the AFC North. This is a major game with the edge going to the Bengals.
49ers (4-1) at Lions (5-0)
The Lions have surprised many by being 5-0. They have blown teams out (Kansas City) and they have won in dramatic fashion (Cowboys). This is an amazingly good team with a fine defense and an especially productive offense. However, they may lose their first game today as Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers come to town. It’s no small feat that San Francisco, who like the Lions had been a laughingstock for years, are at 4-1. They are playing great football and coach Harbaugh is a smart tactician. This could be the day Detroit finally has a number in the loss column.
Bills (4-1) at Giants (3-2)
This is a huge intrastate game as the Bills come down from the north to play the big city Giants. The Giants have played unevenly this season and there’s a lot of rancor on the team and between the coach and players. The Bills, like the Lions and 49ers, have stepped it up in a major way in the league this season and they may blow the Giants out. This is likely since Buffalo has an explosive offense and the New York Football Giants have holes in their defense. The Giants are favored by the bookies.
Eagles (1-4) at Redskins (3-1)
The Eagles have the rejuvenated Michael Vick at the helm and the QB has signed a multi-million dollar contract with the team. What could possibly go wrong? The answer is in five games Philadelphia has just one win. The Redskins, however, are a team that went into the season with big QB questions. Veteran Rex Grossman seems to have answered those questions. Philly coach Andy Reid can’t get his team on track while Skins coach Mike Shanahan has done a great job with the his club. The Eagles may just be 1-5 after today and Washington could still be in first place in their division. That’s a division with Dallas and the Giants!
Major Week
This is a major week in the NFL as various teams face big matchups. It’s going to be filled with surprises. The four games above may prove to be upset prone. If anything, they will be filled with a lot of twists and turns and great plays.
