New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton looks to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL game at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. Maybe the third time will actually bring a kickoff between for the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots.
New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton looks to pass against the Las Vegas Raiders during an NFL game at Gillette Stadium, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Foxborough, Mass. Maybe the third time will actually bring a kickoff between for the Denver Broncos and New England Patriots. AP Photo/Winslow Townson

In NFL Week 6, Jared Hackmyer picks the early games, including Giants vs Washington Team, Steelers vs Browns, Lions vs Panthers

These are the 1 pm EDT games.

Chicago (+3.5) PANTHERS (45.5)

Jared’s Pick: Bears

Breakout Player: WR Allen Robinson

No team ever has an easy time on offense again Chicago’s defense. Chicago’s defense held Tampa Bay to only 19 points last week, while their offense has been averaging about 28 points per game. The Bears are currently ranked fourth in the league on D, letting up 20 points. The Panthers offense average is about 24 points scored per game.

The Bears are going to face a few challenges this week going against Carolina’s offense. WR Robby Anderson and RB Mike Davis have been a threat to all defenses that Caroline has played. Anderson is currently the number one receiver in Carolina. He is recorded 489 receiving yards, and 1 touchdown. With star running back Christian McCaffrey still out, Mike Davis has been huge for the Panthers’ offense. Davis has 220 rushing yards, 1 rushing touchdown, 206 receiving yards, and 2 receiving touchdowns. With both teams coming out of Week 5 with a winning record, I think this is going to be a great match up.

COLTS (-6.5) Bengals (46)

Jared’s Picks: Colts

Breakout Player: RB Jonathan Taylor

Even after a tough loss last week to Cleveland, Indianapolis still has one of the best defenses in the league. Going against a struggling offense this week, I can see the Colts winning big if their offense can get some points on the board. The Colts’ defense ranks 1st in total yards let up per game, and 2nd in points let up per game. We all saw Bengals QB Joe Burrow last week against Baltimore’s defense. He will face another tough match-up against Indianapolis.

Cincinnati’s offense isn’t doing much, but Burrow at least gives them hope. The Bengals didn’t score one touchdown on offense last week after a 24-point loss to Baltimore. Going against one of the best rushing defenses this week, I wouldn’t expect a big game from RB Joe Mixon. Burrow has been loving his rookie WR Tee Higgins. If Cincinnati decides to keep the ball in the air, I’d definitely watch for Higgins to get some targets. Indianapolis is clearly the better team in this matchup, but maybe Burrow can pull something off.

Lions (-2.5) JAGUARS (50.5)

Jared’s Pick: Lions

Breakout Player: TE TJ Hockenson

Both, the Lions and Jaguars have had tough starts to the 2020 season on both sides of the ball. Detroit’s biggest positive is their secondary. They have been struggling with injuries on defense, but still have the 16th ranked passing defense in the league. Unfortunately, their run defense lets up the most rushing yards per game. The Lions are letting up almost 32 points per game. If they want any chance at winning Sunday, they need to cut those points down.

Jacksonville’s biggest positive on offense has been rookie RB James Robinson. Robinson has rushed for 333 yards, and 3 touchdowns and also has 183 receiving yards. With Detroit’s awful run stoppage, I’d expect Robinson to have one of his best games yet. Gardner Minshew is going to have to step up for his offense this week as the Lions will be. Detroit’s defense is great, and we know, and if they want to end their 4-game losing streak.

VIKINGS (-4) Falcons (53.5)

Jared’s Pick: Vikings

Breakout Player: WR Adam Thielen

Atlanta finally has star WR Julio Jones back and they're hoping he can be the one to cure their 0-5 record. Atlanta‘s offense has been great moving up and down the field, but they have to put more points on the board. QB Matt Ryan has had a great amount of weapons with the addition of TE Hayden Hurst, and WR Calvin Ridley stepping up. RB Todd Gurley had a huge game last week against Carolina. If they continue to feed Gurley the ball and their success in the air keeps up, I don’t think they will be a lost cause this week.

Minnesota’s offense has been above average so far in 2020. Unfortunately, this week they will be without their star RB Dalvin Cook. Cook has arguably been carrying the Vikings offense, while leading the league in rushing yards. With Cook out, Minnesota is going to need Alexander Mattison to step up after his 100-yard game last week against Seattle. it definitely wouldn’t shock me to see QB Kirk cousins keep the ball in the air with his lack of running backs. I’d definitely look for big games from WRs Adam Theilen and Justin Jefferson. Neither defenses have been playing well so this is definitely going to be more of an offensive game.

GIANTS (-3.5) Football Team (44.5)

Jared’s Pick: Giants

Breakout Player: WR Darius Slayton

Week 5 is definitely the week I can see the New York Giants getting their first win of the 2020 NFL season. The Giants’ defense has been one of their only upsides going into Week after the additions of LB Blake Martinez, CB James Bradberry, DB Logan Ryan, and EDGE Kyler Fackrell, the Giants’ defense has a whole new look compared to last year. They currently rank eighth in the NFL with 343 total yards let up per game on defense. With James Bradberry leading this new secondary, they are only averaging 215 passing yards let up per game. With Washington struggling to find those true starting quarterback, I think New York and definitely dominate this game on defense and possibly offense.

Washington’s offense has been arguably the worst in the NFL going into Week 6. The Football Team announced QB Kyle Allen will be starting this Sunday against New York and they're going to fee a [re[0odmderance and fixing it.

Ravens (-7) EAGLES (49)

Jared’s Pick: Ravens

Breakout Player: TE Mark Andrews

Aside from the Kansas City game, Baltimore hasn’t had too tough of a schedule., they are still a top-five team in the NFL. Not only is Baltimore’s offense dominant, but their defense has been amazing. Their defense currently ranks first in the league letting up only 15 points per game. I think Baltimore will absolutely dominate on defense this week against Philadelphia’s weak offense. Philadelphia currently ranks 28th in the league in total offensive yards.

Philadelphia’s defense hasn’t been the problem this season. They haven’t been allowing an absurd amount of yards to other offenses, but they need to cut down on points let up, especially against an offense like Baltimore’s. If Philly can play like they did against San Francisco, this game will be a lot closer than it should be.

STEELERS (-4) Browns (50)

Jared’s Pick: Steelers

Breakout Player: RB James Connor

The Steelers and Browns have both been playing at a way better level than they played in 2019. Pittsburgh’s defense, arguably the best in the NFL, will be going against one of the best offenses in the NFL this week. Only letting up 64 rushing yards per game on defense Pittsburgh is looking to stop RB Kareem hunt without his starting back Nick Chubb. I think Cleveland‘s offense is unbelievable this year, but I think Pittsburgh‘s defense is simply better. Pittsburgh has been dominating on defense for the past three years, and they keep getting better.

Even without star Chubb, Cleveland’s offense has lead them to a 4-1 record. they are currently ranked first in the NFL in rushing yards per game. Unfortunate for them, with WRs Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry questionable, their offense might not have what it takes to win.

TITANS (-5) Texans (53)

Jared’s Pick: Titans

Breakout Player: WR AJ Brown

Tennessee is off to a great start to the 2020 NFL season. QB Ryan Tannehill has shown why he deserved his contract extension andhas thrown for over 1000 yards, with a 9 to 1 touchdown to interception ratio. RB Derrick Henry is still the same beast that he was last year. Henry has been absolutely manhandling defenses all around the NFL. with WR AJ Brown back, this Tennessee offense will be even more explosive.

Houston’s secondary has been very good, but their defense is not what we've come to expect. Houston is averaging about 28 points let up per game, and if they want to stop Tennessee’s offense they are going to have to contain all of their weapons. The Texans are currently ranked 31st in the NFL for rushing yards let out per game. Going against an elite running back like Derrick Henry, they need to step up so he doesn’t break out against them.

PATRIOTS (-9) Broncos (46.5)

Jared’s Pick: Patriots

Breakout Player: RB James White

With both starting quarterbacks coming back this week, we could see a totally different outcome from both offenses. Cam Newton has given New England’s offense a whole new look. even with the lack of weapons. They currently rank 2nd in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and Newton has most of them. they also rank 8th in the NFL in total yards per game. Denver defense hasn’t looked awful, but I think with Cam back, New England will dominate.

Denver is facing a huge loss this week with RB Melvin Gordon out. The upside is they get starting quarterback, Drew Lock, back. Lock has been out a majority of the season, and their offense has noticeably been struggling. They currently rank bottom five in total yards, passing yards, rushing yards, and points per game. Going against an elite defense like New England without their starting running back, Drew is going to have to be very aggressive in order for this offense to succeed.

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