NFL 2011 Week 6 picks

Let's start with the top teams and the division rankings:

Top Ten Teams
1.  Detroit Lions (5-0) : The Lions continue to lead the league, and the Lions fans are enjoying this year.
2.  Green Bay Packers (5-0) : I don't know any NFL fan who isn't anxiously awaiting the first game between the Lions and Packers this season!
3.  San Francisco 49ers (4-1) :  San Francisco leaps into the Top Three after a HUGE wipeout of the Bucs!
4.  New England Patriots (4-1) : Brady hasn't been as sharp as normal, but the Pats still dominate
5.  Buffalo Bills (4-1) : With one of the most potent offenses in the league, the Bills and Ryan Fitgerald continue to impress
6 (tie).  New Orleans Saints (4-1) : The offense keeps the Saints alive, as the defense lacks bite
6 (tie).  Baltimore Ravens (3-1) : The Ravens go the other way, as defense and the running game dominate
6 (tie).  Houston Texans (3-2) : Matt Schaub is inconsistent, but the defense remains tough
9 (tie). San Diego Chargers (4-1) : Phillip Rivers continues to post decent numbers as the Chargers roll
9 (tie). Washington Redskins (3-1) : Why couldn't Rex Grossman do this when he was a Bear?  While we wait for him to collapse, the Redskins rule the NFC East

Divisional rankings
1.  NFC North : With the only two unbeaten teams in the league, and the Vikings finally in the win column, this division is strong
2.  AFC North : This is the only division with no team with a losing record
3.  AFC East : Despite hopes for the Jets, none of these teams are showing much defense, but offense is getting it done for Buffalo and the Pats
4.  NFC East : The Eagles may be a disappointment, and the Giants' defense not what it used to be, but the Redskins defense is powerful, Rex Grossman is preventing mistakes, and Dallas hasn't collapsed yet.
5.  NFC South : Like the AFC East, this division does not have much defense.  The Saints offense is the only one rolling well, and as a result the Saints are the only team with a positive point differential.  It's amazing they are ranked as high as they are.
6.  AFC South : Little offense from this division, but the defense of Houston and Tennessee keep them in contention.
7.  AFC West : KC has come on as late, winning their last two games, but they still have offensive problems
8.  NFC West : The 49ers are on top, but that's only because the other teams look pathetic.

I'm picking mostly home teams this week.  That's good for the fans, but I always worry when my picks are too one-sided.

Sunday early games
Buffalo Bills (4-1) at New York Giants (3-2) : Buffalo hasn't seen the types of defense that the Giants are known for.  Fortunately for the Bills, the Giants defense hasn't been normal this season.  If the Giants defense finds themselves, though, this game could go the other way.  BILLS, 27-23

Carolina Panthers (1-4) at Atlanta Falcons (2-3):  Cam Newton is putting up great yardage totals for the Panthers, but they have trouble finishing games.  I think that'll happen again, as the Panthers will lead midway through the fourth quarter, only to have Matty Ice engineer the comeback.  FALCONS, 27-26

Indianapolis Colts (0-5) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-2):  Curtis Painter isn't getting the Colts offense moving much better than Kerry Collins could, which plays well into the Bengals' defense.  BENGALS, 23-17

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2):  The Steelers' defense gets a gift - an offense already struggling.  STEELERS, 20-10

Philadelphia Eagles (1-4) at Washington Redskins (3-1):  The Eagles' "Dream Team" is becoming a nightmare, and facing the tough Redskins defense won't make things any better.  Vick is starting to revert to his "happy feet" mode, but the Redskins' D is too fast to be fooled that way.  REDSKINS, 20-17

San Francisco 49ers (4-1) at Detroit Lions (5-0):  Let's face it, the Lions offense is a force.  The 49ers' defense will slow them down, but not enough for Alex Smith and company to win this game.  LIONS, 27-23

St Louis Rams (0-4) at Green Bay Packers (5-0):  Really, is there anyone out there who believes the Rams can win?  PACK, 34-13

Sunday late games
Cleveland Browns (2-2) at Oakland Raiders (3-2):  While still lacking some of the ferocity of past great Raiders team, this year's squad is still a defensive force.  Through in Darren McFadden on offense, and the Raiders are tough to beat.  RAIDERS, 23-16

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at New England Patriots (4-1):  Brady has been making some mistakes, but he's still generating 300-yard passing games, which overpowers the Cowboys.  PATS, 31-23

Houston Texans (3-2) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1):  These two teams are fairly evenly matched, so I have to favor the home team.  Watch out for a Texans' upset, however.  RAVENS, 23-21

New Orleans Saints (4-1) at Tampa Bay Bucs (3-2):  The Bucs defense is good, but not good enough to slow the Saints offense.  SAINTS, 30-21

Sunday Night
Minnesota Vikings (1-4) at Chicago Bears (2-3):  The Bears don't usually do well on night games, but I think they'll prevail here.  Jay Cutler has had his problems, but the Bears defense will frustrate the Vikings offense.  BEARS, 23-20

MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:  Miami Dolphins (0-4) at New York Jets (2-3):  In the past, these games can sometimes become offensive showcases, but I don't think that'll be the case here.  With Chad Henne benched as the Dolphins are already thinking about next year, the Jets have a chance to even their record.  JETS, 24-13