NFL Supercontest, Week Six

I fly out to Las Vegas today, so it's time to put cold, hard cash behind my ham-handed handicapping theories.  This week's lines show the kind of parity that the NFL has become known for, with nine of the 12 active Sunday/Monday lines between one and four.  These lines and picks are for entertainment purposes only.

(Home teams in CAPS)

JETS (-3.5) over Colts

The Jets' road back to relevance begins here against a Colts team that has to be worn out after last week's emotional victory.  There were actually signs of life in the New York offense on Monday night if you looked hard enough, and I like the Jets' young receivers to victimize a very mediocre Indianapolis secondary.

SEAHAWKS (+3.5) over Patriots

The Patriots' up-tempo running game has been a sight to behold recently, but New England's ability to control the ball on offense will be put to the test in what will be a supremely jacked-up road environment.  This is a game that Marshawn Lynch must dominate in order for Seattle to have a chance to win, and I think he does it.

Chiefs (+4) over BUCCANEERS

The Buccaneers are coming off a bye, and the Chiefs may have already taken their best shot last week against Baltimore, but I just don't trust the Tampa Bay offense to sustain enough drives to make this a blowout.  This matchup feels closer than the four points the Buccaneers are getting, and Jamaal Charles is capable of breaking huge gains against even the best run defenses.

Giants (+6.5) over 49ERS

The Giants defense hasn't shown up consistently this season, but I think they rise to the challenge against a 49ers that has looked like an absolute juggernaut the past couple weeks.  Eli Manning will have to bring his A game to win this matchup, but New York should stay close enough to cover.

Packers (+3.5) over TEXANS

I usually try to stay away from Packers games because of an obvious inability to remain objective.  Not this week.  This game is a fork in the road for the Packers' season, and, over the past couple years, they have been extremely dangerous as the underdog. If Aaron Rodgers can roll out or use the double pump to avoid J.J. Watt and his huge arms, I like the Packers to go into Houston and make a statement.

Last Week's Record:  3 - 2

Season Record:  15 - 10

Games That I Didn't Pick:

Bengals (-1) vs. BROWNS

FALCONS (-9) vs. Raiders

RAVENS (-3.5) vs. Cowboys

EAGLES (-4) vs. Lions

DOLPHINS (-3.5) vs. Rams

CARDINALS (-4.5) vs. Bills

Vikings vs. REDSKINS - NO LINE

CHARGERS (-1.5) vs. Broncos