Week Six -- A Look Ahead

Week Six could be a good one for the Packers.

First, we begin by playing a very winnable game. We're playing at home, and we're playing the Detroit Lions. Now I don't think Detroit is incapable of winning the game, but I do feel certain that we're the better team. Plus, coming off our bye, we should be fit and ready to play. I'm hopeful that we'll have put all the pieces together, and I'm looking for a 10+ point victory.

Meanwhile, we might be able to make up ground in the Division, for both the Bears and Vikings face tough opponents.

Minnesota welcomes the 3-2 Baltimore Ravens. The Vikings have the better record, but I'm not convinced that they are the better team. Baltimore vaulted to the top of many folks' power rankings as they rocketed out to a 3-0 record. Now they've lost two in a row, and it's hard for me to imagine them losing a third consecutive game. The Ravens will be playing with a much greater sense of urgency as they are knotted in second place in very tight divisional race, while the Vikings are fat-and-happy with a couple-game lead over their rivals.

Meanwhile on Sunday Night, the 3-1 Bears travel to Atlanta to take on the 3-1 Falcons. Atlanta is coming off a very impressive victory in San Francisco against a much-improved 49er team. The Bears have put together a 3-game win streak and are coming off their bye. If I had to put money on this game, I don't know which way I'd go. As it is, though, I think we at least have realistic hopes of a Chicago loss.

Elsewhere...

Evidently this is the first time in NFL history that 5 teams (Broncos, Colts, Giants, Eagles, Saints) have made it to Week 6 undefeated. At least one of them will fall from those ranks this week, as the Giants and Saints play each other. Also, either the Vikings (vs. Baltimore) or the Broncos (at San Diego) could reasonably fall this weekend.

We talked about the Vikings above. The Broncos, meanwhile, are playing on Monday Night Football, which is where perfect records go to die. Also, a divisional game against a capable opponent...? I am impressed that Denver beat the Patriots, but I think this week might be where they stumble.

At the other end of the NFL spectrum, Week 6 sees four teams (Chiefs, Titans, Rams, Bucs) yet to win ther first game. Three of them might do it this weekend.

The 0-5 Chiefs will go to Washington in search of their first win, and they may have come to the right place. Of course, that would guarantee the end for Jim Zorn, and Washington is the better team. Still, they have underperformed this season.

The 1-3 Panthers play at the 0-5 Buccaneers. Again, the Panthers are better, and they'll probably use this game to start putting their pieces back together. Still, the Bucs have a chance.

The 0-5 Titans have to play the 3-2 Patriots. I don't think this is the week Tennessee gets its win.

The 0-5 Rams play the 2-3 Jaguars. Jacksonville just got annihilated by the Seahawks, while the Rams have shown some signs of life here and there. Maybe this will be their week.

The game of the week has to be the Giants' trip to New Orleans. The Giants come in at 5-0 and are widely considered to be one of the elite teams in the league. Meanwhile, the Saints are also undefeated at 4-0. And after several weeks of dazzling folks with their offense, their most recent outing also demonstrated their formidable defense. Playoff seedings and home field advantage may be on the line. It should be an excellent game!

Bottom line predictions? 5 undefeated teams going in; 3 coming out. 4 winless teams going in; 3 coming out. Packers win. Either the Bears or Vikings lose -- probably not both, but certainly one -- so that the Packers make up some ground in the NFC North.