Last week didn’t exactly go as planned, so I’m hoping to turn things around with this week’s NFL predictions. As I have been doing for the past few weeks, these picks will be based on the point spread as provided by Caesar’s in Las Vegas. Will I be able to reproduce the success from Week 5? We’ll see. As always, use these predictions at your own discretion… but if I win you some money, feel free to share the wealth.

Getting a bye this week are the Arizona Cardinals, the Atlanta Falcons, the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Philadelphia Eagles. On with the picks!

San Diego Chargers at Buffalo Bills (Even)
The point spread on this game is zero, so it really could go either way. On the one hand, the Bills are surprising everyone with their success this year. On the other hand, we all know that the Bolts are capable of a lot more than what they’re achieving so far. Give this one to L.T. and the crew in San Diego.
Pick: Chargers

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers (-2.5)
I heard yesterday that Reggie Bush may not be playing on Sunday and that can’t bode well with the Saints. The Panthers, led by Jake Delhomme, have done quite well for themselves in a very competitive division, so without Bush in the picture, I’m giving this one to Carolina.
Pick: Panthers

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears (-2.5)
I’m sorry, but I still don’t have much respect for the Vikings. It’s all about the Bears in what may be a pretty close battle.
Pick: Bears

Pittsburgh Steelers (-9.5) at Cincinnati Bengals
Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson certainly has a lot to say, even though his Bengals remain winless on the season. I’m not sure if the Bungles are going to crack that streak in this game, but at the same time, I don’t see Pittsburgh covering the big spread either. Give this one to Cincy.
Pick: Bengals

Tennessee Titans (-8.5) at Kansas City Chiefs
The Titans are on a storm and I have no reason to believe that they won’t emerge out of Kansas City with the undefeated season in tact. I’m not so sure about the spread, but I’ll give Tennessee the benefit of the doubt.
Pick: Titans

Baltimore Ravens at Miami Dolphins (-2.5)
I was pretty disappointed with what Baltimore showed me last week, so I fully expect that Ray Lewis has been giving his entire team quite the earful all week. The Dolphins may have dispatched the Patriots and the Chargers, but the Ravens should come out on top.
Pick: Ravens

San Francisco 49ers at New York Giants (-10.5)
Defending Super Bowl champions on home turf. It’s arguable who is the better Manning, but Eli appears to be on a hotter streak than his big brother. The Giants will win, but I’m going to be conservative on the point spread and say that they won’t cover.
Pick: 49ers

Dallas Cowboys (-6.5) at St. Louis Rams
The Rams got their first win of the season last week. They’re not going to get their second against Dallas, even if Tony Romo is out with a broken finger. Former starting QB Brad Johnson will be taking the snaps for the Cowboys, so it’s not like they’ve got some rookie taking the reigns.
Pick: Cowboys

Detroit Lions at Houston Texans (-8.5)
I understand that the Texans are slowly crawling their way out of the NFL basement, but an 8.5 point advantage over the absolutely hopeless Lions? This is a tough decision. While I expect Detroit to keep their winless streak going, Houston isn’t going to win by more than a touchdown. I hope.
Pick: Lions

Indianapolis Colts (-0.5) at Green Bay Packers
Seasoned veteran Peyton Manning faces off against relative newbie Aaron Rodgers. It’s a battle between youth and experience. The game may be taking place at Lambeau Field, but the weather report calls for clear skies and (relatively) warm temperatures. Indy easily.
Pick: Colts

New York Jets (-2.5) at Oakland Raiders
Brett Favre. I don’t care that he’s old and he’s on a team that isn’t as good as his old one. The story may be different if they were playing a different team, but I have no high hopes for the Raiders. Oakland hasn’t shown me anything in years.
Pick: Jets

Cleveland Browns at Washington Redskins (-7.5)
I’m disappointed that Jason Campbell and the Redskins fell to the Rams last week, but there’s no way that they’re going to lose two in a row at home. The pick would be a lot easier if the spread was 6.5, but I’m still going to choose Washington for this one.
Pick: Redskins

Seattle Seahawks at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10.5)
Tampa Bay is doing very well for itself and they’ll be hosting the intensely overrated Seahawks on Sunday night. Seattle’s win-loss record is finally starting to show its true colors, but 10.5 is a lot to cover. Tampa for the win, but not by more than 10 points.
Pick: Seahawks

Denver Broncos at New England Patriots (-2.5)
Monday Night Football features a couple of rather storied franchises. The Patriots are arguably the most impressive dynasty in quite some time and while the Broncos haven’t achieved John Elway status lately, they have been winning football games. Again, the story would be very different if Tom Brady was behind center, but that’s not going to happen. Give the advantage to Denver.
Pick: Broncos