NFL picks and predictions, Week 6: Patriots, Steelers to roll

Jacksonville Jaguars at Chicago Bears (-2.5)

Chicago (1-4) isn’t good, but the Bears are at home and Jacksonville (1-3) is nothing special in its own right. This could go either way, but the Jaguars have no ability to play defense. That’s the difference.

Pick: Chicago 30, Jacksonville 24

San Francisco 49ers at Buffalo Bills (-7.5)

Colin Kaepernick is starting for San Francisco (1-4), but it doesn’t matter. The 49ers don’t have talent around him. Buffalo (3-2) is a faux contender, but the Bills will win this one.

Pick: Buffalo 22, San Francisco 16

Carolina Panthers (-3) at New Orleans Saints

This is an elimination game. Whoever wins this contest will remain a fringe playoff contender while the other dies away. New Orleans (1-3) is coming off the bye. Carolina (1-4) is more talented. In the end, take the better defense.

Pick: New Orleans 37, Carolina 27

Baltimore Ravens at New York Giants (-3)

This is both an underrated and overreacted game. New York (2-3) and Baltimore (3-2) are not contenders, but this could be highly entertaining. The Giants won’t lose four straight.

Pick: New York 28, Baltimore 24

Philadelphia Eagles (-2.5) at Washington Redskins

A low-key important game in the NFC East. Philadelphia (3-1) is a better team and will be focused coming off a bad loss to the Lions. Washington (3-2) has won three straight, which means it’s due.

Pick: Philadelphia 24, Washington 17