Joe's 2010 NFL Opening Drive: Week 6

Nice to meet you week six. Is that a Vikings-Cowboys game in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? Oh, it's the former? Fine, whatever. I didn't like you anyway. ...Okay, that's a lie. I'm sorry. Let's just get to my analysis. 

(2-2) Miami Dolphins at
(3-2) Green Bay Packers

The Dolphins are reeling after a 2-0 start with tough losses to divisional opponents. They travel to Green Bay to take on an injury-riddled Packers squad who are ripe for an upset coming off a tough loss. Aaron Rodgers will make the start despite suffering a concussion last week, but he'll be without tight end Jermichael Finley for what will be the first of many games this season. Miami can't afford to fall behind any further in the standings and they get to visit Lambeau Field early on the season, as opposed to the tundra they might get later on.

(4-1) Baltimore Ravens at
(3-1) New England Patriots

Baltimore came into NE last year and just embarrassed the Patriots like they had never seen before. With two weeks to prepare, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are nearly unbeatable. After trading Randy Moss, they won't be able to stretch the field against the Ravens as well, which means look for the short passing game that was so effective during the Pats' Super Bowl runs. Joe Flacco and the Raven offense will decide this outcome. If they can take advantage of a suspect Patriot defense, they can repeat last post-season's success.

(4-1) Atlanta Falcons at
(3-2) Philadelphia Eagles

Well, unless there are two injuries, Michael Vick won't get on the field to play against his old team. The Eagles and Falcons are playing solid football through five weeks of the season, making for an intense game today. With a full week of preparation as the starter, Kevin Kolb showed off his skills last week in an impressive win. Today he'll be under pressure from John Abraham, who is finding new energy in Atlanta. The Falcons have great balance on offense and defense, so the Eagles are going to have problems finding ways to stop them.

(1-4) Cleveland Browns at
(3-1) Pittsburgh Steelers

This game is all about the quarterbacks. Ben Roethlisberger makes his return to the Steelers while Colt McCoy is forced to start for the Browns after injuries to Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme. Good luck Colt. You'll need it.

(3-2) New Orleans Saints at
(3-1) Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Don't look now, but the Bucs are ahead of the Saints in the NFC South. Odd to say the least. If they want to establish themselves as legitimate contenders, the Bus will never have a better opportunity than today. The Saints are underwhelming so far in 2010 and are last minute field goals away from a losing record. Drew Brees better act like Drew Brees if he's to lead his team to victory on the road.

(3-1) Kansas City Chiefs at
(3-2) Houston Texans

I wanted to discuss this game. I really did. I just don't care about either of these teams. Houston has a horrific defense and KC has issues at the quarterback position. It should be a close, ugly game unless Romeo Crennel can't find a way to reign in that Texan offense.

(1-3) Dallas Cowboys at
(1-3) Minnesota Vikings

This might be the most pressurized game in the history of week six. One of these supposed Super Bowl favorites will be 1-4 after tonight and looking at a long road ahead to the playoffs. Dallas will take every opportunity to send the house at the injured Brett Favre, who could decide to retire at halftime, depending on how bad the game goes. I'm just saying. Watch for it.

(3-2) Indianapolis Colts at
(3-2) Washington Redskins

For some reason I'm really expecting an Indy blow-out tonight. While the 'Skins have a good defense, they can't keep up with Manning and that offense for long. The only real question is if Shanahan's offense will be able to run the ball against the Colt defense, which has had its problems on the ground.

Enjoy the games everyone!