Before Week 6 of the 2015 NFL season schedule kicks off, I thought we would have some fun by taking a look at the spreads for this week's round of games. (Click here for NFL Week 6 picks without regard to the spread.)
Here are my suggestions when trying to beat the odds. You can find all of today's NFL betting lines and more at the SB Nation odds page via OddsShark. My record so far this season is 37-32-1 after going 2-8-1 last week. Yikes.
2015 NFL WEEK 6 PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD
Denver Broncos (-5) at Cleveland Browns: Josh McCown actually leads the NFL in passing over the past three weeks, which is something that doesn't sound real. But it is. Unfortunately for him and the Browns, he could have a tough time against that Denver defense. Pick: Broncos -5
Miami Dolphins at Tennessee Titans (-1.5): The Dolphins are coming off a bye week and they have a new coach. Maybe the coaching change will spark some life into this dreadful Miami team, but I'm not counting on it until I see it first. I place my trust in former Eagles quarterback Marcus Mariota. Pick: Titans -1.5
Washington Redskins at New York Jets (-7): The Jets are coming off a bye. Washington played really tough on the road in Atlanta last week so I don't want to be totally dismissive of them here. I think the Jets win, but Washington could cover. Pick: Washington +7
Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings (-4): Andy Reid's Chiefs reached a new low by losing to the Bears at home. With no Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs aren't going anywhere fast. The Vikings are coming off a bye so they're well rested. Pick: Vikings -4
Cincinnati Bengals (-3.5) at Buffalo Bills: I'm always tempted to take the Bills when they're getting points in Buffalo. But with E.J. Manuel at quarterback, I'm just not sure I can do that. Not to mention the fact that the Bengals look good. Pick: Bengals -3.5
Chicago Bears (-3) at Detroit Lions: The Bears have somehow managed to win two games and not look so awful after all. But three point favorites on the road? I know the Lions haven't won a game and aren't looking so hot, but I can't say I'm that confident in the Bears. Detroit is due, and they will at least cover. Pick: Lions +3
Houston Texans at Jacksonville Jaguars (-2): Both of these teams are bad. I think I somehow trust the Jacksonville to be less bad, since they're at home and Houston could possibly be without both Jadeveon Clowney and J.J. Watt. Get it done, Jags. Pick: Jaguars -2
Arizona Cardinals (-4.5) at Pittsburgh Steelers: Michael Vick hasn't been looking so hot and the Arizona Cardinals have been. Pick: Cardinals -4.5
Carolina Panthers at Seattle Seahawks (-7): The 4-0 Panthers are big underdogs on the road to a 2-3 Seahawks team. That's because Carolina has only beaten really bad teams so far. But with the Panthers coming off a bye and Seattle struggling recently, I'll take Cam Newton's squad to at least cover the spread. Pick: Panthers +7
San Diego Chargers at Green Bay Packers (-11): The Bolts are heading to Lambeau on short rest. That's probably not going to work out so well for them. Pick: Packers -11
Baltimore Ravens (-2) at San Francisco 49ers: I hate having to pick one of these two bad teams. I picked the Ravens to win straight up, so I guess I'll stick with my gut. Pick: Ravens -2
New England Patriots (-10) at Indianapolis Colts: Good news, Colts fans: Andrew Luck is back! Oh, but he has to beat Tom Brady. Yeah, good luck with that. Pick: Patriots -10
New York Giants at Philadelphia Eagles (-5.5): The Eagles are 5-0 all-time straight up and against the spread versus the Giants on Monday Night Football, but that trend could break here. This has the making of a closer game that the line indicates. Pick: Giants +5.5