NFL Predictions: Week 6 Picks and Hot Takes From Around the NFL

Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) waves to the crowd after the game against the San Diego Chargers at Oakland Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
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Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) celebrates the win over the Denver Broncos in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) celebrates the win over the Denver Broncos in the second half at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Falcons defeated the Broncos 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. ET on Sunday, FOX

Every time I look at the schedule, I’m amazed at how good this week of football is. The schedule is loaded, and this game is absolutely no exception.

Seattle’s test here is an important one, even though it’s just their fifth game of the season. Convincing hasn’t been the adjective of choice describing Seattle early on, and a win against one of the NFC’s best would be quite welcomed to accurately predict their outlook moving ahead.

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Amazingly enough, the Hawks enter this one as almost a touchdown favorite. They’re good – but against a surging Atlanta team and with a less than elite passing game, it’s surprising to see such a line down this weekend.

Again, I tend to ride with the upset here. Atlanta has their doubters – rightfully so – but they’ve given us no reason to think that they can’t sustain success over the course of 16 games. Even against the Denver defense last week, Matt Ryan did plenty to keep his guys in the game and lead them to a win. If it can be done against the Broncos defense, why not against Seattle’s?

Maybe it’s just a gut feeling. But I think there’s a decent chance that the Falcons are being slept on just enough to produce the surprise of the weekend.

Falcons travel to Seattle and take down Seahawks, 26-23.