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; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans fans cheer on during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Titans won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 9, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Tennessee Titans fans cheer on during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. Titans won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, CBS

Lost in the uninteresting nature of this game on paper is the importance for Marcus Mariota, who must prove that he can beat teams like Cleveland in the confines of his home stadium. It’s likely that Tennessee isn’t on pace for a playoff spot in 2016, but that’s no fault of Mariota.

For the youngster, his focus has to be winning games like this one to improve until the team around him becomes a legitimate threat. Last week was a nice start, completing 20 of his 29 passes for three touchdowns. It might’ve been for just 163 yards, but Mariota did what he needed to do. What more could you ask of the guy?

Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) prepares to throw the ball as Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2016; Landover, MD, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Cody Kessler (6) prepares to throw the ball as Washington Redskins defensive end Trent Murphy (93) chases in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

Cleveland’s performance against the New England Fightin’ Brady’s went about as expected. There’s no reason to believe that the Browns have nearly improved enough to be favorites in any game this year, especially on the road against a team still in the fight for a playoff spot.

Tennessee has every edge against the Cleveland defense and should have no problem outscoring the Browns at home on Sunday. A safe, vanilla game plan on both sides should do the trick.

If nothing else, perhaps we’ll see a sixth person attempt a pass for Cleveland this season…

Titans cruise to home win against the Browns, 26-15.