NFL week 6 preview
All games Hawaii time tomorrow unless otherwise stated. TV games subject to change. Capsules by Associated Press. Byes: Arizona, Buffalo, Carolina, Cincinnati
Atlanta at Philadelphia
Time: 7 a.m. (KHON)
Line: Eagles by 2 1/2
Best team in the NFC so far? Try the Falcons, who have discovered a defense to go with a balanced attack centered on RB Michael Turner and WR Roddy White. Whether Kevin Kolb or Michael Vick is doing the throwing, the Eagles need a spark at home, where they are 0-2.
Baltimore at New England
Time: 7 a.m. (KGMB)
Line: Patriots by 2 1/2
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The Ravens are back at Foxborough, site of a serious beatdown last January in the playoffs. The Patriots’ offense, which has added receiver Deion Branch, will need to keep up with the Ravens’ balanced unit that has become particularly dangerous through the air with the addition of standout receiver Anquan Boldin.
Dallas at Minnesota
Time: 10:15 a.m. (KHON)
Line: Vikings by 1 1/2
As if Minnesota needed any more woes, the ongoing investigation of Brett Favre’s off-field conduct can be a distraction. And Favre is bothered by tendinitis in his right elbow. Imagine the angst in Big D if the Cowboys drop this one with the Giants (twice) and Packers coming up soon on the schedule.
Indianapolis at Washington
Time: 2:20 p.m. (KHNL)
Line: Colts by 3
Two surprising 3-2 teams, for very different reasons. Although Peyton Manning’s numbers are as good as ever, Indy’s defense has been a no-show too often this year. Washington has made myriad changes. It’s working well enough to be tied for the NFC East lead even though the Redskins rank last in defense.
Tennessee at Jacksonville
Time: 2:30 p.m. Monday (ESPN)
Line: Titans by 3
Last time the two teams met, Chris Johnson rushed for 225 yards and Jacksonville’s Maurice Jones-Drew had 177. The team with more yards rushing has won the last six.
Seattle at Chicago
Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Bears by 6 1/2
The schizophrenic Seahawks are good enough at home, where both wins came, and awful on the road. With Jay Cutler back, the Bears should be more efficient on offense.
Miami at Green Bay
Time: 7 a.m.
Line: No line
The Packers have lost TE Jermichael Finley (right knee) and LB Nick Barnett (left wrist). QB Aaron Rodgers is recovering from a concussion. Both Miami wins have come on the road.
Kansas City at Houston
Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Texans by 4 1/2
Houston’s Arian Foster leads the league with 562 yards rushing and a hefty 5.9-yard average per carry. KC is sixth in defense against the run, though.
Cleveland at Pittsburgh
Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Steelers by 13 1/2
Without Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers went 3-1, buoyed by a defense reminiscent of the Steel Curtain. How much will Pittsburgh open up the offense with Roethlisberger back?
San Diego at St. Louis
Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Chargers by 8
Facing the angry Chargers might not be the tonic for the Rams to get back on track after last week’s 44-6 loss to Detroit. Chargers’ TE Antonio Gates has caught a TD pass in nine straight games.
Detroit at N.Y. Giants
Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Giants by 10
The Giants have resurrected their defense, especially the pass rush. Detroit has lost 23 straight road games — and would tie its own NFL record with a 24th straight setback.
New Orleans at Tampa Bay
Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Saints by 4
The Saints defense is somewhat improved, but the once-potent offense isn’t making big plays. The Bucs can make a statement about their continuing development with a win.
N.Y. Jets at Denver
Time: 10:05 a.m.
Line: Jets by 3
The Broncos defense is decimated with injuries. The Jets haven’t turned the ball over since Week 1 and have won all four games since. Jets’ CB Darrelle Revis might not play.
Oakland at San Francisco
Time: 10:05 a.m.
Line: 49ers by 6 1/2
The Raiders have displayed a lot of spirit, and their first win in 14 tries against San Diego last week has to be a boost. San Francisco is a minus-10 in turnover margin and ranks 30th in rushing.