Roberts Week 6 NFL Selections: Big Ben Equals Big Win for Pittsburgh

Steelers -13 vs. Browns: This game isn’t so much about Ben Roethlisberger being back as it is about Browns quarterback Colt McCoy making his first NFL start. Even if the game would have been in Cleveland, betting against McCoy to fail would have been a good play, but learning the NFL ropes at Pittsburgh is a completely different story.

I think the Browns are tough and gritty against the run but they have been torched in the secondary for big plays this season and Big Ben and his merry group of receivers will look to exploit that weakness. I say “merry” because Hines Ward, Mike Wallace and Heath Miller might be happier than any Steelers fan to have Roethlisberger back as they have been utilized basically as blockers with back-up QB's piloting the offense.

This should be the most lopsided game of the day with Roethlisberger given prime field position throughout due to McCoy’s inevitable mistakes.

Patriots -2 ½ vs. Ravens: Baltimore is one of the better teams in the NFL, but their timing against the Patriots is bad. Give Bill Belichick a week off to prepare for anyone and he usually gets it done. The Patriots are 7-0 in their last seven attempts following a bye week in the regular season. This Patriots team obviously isn’t as good as all those other teams, but it is a good trend nevertheless.

I think Tom Brady will be able to execute better without Randy Moss giving plays away when the ball didn’t come his way. This stable of receivers will all be battling for Brady’s trust and will leave the egos in the locker room. I see Brady utilizing just about every option on offense and flustering the Ravens all day in what will be a close game for three quarters, but Patriots win by 10 in the end.

Giants -10 vs. Lions: Shaun Hill scares me more than Matt Stafford does. The Lions back-up slings the ball with total confidence, but the confidence of the Giants defense is why I’m looking for another G-men win. They have really come together the last two weeks and when factoring in the offense being able to move the ball affectively, this has the makings of a three touchdown win.

Chargers -7 ½ @ St. Louis: My ratings had this game -10, so there appears to value on the game despite the Chargers being 0-3 straight up and ATS on the road. There is no question about the Chargers offense, but there are concerns about their defense and special teams which have cost them dearly in all three losses. I like how Norv Turner stated that rookie running-back Ryan Mathews will be more involved this week. I believe he is going to have a big game and allow the Chargers to beat down the improved Rams defense. The Chargers offense is almost too good in that they move the ball so quick down field, but don't get the bruises of what a good running game gives out. They need a running game to pound opposing defenses and this is the week their plans with Mathews replacing Tomlinson finally comes to fruition. Look for an easy 17 point win by San Diego.

Broncos +3 (even) vs. Jets: After watching Kyle Orton do what he wanted to against the Ravens for the final three quarters, I am now a believer that Orton -- and his equally dangerous corps of receivers -- can’t be stopped. The Jets come in after a short week with a big Monday night win against the Vikings and could be susceptible to a let down. Whether Darrelle Revis plays or not doesn’t matter because he won’t know who to key on because the WR’s are so diverse and equal. The only question I have is whether the Broncos offensive line can give Orton some time against the fierce Jets pass rush, and I think they can to a degree.

I’m looking for a close, high scoring game with some Mile High Magic to occur late giving the Broncos a straight up win. The Broncos last two road games (1-1) showed me a lot about this team. They have all bought into the system and are all on the same page. Look for Mark Sanchez to finally commit a turnover and for Denver to capitalize on it.

Best of the Rest
I didn’t bet this game, but I had the Saints on my short list laying -4 at Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers are a formidable opponent who can surprise, but I have a feeling the Saints finally get out of their offensive funk and put a beat down on someone like they’ve been waiting for all season.

Here’s who I lean towards in the other games that I won’t be betting: HOU -4, ATL +3, CHI -6, GB -4, OAK +6 ½, MINN -1 ½, WASH +3, TENN -3 (EV).

Good Luck this week!

LVRJ Challenge Week 6 Selections