This marks the week where it's do or die time for several teams. For the Vikings and Raiders coming off of a bye, another loss would make is very difficult to catch up down the stretch. When the Steelers take on the Jaguars and the Giants take on the Cowboys, a shift in momentum can take place for the rest of the season. If the Steelers lose without Big Ben, then could possibly be two games behind the Bengals in the win column.

The Falcons will be happy to see the return of Michael Vick, while the Eagles are glad that McNabb will have a break. The Packers are probably upset that their momentum can't carry over to this week due to a bye, but Arizona and San Francisco get to take a break from losing.

Now, let's begin with the Week 6 games of the week.

(Red = Prediction).

Monday Night Blowout?
St. Louis Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts
As much as I thought the Colts could blow out the 49ers last week, this could be an even bigger blowout. The Rams defense continues to give up points in bulks of 30+, and they will be without Mike Martz this week. The Rams offense has shown some fire this year, but they will struggle against the Colts' overwhelming defense. Bulger will try and force the issue down field, but he'll just end up making mistakes when the Colts pressure him quickly.

Manning doesn't have to throw a touchdown again, but he'll throw several. Run, pass, or punt - it doesn't seem to matter what the Colts do anymore; they'll still win. The Rams may have something in their favor though - playing in a dome. The Rams offense feels more comfortable in domes, but they won't feel welcome as the opposing team. The Rams have shown some "firepower" in Monday Night games in the past, but so have the Colts. Indy wins - but gives up a season-high in points(which won't be that high still).

Getting it Together
New England Patriots vs. Denver Broncos
This could be the biggest game of the season for both of these teams. Right now, the Broncos are arguably one of the league's hottest teams. The Patriots are considered underdogs by many in this game. A Patriots' win would give respect back to the team as a dominating force. A win for the Broncos would put them as the second best team in the AFC besides the Colts in all likelihood.

The Patriots have been unpredictable the past few weeks, and right now their defense isn't getting it done. They are having to rely on Tom Brady, who has really come through in the clutch when needed most. New England knows how much this game means and so does Denver. I'm not going to claim that Jake Plummer will make a mistake like I do every week. Instead, I'm predicting that Brady simply does better than Plummer in a close game.

Tommy Gun on Fire
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The big story in this game could be the absence of Ben Roethlisberger. If things continue as planned eight now, then Tommy Maddox will get the start, despite being ruled out last week. The Jaguars are coming off a big win against the Cincinnati Bengals, who were undefeated at the time. The Steelers are coming off of a huge Monday Night road win against the Chargers, in which Roethlisberger played a huge part in.

Roethlisberger can evade the pass rush very well, but Tommy Maddox cannot. If the Jaguars bring pressure, the Steelers are going to counter by having Jerome Bettis run the ball down their throats. Maddox will be able to find success in the playaction, even if Hines Ward isn't able to go. The Steelers defense will be the key to success. If they blitz properly and force Leftwich to make even one mistake, they will be able to control the pace of the game and pick up the victory.

Giants Offensive Streak
New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys
Before the bye, Eli Manning and the Giants were the best offensive team in the league. They will be looking to continue that trend against the Cowboys, who are coming off a big win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys are a team that has also shown some offensive spark. Drew Bledsoe has been a significant upgrade over Vinny Testeverde.

The Cowboys hopes will be very high after beating the Eagles last week, but the Giants will be underestimated. They've had two weeks of rest and time to prepare for this game and will get off to a fast start against the Cowboys defense. Manning to Burress will continue to become an effective combination.

And now, the rest of the week...

Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
What do you do if you're the Saints. After having another inconsistent season thus far without any true home games, they hit another low by getting crushed 52-3 last week. Aaron Brooks is supposed to be making the big plays, but he's not coming through at all. The loss of Deuce McAllister certainly doesn't help either. The Falcons defense will be looking for revenge after getting torched last week, and they'll get it against New Orleans.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tennessee Titans
For some reason, this seems like a game that the Bengals can lose. Any time you're facing the Titans, you should get that feeling. Steve McNair is a former MVP, and is having a good year. The Titans defense isn't too good, but their offense has performed well. However, I am sticking with the Bengals since they've stayed a lot more consistent than the Titans. Defensively, they've been solid all year - even in their loss last week. Their offense will be what wins them the game though, and Chad Johnson will be pleased by getting the ball more.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Chicago Bears
Last year, the Vikings were allowed to collapse after getting six wins early in the year. It is much tougher to come back after a poor start though. They have a chance to redeem themselves this week, coming off of a bye. The Vikings should not have to worry about Kyle Orton, who is finding it difficult to move the football. Culpepper needs to get rid of the ball quickly if he stays in the pocket, or roll out immediately to get the ball down field like he has done so often in the past. When he sits there staring for someone to get open, he's going to get sacked. The Vikings will beat the Bears, despite all of their controversy lately.

Washington Redskins vs. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are another team that needs to prove themselves coming off of a bye. After two great wins, they've suffered two crushing losses. The Redskins lost a very close game last week, and may have ended up winning had they converted the two-point conversion. The Chiefs have too much talent offensively in Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson, and Tony Gonzalez to lose this game - even to the Redskins defense. If the Chiefs allow the Redskins' offense to roll all over them, then the Chiefs defense should hang their heads in disappointment.

Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions
The Panthers defense hasn't gotten it going yet, but the Lions really haven't gotten things going. How is that so when they have two wins? First off, they beat the Packers during a streak when everyone was beating the Packers. Secondly, they beat the Ravens, who look like complete fools right now. If Detroit had faced any other two teams - even the 49ers or Texans - they probably would've lost. Carolina will force Harrington into more mistakes and capitalize for the win.

Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens
Before the season began, I would be called a "homer" for picking the Browns to win. Now, most people will nod their head in understanding due to how both teams have played so far. The Ravens have been embarrassed, while the Browns have been respectable. The Ravens claim that they will be "fired up" for this game, but I haven't seen it yet. The Ravens need at least one offensive threat before they'll be getting fired up anytime soon.

Miami Dolphins vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Being without Carnell Williams has been a blow for the Buccaneers, but they'll be able to do without him this week. Ricky Williams will be making his highly anticipated return this week, and I expect him to run the ball well. He won't break anything big though; don't forget the Buccaneers have an excellent defense. This should be a close, competitive game that could go either way. I can't really same there's much of a home-field since both teams play in Florida and are used to the weather, so the Bucs will win after Brian Griese gets revenge over his former team.

New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills
Holcomb will be facing another tough defense this week, so he'll have to make the same type of same plays he made last week against the Dolphins. Both new quarterbacks - Holcomb and Vinny Testeverde - led their team to victories. Some people say that Testeverde has a better supporting cast, but I would give the Bills the slight edge.

San Diego Chargers vs. Oakland Raiders
The Chargers will be kicking themselves if they lose this week, which would make them the best 2-4 team in the NFL. The Raiders are coming off a bye and will be looking to establish an even better connection with Randy Moss. San Diego's LaDainian Tomlinson may have some trouble finding running room this week, which the Raiders have been good at defending. Brees will throw the ball often and pick apart the Raiders secondary.

Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks
Honestly, I don't know if the Texans' fans have anything to look forward to except for hoping that either their head coach of their general manager gets fired sooner than later. If the Seahawks don't walk all over the Texans, then Holmgreen should get ripped. However, that won't happen, as the Seahawks have played good, consistent football this year.

That's it for this weeks predictions. I extended my survivor winning streak to four last week by picking the Browns to defeat the Bears. This week, I'm taking the Atlanta Falcons to beat the New Orleans Saints. This is a great pick since the Saints tend to get hot out of no where sometimes. This week, they'll definitely be cold without Deuce McAllister, and having to face the return of Michael Vick.

Predictions Record to Date: 43-31
Last Week: 8-6
Survivor Streak: Won 4(Pit over Hou, Dal over SF, Ind over Ten, Cle over Chi)

There's a good chance that the Jets could still be tied for first place in the AFC East, the Steelers and Browns could be tied for second in the AFC North, the Texans could be 5 and a half games behind the Colts through six weeks in the AFC South, and the Chargers will be back in last place, where they were two years ago in the AFC West.

In the NFC, the Redskins could be looking down to the Eagles in last place in the NFC East, the Packers will be one game behind the division lead with a 1-4 record in the NFC North, Tampa Bay will lead the NFC South over Super Bowl contenders Atlanta and Carolina, making the NFC West look like the most consistent division in football when compared to last year.

It's been a fun season.

-Chris Pokorny