NFL 2023 Week 6 lookahead lines, picks: Three games to bet a week early from proven NFL expert

A pair of last week's lookahead NFL picks proved successful. One underwent a dramatic line shift in our favor, the other a small but significant move. The third selection? Not so much, though the spread movement was less than with our solid duo. Let's review.

We plucked Arizona +8 against Cincinnati this week, in part trusting the Cardinals to play San Francisco closer than the 14-point spot suggested. (They did not technically, but file the game in the Bad Beat category for Arizona backers after a 35-17 decision.) The Bengals cooperated by absorbing a 24-3 thrashing from Houston. As we anticipated, Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow remained constrained by an injured calf. As a result, the line took a nosedive to +3, turning the original spot into a gamblers' dream come true.

We went with Houston +3.5 versus Atlanta under the assumption that the line could slide below a field goal if the Falcons got blitzed by Jacksonville in London before a long commute home. Indeed, the Jaguars breezed 23-7. (Frankly, the Texans hammering Pittsburgh was unexpected, but we'll take it, too.) After the smoke cleared, Houston is down to +2, a pivotal difference from above a field goal.

However, New England ruined our shot at the trifecta. We did not imagine the Patriots slogging through their fourth straight game with an ever-shrinking offense. Their scores have gone from 20 to 17 to 15 to (gasp!) 3. Consequently, the Patriots, whom we took at -2.5 against New Orleans, stand at -1.5 versus New Orleans. The Saints are struggling offensively as well, so maybe we can hope for a 3-2 final score and a narrow cover.

Here are three more from the Week 6 schedule.

Week 6 lookahead lines

(Odds via Caesars Sportsbook)

Broncos at Chiefs (-10.5), O/U 51.5
Ravens (-4) at Titans, O/U 40.5
Vikings (-4.5) at Bears, O/U 48.5
Colts at Jaguars (-5.5), O/U 45.5
Panthers at Dolphins (-10.5), O/U 46.5
Commanders at Falcons (-1.5), O/U 42.0
Saints at Texans (PK), O/U 40.5
49ers (-3) at Browns, O/U 41.5
Patriots at Raiders (-1), O/U 42.5
Lions (-3) at Buccaneers, O/U 45.5
Cardinals at Rams (-4.5), O/U 46.5
Eagles (-6.5) at Jets, O/U 42.5
Giants at Bills (-12.5), O/U 48.0
Cowboys (-2.5) at Chargers, O/U 47.5

Which Week 6 sides make for great plays before Week 5 kicks off? And which underdog offers a great betting opportunity? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 6 lookahead picks from NFL expert Mike Tierney!