Scully's NFL Week 6 picks: KC in a favorable spot against Washington

For the first time this NFL season, favorites outperformed underdogs and produced a 9-7 record against the spread in Week 5. Underdogs still hold a solid overall advantage, with a 45-35 ATS record.

Let’s take a look at our three selections in Week 6!

Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers

This is a great bounce-back spot for Carolina, which blew a 12-point lead against Philadelphia last week. The Panthers suffered a hangover effect from their first loss, a week earlier, and Matt Rhule will have his team better prepared.

Minnesota avoided a soul-crushing home loss last week, as the Vikings rallied to edge lowly Detroit in the final seconds, but shoddy play from the offense and special teams has become disconcerting.

After a couple solid performances earlier in the season, the Vikings have scored only 26 combined points the last two weeks. Their situation appears unlikely to improve against Carolina’s third-ranked scoring defense (17.4 points allowed per game).

Carolina’s defense should lead the way. It may be ugly, but Carolina will prevail over Minnesota.

NFL Pick: Carolina +1

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Washington Football Team

Washington’s anemic offense and soft pass defense will be the perfect tonic for Kansas City, which enters with a losing record.

After it was lit up by Jameis Winston last week and sustained its second double-digit loss of the season, Washington has little going for it.

Quarterback Tyler Heinicke no longer appears viable, as he completed just 20 of 41 passes, with two interceptions and zero touchdowns, against New Orleans. The injury-ridden defense has deteriorated significantly and has allowed and average of 35.3 points over the last three games.

Kansas City took care of business and won by 12 points at Philadelphia two weeks ago, and the Chiefs should be able to establish a rhythm against Washington.

We'll lay the points in this favorable spot for Kansas City.

NFL Pick: Kansas City -6.5

Arizona Cardinals vs. Cleveland Browns

One team has confidence in its quarterback. The other does not.

Arizona should be motivated for an improved offensive showing, after it was mostly held in check last week and had to rely upon defense to narrowly prevail over San Francisco. The high-scoring Cardinals will catch a weary Cleveland defense that was shredded by Justin Herbert last week.

Along with a formidable ground game, Cleveland features a top pass rush. The secondary is reeling, though, and coach Kevin Stefanski appears to no longer have faith in quarterback Baker Mayfield.

Unable to stop the Chargers, with a small lead late in the fourth quarter, Stefanski called a run play on third and 10, and the Browns lost. That move wasn’t lost on the team.

Cleveland is terrible on third and medium or long situations. The Browns have completed only six of 29 pass plays in those situations, and Arizona has forced opponents into passing situations.

Give me Arizona and the points!

NFL pick: Arizona +3