To London and back for the picks in Week 6

It’s an interesting Week 6 in the NFL with a pair of matchups to key on — Oakland facing off against Seattle in London and Kansas City at New England with a huge over-under at 591⁄2 points.

The Seahawks defense has had issues this season, including the loss of one of its top players, Earl Thomas, who is out with a left leg fracture. Meanwhile, Oakland quarterback Derek Carr has averaged over 300 yards a game and has thrown for seven touchdowns. I think Carr is poised for one of his best games of the season. The Raiders are getting 3 points but I see them winning on the field.

While a lot of points are expected in the Chiefs and Patriots game, I think the statement games continue for Tom Brady and the Pats. Julian Edleman is back in play now, and the often injured Rob Gronkowski is nursing an ankle injury but should play.

The Pats easily cover the 31⁄2 points they are giving the Chiefs.

TODAY’S GAMES

Arizona at Minnesota (-101⁄2): I have a habit of favoring teams getting double-digit points, but not this time. In this spot against the Cardinals defense I believe the Vikings dominate the scoreboard. Nowak’s pick: Vikings 38-13.

Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland (+1): Neither team has lit up the scoreboard, but the resurgent Browns do have an impressive defense and that’s the key in this game. Nowak’s pick: Browns 24-17.

Chicago at Miami (+3):

Chicago, well rested coming off the bye, is leading the NFC North Division mostly due to its outstanding defense. The Bears take no prisoners in this one. Nowak’s pick: Bears 30-13.

Carolina at Washington (-1): The Panthers are getting healthy again and elite tight end Greg Olsen is expected to return from a foot injury. Dual-threat QB Cam Newton does enough to win and cover against the beatable Washington defense. Nowak’s pick:

Panthers 27-20.

Indianapolis at Jets (-21⁄2): The Colts have been decimated by injuries, but the defense is the one side of the ball where they are getting healthy. Andrew Luck chucking the ball always gives the Colts a shot. They pull off the upset in this spot. Nowak’s pick: Colts 27-17.

Pittsburgh at Cincinnati (-21⁄2): The question is, are the AFC North-leading Bengals for real? The Bengals have been productive on both sides of the ball and the Steelers always seem to be beatable on the road. Nowak’s pick: Bengals 30-20.

Tampa Bay at Atlanta (-31⁄2): These two defenses have combined to allowed 302 points this season. Points will be scored, but I think the Falcons defense makes the one defensive stop they need to eke out a win. Nowak’s pick: Falcons 30-24.

Oakland vs. Seattle (-3) at London, England: See above.Nowak’s pick: Raiders 24-17.

Buffalo at Houston (-81⁄2): Both defenses have been playing better, but the offenses are still works in progress. LeSean McCoy is due for a huge game, and I think he gets fed the ball early and often in this matchup. Nowak’s pick: Bills 20-17.

Los Angeles Rams at Denver (+7): The Broncos allowed the Jets to score 34 points last week. How many points do you think the potent Rams will score? A lot. Nowak’s pick: Rams 40-17.

Jacksonville at Dallas (+3): The Cowboys are banged up on defense and the offense is too reliant on Ezekiel Elliott. The Jaguars dominate on both sides of the ball. Nowak’s pick: Jaguars 30-17.

Baltimore at Tennessee (+3): A pair of good defenses should dominate this game with the Titans getting the edge playing at home. Nowak’s pick: Titans 23-20.

Kansas City at New England (-31⁄2): See above.

Nowak’s pick: Patriots 35-27.

MONDAY’S GAME

San Francisco at Green Bay (-91⁄2): Aaron Rodgers and the Packers take on a 49ers defense that has allowed the third most points in the NFL this season (146) through five weeks. Nowak’s pick: Packers 30-17.