Heading into Week Six of the NFL, please note these stats (all are ATS – against the spread, unless otherwise noted) are definitely items to consider as you look at the deep NFL card. However, this does not mean these are “plays” in the true sense of the word. That said, the hope is that the ATS information below helps you as you “traverse” this week’s NFL card! As always, best of luck in all your sports gaming from Scott Rickenbach

1) The Dallas Cowboys are a solid 6-3 in their last nine away games against non-division foes. This week they are taking on an Arizona team that is just 2-6 when at home before a bye week. Also, the Cardinals have covered just three of their last nine games when they are a ‘dog at home and facing a non-divisional opponent. As you can see, the trends are pointing heavily toward Dallas here and, although the Cowboys failed to cover at home against the Bengals last week, it certainly was hard for Dallas to be up for that game against a winless Cincinnati team. Conversely, the 3-2 Cardinals will have the attention of the 4-1 Cowboys! Note that the Cards dominating win last week was certainly helped by four Bills turnovers!

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2) The Chicago Bears have lost the money just once in their last six opportunities as a road favorite against a non-division opponent. Contrast this with a Falcons team that is only 5-9 in their last 14 tries as a home dog against a non-divisional opponent. Atlanta also is coming off of a road win at Green Bay. Will they have enough left in the tank for the Bears here? Also, the Packers were dealing with significant injury issues when they faced them. Now the Falcons are dealing with a Bears team that is on a surge that continued with last week’s 34-7 win at Detroit.

3) The Jacksonville Jaguars have only lost the money five times in their last 21 tries as an underdog on the road. The Jags also have performed well before the bye when they are facing a non-divisional foe as Jacksonville has gotten the money in six of their last eight such instances! The Broncos have not fared well laying points at home as they are now 3-12 in their last 15 games as a home favorite. Denver won but did not cover at home against Tampa Bay last week. Now the Broncos must deal with a Jacksonville team that is fired up after losing to the Steelers on Monday night!

4) Washington Redskins - What is the world coming to? Yes, the Skins have looked improved and St Louis is winless on the season but, the Redskins are laying nearly two TD’s this week versus the Rams! We aren't likely to lay this many points with the Skins but do note that Washington is 8-1 in their last 9 games dating back to last season.

Also, the Rams have gotten the money just five times in their last 19 tries as an away dog! Could this big line possibly be justified? Will the Skins be able to maintain their intensity after taking down NFC East foes Dallas and Philly in back to back road games?

5) The Oakland Raiders have failed to cover (and failed to win the game) in each of their last six games against non-conference opponents. This week they do have the benefit of catching the Saints on a short week as New Orleans hosted Minnesota on Monday night! However, this may not be much of a benefit considering that New Orleans brings extra hunger into this game after outgaining the Vikings by about 100 yards but losing the Monday night game because of turnovers. As a result, this very well could prove to be the seventh straight time that the Raiders have failed to cover against an NFC opponent!