Week 5 NFL Picks

Well, another week, another attempt at prognostication. I had a horrible time last week, so hopefully things will pick up with these picks...

Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills: This is an interesting one. The Eagles have very clear problems with their offense and the defense is vulnerable enough to be taken advantage of. Buffalo's passing game in theory could get shut down by all those good Eagle corners, but if the Niners can pass on them...Pick: Buffalo 27, Philly 21

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers: This game will be better than we thought at the beginning of the season. It'll also feature some crazy passing numbers, though the Saints may have the safeties to cover up Steve Smith on deep routes. I still think Drew Brees will win this one unless they play in another monsoon. Pick: New Orleans 31, Carolina 17

Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans: Andre Johnson's injury will change the tenor of this game, but if Arian Foster has any say in things, this game won't be any less explosive. In fact, it could be one of the first games that end with Run DMC and Foster pounding the rock. The way the Texans offensive line has been playing, the Raiders may not have a chance. Pick: Houston 28, Oakland 24

Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts: Ick. Ick. Ick. Pick: KC 17, Indy 10

Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings: Maybe, just maybe this is the game that Minnesota finally gets a win. The one thing the Viking defense has done well this season is rush the passer. If Kolb gets some pressure put on him, the passing game might not work out so well. Plus, Donovan McNabb might actually find some success against a horrible Cards secondary. Pick: Minny 20, Arizona 13

Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants: Boy, if the Giants can't win this one...Seattle will be playing that cross-country game and Marshawn Lynch will not test the NY rushing defense as much as other teams might. Consider this a get-well card for the Giants, too. Pick: New York 24, Seattle 10

Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars: Surprisingly competitve teams meet in this one. My money is on a slightly-better than anticipated Bengal defense to shut down rookie QB Blaine Gabbert. Pick: Cincy 31, Jacksonville 28

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers: Maybe the Steelers pull things together later this season and make a run at the playoffs, but right now, they are not a good team. Expect Chris Johnson to have a second-straight big week as an underrated Titan offensive line eats up the Pittsburgh defense. Pick: Tennessee 21, Pittsburgh 17

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers: Playing down to the Colts is not a good thing. Beating the Eagles gets you lots of points. I'm still convinced, however, that TB is a good team and the Niners are not. This game will go a long way to determining if I'm right. Pick: TB 27, San Fran 21

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos: The Broncos have been playing better than their record indicates, but these games are always tough. If Philip Rivers continues to lack Antonio Gates in the passing game, he may not be able to score points like in the past, but that might not matter in this one. Pick: SD 29, Denver 27

New York Jets at New England Patriots: Another division rivalry game that usually ends up closer than expected. If the Jets really get back to running the ball this week, it'll be a mistake, as the Pats are weakest against the pass. Of course, Mark Sanchez cannot really throw the ball right now, so it may not be an issue. Pick: New England 35, New York 24

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons: Possible playoff matchup also has a lot of fantasy implications. Atlanta plays better at home, but the Packers are a well-oiled machine right now. It's going to take a huge game to stop them and I don't see Atlanta being able to put one up right now. Pick: Green Bay 34, Atlanta 21

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions: Believe in the Lions. Believe that the Bears offensive line could get destroyed by Suh and the rest of Detroit's defense. Pick: Detroit 24, Chicago 21