Week Five NFL Lines: The Quick Read

Last week there were a bunch of close games, and some of those played heavy on the spreads that were, and weren’t covered. This week, as in almost every week, there are those games that are tough to cap. Looking down the games though, most people will be riding the favourites, and I am one of those.

Vikings at Rams +10.5 O/U 40.5

The Viks are coming off a big emotional win, at least for Brett Farve, and a short week. But come on we're talking about the Rams, and the NFC North is a competitive one, and I don’t see the Viks letting up here. AP runs wild!

Vikings win 27-6

Cowboys at Chiefs +7.5 O/U 43.5

After a disappointing outing against the undefeated Bronco’s (who would have thunk it!), the Cowboys will look to get back in the win column. The spread has come down during the week, and has become a tad more favorable. Tony Romo was horrible, and so were his receivers, at least after the first quarter. Cowboys get back on the horse.

Cowboys win 24-13

Redskins at Panthers +4.5 O/U 37.5

The Redskins offense is still non-existent, and the Panthers QB, Jake Delhomme, will have to be a leader, and has a good chance here to help bring the first win of the season to his team, and should. But a lot should rest on the running of Deangelo Williams as the Redskins are 22nd against the rush, and give up 128 yards per game.

Panthers win 17-10

Buccaneers at Eagles -15.5 O/U 41.5

The Bucs have been pretty bad defensively, and with the return of Donavan McNabb, and Brian Westbrook getting healthy, the Eagles should dominate, and add to the totals against the Bucs. The Eagles had one poor showing on defense, and that was against the high scoring Saints who seem to score at will on anyone. Tampa won’t be able to run the ball as much as they would like to, which is seemingly their bread and butter, because they will be behind early. There will also be a Vick sighting…Meh!

Eagles win 35-13

Raiders at Giants -15.5 O/U 37.5

If the Giants were playing anyone else the over under would be in the mid-forties, which also tells us, yet again, how poor the Oakland offence is. The Giants should smash and bash their way with a tough running game as Eli’s foot is damaged, and may limit his mobility, so look for him to dump balls off in quick routes, and hand it off as much as possible. The Raiders are 26th against the run, giving 146.2 yards per game. The Raiders' offence is horrid, as we all know, but its not all Jamarcus Russell’s fault, with all the fumbles in the running game, and all the dropped balls by receivers.

Giants win 27-10

Browns at Bills -6 O/U 41

Cleveland had a good showing finally, albeit in a loss against their division and state rival Bengals last week, and have now traded Braylon Edwards to the Jets, relieving them of the headaches that he brought to the team. But loosing your number one receiver can’t be good, even though he dropped almost every pass. The Bills are still banged up, but this could be the week that TO and Lee Evans breakout. Their running game will be effective with Lynch and Jackson. Cleveland is 31st against the run, and 22nd against the pass, and score only 12.2 points per game.

Bills win 31-17

Bengals at Ravens -9 O/U 42.5

The Ravens lost to the Patriots last week with some questionable calls going against them, due to Tom Brady’s crying to the referees (c’mon man!). But, they were still in the game. The Bengals had a hard time taking out the Browns? The Ravens are 23rd against the pass, but still contain when allowing passing plays, good luck running against them as they rank first against the run. The Bengals' defense will have a hard time stopping this potent Ravens offense that ranks in the Top Six in every department.

Ravens win 38-14

Steelers at Lions +11 O/U 44

Pittsburgh was dominant last week in a win against San Diego, though a late charge by the Diego offence finalized the score at much closer than it truly was. The Lions are now missing their rookie QB due to injury, and will be starting veteran Dante Culpepper. Rashard Mendenhall ran wild last week, and he should have similar numbers against a poor Lions defense. Big Ben won his first Superbowl here!

Steelers win 28-10

Falcons at 49ers -2.5 O/U 40.5

The 49ers are looking good and have now signed rookie receiver Michael Crabtree. Whether or not he’s a factor in this game is still to be seen. The Falcons are coming off the bye week and should come out guns-a-blazing. The 49ers hung tough against Minny in Week Three, yet haven’t played anyone else who have truly challenged them. The Falcons will come out rested, and should make this a game against the inflated defensive stats of the of the 49ers.

Falcons win 20-17

Patriots at Broncos +3 O/U 41

Are the Broncos for real? Well in their weak division they are, and against a deer caught in the head lights, which was the Dallas Cowboys last week, they were as well. Brady and the Patriots are rounding into form now, and the refs are on their side as we saw last week. This should be a tough game as the Broncos defense is playing above and beyond anything that was expected of them. Yet again, a weak early schedule has helped that, and this will be a true test. Kyle Orton (c’mon man) this guy is still the poor QB he was in Chicago. Don’t be fooled!

Patriots win 24-17

Texans at Cardinals -6 O/U 50

Yes, expect a lot of scoring in this game, because both teams have talented receiving cores, no doubt! The Texans are better defensively through the air, yet give up a lot on the ground, but there in lies the weakness of the Cards, the run game. Both teams should throw the ball a lot, but if it is close, the Texans may be able to run out the clock.

Arizona win 28-24

Jaguars at Seahawks -2 O/U 44.5

Hasselbeck is back, but how healthy is he, and if he gets hit, which I believe he will, can he handle it? The Jags have broken out in the last two weeks, posting Houston and Tennessee. Maurice Jones-Drew should have a big game against the 21st ranked rush defense of the Seahawks. The Jaguars will have to defend the pass in this game against a good receiving core, and this has been a problem for the Jags, but if they can limit the scoring of a team that hasn’t really been that potent so far, they should be able to win this game.

Jaguars win 24-17

Colts at Titans +3.5 O/U 44.5

The Titans of last year are all but a wisp of smoke dissipating into the darkness, and their huge problem is stopping the pass, and facing Peyton Manning and the Colts' emerging star Pierre Garcon, not to mention the always dangerous Reggie Wayne. When it comes down to it Tenny will run, and Indy will throw.

Colts win 37-24

Jets at Dolphins +2 O/U 36.5

The Dolphins took it to the Bills last week, but will have a much more difficult task while playing a healthier defense with the Jets. The Jets have acquired receiver Braylon Edwards from the Browns and will start him.

Jets win 24-21

Enjoy the games, and ALL THE BEST!