NFL Picks Week 5: Projecting Scores for Every Game

All stats aside in football, the only thing that matters is getting the W on the left side of the record column.

That being said, here is a projected score for every Week 5 game.

Tennessee (3-1) at Pittsburgh (2-2)

RB Chris Johnson continues rolling against a vulnerable Pittsburgh defense, and with LB James Harrison out, it only makes it harder on the Steel Curtain.

Also, until Pittsburgh's offensive line actually blocks, the Steelers' offense keeps lacking.

Titans 23, Steelers 14

Seattle (2-2) at NY Giants (3-1)

The Giants are beginning to hit their stride, while Seattle's offense struggles to move the rock.

Not to mention the Seahawks have trouble on the road, as they've been outscored 57-17 in two road games this season.

Giants 31, Seahawks 10

Cincinnati (2-2) at Jacksonville (1-3)

The Bengals will quietly become playoff contenders if their offense can just be average, because they have a top-five pass defense combined with a top-ten rush defense.

As for Jacksonville, they have an average defense with an inconsistent offense.

Advantage: Cincinnati.

Bengals 21, Jaguars 13

New Orleans (3-1) at Carolina (1-3)

It's a big NFC South divisional matchup. Since both teams have very good passing offenses, we may see more rushing because the defenses will be so focused on slowing the game down.

With that in mind, the edge goes to New Orleans, as they have a better rush offense and defense.

This will not be nearly as high scoring as fans would hope, but it will be a close game.

Saints 17, Panthers 14

Oakland (2-2) at Houston (3-1)

Despite WR Andre Johnson being out, Houston's offense still proves to be a little too much for the Oakland defense.

Raiders' RB Darren McFadden has a solid game, but Texans' RB Arian Foster plays almost as well, and he keeps the Texans versatile while Oakland isn't much of a passing team.

Houston wins soundly by pulling away in the second half.

Texans 34, Raiders 17

Philadelphia (1-3) at Buffalo (3-1)

After the loss to Cincinnati, the window of vulnerability slightly cracked open this week for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Yes, they're desperate for a win, but it's getting to the point where they have nothing to lose.

Being dubbed the "paper champions" holds no weight whatsoever. Therefore, expect Philly to come out in Week 5 with an attitude and play with reckless abandon.

Eagles 26, Bills 21

Kansas City (1-3) at Indianapolis (0-4)

The Chiefs avoided the 0-16 mark with a win last week, and the Colts keep getting closer and closer with their solid effort.

This week Indy gets win No. 1 thanks to DEs Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis, as they force more pressure on K.C. QB Matt Cassel than he's had all season.

Also, RB Joseph Addai has another solid game versus a weak Kansas City rush defense.

Colts 20, Chiefs 10

Arizona (1-3) at Minnesota (0-4)

This game is going to come down to which star player takes over: Cardinals' WR Larry Fitzgerald or  Vikings' RB Adrian Peterson.

Despite having one more win than Minnesota, Arizona has lost three straight games and is underachieving.

Peterson has a great day and compiles around 150 total yards, but Fitzgerald outdoes him, since Minnesota's pass defense is worse than Arizona's rush defense.

Cardinals 27, Vikings 20

Tampa Bay (3-1) at San Francisco (3-1)

Arguably the game of the week right here with two 3-1 franchises duking it out in one of the NFL's more legendary stadiums—Candlestick Park.

Tampa Bay pulls off the big road win, as San Fran has a knack for starting off slow, like they have in all four games.

Tampa Bay also has trouble coming out of the gates, but they have the better team and overall defense.

Buccaneers 24, 49ers 21

NY Jets (2-2) at New England (3-1)

Last Sunday was a testament as to who would step up and respond after a tough loss.

Needless to say, the Patriots answered the call with a big win over Oakland on the road, while the Jets couldn't have played any worse on offense.

In addition, coach Rex Ryan's defense is underachieving this season, while Tom Brady continues to shred opposing defenses.

The Pats don't win big, but it's enough to send a statement that the loss to Buffalo didn't affect them.

Patriots 30, Jets 14

San Diego (3-1) at Denver (1-3)

The Broncos are desperate for a win, but after being totally obliterated by the Green Bay Packers, their confidence level is almost shot.

As for the Bolts, San Diego has started off slow again, but thanks to a weak early schedule the Chargers will get those few extra wins as they pick it up later on.

QB Philip Rivers always plays well against Denver, and rightfully so, as John Elway did the same versus, well, almost everyone.

Chargers 34, Broncos 16

Green Bay (4-0) at Atlanta (2-2)

A Georgia Dome rematch of the 2010 NFC Divisional game, both the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons come in with a lot of confidence.

Even though the cheese bested the birds in the postseason last year, Atlanta defeated Green Bay at home in the regular season.

That might not technically mean much, but that is what's giving the Falcons some additional motivation.

However, with two weak passing defenses on the field, Green Bay still possesses the better and more efficient offense.

Once again, a high-scoring affair in Atlanta.

Packers 44, Falcons 30

Chicago (2-2) at Detroit (4-0)

It's a definite must-win game for the Windy City, but until QB Jay Cutler can make the Bears a multidimensional offense, the Lions will pull away early.

Sure, RB Matt Forte will have a decent game, but it's not going to be nearly enough to keep up with Detroit's Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.

Not to mention, Cutler is susceptible to throwing picks, and the Lions are very good at getting points off forced turnovers (as Tony Romo weeps in sorrow).

Lions 33, Bears 17

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