NFL Week 5 Picks: How Does the Randy Moss Trade Impact Week 5?
We'll need another week to see if the loss of Randy Moss has an impact on the Patriots: They have a bye. Moss should be ready to play this Monday night when the Vikings travel to New Meadowlands Stadium.
With the addition of Moss, the return of Santonio Holmes, and Braylon Edwards' first home game since his DUI, there are plenty of wide receiver dramas to hone in on.
But there are 13 other huge games on Week 5's slate. Here are the picks.
Tampa Bay (2-2) at Cincinnati (2-2)
1 of 13
The last time we saw the Bucs play, they let the Steelers' Charlie Batch--making his first start in over two years--throw the ball all over the field, especially deep to Mike Wallace. With their Terrell Owens-Chad Ochocinco duo, the Bengals will try to do the same.
Last week against Cleveland, Cincinnati proved that their run defense is amongst the worst in the NFL, but Tampa does not have the muscle upfront to move the ball consistently against Cincy.
Prediction: Cincinnati 27, Tampa Bay 10
Atlanta (3-1) at Cleveland (1-3)
2 of 13
The Falcons have had two very close, emotional contests in the previous two weeks. A trip up north to Cleveland fits the mold of the standard, yet terribly cliched, "trap game."
Cleveland notched their first win last week. With a very good offensive line, they are an underrated team. They will spoil a few teams' hopes of an "easy win." This week won't be one of those cases.
A week ago, Cincinnati was able to toss the ball around at will against the Browns. Matt Ryan, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez will be able to do the same.
Prediction: Atlanta 23, Cleveland 17
Green Bay (3-1) at Washington (2-2)
3 of 13
The impact of Ryan Grant's injury started to show last week against Detroit. The Packers offense did almost nothing in the second half. So, a visit to Washington is not necessarily the best medicine: The Redskins have a quick and capable front seven.
But against an average Redskins secondary, Donald Driver, Greg Jennings, and Jermichael Finley will flourish. And despite surrendering plenty of yardage last week against a good Lions offense, Green Bay's defense was able to keep them out of the end zone each time in the second half.
And Clinton Portis' absence is going to cost Donovan McNabb first downs.
Prediction: Green Bay 31, Washington 17
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Chicago (3-1) At Carolina (0-4)
4 of 13
The Bears catch a break this week after their beatdown in East Rutherford last Sunday night. They get the Panthers and their rookie quarterback, who will be without his two best receivers.
Steve Smith is injured and Dwayne Jarrett's second DUI led to his release. Chicago's quick and stout defensive line should contain DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart fairly well. Jimmy Clausen's going to be throwing quite a bit in the second half.
By keeping their opponent out of the end zone, the Bears don't have to score that much to win. Dazzy Jay Cutler will appreciate that.
Prediction: Chicago 20, Carolina 6
New York Giants (2-2) at Houston (3-1)
5 of 13
This will be Sunday's best game. The Giants defense is capable of preventing Arian Foster from 100 yards, and they will force Matt Schaub to throw more often than any week yet this year. The Giants great pass rush will get their share of sacks and hurries.
Across the sideline, however, the Texans front four are also very good. They will put similar pressure on Eli Manning. Expect Manning to hit Hakeem Nicks or Steve Smith deep in the face of pressure; if Andre Johnson is healthy enough, the Texans will do the same.
Prediction: New York Giants 21, Houston 17
Jacksonville (2-2) at Buffalo (0-4)
6 of 13
Although the Jaguars aren't exactly a high-powered offense, they will be able to put points on the board against Buffalo. After a great effort in Week 1 against Miami, the Bills have yielded 30-plus points each week.
Maurice Jones-Drew will finally top 100 yards, and David Garrard will continue to be as accurate a passer as anyone in the NFL. And because the Bills just can't seem to make plays in the passing game, this is going to be a blowout.
Prediction: Jacksonville 37, Buffalo 16
Kansas City (3-0) at Indianapolis (2-2)
7 of 13
The last of the unbeatens fall this week. The Chiefs just don't have enough firepower on offense to match score-for-score with the Colts.
After three road games in four weeks, Indianapolis is happy to be home, where they do much better, especially on offense: They clobbered the Giants, 38-14, their only other time at Lucas Oil Stadium in 2010.
Kansas City will hang in the game early on thanks to their special teams, but Matt Cassel's inconsistencies will show up against the Colts fast defense.
Prediction: Indianapolis 34, Kansas City 10
Denver (2-2) at Baltimore (3-1)
8 of 13
No other team in the NFL is better equipped to match up with the Broncos passing offense than the Ravens. The pass rush will get to Kyle Orton several times, and with their secondary and linebackers, Baltimore will force turnovers.
Denver's only shot at winning this one on the road is to go all out. They're going to do it in the second half anyway, so just abandon the run from the get-go. That way, maybe one of Denver's refurbished wide receivers can score a touchdown or two to grab an early lead.
Champ Bailey and the Broncos secondary are capable of limiting what Baltimore does downfield; it's up to their front seven to hem in the short stuff.
Prediction: Baltimore 27, Denver 10
New Orleans (3-1) at Arizona (2-2)
9 of 13
After four weeks of being uncharacteristically subdued, the Saints offense gets back on track this week.
The Cardinals are not deep enough in the secondary to account for each of Drew Brees' many receiving weapons.
And, at least for once, the New Orleans defense will again be a turnover magnet. Larry Fitzgerald will make his catches and probably a touchdown. But Max Hall is nowhere near ready to lead the Cardinals to a huge upset of the Super Bowl champs.
Prediction: New Orleans 41, Arizona 14
San Deigo (2-2) at Oakland (2-2)
10 of 13
A month behind schedule, the Chargers are ready to take control of the AFC West once again. Phillip Rivers is a viable MVP candidate, and will play like one against Oakland. And he'll get help from Antonio Gates (of course) and the pair of young running backs, Ryan Matthews and Mike Tolbert.
San Diego's defense (and special teams) have been spotty this season, but the Raiders could be without Darren McFadden. That will lighten their load.
Prediction: San Diego 30, Oakland 20
Tennessee (2-2) at Dallas (1-2)
11 of 13
The Cowboys did a fairly good job two weeks ago against Arian Foster, and are yielding just 84 yards per game on the ground, eighth in the NFL. They should be able to limit Chris Johnson's big plays.
Along with the deficiencies in the Tennessee passing game, Demarcus Ware will cause even more headaches for Vince Young.
That doesn't necessarily mean Dallas will cruise in this one. The Titans defense has a knack for sacks and turnovers, and the mistake-prone Cowboys could fall victim to a few fumbles or interceptions. In the end, Tony Romo will make enough plays in the fourth quarter to net a last-second field goal.
Prediction: Dallas 20, Tennessee 17
Philadelphia (2-2) at San Francisco (0-4)
12 of 13
San Francisco's underrated defense is not the ideal spot to restart the Kevin Kolb era in Philadelphia. And with their two best rushing threats, Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy, sidelined, the Eagles will not be able to run the ball as much as they'd like.
But Kolb is accurate enough to get the ball to DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin, and Brent Celek. If nothing else, those receivers will help him out with big run-after-the-catch yards.
San Francisco's offense has not been nearly as efficient as it would seem on paper. With Frank Gore and Vernon Davis, the 49ers should be able to sustain long drives. That hasn't consistently happened once this season. Mike Singletary's going to remain in a cranky mood after Sunday night.
Prediction: Philadelphia 28, San Francisco 13
Minnesota (1-2) at New York Jets (3-1)
13 of 13
Randy Moss will infuse even more excitement into what would have already been a great game. At a position like wide receiver, Moss will be able to step right in and make some plays even though he is still learning the system. His potential match-up with Darrelle Revis will be exciting.
The Jets offense has been tremendous ever since their slip-up on opening night. Because the coaching staff knows that Shonn Green and LaDainian Tomlinson will be there to get yards on second and third downs, expect Mark Sanchez to throw early and often on first down. That should lead to a few big plays.
Despite some real stars on defense, like Jared Allen, Bart Scott, and Antonio Cromartie, this will be a high-scoring game.
Prediction: Minnesota 37, New York Jets 34
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