NFL Week 5 Predictions: Picks for Every Game
Can't you just feel the excitement in the air?
It's Thursday, and that means we are coming ever closer to Sunday, everyone's favorite day of the week.
There will be some good games.
There will be some bad games.
Some people will score a lot of points.
Some people won't.
So, without delay, here's everything you need to know about every Week 5 game, as well as predictions for each one.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills
1 of 15
Level of Interest: 2
Key Injuries (Buffalo):
- Keith Ellison, Terrence McGee (Did not practice), Marcus Stroud (Limited)
Key Injuries (Jacksonville):
- Maurice Jones-Drew (DNP), Justin Smiley (Limited)
Players to Watch:
- David Garrard: Garrard just can't seem to find a comfortable groove as the offensive signal caller for the Jaguars. In four games, Garrard has thrown five interceptions and six touchdowns. In his defense, though, he has been sacked 10 times.
- C.J. Spiller: With Marshawn Lynch out in Buffalo, higher workloads will be put on both Fred Jackson and rookie C.J. Spiller. Spiller has shown a lot of potential this year, and has the opportunity to have a great game against a weak Jaguars run defense.
Matchup of the Game: Buffalo Bills' pass rush vs. Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive line
When his offensive line has kept him upright, David Garrard has put up great numbers. Take last week against Indianapolis as an example: He wasn't sacked once, and ended the day 17 for 22 for 163 yards and two touchdowns. If they can keep Garrard off the ground, this one should be in the bag for Jacksonville.
Final Score: 24-14, Jacksonville
Denver Broncos at Baltimore Ravens
2 of 15
Level of Interest: 8
Key Injuries (Denver):
- Knowshon Moreno (Limited—hamstring): The Broncos really need Moreno, because their offense cannot continue to succeed without the balance that he brings.
Key Injuries (Baltimore):
- Jared Gaither, Tavares Gooden, Donté Stallworth (Out)
Players to Watch:
- Kyle Orton: Who expected Kyle Orton to be leading the league in passing? Well, he certainly has the hot hand right now and faces a real test in Baltimore, the No. 1 passing defense in the NFL.
- Joe Flacco: The jury is still out on Flacco right now. He seems to have put himself back together in the last two games, but how many people can forget his performance in Week 2 against Cincinnati? That was just shameful.
Matchup of the Game: Haloti Ngata vs. Denver Broncos' offensive line
Haloti Ngata is probably the best defensive lineman in the game right now, and he is just plain scary to face. He will be looking to get after the quarterback early and often in an attempt to stop the Broncos passing attack.
Final Score: 28-14, Ravens
Despite the fact that Orton is (statistically) the best passer in the league right now, it won't be enough to get past the Ravens. The Broncos' lack of an effective running game will really hurt them, and ultimately, their defense cannot compete with the Ravens.
Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts
3 of 15
Level of Interest: 8
Key Injuries (Kansas City):
- Tyson Jackson (Likely to be out again this week due to knee injury suffered in Week 1)
Key Injuries (Indianapolis):
- Melvin Bullitt (Out)
- Reggie Wayne, Bob Sanders, Antoine Bethea, Dwight Freeney, Austin Collie (All were not practicing as of Wednesday)
Players to Watch:
- Jamaal Charles: Jamaal Charles is good. Really good. And the Colts run defense is bad. Really bad. I see big numbers for Charles on Sunday.
- Dallas Clark: Considering he is the only big receiver for the Colts who isn't nursing an injury right now, he will probably be Peyton Manning's favorite target. He will also be working against a considerably bad pass defense.
Matchup of the Game: Shaun Smith vs. the Colts' offensive line
With Tyson Jackson still out of the lineup, Shaun Smith will likely get the start once again. He will need to get after Peyton Manning if the Chiefs want to have a chance at slowing down an offense that does not hide its dependence on passing.
Final Score: 35-17, Indianapolis
While the Chiefs certainly have a lot going for them, they just seem to be outmatched here. They managed to generate a decent amount of pass rush, but considering the performances put on by their opponents so far, that gives little indication of how they will match up against the Colts. Jamaal Charles will have an impressive day, but eventually the Chiefs have to get something done through the air, and Matt Cassel just isn't good enough.
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Green Bay Packers at Washington Redskins
4 of 15
Level of Interest: 8
Key Injuries (Washington):
- Clinton Portis (Out for 4-6 weeks)
- Trent Williams (Limited with toe injury, may finally get back on the field)
Key Injuries (Green Bay):
- Mark Tauscher, Charles Woodson (Both were not practicing as of Wednesday)
Players to Watch:
- Jermichael Finley: The fact that a tight end is ahead of a stable of very talented wide receivers in yardage by just under 100 yards is quite a statement. Finley is a very exciting player and could be a key to winning in Washington.
- Ryan Torain: With Clinton Portis out, the primary back spot goes to...Ryan Torain? Torain, as you may or may not remember, was bounced out of Denver after falling victim to the Denver running back curse. It should be interesting to see him play. The Redskins will need big things out of him.
Matchup of the Game: Clay Matthews vs. the Redskins' defense
The NFL is in love with Clay Matthews right now, and I can see why. The second-year linebacker out of USC is absolutely destroying opposing offenses this season, posting seven sacks in four games. That's just ridiculous. If the Redskins want to win, they have to keep this kid away from Donovan McNabb.
Final Score: 21-17, Washington
Home-field advantage and momentum are two forces in the NFL that can never be doubted. The Redskins posted a huge win over division-rival Philadelphia last week, and now they return to the nation's capital to take on the Super Bowl favorite Green Bay Packers. Both teams have glaring issues, but the Redskins seem to hold a slim advantage, especially if Charles Woodson ends up being unable to play.
St. Louis Rams at Detroit Lions
5 of 15
Level of Interest: 4
Key Injuries (St. Louis):
- Kevin Dockery, Gary Gibson, Clifton Ryan (All did not practice as of Wednesday)
Key Injuries (Detroit):
- Matt Stafford, Tony Scheffler (Out)
- C.C. Brown (Did not practice)
Players to Watch:
- Sam Bradford: This kid is really starting to look like the real deal, and the team seems to be rallying behind him. He should have a big day against an injury-weakened Detroit defense and could very well bring a third-straight win to the Rams.
- Jahvid Best: Best has more or less made up the entire Lions offense without Matt Stafford on the field. He has more all-purpose yards than anyone on the team (aside from Shaun Hill, of course), and the Lions will need him more than ever in this game because they are moving slowly towards another no-win season.
Matchup of the Game: Steven Jackson vs. Ndamukong Suh
Jackson played very well last week in spite of a nagging hamstring injury, and he should be able to continue that this week, barring any setbacks in his recovery. However, standing in the way of a big game for the great running back is rookie Ndamukong Suh, who has done a pretty good job in the middle of the Lions' defensive line. These two should meet often, considering the power-back nature of Jackson, and the winner of the battle could determine the game.
Final Score: 24-17, Rams
The Lions may have played a very close game with Green Bay last week, but the Rams really have it going. The game will be close, but the Rams should ultimately come out with the victory on the arm of Sam Bradford.
Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers
6 of 15
Level of Interest: 5
Key Injuries (Chicago):
- Jay Cutler (Out)
Key Injuries (Carolina):
- Jeff Otah, Steve Smith, DeAngelo Williams (Did not practice as of Wednesday)
Players to Watch:
- Todd Collins: After taking the beatdown of a lifetime last week against the Giants, Cutler will be kept on the bench in favor of veteran Todd Collins. This one hurts, considering Cutler seemed to be finding a groove with the Bears offense (until last Sunday of course). This game could hinge on the performance of Todd Collins.
- Jimmy Clausen: Clausen has had a rough time since taking over for Matt Moore as the starting quarterback. He needs to come out this week and have a great game, or the Panthers may really start to doubt their choice.
Matchup of the Game: Jon Beason vs. the Bears' offensive line
Jay Cutler was absolutely massacred last week, taking a grand total of 10 sacks. I didn't believe it myself when I first saw it, but it's apparently true. If the Bears play like that again this week, this game won't even be close.
Final Score: 21-7, Chicago
The Bears have shown that they have what it takes to win games, but last week was a real setback. Chicago should come out with some real fire and play a great game against a Panthers team that will put up some fight, but will ultimately come up short.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati Bengals
7 of 15
Level of Interest: 6
Key Injuries (Cincinnati):
- Jordan Shipley (Likely out with concussion)
- Jonathan Fanene (Did not practice on account of groin injury)
Players to Watch:
- Terrell Owens: How can any player possibly follow up the kind of performance that T.O. had last week against the Browns? He likely won't, but considering the strength of Tampa Bay's pass defense, he could have another big day.
- Josh Freeman: Freeman really seems to be coming into his own as a player and as a leader, and he is a big reason why the Bucs are in such a good spot right now. This week will be another test for Freeman, and a win here is important for both Freeman and the team because they need all the momentum they can get coming out of the early bye week.
Matchup of the Game: Cedric Benson vs. the Buccaneers' run defense
While the Buccaneers have really improved their passing defense, their run defense still needs a lot of work. If the Bengals want to win this game, it will rest with Cedric Benson. If Benson can put up a nice day against Tampa Bay, the rest of the Bengals should follow suit and post a good win.
Final Score: 17-14, Bengals
Home-field advantage will be most of the reason why the Bengals will win. The Bucs are a good team, despite the fact that they seem less physical as of late, but that is a problem that they will hopefully have fixed coming out of the bye. The Bucs want the win, but the Bengals need the win, and that will ultimately be the difference.
Atlanta Falcons at Cleveland Browns
8 of 15
Level of Interest: 7.5
Key Injuries (Cleveland):
- Kenyon Coleman, Alex Mack, Robaire Smith (Did not practice as of Wednesday)
Players to Watch:
- Roddy White: Considering the state of the Browns' pass defense, Roddy White should be able to do whatever he wants whenever he wants in this game. Matt Ryan will certainly get White (and Tony Gonzalez) the ball often, and effective running by Michael Turner should make things that much easier.
- Peyton Hillis: Pardon my bias here for a moment, but I am glad that the Broncos didn't hold on to Peyton Hillis. When I first saw this guy run, he seemed like a stud to me, but apparently not to the Broncos. Oh well, their loss. Hillis has had a great run so far as the featured back for the Browns and could post some more big numbers this week.
Matchup of the Game: Matt Ryan vs. the Browns' pass defense
Matt Ryan should have no problem moving the ball in the air against the Browns, as indicated by Carson Palmer last week. However, Ryan needs to be (relatively) mistake-free, and he needs to get the ball in the end zone. Posting up all those passing yards will do you no good if you can't score points (see last week, Browns vs. Bengals).
Final Score: 28-13, Falcons
The Browns did a great job bringing down the Bengals last week, but that trend will not continue. Atlanta is not a team on the ropes, and they seem to have all the pieces necessary for a blowout on this one. The Browns will get their fair share of big plays and they'll score some points, but it seems highly unlikely that they will be able to keep pace with the Falcons.
New York Giants at Houston Texans
9 of 15
Level of Interest: 7
Key Injuries (New York):
- Shaun O'Hara, Adam Koets, Will Beatty, Osi Umenyiora, Ahmad Bradshaw (All were not practicing as of Wednesday)
Key Injuries (Houston):
- Andre Johnson (He missed practice Wednesday, but expect him on the field; the Texans need him)
Players to Watch:
- Brian Cushing: Fresh off his recent suspension for testing positive for PEDs, Cushing will reenter the Texans' defense looking to make an immediate impact. Depending on how he has handled his suspension, he could come back very solid or very rusty. Only time will tell.
- Justin Tuck: Tuck was the leading man in the smackdown laid on Jay Cutler last week, and he will most likely be looking to do the same this week. The Texans have been alright about keeping Matt Schaub off of his back, allowing nine sacks so far this season. They will need to do better against Justin Tuck.
Matchup of the Game: New York Giants' pass rush vs. the Texans' offensive line
After destroying Jay Cutler, the Giants must prove that they can do it again. Maybe it was a fluke, and maybe it wasn't, but we will certainly know more come Sunday.
Final Score: 20-14, Texans
The fact that it took New York three quarters to score a touchdown despite all of the defensive pressure they were putting up was a little embarrassing. If that trend continues, the Texans shouldn't have too hard of a time putting the Giants away.
New Orleans Saints at Arizona Cardinals
10 of 15
Level of Interest: 3
Key Injuries (New Orleans):
- Reggie Bush, Pierre Thomas (Out)
- Tracy Porter, Will Smith (Did Not Practice)
Key Injuries (Arizona):
- Steve Breaston, Early Doucet
Players to Watch:
- Drew Brees: Brees is going up against one of the worst defenses in the league. He should have a field day against the Cardinals.
- Max Hall: Last week was a rough debut for the undrafted rookie free agent, and this week should be no easier. He has home-field advantage, and the team has had a week to evaluate and fix some problems, but who knows whether it will be enough. The question really is, will it be enough to keep Derek Anderson on the bench?
Matchup of the Game: Chris Ivory vs. the Cardinals' defense
With the Saints down two running backs, the Saints have turned to undrafted rookie free agent Chris Ivory to carry the burden. This game should help ease him into the league, but things will still be rocky for the rookie. That doesn't mean he won't have a big game, though.
Final Score: 42-14, Saints
This one shouldn't even be close. The Cardinals are clearly not the same team that they were with Kurt Warner working the offense, whereas the Saints are showing that they may have what it takes to work their way back to the Big Show again this year.
Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys
11 of 15
Level of Interest: 7.5
Key Injuries (Tennessee):
- Justin Gage, Leroy Harris, Tony Brown
Players to Watch:
- Chris Johnson: CJ2K has not looked like the player everyone expected him to be this season, after being held under 100 yards last week. Johnson will need to regain his mojo this week if the Titans want to win, because the Cowboys are certainly capable of containing a struggling Vince Young.
- Tony Romo: Despite all the controversy Romo has been through in his career, he is once again performing like a top-level quarterback. The Titans' defense isn't a particularly tough test for Tony Romo, but it will nonetheless be important for him to put up big numbers.
Matchup of the Game: Vince Young vs. the Dallas Cowboys' defense
Young has been struggling recently, and as people once again begin to question his maturity and, ultimately, his abilities as a player, it will be up to Young to silence the critics. Also, with Chris Johnson hitting some kind of slump, Vince Young is the guy who has to pick up the slack.
Final Score: 27-21, Cowboys
The difference here is that the Cowboys seem to have found an identity as a team, whereas the Titans seem to have lost theirs. If Vince Young starts playing well again and if Chris Johnson pounds the ball like everyone expects him to, then this will be a different story. However, without those key elements, the Titans just don't have the offensive firepower to keep up with the Cowboys.
San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders
12 of 15
Level of Interest: 6.5
Key Injuries (San Diego):
- Jyles Tucker (IR), Larry English (Out)
- Brandon Siler (Did not practice)
Key Injuries (Oakland):
- Robert Gallery, Rolando McClain, Darren McFadden, Chaz Schilens
Players to Watch:
- Mike Tolbert: Tolbert has really burst onto the scene in the last two weeks while filling in for a recovering Ryan Mathews, and he could very well have another big day against a very bad Oakland Raiders' run defense, even if he shares half the touches with Mathews.
- Bruce Gradkowski: The Raiders finally came to their senses and started Gradkowski a few weeks ago, after telling themselves over and over that he was not the answer. While he won't be a permanent fixture of this offense, he is the key to their success right now, and he seems to be losing some of his spark. The Raiders really need him to step his game up.
Matchup of the Game: Antonio Gates vs. the Oakland Raiders' defense
Gates had a monster game last week against Arizona, and there is no reason to believe that he can't do it again. That's a problem, because if the Raiders cannot stop Gates, they won't be able to stop anything. So if the Raiders have designs on finally beating the Chargers after 13 straight losses, they need to bottle up Antonio Gates or face the consequences.
Final Score: 31-14, Chargers
There was a small amount of time this season where everyone believed that the Oakland Raiders had turned things around. I believe that was around the time when they hung their only win on the St. Louis Rams. Then things fell apart. With running back Darren McFadden injured and a group of receivers that either can't get open or can't catch the ball, the Raiders couple a lackluster defense with an offense that just can't seem to go anywhere. They may be playing in Oakland, but don't expect this game to be anywhere near as competitive as it was last year.
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers
13 of 15
Level of Interest: 4.5
Key Injuries (Philadelphia):
- Michael Vick (Day-to-day), LeSean McCoy, Asante Samuel
Players to Watch:
- Kevin Kolb: Kolb has the opportunity for an interesting kind of revenge this week, as he steps in for an injured Vick and tries to take back the starting spot as Vick did a few weeks back, when Kolb was held out due to a concussion. Kolb needs a big game to convince the Philly coaching staff to keep him on the field.
- Michael Crabtree: Crabtree is having a quiet year, which does not bode well for the second-year player. After holding out into the regular season last year, Crabtree is already in hot water with the higher-ups in San Francisco. He needs to start making stuff happen, immediately.
Matchup of the Game: Alex Smith vs. the Eagles' defense
Smith has really been struggling this season, and that is a good part of why the 49ers just can't seem to do anything as a team. This is the week that he really needs to start turning things around; otherwise, the team faces an even deeper hole and an inevitably disappointing season.
Final Score: 27-10, Eagles
The 49ers just don't have anything figured out. They have all the talent there, but something is going wrong with them because there is no reason why they should be playing as badly as they are. The Eagles, on the other hand, will be out for blood after their loss to the Redskins last week, and with Kevin Kolb looking to jump back into the coaches' good graces, the Eagles should have no problems handling this one.
Minnesota Vikings at New York Jets
14 of 15
Level of Interest: 9
Players to Watch:
- LaDainian Tomlinson: Tomlinson showed everyone last week that he still has some gas left in the tank. However, that has to be taken with a grain of salt because he did put those numbers up against the Buffalo Bills. This week should be a better test of his abilities.
- Randy Moss: Moss is back with the team who drafted him after a surprise move brought him back to Minnesota for a third-round draft pick. At this point, Moss is either out to prove something or he has gone completely comatose. Only time will tell.
Matchup of the Game: Brett Favre vs. the New York Jets' defense
It all hinges on this matchup. If Favre continues to make bad decisions and throw interceptions, the Vikings will never win this game. On the other side of things, if Favre can keep it together and throw a clean game, the Vikings should have little to no problem with this one.
Final Score: 27-24 (OT), Vikings
While the Jets certainly do look impressive, their lackluster passing offense and defense will kill them in the end. While they may be able to contain Adrian Peterson (or at least keep his numbers away from the mid-100 level), Brett Favre may finally be able to effectively move the ball through the air with a deep threat like Randy Moss in his arsenal. The Jets will keep this one very close, but Minnesota seems to have the slight edge in this one.
Questions? Comments? Concerns?
15 of 15
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Enjoy.
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