NFL Picks Week 5: Games That Will Be Closer Than People Think

It's Week 5, the time when teams truly begin separating themselves from the rest of the pack. Week 5 is the first week you can start to see season-long trends emerging and the first time you can't blame futility on early season communication errors. In such an important week, here are the five games that will be closer than people think.

San Francisco 49ers Vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

ATLANTA - OCTOBER 03: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers questions a call during the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Georgia Dome on October 3, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

The 49ers are 0-4 but could easily be 2-2. Philadelphia, meanwhile, is 2-2, but is without Michael Vick and is now starting backup quarterback Kevin Kolb for the first time since Week 1. Judging by records, San Francisco should get run out of Candlestick, but the game will be far closer than that.Don't be surprised if San Francisco comes out on top here.

Green Bay Packers Vs. Washington Redskins

Jim McIsaac/Getty Images

PHILADELPHIA - OCTOBER 03: Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins throws a pass in the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles on October 3, 2010 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Redskins defeated the Eagles 17-12.

Washington, a 2.5 point underdog to Green Bay, is fresh off a big victory against Philadelphia. QB Donovan McNabb is riding high after beating his former team and will look to have a big game in Green Bay. The Packers, however, just squeaked one out against the pitiful Lions last week.With momentum on their side, the Redskins should make this one a game.

New York Jets Vs. Minnesota vikings

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

EDEN PRAIRIE, MN - OCTOBER 7: Wide receiver Randy Moss #84 of the Minnesota Vikings runs during his first practice after re-joining the Vikings at Winter Park on October 7, 2010 in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)

With the acquisition of Randy Moss, Minnesota immediately upgraded their passing game. The Vikings are once again in the Super Bowl hunt. Four point underdogs to the red-hot Jets, Minnesota will be a tough opponent on Monday night. Mark Sanchez and Ladainian Tomlinson will need to have a big games to match Minnesota's offensive production.  

Baltimore Ravens Vs. Denver Broncos

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - JANUARY 10: Ed Reed #20 of the Baltimore Ravens intercepts a pass in the first quarter against the New England Patriots during the 2010 AFC wild-card playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 10, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Ravens

The 3-1 Ravens have the NFL's stingiest pass defense, allowing 119 passing yards per game. The Broncos, 2-2, have the league's best rated passing game, tallying 339.5 yards per game. Baltimore is a seven point favorite at home, but Denver's passing game simply can't be ignored.

Oakland Raiders Vs. San Diego Chargers

Travis Lindquist/Getty Images

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 17: Fans in the black hole cheer for Jerry Rice #80 of the Oakland Raiders at the Network Associates Coliseum on October 17, 2004 in Oakland, California. It turned out to be his last game in a Raider uniform as he was traded to the

The 1-3 Raiders are 6.5 point underdogs this weekend against the Chargers at home in Oakland. The Chargers are the NFL's third highest rated passing game while the Raiders allow the league's third fewest passing yards in the league. Though they've lost their last two, the Raiders have made games of both contests and have only been blown out in Week 1 against Tennessee. Playing at home, you can never discount the Silver and Black.