NFL Week 5 NFL Predictions: Against the Spread (ATS)

Frustrated by my .500 start in picking NFL games against the spread (ATS) this season, I vowed to be better last week and deliver on my goal to provide you with at least two winners (out of three games).

That is exactly what I did. On the season, my record is now 6-5-1 (54.5 percent) ATS.

Looking to repeat last week's performance (two out of three or better), I've again selected the two teams -- San Diego and San Francisco -- that covered for me last week, even though I know that past performance doesn't necessarily guarantee future returns.

Here are my Week 5 picks:

Chargers -6 (at Raiders): The Oakland Raiders will be without running backs Darren McFadden and Michael Bennett. Missing McFadden, who ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards (392), certainly won't help the Raiders in their bid to end their 13-game, head-to-head losing streak to the Chargers.

Through four games, the Chargers rank first in the NFL in total offense (450.8 yards per game) and second in total defense (238.0 yards allowed per game). Although the Raiders have elite cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, who will likely be matchup against Malcom Floyd, they also rank 31st against the run, providing little resistance to the league's most prolific offense through four games.

Packers -2.5 (at Redskins): Despite their performance over the past two weeks, the Packers are better than the scoreboard has indicated—loss to the Chicago Bears and near loss to (two-point win against) the Detroit Lions. In turn, the Redskins are coming off an emotional victory over the Eagles in quarterback Donovan McNabb's return to Philadelphia.

Despite the Packers' all-around talent, this could be somewhat of a let-down game for the Redskins. The 'Skins will be without running back Clinton Portis, who has a third-degree separation of his groin, for up to six weeks. In addition, they may be without defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who is dealing with the tragic death of his 23-year-old brother.

49ers -3.5 (vs Eagles): To me, the biggest surprise of the first-quarter of the NFL season isn't that the Kansas City Chiefs are the only unbeaten team. It's that the San Francisco 49ers are winless through four games.

The Eagles are likely to play without quarterback Michael Vick and running back LeSean McCoy this week. With Kevin Kolb, who checked down often in relief of Vick, and Mike Bell, who is nowhere near the caliber of receiver McCoy is out of the backfield, the Niners could be poised to claim their first victory of the season.

Despite the fact that only one other team (1992 San Diego Chargers) turned around an 0-4 start to reach the playoffs, the 49ers just might do it in the NFC Worst, provided they emerge victorious this weekend.

For picks by our other "handicappers," check out TheWeeklyBlitz.com.

Here are some of our Week 5 Fantasy Football resources: Top 25 QBs | Top 40 RBs | Top 50 WRs | our free fantasy football contest

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