Week Five NFL Picks Column: Upsets Galore!

By no means is a pick set in any way accurate, but without an attempt at that goal I will present my first ever Win-Loss Column for the upcoming NFL week.  I will also add a few upsets here and there, as is "customary," most of which will probably not be correct.  You will also see each match-up labeled as BIG WIN, CLOSE GAME, or UPSET.  In this article, I will solely take a look at eight key match-ups for Week Five, ordered from least interesting to most interesting. With that said, here goes:

8. Seahawks at Giants: Seahawks take win in UPSET

I just don't see the Giants continuing their regular-season successes for now; if there was any one thing that heralded this defeat was the fact that they had to go to OT with a now 0-4 Bengals team.  Don't get me wrong -- it will be a close game dominated by the defenses, but although I see the Giants forcing a few turnovers, Eli Manning and their offense will disappoint in a big way as the Seahawks squeeze by on a last-minute field goal.

7. Falcons at Packers: Packers take win in BIG WIN

Nothing against Matt Ryan, but I see the Falcon's offense struggling in the red zone as they watch Aaron Rodgers and the Packers drive down the field for TDs three times in the opening half, then continue their dominance in the second half.  Coming off a rough loss, I don't see the Packers disappointing again.

6. Bills at Cardinals: Cardinals take win in UPSET

Undeniably, the Cardinals' offense has so far been prolific, led by QB Kurt Warner and WRs Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald.  Although they started off the season 2-0, their defense has since curtailed and looks like it may have realistic problems the team will soon have to deal with.  But for now, the Cardinals' offense comes up big in a high scoring upset versus the 4-0 Buffalo Bills.

5. Bengals at Cowboys: Cowboys take win in BIG WIN

Playing on home turf will help, but several other factors have me taking the Cowboys big over the Bengals.  One, they just lost a tough game to an NFC East division rival, so they want to come back strong and show they are still the best.  Two, their high-powered offense will make short work of the Bengals injury-ridden defense.  And lastly, the Bengals once heralded offense looks to be a very sorry group now -- partly because watching them makes it seem like nobody is ever really trying.  As much as I hate to say it, easy win for the 'Boys.

4. Colts at Texans: Colts take win in CLOSE GAME

There is no doubt that the Colts' once effective offense is having problems based on some of its slumping stars (i.e. Peyton Manning, Joseph Addai).  Until the offense straightens itself out, the team may have problems in the long run.  With that said, they will squeeze out a win against a seemingly pathetic 0-3 Texans team.

3. Bears at Lions: Lions take win in UPSET

Although the Bears offense has certainly turned out better than most people expected, a now desperate 0-3 Lions team with a new GM will surprise the Bears in Detroit.  The Big O will spell the difference for the Lions, who go for at least three TDs in the air.

2. Redskins at Eagles: Eagles take win in CLOSE GAME

It's difficult for me to predict a big win by either team, especially with the fact that  both teams have dominant defenses.  But the Eagles have a lot to prove as they try to distance themselves from their disappointing 2007 campaign, and I do not see the Redskins winning two consecutive road games versus tough NFC East rivals.

1. Patriots at San Fransisco: Patriots take win in BIG WIN

In my  mind, the stunned Pats will finally take some pressure off themselves by going about beating the 49ers in a big way.  Matt Cassell will be at the top of his game, what with reports surfacing about rookie QB Kevin O'Connell possibly taking over as starter.  Expect a well-rounded game from both teams, but despite their recent struggles, the Patriots clearly have more talent.

There it is, my very first Pick Set.  Like any picks column, it will be interesting to see how many of my predictions turn out true!  Probably not too many, but I will be sure to keep up to date with Sunday's games.  WEEK FIVE, HERE WE COME!!!