NFL Predictions: Week Five

Prediction record (starting Week Three): 19-10

NFL PREDICTIONS: Week Five

TEN @ BAL
My Pick: TEN by three

The Titans are 4-0 for the first time in team history and have earned that record against some decent teams, but this week we will see the offense put to the test against a great defense. The Titans rushing game is top notch thus far in the season, but Ray Lewis and the Ravens pride themselves on shutting down the run. We may get the answer to the question, “Are the Titans for real?”

KC @ CAR
My Pick: CAR by 10

KC got a big win last week, and I doubt that they will surprise anyone else in that fashion. The Panthers will need to shut down the Chiefs rushing attack, or this could stay close.

CHI @ DET
My Pick: CHI by six

The Bears offense has shown signs of life in the last few games, if they can keep that up, it will allow their ferocious defense to shut down teams. But if they cannot move the ball and sustain drives, the defense will get tired and this Lions offense has the weapons to score quick.

ATL @ GB
My Pick: With Rodgers, GB by seven. Without Rodgers, ATL by three.

We keep hearing that Aaron Rodgers will start this one; but a sprained throwing shoulder is not something a QB can do too much with. If it is hurting, expect GB to rest him and put either rookie Flynn or Brohm in to finish out the game.

The outcome depends on this decision; Rodgers can get it done with limited throws and still win. But look for the Falcons to come after him to knock him out of the game, and then bring the pressure to confuse his young replacements. They are in Green bay this week, so that is an edge in and of its self!

IND @ HOU
My Pick: IND by six

Not that the Texans have shown me anything that puts them on the level of the Colts, but the Colts have shown that they will play down to the level of their opponent, and that is a dangerous thing to do in the NFL. But one has to think that Manning will snap his offense out of this funk and start rolling again at some point…and why not against division foe Houston!

SD @ MIA
My Pick: SD by seven

Let’s see if the Dolphins have decided to go with this college style offense for the season, or if that was just to destroy the Patriots. The Chargers have been playing pretty good football, even considering the halftime scare in Oakland last week when they were down 15-0.

The Chargers should be able to handle the Fins with ease, but who knows what Miami will pull out this time…they are coming off of a bye week, so they have had plenty of time to add some new gadgets to the offense!

SEA @ NYG
My Pick: NYG by seven

This should be a good game, with lots of action. The Giants will be without suspended receiver Burress and will need to shift the offense to compensate, but they will be just fine.

The Seahawks have had a rough start to the season losing to the Bills and the 49ers, teams that a lot of people thought they should beat. Both of these teams are coming off of their bye week and are healthy. May come down to who can get the rust off the fastest!

WAS @ PHI
My Pick: PHI by seven

Philly has a defense that is as good as anyone in the league and an offense that can run it up; but then again the Redskins have a pretty good offense themselves and are coming off of a huge victory in Dallas last week. NFC East games tend to always be good, and this is no exception. The Skins will need to account for the loss of Jason Taylor; and the Eagles are still unsure of Westbrook’s status.

TB @ DEN
My Pick: DEN by three

Shanahan will be out to make up for the events of last week when the Broncos lost to the Chiefs. TB is far better than the Chiefs on offense and defense, so the Broncos will have their work cut out for them this week.

BUF @ ARI
My Pick: BUF by three

Boldin is out for this week, so look for Fitzgerald to have another big game as he has recorded at least 100 yards in his last three games. The Bills should rely on Lynch and the running game to take the air out of the ball and leave the Card’s offense on the bench. On Defense the Bills need to put the heat on Kurt Warner, he has never reacted well to it!

CIN @ DAL
My Pick: DAL by 16

Chad Johnson has yet to shut up even though he has been pretty ineffective this season. Also, Carson Palmer may not play the whole game due to his elbow; even if he does, how well will he play versus this Cowboys defense. The Boy’s have to show the league that last week was a fluke, and they are still the team to beat in the NFC.

NE @ SF
My Pick: NE by 10

The Pat’s are 2-1 coming off of a bye and Matt Cassel has had even more time as the number one guy to sure up his game a little more. Look for the Pat’s to open up some more of the playbook for him this week.

PIT @ JAC
My Pick: JAC by six

The Steelers have a great defense, but the offense may hurt them this week; Roethlisberger has a hurt shoulder, Parker is out with a bad knee and his back up Mendenhall is done for the season, leaving Moore will make his first start in three years. The Jag’s have been building up steam with two straight wins, both within the division.

MIN @ NO
My Pick: NO by three

The Saints have been banged up, but still have most of their offense. The Defense is close to last in the league in pass defense; with the Vikings coming to town and Gus Frerotte at QB, it is hard to predict how this will go. But, the Vikings still have a good offense with Adrian Peterson in the backfield, and that should open up the play action game.