NFL Week Five: Predictions and Quick Hits on Every Game

Tennessee (4-0) at Baltimore (2-1)

Both of these teams have gotten off to impressive starts.  The Titans have the best point differential average in the NFL (+14 per game). 

Defensively, these may be the two best teams in the league.  Tennessee is first in points allowed, while Baltimore is first in yards allowed.  Don't expect a shootout in this one.

Titans, 13-9

Kansas City (1-3) at Carolina (3-1)

I don't expect Larry Johnson to run for nearly 200 yards against a physical Carolina defense like he did against Denver.

The Chiefs haven't had a .500 or better season on the road since 2003, and are 0-2 this year.  In the meantime, Carolina is 2-0 at home this season after winning two games at home all of last season.

Panthers, 24-10

Chicago (2-2) at Detroit (0-3)

The Matt Millen Era is officially and mercifully over.  Unfortunately, the team he put together is still here.  They still can't run the ball and flat out can't play defense.

Even more bad news for Detroit: the Bears can run the ball.  I expect a large dose of Matt Forte in this game.

Bears, 22-17

Atlanta (2-2) at Green Bay (2-2)

If Aaron Rodgers can't play with a sore shoulder, Matt Ryan will be the more experienced quarterback on the field.  Because he his following a legendary iron man, I expect him to gut it out.

If this game was being played on Atlanta's fast track, then I would be tempted to pick the Falcons.  They are the best in the NFL in running the ball and Green Bay has problems stopping it. 

Not many people win their first start in Lambeau Field.

Packers, 27-24

Indianapolis (1-2) at Houston (0-3)

If before the season you would have told me that the loser of this game would be in the cellar of the AFC South, I would have thought you were crazy. 

Indianapolis has been consistently good this decade and Houston seemed to be on the rise. 

Manning got a bye week to shake off the rust and get more in sync with his receivers. 

Colts, 31-20

San Diego (2-2) at Miami (1-2)

The Chargers seem to have found their groove after dropping their first two games. 

The Dolphins pulled the shocker of the week in week three by supplying an abrupt end to New England's regular season winning streak.

I don't expect the Chargers to be caught off guard when Ronnie Brown lines up at quarterback. 

The Chargers are a much more talented team than the Dolphins.

Chargers, 28-10

Seattle (1-2) at NY Giants (3-0)

Seattle may actually have an advantage at wide receiver for a change. 

Deion Branch and Bobby Engram return from injuries for the Seahawks.  The Giants will be without Plaxico Burress, whom the team suspended for this game.

Both teams enter this game coming off a bye week and have had two weeks to prepare for one another.

Seahawks, 20-17

Washington (3-1) at Philadelphia (2-2)

This NFC East match-up has the potential to be the best contest of the week. 

Washington seems to have hit its stride since losing the opening week game to the Giants. 

Philadelphia will likely have Brian Westbrook back.  His presence and production were sorely missed in the second half against Pittsburgh and last week against the Bears.

Eagles, 34-27

Tampa Bay (3-1) at Denver (3-1)

These two teams win with very different styles.  Denver lights up the scoreboard with one of the best offensive attacks in the NFL, but is one of the worst defensive teams. 

The Buccaneers aren't as explosive but appear more balanced. They are in the top half of the league in both points allowed and points scored. 

The one team the Buccaneers lost to, the New Orleans Saints, plays a lot like Denver.

Broncos, 31-26

Buffalo (4-0) at Arizona (2-2)

The Cardinals got absolutely torched by Brett Favre and the Jets.  While Trent Edwards doesn't throw the ball down field as much Favre, his favorite receiver, Lee Evans averages almost 24 yards per catch. 

Expect Arizona's passing attack to take a huge hit with Anquan Boldin down with a serious head injury. 

Bills, 23-20

Cincinnati (0-4) at Dallas (3-1)

On paper, this seems like the easiest game of the week to pick, especially if Carson Palmer sits out for the second straight week.  The Bengals haven't won a game and Dallas may have the most talent in the league. 

Three of Cincy's four games have been decided by eight points or fewer, and they gave the Giants a run for their money.

Dallas has absolutely too much talent to drop this game.  The only way they lose is if this Terrell Owens saga becomes a distraction.

Cowboys, 35-10

New England (2-1) at San Francisco (2-2)

The Patriots suffered a shocking loss to Miami as they headed into the bye week.  They have not scored 20 points in any one of their games this season. 

On the flip side, the 49ers have allowed 30 or more in two of their four games.

New England will not lose a game against a mediocre team when they have two weeks to prepare. 

Patriots, 24-13

Pittsburgh (3-1) at Jacksonville (2-2)

This is a rematch of last year's AFC playoff win by the Jaguars. Pittsburgh is coming off a short week and a physical overtime game against Baltimore as they head on the road. 

I think Pittsburgh is going to have a lot of trouble scoring points against the Jaguars with their problems on the offensive line and the painfully thin depth at running back.

Jaguars, 27-9

Minnesota (1-3) at New Orleans (2-2)

This Monday night contest is not exactly your classic "strength vs. strength" match-up.  In fact, it is quite the opposite. 

Adrian Peterson must be drooling at the prospect of facing a Saints' defense that is allowing 123 yards per game on the ground.  The absence of rookie DT Sedrick Ellis will serve as blow to the interior of the Saints' defense. 

Minnesota's defense isn't exactly giddy either.  The secondary is average at best and is preparing to face the best passing attack in the league.

Drew Brees is on pace for about 5,400 yards and 32 touchdowns.  Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Robert Meachem have really stepped up with the absence of Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey.

Saints, 28-24

Overall Record: 34-26

Last Week: 6-7