NFL Picks Week 5: 5 Favorites Sure to Cover the Spread

The books have opened for Week 5's slate of games, and there are some intriguing spreads to take a look at.

Values usually tend to change as the week goes on, especially as it gets closer to game time, which means money can be made early in the week.

A number of favorites have lines that should be taken advantage of immediately, and here are the five that I believe should be locked in for this weekend's games.  

Oakland at Houston (-6)

The Texans are the favorite here, as they should be.

Houston has an extremely balanced offense, and they should take this game by at least a touchdown even if Andre Johnson does not play.

-6 is the highest that this wager should be taken at, because the Raiders are still a quality football team that features one of the best rushing attacks in the league.

Prediction: 30-17 Texans

(-4) San Diego at Denver

San Diego by four is a bet that should be taken without hesitation.

Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson were on point in Week 4, and I expect them to continue their success against a struggling Denver Broncos team.

Kyle Orton will struggle, which could lead us to the first glance of Tim Tebow.

Prediction: 35-14 Chargers 

(-5) Green Bay at Atlanta

Look for the Packers to dominate the Falcons in a repeat performance of last year’s NFC divisional playoff game.

It is difficult to ignore just how talented the Falcons are at home in the Georgia Dome, but to me, that still will not prevent the Packers dynamic offense from putting up some serious points.

The Falcons barely beat a lousy Seahawks team on the road in Week 4, so with the spread at five, the Packers should be a lock.

Prediction: 31-21 Packers 

(-6) New Orleans at Carolina

The Saints are at -6 against an inexperienced Carolina team, which means take it now.  

Cam Newton has the ability to score points, and he has proven his worth, but every rookie seems to have an awful game, and I believe that this will be his.

The Saints are a proven team that can put up some serious points, and it is difficult to imagine them not coming out with a win, let alone by at least a touchdown.

Prediction: 28-21 Saints

Arizona at Minnesota (-2.5)

The Minnesota Vikings are 0-4, but they've lost by an average of 4.5 points through their first four games.

The Vikings will pick up their first win of the season this weekend against the visiting Arizona Cardinals, because Adrian Peterson and company will be taking on the league's 25th-ranked defense.

I believe that the Pro Bowl back will have a field day on the ground even though the Giants struggled with it this past Sunday, and I expect that Donovan McNabb will play his most consistent game of the young season. 

Prediction: 20-17 Vikings