NFL Picks Week 5: 3 Teams That Will Play Better Than Expected

Fans and pundits alike can be a bit reactionary when it comes to the game of football.

Big hit? Gasps.

Quarterback-head coach shouting match? Are cameras are "go."

Touchdown? Pandemonium.

But sometimes it's better to look at the bigger picture. For example, Washington Redskins quarterback Rex Grossman isn't exactly beating his chest four games into the season after declaring the Redskins would win the NFC East, even if the squad is on top of the division right now.

Here are three teams that will play better than the hubbub surrounding them would suggest.

Indianapolis Colts

Yes, you heard me right, the Indianapolis Colts.

Even with Peyton Manning out and Curtis Painter under center, this team still has one of the best defensive lines in football. The Colts are 0-4 after losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 4, but they've played both the Bucs and Pittsburgh Steelers very close.

The Colts may have had only five sacks headed into their matchup with the Buccaneers, but they've had more than enough quarterback pressures and hurries to hang their hats on.

I don't think the Colts will beat the Bengals in Cincinnati, but they will make it closer than it would appear.

New York Jets

The Jets are a mess right now. The defense is always good, but the offense is clearly sputtering. After showing signs of improvement early this season, quarterback Mark Sanchez committed all four of the Jets' turnovers against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 4. Three of those turnovers were returned for touchdowns. On top of that, the rushing game has been deplorable and second-year running back Shonne Greene has yet to show he can carry the load.

But the Jets' offense does have something going for it against the New England Patriots: the Patriots' defense has been very forgiving lately.

The Patriots are not only giving up 24.5 points per game, they have given up the most passing yards per game in the NFL (368.8) and have given up 4.8 yards per carry on the ground.

I don't expect the Jets to win, but I think they'll put up a fight, especially against their bitter rivals.

Philadelphia Eagles

How quickly we throw the Eagles under the bus. Everyone's darling of the preseason has become everyone's trash after a 1-3 start.

But this team is too talented and too well-coached to keep this up for much longer. The team is still getting a feel for each other and, above all, there aren't any divas on this defense. You have to believe new acquisitions Nnamdi Asomugha and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie will get it together and start playing to par with defensive ends Cullen Jenkins and Jason Babin.

Against the Buffalo Bills, the Eagles will rebound from an ugly loss in a big way.