NFL Picks Week 5: Quick Picks for Every Game on the Schedule

The fourth week of the NFL season has just concluded, so naturally, it's time to whip up some quick predictions for Week 5 as fast as possible, only to look like a fool next Tuesday. There are some very good games on the schedule this weekend, which is never a bad thing, but there are also a few duds.

For this week's picks I've decided to take them less seriously and just go off my gut instinct, as opposed to doing detailed research. Predicting the outcome of anything is pretty much a crap-shoot, but it especially applies to sports.

Seeing how I'm taking this less seriously than in the past, it would only be fitting that I would end up having one of my better weeks picking games. I'm making no promises, and definitely advise you to not go out and wager on any team based on my advice.

Here we go!

Philadelphia Eagles at Buffalo Bills

Prediction: Eagles 33, Bills 16

Michael Vick and the Eagles get back on track this week with a comfortable win over a Bills team that is still shocked from a disappointing loss to Cincinnati. This loss for Buffalo will end the "are the Bills a playoff team" talk, but it will remind us that Philadelphia is still a dangerous team despite early season struggles.

Bold Statement: The next win for the Bills will come in Week 11 against the Miami Dolphins. That means entering the game they will carry a 3-6 record.

Kansas City Chiefs at Indianapolis Colts

Prediction: Colts 16, Chiefs 13

The Colts finally get over the hump after two spirited primetime performances that fell short against good teams. Curtis Painter is able to make just enough throws to move the chains, and the Colts' defense is able to contain the limited Chiefs offense.

Bold Statement: Neither one of these teams will finish as one of the two worst teams in the league, which ultimately means no Andrew Luck.

Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings

Prediction: Cardinals 24, Vikings 13

Larry Fitzgerald dominates the Minnesota secondary en route to a multiple touchdown performance that sends the Vikings to an 0-5 mark, and makes them legitimate contenders for Luck. Adrian Peterson will have another frustrating day as the Vikings ignore the run game once again. 

Bold Statement: Donovan McNabb is benched at halftime, and rookie Christian Ponder makes his NFL debut.

Seattle Seahawks at New York Giants

Prediction: Giants 27, Seahawks 17

The Seahawks put together a competitive effort but are done in by too many miscues in which the Giants capitalize on. Ahmad Bradshaw breaks free late in the game to put the game out of reach, and the final score doesn't reflect how close the game actually was.

Not-So-Bold Statement: Every time Victor Cruz catches a pass, he will personally run the ball to the nearest official to ensure that he was ruled down.

Tennessee Titans at Pittsburgh Steelers

Prediction: Titans 17, Steelers 13

In a hard fought battle the Titans emerge and send the Steelers under .500, causing a week full of "what's wrong with the Steelers" talk. Matt Hasselbeck continues his stellar play and emerges as an MVP contender.

Bold Statement: Chris Johnson will top 150 yards rushing, making every fantasy owner who traded him feel stupid. 

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

Prediction: Panthers 34, Saints 31

The Saints leave the door open for the Panthers to win late in the fourth quarter, and they capitalize on it. Cam Newton leads a game-winning drive with under a minute to go and hooks up with former Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey for the go-ahead touchdown.

Bold Statement: The Panthers' porous run defense will hold the Saints to under 100 yards rushing.

Cincinnati Bengals at Jacksonville Jaguars

Prediction: Bengals 20, Jaguars 10

Andy Dalton will outplay Blaine Gabbert to put the Bengals over .500, which will force media outlets to discuss if Cincinnati is a playoff contender. Gabbert will continue to struggle and Jaguar fans will be wondering to themselves if he will pan out.

Bold Statement: The Bengals will win their next three games to bring them to 5-2 on the season, but they will then lose their next three to fall back to Earth. 

Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans

Prediction: Raiders 23, Texans 20

The Raiders grind out a tough win on the road behind Darren McFadden and the defense. Houston struggles on offense without Andre Johnson, who is unable to play due to his hamstring.

Bold Statement: Matt Schaub struggles throughout the afternoon on a day where he throws three interceptions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers

Prediction: 49ers 23, Buccaneers 20

The 49ers continue their surprising start and defeat the Bucs on a last-minute David Akers field goal. Josh Freeman and co. are unable to stir up fourth quarter magic like they have been in the past.

Bold Statement: The Bucs will go 1-5 over their next six games.

San Diego Chargers at Denver Broncos

Prediction: Chargers 27, Broncos 16

San Diego is able to take care of business against a free-falling Denver team. Philip Rivers outplays Kyle Orton, and Bronco fans spend the entire fourth quarter chanting for Tim Tebow.

Not-So-Bold Statement: John Fox continues to ignore the chants, and Tebow doesn't see the field.

New York Jets at New England Patriots

Prediction: Patriots 41, Jets 17

The Patriots run up the score on a Jets team that is suddenly beatable on defense. Bill Belichick lets Tom Brady air it out late in the game to rub it in Rex Ryan's face, which leads to a profanity-laced postgame press conference for Ryan.

Bold Statement: New York will finish 8-8.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

Prediction: Falcons 24, Packers 23

Matt Ryan comes up big, and the Falcons avenge last season's playoff loss. Aaron Rodgers looks human at times and Atlanta capitalizes by picking him off two times.

Bold Statement: The Packers will only lose one more game this season after this one, and it will be to Detroit in Week 12.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions

Prediction: Lions 27, Bears 13

Jay Cutler is sacked five times as the Lions' defensive line overwhelms the Bears' offensive line. Calvin Johnson catches two more touchdown passes to bring his total on the season to 10.

Bold Statement: This game will mark the beginning of a free fall for the Bears.