NFL Picks Week 5: Arizona Cardinals and 3 Desperate Teams That Will Disappoint

How many of our preseason notions have been bucked?

Well, we shouldn't overreact to four weeks, but the time is now for some preseason contenders to start playing like it.

At the beginning of the year, these teams were at least dark-horse contenders for a playoff spot. Right now, it's not looking good for them. After Week 5, it won't look any better.

Arizona Cardinals

In the NFC West, expectations were high that the Cardinals could make the playoffs. But things aren't looking good now.

They are 1-3, two games back of the 49ers. On paper, they should beat an 0-4 Vikings team, but I am not convinced.

One, the game is in Minnesota.

Two, the Vikings have been in three of their four games this year. I like this matchup for the Vikings.

Even if the Cardinals win, I don't see them coming out of this game with a lot of confidence. But I am going with the Vikings to win their first game in this one.

Oakland Raiders

All of the hype that this team has received doesn't mask one thing. The Raiders are a 2-2 team going on the road to face a very tough Texans team.

The Raiders' run defense had serious issues against New England's rushing attack. The Patriots' rushers don't stack up to Arian Foster.

The Raiders will need to figure something out this week. If they don't, they are likely going to be two games behind the Chargers.

I don't think the Raiders are a bad team, but I don't like their chances here. I am going with a Texans win, moving them to 4-1.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Without James Harrison and with a banged up Ben Roethlisberger, the Steelers are in a surprisingly tough game against the Titans.

The AFC champions are okay, but aren't far from finding themselves in quite a hole.

I don't know if Tennessee is a real contender or not, but I expect their surprising run to last another week.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Steelers won, but I doubt it will instill much confidence in Steelers fans. 

With an emerging Chris Johnson, I am going with the Titans to pull the road upset. The Steelers will be left scrambling.