NFL Predictions Week 5: Saints vs. Panthers and 3 Sure Fire Shootouts

It's no secret that the NFL likes offense. It sells tickets, it moves ratings and moves merchandise. Defense generally wins championships, just not in a very sexy way.

As the season gets over, things are likely to drop off. Defenses will adjust better to the new rules, the weather will prevent quarterbacks from making a lot of great passes and people's record-setting paces will just taper off.

But that doesn't mean we won't see shootouts. If you tune into these games on Sunday, don't expect a lot of defense.

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

Even at home, I don't see the Panthers having the offensive firepower to match the Saints. The Saints' offense is a little deeper and while not great, their defense is far more likely to get to Cam Newton than the Carolina defense is to get to Drew Brees.

But none of that means that Newton and his Panthers teammates won't score a lot of points.

I fully expect both teams to score in the high 20's, if not higher. Newton is really making an impression on the NFL. Even though it will likely come in the form of a loss, that will continue for at least another week.

Oakland Raiders at Houston Texans

While the Texans will be without Andre Johnson, they don't lack playmakers. Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter make a formidable receiving duo, while Owen Daniels is a fine tight end.

Arian Foster is back to full health at running back, and Matt Schaub is distributing the ball.

The Raiders are still mistake prone. Their bad turnovers and penalties will likely be the difference in this game. Still, Oakland is loaded with players capable of making big plays whenever they touch the ball.

I fully expect big plays from both Darren McFadden and Foster. These teams should at least push 60 total points in this one.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

Those who like offense should tune in to NBC on Sunday night, there will be a lot of it.

We know what Aaron Rodgers has done this season. He runs an absolute machine known as the Packers offense.

The Falcons are also capable of putting up points. With Matt Ryan at quarterback, Julio Jones and Roddy White at receiver, Tony Gonzalez at tight end and Michael Turner at running back, they don't lack playmakers.

Ironically, I am going with the road team in all three of these games. In all cases, I am not nearly as confident in predicting a winner as I am when I say that a lot of points will be scored.

Whether the NFL's points explosion will continue all year or not remains to be seen. But in these three games, don't expect much of a drop