NFL Picks Week 5: Pittsburgh Steelers and 3 Contenders That Will Keep Reeling

For whatever reason, we're seeing teams struggle that we didn't expect to see struggle. It might be due to some tough injuries, bad calls or a tough schedule. Still, whatever the reason, we expected better than 2-2 from these teams.

All three of these teams made the playoffs last year. Actually, all three played in their conference's championship game.

Unfortunately, all three find themselves in tough matches in Week 4. At this time next week, my guess is that we'll be talking about them are 2-3 teams.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Titans have a surprising 3-1 record. The Steelers have not played well this year. They have handily lost to the Ravens, Texans and barely beat the Colts.

With an emerging Chris Johnson, Tennessee's offense is only going to get better.

For Pittsburgh, Ben Roethlisberger is hurt and James Harrison is out. That's a bad combination for the Steelers.

I like the Titans to keep the surprise alive for at least another week and beat the Steelers.

Chicago Bears

The Monday night game against the Lions is a recipe for disaster.

The Bears don't protect Jay Cutler well and the Lions get to the quarterback very well. It will only get better as Nick Fairley is expected to make his NFL debut this week.

The Bears don't defend the pass well, the Lions have Calvin Johnson. Yes, the Lions have struggled at times, even though they are 4-0.

However, this is a matchup that sets up well for the Lions, at home. In front of a national television audience, they will want to prove that they're start is for real.

New York Jets

Things were looking so good for the Jets. They started off 2-0, and looked to have a winnable Week 3 game against the Raiders.

Unfortunately, the Raiders beat them, so did the Ravens. With these losses the Jets' offense now looks inept. 

The Patriots played the Raiders much better than the Jets did. Over one week, that's not insignificant.

New England has a good all around offense and will be eager to avenge last season's playoff loss. If the Jets can't figure something out offensively, this will be a disappointing season.