NFL Picks Week 5: Detroit Lions and Five Teams Guaranteed Wins

If you are in the mood for a feel-good tale, you may want to delve into this. 

The Detroit Lions have been mired in the doldrums for what seems like forever. There was little hope that 2011 would be much different. 

A youthful Lions team is forgetting all about the past, and they're moving forward as real contenders to win the NFC North. That is a marvelous feat, considering how difficult this division has been in recent years. The Lions can now consider themselves a power in it. 

On Sunday, Matthew Stafford and company will continue their cause of bringing hope back to Detroit. They have a fine litmus test facing them on the biggest stage in the regular season. 

Monday Night Football brings us a great match between the Bears and the Lions. There is nothing less than pride on the line in this early season contest of division rivals. 

In previous years, the Lions would be huge underdogs to the playoff contenders. On Monday, they meet on equal ground. 

Looking at the matchup, I am confident that the Lions will escape with yet another victory, bringing them to a place we never thought they would be at this point, 5-0. An already special season gets another turn for the better. 

They won't be the only victor of note this weekend. Here, we will break down five games that will have you riveted as fans. 

It's been a tremendous season so far, filled with upsets, blowouts and heroics. Here are five teams that are guaranteed a victory mere days from now. 

Detroit Lions

Prediction: Lions 24, Bears 20

The Chicago Bears have a solid defense that will be a tough nut to crack for the Lions. Nothing will come easy for Detroit as they face a Bears team hungry for another win. 

The real advantage on the field will be the Lions pass rush against a still maturing offensive line. Jay Cutler will be on his heels all night, giving the Lions the edge on turnovers. 

New York Giants

Prediction: Giants 31, Seahawks 24

The Giants don't get as much love as they should as playoff contenders. They have been just as good as any other usual suspect with claims to the postseason. They will need Sunday's win, and they know it. 

They will face a horrendous schedule in the coming weeks, despite a bye. The Seahawks don't have the offense to match with the versatile stand of the Giants. This is going to the G-Men. 

Buffalo Bills

Prediction: Bills 30, Eagles 23

The Bills have enjoyed a better start than they could have hoped for. They will get back on track after dropping a winnable game to the Bengals. 

This team plays above their heads when presented with a challenge, just ask the Patriots. The Eagles present another litmus test for a team that some still question as postseason contenders. 

The Eagles will be gunning for them, but the passion will not be enough. The Eagles are getting killed on the run, and the Bills have a consistent provider of yards in Fred Jackson. 

New England Patriots

Prediction: Patriots 30, Jets 20

Even counting the loss to the Bills, the Patriots have been the most prolific offense in the air. They will get close to 400 yards per game, and there is nothing you can do about it. 

The Jets are going to succumb to the best passing game in the league. The question is whether they can keep up with the pace Tom Brady sets. 

Even with Nick Mangold on the line, the Jets have a shaky offense that has not run the ball all that well. I have no confidence that they will get 100 percent out of Mangold, who will show fatigue and rust. 

San Diego Chargers

Prediction: Chargers 27, Broncos 17

The Denver crowd will do little to help a struggling Broncos team. The Chargers, a team that is usually slow out of the blocks, are flourishing at the moment. 

The stout San Diego defense will have no difficulty in corralling a Broncos offense that struggles to put points on the board.