NFL Predictions Week 5: Buccaneers vs. 49ers and 3 Clashes Between Playoff Teams

The NFL season is starting to take shape. Sure, we don't know for sure what's going to happen, but the contenders and pretenders are starting to show themselves.

I am not necessarily predicting that these will be playoff previews. Still, I like the chances of these three games pitting two playoff teams against each other.

In some cases, the teams are just too good to be held down. In others, the situations are just too perfect. At any rate, expect to see these teams in January.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at San Francisco 49ers

Of all the games on this list, this is the one that I am most sure of. I certainly wouldn't have expected that to be the case at the beginning of the year, but here we are.

Both teams are 3-1 and while neither has been dominant, both teams have been incredibly clutch. The road for the Buccaneers will be a little rougher than what the 49ers will experience.

Playing in a division with the Saints, Falcons, and rising Panthers is going to give the Buccaneers a rough road for the rest of the season.

Still, I like their chances to break through this year and make the playoffs.

The 49ers are 3-1 in a division with two teams at 1-3 and another at 0-4.

One of those two 0-1 teams has its only win against an NFC West rival. The 49ers aren't as good as their 3-1 record would suggest, but they don't need to be.

New York Jets at New England Patriots

If this is going to come to being, the Jets are likely going to need to find another gear. I really don't like their chances against New England in this one.

If I am right there, the Jets will be 2-3. Still, given the strength of their defense, I can't see them missing the playoffs.

The Jets' defense keeps opponents off of the board. Mark Sanchez is struggling with a new group of receivers, but he will be OK.

Barring something unforeseen, the Patriots' spot in the playoffs isn't in doubt. Since winning their first Super Bowl after the 2001 season, they have only missed the playoffs twice. Both times they were above .500 and once was without Tom Brady.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

Let's start with the Packers here. Technically, they are tied for first place in the NFC North. Still, I don't see them doing anything less than winning the division this year.

Things are a bit less settled in Atlanta. They are clearly a talented team, but play in a brutal NFC South.

Still, I like their chances. Matt Ryan is an emerging star at the quarterback position and has Julio Jones and Roddy White at his disposal. It's only a matter of time before a long winning streak find its way to Atlanta.