NFL Picks Week 5: Three Games That Will Turn into Shootouts

We've seen some big-time scoring outputs so far in this NFL season, and that's not likely to change in Week 5. Here's a look at three games that will see tons of points.

New Orleans at Carolina

The Panthers have arguably the worst defense in the NFL right now, and the Saints obviously have one of the best offenses.

It doesn't take a genius to see that the Saints will score a lot of points. On the other side of the ball, Cam Newton has shown that he can also put a lot of points on the board if given 40 or more throws.

Well, he might even get 50 throws in this one. The Saints are much better at stopping the run than the pass and the Panthers will likely be playing from behind. Put two and two together, and you've got a Panthers team that will air it out as much as possible.

Prediction: Carolina 38, New Orleans 35

Tennessee at Pittsburgh

Let me just put it this way: After this week, it will be very apparent how important James Harrison is to this defense.

Without his pass-rushing skills from the linebacker spot, the Steelers will have trouble getting to Matt Hasselbeck. If the wily vet has enough time, he can pick apart defenses.

As Hasselbeck continues to do that, holes will open up for Chris Johnson who is ready to break out in a big way. The Titans are going to have no trouble moving the ball against this defense, even on the road.

On the other side of the ball, Rashard Mendenhall is likely out and while people think Isaac Redman will have a good game, I think Ben Roethilsberger will throw more than 30 times.

Prediction: Tennessee 31, Pittsburgh 27

Green Bay at Atlanta

Game of the week right here. Atlanta has been inconsistent this season, but they are much better at home than on the road. 

I think Charles Woodson actually matches up with Julio Jones and Roddy White has a huge game against the rest of the Packers secondary. Michael Turner isn't doing much on the ground so the Falcons will throw, and throw a lot.

And is there really anything that needs to be said for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers? They love to throw, they throw it well and Atlanta just gave up over 300 yards to Mr. Tarvaris Jackson. Rodgers might throw for 500.

Somehow though, the Falcons will get revenge for last year's playoff game.

Prediction: Green Bay 37, Atlanta 41