NFL Picks Week 5: New England Patriots and 2 Locks of the Week

New York Jets at New England Patriots

Despite a stumble in Week 3 against the Buffalo Bills, the New England Patriots have looked outstanding so far this season. Sunday afternoon against the New York Jets, the Patriots should come away with another win.

While the Jets and Pats have faced off in some epic battles over the past few seasons, New England just looks like the better team right now. The Patriots boast the NFL's top offense by a long way, averaging 507.5 yards per game (second place is averaging 454). While the Jets pride themselves on their defense, they haven't shown enough yet this season for me to believe they can stop New England.

Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is still trying to find his footing under-center this season. While he struggles to get things going, expect the Patriots to cruise by the Jets in Week 5, as Tom Brady and his offense have things going perfectly.

Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons

The Green Bay Packers are currently 4-0 and Sunday night they will enter the Georgia Dome to take on the Atlanta Falcons. The Packers haven't looked like they can be stopped offensively and the Falcons don't give me any reason to believe they can accomplish that.

Green Bay is rolling right now. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has an NFL-best quarterback rating of 124.6, and his team is averaging a league-high 37 points per game. Meanwhile the Falcons have struggled defensively, allowing 26.3 points per game (27th in the NFL).

Despite having the home crowd and a Sunday night atmosphere, I just don't see Atlanta being able to slow down Rodgers and Green Bay's offense. The Packers should roll to 5-0.

New Orleans Saints at Carolina Panthers

The New Orleans Saints face the Carolina Panthers Sunday afternoon and they should be a lock to come away with a victory.

The Saints are 3-1 with their only loss coming at the hands of the undefeated Packers. New Orleans also boasts the NFL's second-best offense (454 yards per game), as quarterback Drew Brees has the team moving the ball at a prolific rate.

The Panthers are 1-3, and despite an impressive early season showing by rookie quarterback Cam Newton, they don't look like a team destined for big wins. Carolina is currently allowing 25.5 points per game (25th in the NFL) and there is no way they can slow down Brees and the Saints.

Even if this one turns into a shootout, Newton and the Panthers won't be able to keep up with the Saints, who should improve to 4-1.