NFL Picks Week 5: Houston Texans and 2 Other Home Teams That Will Fail

The Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers and Atlanta Falcons will all be unable to defend their home field. It is never good to suffer a loss at home, but it is something that happens every week.  The home team has the advantage because of crowd noise, familiar settings and no travel. These little extras are what usually makes the home team a favorite.

Houston Texans

Houston is hosting an underrated Oakland Raiders team that will be playing with a little extra emotion. Oakland is dealing with the loss of their long-time owner Al Davis. We can expect to see an inspired Raiders team in Houston.

In addition to the extra emotions, Oakland matches up well against the Texans.  I would argue that the weakest part of Oakland's defense is the secondary.  They catch a break with Andre Johnson missing the game.  This will likely result in more Houston running plays, something the Oakland defense can defend.

Offensively, Oakland is going to try and grind it out on the ground.  They have been able to feature a strong running attack, thanks to Darren McFadden.  It will be difficult for the Texans to slow down that Raider running attack.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers might have had the biggest Week 4 upset, by earning a victory on the road against the Philadelphia Eagles.  San Francisco is finding a way to win football games, although it isn't very pretty.  Eventually, this team is going to need Alex Smith to pick up the scoring pace.

Today they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, a team filled with young talent.  The Bucs will attempt to protect the football, while running LeGarrette Blount.  Blount's running with help open things up for Josh Freeman and the passing game.

Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta is not the team everyone expected, as they are really struggling to play good football.  Today's game against the Packers is going to be a really tough matchup.  I don't think Atlanta is capable of keeping up with Green Bay's scoring pace.

They are going to have to find a way to slow down the Packers offensive attack.  A feat that nobody has been able to accomplish since late last season.