NFL: Week 5 Predictions

Last week in the NFL was terrible. I apologize for my pathetic picks, but who could honestly say that the Washington Redskins would go out and absolutely hand it to the Dallas Cowboys? My points exactly, even worse what sane person would pick the Chiefs who lost to the Falcons to beat the Broncos? No matter I still did absolutely terrible last week, but this week I’m going to get back on track.

Last week predictions (6-7)

Predictions 2008 (39-20)

Chicago Bears (2-2) @ Detroit Lions (0-3)

I might not sure who would have thought at this point in the year that the Bears would be at .500, but there were right on the money. The sole reasons have to be the running game and running defense. The Bears only give up 79 yards rushing a game. That is an impressive feat, but even more surprising is Matt Forte and the running game that average 133 yards a game. Detroit gives up 405 yards a game of total offense. With these factors in mind I give the win to Chicago.

My Pick Chicago 30 Detroit 17

Atlanta Falcons (2-2) @ Green Bay Packers (2-2)

If Aaron Rodgers does not play this week look out Green Bay I smell trouble either way. The Packers give up a 157 rushing yards a game. Green Bay is beat up Cullen Jenkins, and A.J. Hawk are out for the game. Michael Turner has been hot and cold this year, but it’s been the bad defenses that his has carved up. Green Bays defense is bad right now. ESPN mentions that Matt Ryan is not ready for Lambeau. The last time the Falcons were dogs in a big game they took it to them (2003).

My Pick: Atlanta 27 Packers 21

San Diego Chargers (2-2) @ Miami Dolphins (1-2)

I thought the Patriots would roll the Dolphins and look how that turned out. I have learned to never count any team out, but that being said I am picking the Chargers. L.T. looks to be healthy for the first time in what two years. Chargers run it up and down the field and win their third victory of the year.

My Pick: Chargers 33 Dolphins 23

Seattle Seahawks (1-3) @ New York Giants (3-0) Seattle has been a disappointment this year pure and simple. Seattle is giving up 25 points a game. What not necessarily bad, but when you have no stars on offense to score points it can be problematic. The giants are without Plaxico Burress the stud wide out. No matter they will say. Let’s not forget that the Giants nearly lost to the Bengals I think this game is close really close, and this time the giants pull it off again unfortunately.

My Pick: Giants 24 Seahawks 20

Washington Redskins (3-1) @ Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

All I can say is wow last week I tipped the cap to the Redskins in their victory. This game is huge for the Eagles if they lose this game they will be the only team in the NFC east with a losing record. The Redskins are just one of those teams that you cant explain why, but they just keep winning. I think the NFC east will be a carousel this year kind of like the NFC south a while back. The Washington D gives up 315 yards a game and look for Mcnabb to carve them up. No 4th quarter heroics this time.

My Pick: Eagles 38 Redskins 24

Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) @ Carolina Panthers (3-1)

Larry Johnson is the key for the Chiefs. Uh hello who didn’t know that? Well the Broncos didn’t last week. Johnson looked like a younger back that used to be somebody last week. Carolina defended Michael Turner last week (56 yards on 18 carries), and they will defend Johnson well too. Other than Larry Johnson the Panthers should free ride to their 4th win of the year.

My Pick: Panthers 21 Chiefs 7

Tennessee Titans (4-0) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

I can’t believe that I am saying this, but Lendale White is a factor going into this game. Chris Johnson is basically a 99 cent water gun at a gun fight versus the Raven defense. They will need the solid three yards a carry that White gives you. If Flacco was not the Ravens qb I would pick them, but he is and he is still a D-2 quarterback. I think you might even get to see Vince in this game his mobility is a advantage. I’m not sure if Kerry can hit more than six times in a game and get up.

My Pick: Titans 16 Ravens 6

Indianapolis Colts (1-3) @ Houston Texans (0-3)

If I was a beating man with a lot of cash I would bet it all on the Texans. Michael what the!@#$ are you thinking? Remember when the Saints returned to the Super Dome? They slaughtered the Falcons, and I think you might see it again this weekend. The Texans play in Reliant Stadiums since Ike. You saw it here first. If you have not got on the Steve Slaton band wagon now is the time. The Colts give up 199 yard a game rushing.

My Pick: Texans 27 Colts 21

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) @ Denver Broncos (3-1)

This game is extremely tricky. It looks like the Broncos flip flopped like a desperate politician. Last year they ran that zone blocking run attack that has worked since the Flintstones were cancelled, but this year Cutler is the new Brady. I looked at these teams long and hard; I thought Green bay would walk all over the Bucs. Look at what happened, I am picking the Buc’s this week because the Packers and the Broncos are almost mirror images of each other. Both can’t run the ball and neither can stop it to save their life so I go Bucs.

My Pick: Bucs 24 Broncos 16

Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) @ Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

Last week, I would have written “Cowboys, Romo, Barber, and Owens Win for Cowboys”, but know I don’t know I really don’t. Last week, of course I picked the Cowboys, and this week I am going to pick the Cowboys. The truth is that the Bengals might as well put up cones instead of defensive lineman this week. They have given up 163 yards a game on the ground. Marion Barber and Felix Jones go haywire, but the cowboys at the end of the day still have a lot question about the defense.

My Pick: Cowboys 38 Bengals 27

Buffalo Bills (4-0) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-2) Without Anquan Boldin Arizona has no chance. Fitz will get doubled all day, and we all know how good the Bills run defense is this year. No offense for the Cardinals equals a really bad lose.

My Pick: Bills 20 Cardinals 7

New England Patriots (2-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (2-2)

Flip a coin, with a bye week the Pats would have had two weeks to film the 49ers practicing. Plus do you really think the Patriots will get embarrassed again?

My Pick: Pats 27 49ers 24

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) I like Pittsburgh to pull out another close one, but the running game could really be a factor for the Steelers. I want to pick the Jags, but the Steelers defense is so good that I cant.

My Pick: Steelers 13 Jags 3

Minnesota Vikings (1-3) @ New Orleans Saints (2-2) The Saints are terrible against the run, but I still like them in the game. Bush and Peterson are the factors in this game Reggie can at least be a threat the Saints win, but if the Vikings are able to key in on the pass then I think the Viking steal one on Monday night. This game will feel like a college game, and I think it is put up or sit down time for Reggie Bush.

My Pick: Saints 35 Vikings 20

Bye Week: Cleveland Browns St. Louis Rams Oakland Raiders New York Jets