Last week was the first week for byes on the NFL schedule so there were only 14 games to pick. My final record for the week was 9 right and 5 wrong, bringing the tally for the year through 4 weeks to a respectable 36 right and 25 wrong. Here are my week 5 choices:
Jacksonville at Buffalo – the Bills have run a gauntlet of games that included all 3 of their tough division rivals and Super Bowl contender Green Bay, and haven’t been competitive in 3 of those games. Jacksonville looked like it may be a team the Bills could handle, then the Jaguars shocked the Colts last week. Still, I believe the Bills will break the ice this week and win this game with Fred Jackson having a productive day.
Denver at Baltimore – it’s crazy that the Broncos could trade away Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall and then lead the NFL in passing, and if Baltimore’s defense is vulnerable at all, it’s in the secondary. The Ravens’ front seven, however, will make it a long day for Kyle Orton and Baltimore will win at home.
Kansas City at Indianapolis – the final unbeaten team in the league goes down as Indy brings the Chiefs back down to earth with a big win at home. The problem for K.C. is they are catching the Colts coming off a disappointing last second loss in Jacksonville and will be facing the wrath of a totally focused Peyton Manning & Co.
Green Bay at Washington – it was surprising that the Redskins beat the Eagles last week, but I’m not sure they would have, had Mike Vick not been hurt. Green Bay has some issues with a lack of a big time running back and injuries on defense. However, the Packers pull out a close win on the road behind a big passing day by Aaron Rodgers.
St. Louis at Detroit – battle of 2 recent NFL sadsacks who are both on the rise. The Rams have won 2 in a row behind prize rookie QB Sam Bradford, but I see the hard luck Lions getting their first win of the season at home. They are a much better team than their 0-4 record.
Chicago at Carolina – the Panthers, even with their quarterback problems, are not a terrible team. The fact that they’re winless is one of the big surprises so far this year. Coach John Fox will figure out a way to get ex-Panther Julius Peppers blocked in this game and Carolina will have success running the ball and pull off the upset. The Bears were awful on Sunday night as the Giants provided a blueprint on how to shut down Jay Cutler and the Chicago offense, which opened the season doing great in Mike Martz’s system but is really lacking in potent weapons.
Tampa Bay at Cincinnati – the Bengals are disappointing with their inconsistent play and I’m reluctant to pick them, but they’ll stay awake at home and beat the young Buccaneers. Cincinnati needs to use Cedric Benson and their running game more instead of worrying about keeping all their diva receivers happy.
Atlanta at Cleveland – Browns are riding high after upsetting the Bengals last week and will stay close but the Falcons have too much talent and won’t lose their focus, as they need to keep winning to keep pace with the Saints in their division.
New York Giants at Houston – earlier in the season I would have picked Houston to win this game in a blowout, but the Giants’ defense is beginning to round into form. The Texans still have enough firepower, though, and I’ll pick them to win at home. Suspended LB Brian Cushing will be back to help shore up Houston’s defense.
New Orleans at Arizona – the Cardinals are fading fast and in a desperation move will start undrafted rookie Max Hall at QB this week. There’s no way an untested rookie will keep up with Drew Brees. The Saints will win in a rout.
Tennessee at Dallas – I really thought the Titans would build on the momentum they gained in the second half of last season, and be a much better team than they’ve shown so far this year. Dallas, coming off a bye and now ready to right the ship, will win at home.
San Diego at Oakland – the games between these old AFL rivals are usually hotly contested. The Chargers are off to their usual slow start, and are inconsistent, especially on the road. I like Oakland in a close game, hopefully not having to be decided by kicker Sebastian Janikowski again.
Philadelphia at San Francisco – historically the Eagles always seem to own the 49ers, even when they have to travel west and play them on the road. However, I believe coach Mike Singletary’s team finally gets its’ first win of the season as the defense smothers Kevin Kolb and shuts down the Philly offense.
Minnesota at New York Jets – the addition of Randy Moss to the Vikings’ roster should give the team a spark, but I don’t think Brett Favre is going to have much success against the Jet defense, and frankly, I’m not sure his heart is in it this season after having to be coaxed out of retirement by his teammates.