Ok, after starting the season at .500 after Week 2, I’m doing much better in my picks. Last week, I was 10-3 for an overall record of 39-22 for a winning percentage of .627. I think that that percentage is higher than at any point in the season, but to be honest, I lost track of my record sometime last season, but it doesn’t matter. Let’s do the picks for Week 5 in The League Where They Play for Pay.
Tennessee at Baltimore – CBS, 1 p.m.
The Titans are 4-0 for the first time in their history. And they head to Baltimore which punished the Steelers on Monday night in a losing effort in overtime. While QB Joe Flecco is not reminding anyone of Joe Montana, Flecco has doing a decent job in managing the offense. However, the Steelers may have exposed him by pressuring him and forcing him to cough up the football. For the Titans, QB Kerry Collins has done a good job while Vince Young has been sorting himself out. I’m going on a limb and taking the Ravens in a mild upset, 17-13.
Washington at Philadelphia – Fox, 1 p.m.
A matchup of bitter NFC East rivals, this game is always fun when these two teams get together. Redskins QB Jason Campbell has bought into coach Jim Zorn’s system and it seems to have fit him quite well. Last week, the Eagles did not have Brian Westbrook seriously hampering its offensive options against the Bears and naturally, the Eagles lost in Chicago. With the Eagles back at home and not having given up an offensive touchdown at Lincoln Financial Field, I’ll take Philly at home, 24-13.
Kansas City at Carolina – CBS, 1 p.m.
Last week, the Chiefs surprised most everyone including their own fans by taking out Denver, 33-19. Then again, the Broncos can’t stop anyone. The Chiefs will find that the Panthers defense is leaps and bounds better than Denver’s. And with WR Steve Smith in the lineup, the Panthers have a nice balance to their offense. Take the Panthers to win this outright, 36-14.
San Diego at Miami – CBS, 1 p.m.
The Dolphins have won six straight regular season games against the Chargers their last win over San Diego coming three years ago. But with the Dolphins falling so far since then, I would expect LaDanian Tomlinson to run quite a bit on Sunday to take pressure off Philip Rivers. While Miami ran a college formation to upset New England last week, that type of formation can only carry you so far. Expect the Chargers to beat the Dolphins to a pulp, 38-10.
Seattle at New York Giants – Fox, 1 p.m.
Ok, first game of the season, I thought Seattle would be a better team on the road in Buffalo. I turned out to be wrong. While the Seahawks own an 8 game winning against the NFC East, this is a different team. Yes, the G-Men won’t have Plaxico Burress who’s been suspended, but they’ll get by the Seahawks by a 24-16 score.
Atlanta at Green Bay – Fox, 1 p.m.
This one won’t be easy. Aaron Rodgers will be a gametime decision. If his shoulder is deemed ok, then I can see the Packers winning. If he can’t, then rookie Matt Flynn will play and he’ll be handing the ball to RB Ryan Grant quite a bit. And Matt Ryan for Atlanta has struggled on the road and nothing at Boston College has prepared him for the atmosphere at Lambeau Field on Sunday. Take the Pack in a very close game, 13-12.
Indianapolis at Houston – CBS, 1 p.m.
The Colts are a very strange 1-2, but I have a feeling that the bye week did Indy some good. Houston is 0-3 and the Texans could be what the Colts need to get better. Take Indy, 16-3.
Chicago at Detroit – Fox, 1 p.m.
I really feel for the Lions fans, but they have a measure of hope now that Matt Millen was shown the door. However, it won’t help the Lions on Sunday. Take the Bears, 17-7.
Tampa Bay at Denver, Fox, 4;05 p.m.
Denver’s defense can’t stop anyone, that was proven last week in Kansas City. The Broncos have to outscore the opposition and with the Bucs’ offensive line playing quite solidly, Denver has to find a creative way to win this game. I don’t think Denver will. Take the Bucs, 31-24.
Cincinnati at Dallas – CBS, 4:15 p.m.
Why this is a showcase game for CBS is beyond me. Cowboys 41, Bengals will be lucky to get 17.
New England at San Francisco – CBS, 4:15 p.m.
Miami’s win over the Patriots two weeks ago was an aberration. The Pats are a good team, but not as bad as they showed in Week 3. San Francisco will be what Bill Belichick ordered for his team to get well. Pats win, 21-6.
Buffalo at Arizona – CBS, 4:15 p.m.
While this is being played in the Valley of the Sun, I’m going to take the Bills here. They’re hitting on all cylinders and the Cardinals are putting Kurt Warner in tough situations. Bills, 24-10.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville – NBC, 8:15 p.m.
In the Wild Card playoffs, Jacksonville thoroughly beat up a heavily favored Steelers team. With the Steelers beat up after the last three weeks, expect the Jags to continue the hurt with its very physical defense. QB Ben Roesthlisberger is getting sacked left and right during games. Jacksonville is going to take this game, 27-17.
Minnesota at New Orleans – Monday, ESPN, 8:40 p.m.
This has the potential to be a fun game. Adrian Peterson running the ball for the Vikings. Reggie Bush running and catching for the Saints. Fans heading to the Superdome had better get to the stadium early. I have a feeling this could be a special game. The Vikings defense is very good, but unfortunately, has three losses to show for their efforts. I’ll pick the Saints by a figgy, 23-20.
Enjoy your games.
