NFL Week 5 Picks

Just passed the first quarter of the NFL schedule and now teams have a sense of where they match up against the rest of the league. Many teams such as the Colts, Giants, and Saints have a great start and a leg up on the rest of their division with matching 4-0 records. Others like the Cowboys, Packers, Steelers, and Chargers have had disappointing 2-2 starts and are not where they thought they would be right now in the season. Finally, disappointing and almost but surely seasons that are not going anywhere for teams like the Chiefs, Browns, Titans, Rams, and Buccaneers. Now that week five is here the Saints, Packers, Bears, and Chargers all with bye weeks, let's check the teams that are in action.

Minnesota (4-0) at St. Louis (0-4)
The Vikings helped the old-vet, Mr. Favre pick up a big emotional win against the Packers on Monday night now head into St. Louis for a show down. More like a scrimmage in the park. Adrien Peterson takes control early and often as he rushes for 150 plus yards today and scores a pair of touchdowns as the Vikings cruise to a 5-0 start in 2009. Minnesota 34-13.

Dallas (2-2) at Kansas City (0-4)
Tony Romo has a perfect opportunity to get on track against a struggling KC team. No Roy Williams and no Felix Jones, so look for Jason Witten to have a huge game and a heavy dose of Marion Barber III. KC has a chance if they pass protect against the likes of Ware and Ratliff. Jerry's boys take a road win home with them, 27-16.

Washington (2-2) at Carolina (0-3)
Two of the more disappointing teams in the NFC, and have a lot of work to do to get back on top. The Redskins coming off a loss to Detroit and a narrow escape of the Bucs last week, this should be another close game for the 'skins. Williams and Stewart rush for a combined 200 yards today and get their first win of the 09 campaign. Panthers win 20-13.

Tampa Bay (0-4) at Philadelphia (2-1)
McNabb and Westbrook return for the Eagles and the Bucs have yet to arrive. I see no problems in the "City of Brotherly Love." McNabb gets in and throws a pair of TDs and the Eagles roll. Tampa Bay may look to see what rookie QB Josh Freeman can do today as they struggle once again. Eagles win 34-10.

Oakland (1-3) at New York Giants (4-0)
Eli will start but for how long will he play? The more important question may be, is how long will the Giants need Eli? The Giants will try to get up early and get Eli out as quick as possible. With Jamarcus Russell throwing under 40% completion percentage this season the Giants should wrap this one up around half time. Giants roll behind the legs of Jacobs and Bradshaw, 24-9.

Cleveland (0-4) at Buffalo (1-3)
Derek Anderson with the start today, but no Braylon Edwards as he was shipped to the Jets earlier this week. The TO experiment has yet to translate into success and this should be an interesting game to say the least. I like the Browns to keep it competitive and possibly for the upset. TO gets into the end zone today and help the Bills win, 24-17.

Cincinnati (3-1) at Baltimore (3-1)
Best match up of all the early games this week as they do battle for top spot in the AFC North division. Bengals on a three game winning streak and the Ravens coming off a tough loss against New England. Ochocinco had two TDs last week including the game tying score with only seconds left in the fourth quarter. The Bengals won in overtime, as the Ravens come in emotional after some questionable calls that Tom Brady had go his way. The Ravens defense will come out on fire and hitting every body in the mouth. I like the Ravens to win a tough defensive struggle with few offensive highlights, Ravens win 20-16.

Pittsburgh (2-2) at Detroit (1-3)
No Matthew Stafford, insert Daunte Culpepper as the starting QB for the Lions. The Steelers will be without Willie Parker and no Troy Polamalu in either. The Steelers should not need either one of them as they will roll on Big Ben's arm and Holmes and Ward have big games in the "Motor City." Pittsburgh wins 30-17.

Atlanta (2-1) at San Fransisco (3-1)
Matt Ryan coming off a bye week and still an unhealthy Frank Gore looks for an interesting game on the West Coast. Defensive battle as the running games struggle today and Matt Ryan looks for his top receiver Roddy White, and Hall of Fame Tight End, Tony Gonzalez to keep the chains moving. In the end I like San Fransisco's coaching and Patrick Willis' play to get it done. Niners hold off the birds, 23-17.

Houston (2-2) at Arizona (1-2)
The Cardinals coming off a bye week to regroup and get ready to play football again. Kurt Warner looks to find Boldin and Fitzgerald for multiple scores and over 100 yards each, but can the defense stop Andre Johnson on the other side of the ball. Top two receivers in the game in this one, no running game needed here. I look for close to 100 pass attempts and both Schaab and Warner to throw for 300 yards. Cardinals win 34-28.

Jacksonville (2-2) at Seattle (1-3)
Two straight victories for the Jags and playing well on both sides of the ball. The Seahawks get their starting QB back for the first time in a few weeks as well. I like a close football game in the Great Northwest, and the Seahawks win at home in a narrow escape, 24-20.

New England (3-1) at Denver (4-0)
The teacher takes on his former student as Belichick faces off against Josh McDaniels. The game will be a game within a game as both coaches know so much about the other it will be interesting to see how each side switched up game planning. Denver keeps it close and until the end when Brady takes over in the fourth. Pats' and the teacher get it done, 27-21.

Indianapolis (4-0) at Tennessee (0-4)
Peyton Manning looks to continue his MVP performance this season as he has dominated everyone thus far like he has his entire year. Tennessee's Chris Johnson will get a lot of yards but not much late as the Titans get behind and have to throw it late to try and catch up. Manning throws for 300 yards and three TDs as the Colts win again and improve to 5-0, 35-17.

New York Jets (3-1) at Miami (1-3)
Monday Night Football back in Miami again this season. Mark Sanchez gets his star wide out this week in Braylon Edwards for his debut as a Jet. I like the Wild cat to get shut down for the most part as Kris Jenkins' led defense shuts down the running game and forces Chad Henne to use his arm and throw the ball to beat the Jets. Jets get the win, 27-17.