NFL Week 5 Picks
Another week goes by, and that means it's time for some more NFL picks.
Indianapolis (-3) at Houston
I wonder how long the Colts will be overrated now that they're not as good as they used to be. Peyton Manning needs good blocking, good receivers, and good timing to thrive -- of course, every quarterback needs those things, but given those things Manning has proven he can be as successful as any quarterback ever. But the thing is, he doesn't have those things. His offensive line is broken, Marvin Harrison is cooked, and he didn't get to practice with the team so his timing is off. The media keeps saying stuff like "The Colts can't possibly keep losing right? Therefore they'll win!" I don't buy that. Also, the Texans are good. And now that they've lost some of the shine on their Preseason Hype Crown, I think they'll start playing well. Houston.
Tennessee (-3) at Baltimore
The Titans defense is ridiculous ... and the Ravens defense is also ridiculous. I don't see a whole lot of points scoring in this one, and I have the distinct feeling that Joe Flacco won't be able to do much against the Titans and their crazy defensive coordinator. Titans.
San Diego (-7) at Miami
Everything points to San Diego in this one, and Miami isn't good. But do you want to know what I see? I see a weak Chargers defense unable to stop Ronnie Brown, and a suddenly adequate Miami offense looking more than adequate on Sunday. Also, I'm starting Fasano at TE instead of Tony Gonzalez this week. I mention that so you can tell that I'm completely unbiased. Dolphins.
Kansas City at Carolina (-9.5)
Does anyone really think Kansas City will ride the momentum and pull off another 9.5 point upset this week? Really? I mean, they have the incentive to, since they made me look bad last week, but honestly. No. The Panthers defense is about 10,000 times better than the Broncos', and Larry Johnson will not rush for another 200 yards this week. Meanwhile Jake Delhomme's surgically augmented arm looks better than ever, and Steve Smith seems to be pretending to care more about catching passes than punching people. At least in public. So I'm going with the Panthers.
Washington at Philadelphia (-6)
The Redskins shocked the world last week by beating the Cowboys when they were big underdogs ... and the NFC East merry go round will continue this week. It would be far too simple for someone to take control this early. Also, the Eagles have to be pissed that they just got beat by the Bears. I think I have to go with the Eagles.
Chicago (-3.5) at Detroit
Heh. Yeah, I don't know why this spread is so small. I know the Lions fans are thrilled that Millen's reign of terror is finally over, but I don't see how it could possibly effect the players positively. "Yes! The only GM in the NFL who was dumb enough to think we were good players is finally gone! Now we can truly show everyone that he was, um, right all along!" Doubtful. They suck. Bears.
Atlanta at Green Bay (-4)
The Packers may be without Aaron Rodgers -- which is really going to suck for their chances. That's what the Falcons have going for them, but it may not be enough on account of the fact that the Falcons aren't that good and have been riding a wave for too long. They're not a .500 team and the Packers defense will shut Ryan and Turner down. Packers.
Seattle at New York Giants (-7)
So the Seahawks finally have receivers now! Seattle rejoices! Except their offensive line is no good and the quarterback has an injured back. If I were you, I'd hold the rejoicing. Until the end of the season when you make the playoffs with your 8-8 record because the NFC West blows. Even with Burress the Giants are going to steamroll the Seahawks. Giants.
Tampa Bay at Denver (-3)
So Tampa Bay wins a couple of games and the Broncoes lose to the Chiefs, and all of a sudden they're close again? Do people really believe in Brian Griese now? Because I still don't. And the Broncos know everything that's wrong with him. Also, The Ultimate Leader has paid for his sins -- stealing victory from the jaws of defeat thanks to Hochuli's itchy whistle finger -- and they need to redeem themselves for that showing against the Chiefs. I'm going with the Broncos.
New England (-3) at San Francisco
The Patriots don't have a good history in San Francisco, but they haven't been there since they got good. I don't see the 49ers defense holding the Patriots down, and my guess is that Belichick will have found something on the film to exploit in the latest Martz passing attack. If you have JT O'Sullivan on your team, this is not the week to start him. New England.
Buffalo at Arizona (-1.5)
Kurt Warner embarrassed himself last week, but the thing is, the Bills defense is a whole lost better than the Jets. (116 points given up versus 63 points given up. Wow.) The Cardinals won't stop Trent Edwards or Lee Evans' Contract, and Marshawn Lynch will keep running through holes and over defenders. Go Bills.
Cincinnati at Dallas (-16.5)
I think this is a trap game. Dallas is coming off a loss and has something to prove, and the Bengals are awful. By all rights, the Cowboys should just steamroll the Bengals and get on their way. But I'm going to go with my gut here, and say this game will be closer than everyone thinks. I still think the Cowboys will win, but this won't be the blowout Vegas is hoping for. Bengals.
Pittsburgh at Jacksonville (-4.5)
No Willie Parker. No Rashard Mendenhall. No offensive line. Roethlisberger will continue to struggle until something comes back to help him out. Also, the Jaguars have finally started to play well, and they're at home. I'm just going to with the Jaguars.
Minnesota at New Orleans (-3)
Monday Night Football. In New Orleans. Everything I know from growing up in Minnesota tells me the Vikings will choke horribly here, and will get blown out. But the Vikings' Hype Crown is all rusty and dented at this point, and the NFC North is there for the taking, and Adrian Peterson could -- no, I can't do it. The Vikings will get embarrassed here, and will do everything possibly to avoid exploiting the many weaknesses in the New Orleans defense. Saints.
Last week's record: 4-8
Overall: 11-17
Posted by Sean Schulte at 2008-10-04 15:10:40
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