I hesitate to say it's another quiet slate of games this week, as was the case last Sunday and numerous upsets followed. There's the marquee NFC East game in Philadelphia where Washington looks to prove it'll be at the top of the division all year instead of the basement. The Tennessee-Baltimore game might not be safe for children to view. As I mentioned previously, I just hope no one is seriously injured when those two helmets collide.
Also, don't overlook the possibility for upsets in San Francisco, New York, Miami and Green Bay. Here's my picks for week 5 in the NFL:
Bears at Lions [88% of FanIQ are picking Chicago]
The first game in the post-Matt Millen era will bring plenty of excitement to Detroit and I suspect they'll play their best game of the year. Chicago is banged up in the secondary, as usual, and that'll keep this game close with some long strikes to Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson. But in the end, the Bears should be able to run the football well and stop the Lions on the ground. Bears 27, Lions 21
Redskins at Eagles [67% Philadelphia]
Love these NFC East rivalries. Philly should be rocking, with their Phillies advancing to the NLCS and with what you could argue is a "must-win" game at 2-2. I'll feel much better about the Eagles when Brian Westbrook and Kevin Curtis return, but even without their absence I except an inspired effort from the defense and scoring a touchdown themselves. Jason Campbell has been error free so far, but his first of the year will be costly. Eagles 24, Skins 20
Chargers at Dolphins [82% San Diego]
I hinted at an upset here and I'm going with it. San Diego is clealy the better team, but I like Miami to come out sharp -- or at least sharp in Dolphins terms -- and outgain LaDainian Tomlinson on the ground. It's worth noting that the Dolphins have won six straight meetings against the Chargers, and they'll shockingly make that seven. Dolphins 21, Chargers 17
Chiefs at Panthers [85% Carolina]
Larry Johnson may have been able to run wild on the Broncos last week, but that's not going to happen Sunday in Charlotte. However, Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams will run wild which equals a Panthers victory. Panthers 17, Chiefs 10
Seahawks at Giants [91% New York]
It's to hard to imagine the defending Super Bowl champs having a quiet undefeated start, but that's the case for the New York Giants. Seattle is going to put up a fight, thanks to Matt Hasselbeck regaining a few more receiving options and a confident running game. No need to worry about Plaxico Burress being suspended, Dominek Hixon will get his opportunity to prove he's more than just a preseason star. Giants 27, Seahawks 24
Colts at Texans [91% Indianapolis]
Indy is healthy, had a bye week to get back in sync on offense. We'll make this quick and easy. Colts 35, Texans 17
Falcons at Packers [83% Green Bay]
I so badly want to pick this upset, and may change this pick on Sunday morning depending on Aaron Rodgers fluctuating status. Even if he doesn't play, Matt Flynn should be able to get the ball into Greg Jennings and Donald Driver's hands to make one more play than the Falcons. Matt Ryan is getting more and more comfortable and is capable of this big road upset. Pack 23, Falcons 20
Titans at Ravens [72% Tennessee]
Hide the women and children. Say no more than Ray Lewis breaking Rashard Mendenhall's shoulder on a run up the middle. For the sake of Chris Johnson's immense talent, let's hope he sticks to runs on the edges. The Ravens probably win that game on Monday night if Joe Flacco could have prevented that fumble recovery for a touchdown. The Titans defense will keep the Baltimore ground game in check and force Flacco to pass. One too many errors is my prediction. Titans 16, Ravens 13
Buccaneers at Broncos [77% Denver]
Jay Cutler has been unbelievable and deserving of the offensive player of the month award, but even with his 361 yards last week, the Broncos couldn't overcome the Chiefs. Tampa Bay made numerous big plays in Green Bay last week and ran the ball well with Earnest Graham. I expect that to continue again in a close upset. Bucs 24, Broncos 23
Bills at Cardinals [77% Buffalo]
Despite scoring 35 points last week, Arizona didn't exactly play well on offense. And needless to say, their defense was significantly worse. So long as the offensive line can step up their play and keep Kurt Warner from being blindsided regularly, I like Arizona to pull off the upset here with another big passing day. Cardinals 24, Bills 23.
Bengals at Cowboys [97% Dallas]
This will get ugly. But at least we have reason to watch throughout and Chad Johnson promises to kiss the star at midfield should he be lucky enough to score a touchdown. Cowboys 35, Bengals 21
Patriots at 49ers [74% New England]
An upset in the Bay wouldn't surprise me, but not all is lost in New England. They had a bad day against Miami two weeks ago and the defense isn't going to get knocked around again, at least not by the 49ers. Matt Cassel needs to get Randy Moss involved more downfield and trust him on the deep ball. They'll connect on at least one which will be enough. Patriots 24, 49ers 16
Steelers at Jaguars [55% Jacksonville]
Ben Roethlisberger hasn't practiced all week and is just going to have to survive this season on a week-to-week basis. Unfortunately, their schedule doesn't provide any easy weeks and this is another tough defensive challenge in Jacksonville. Without Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall, the Steelers will need to pass more than they'd like. That usually spells doom, but they'll be resilient and have revenge on their minds from last postseason. Steelers 17, Jags 14.
We'll hit up Monday's game later on. Feel free to share your own big game picks below.








more


