Last Week: 8-7-1
Season: 30-30-4
Through the first month of the season my picks have been nothing more than average. As we head into the month of October will I continue to sit at .500, go on a hot streak, or fall flat on my face? We’ll begin to find out with my Week 5 picks. As always, home teams in CAPITALS.
Chiefs (+2) over COLTS
Over the last two weeks the Chiefs have been playing much better football. Even though Curtis Painter and the Colts had a valiant effort in Tampa Bay on Monday night, I expect the Colts to have a letdown on a short week at home against the Chiefs.
VIKINGS (-3) over Cardinals
Donovan McNabb against Kevin Kolb. Philadelphia Eagles fans will keep an eye on this matchup of two former Eagles quarterbacks. The Vikings are in desperate need of a victory and even though they have been atrocious in 2nd halves this season, I think they’ll finally pick up a home victory on Sunday against the porous secondary of the Cardinals.
Eagles (-3) over BILLS
Sunday is a must win for the Eagles… then again, I said last Sunday was a must win for the Eagles. Even though the Bills are 3-1 and the Eagles have been given too much credit thus far by national perception, this is simply a game Philadelphia has to win. The Eagles need to make a major statement on Sunday and I think they will.
TEXANS (-4.5) over Raiders
Could the Texans have a letdown at home without Andre Johnson and coming off of a big win against the AFC Champion Steelers? It’s certainly a possibility but I have a feeling that Houston comes out and wins by a touchdown. Oakland will be honoring the late Al Davis and there will be a tremendous amount of emotion and passion in the Raiders play on the field. I’m still not sure it’ll be enough for them to cover against the Texans.
Saints (-6.5) over PANTHERS
Cam Newton has been the king of the backdoor cover on the early season. I may kick myself for picking New Orleans but I’m going to stick with the Saints. Drew Brees has been outstanding in the early going this season and the Saints offense should overwhelm the Carolina defense. I think New Orleans wins by a touchdown.
Bengals (+1) over JAGUARS
It’s another battle of rookie quarterbacks as Andy Dalton takes on Blaine Gabbert. The Bengals are coming off of a big come-from-behind victory at home last week against the Buffalo Bills. Gabbert has shown that he still has a lot to improve upon as a starter. Jacksonville will have to establish the run early and often to stay in this game. I’d stay away from this matchup but if I had to pick I’d go with the Bengals.
STEELERS (-3) over Titans
Tennessee is heading into Heinz Field with a ton of momentum after winning three straight games on the back of the resurgent Matt Hasselbeck. However even with Jerome Harrison sidelined and Ben Roethlisburger struggling due to injury, this is a game the Steelers have to win. It should be a close game but I expect Pittsburgh to pull away late.
GIANTS (-10) over Seahawks
Seattle is traveling across the country to play a 1pm game against the surprising 3-1 Giants. New York is the more talented team and there is no way I’m taking Tavaris Jackson on the road at MetLife Stadium.
Buccaneers (+3) over 49ERS
This should be a very good football game between two 3-1 teams. Even though Tampa Bay is traveling out to the west, I simply think they are the better football team. The 49ers seem to be winning with smoke and mirrors. Could they do it again? It’s possible, but I think the more talented team wins this game.
PATRIOTS (-7.5) over Jets
This is a major revenge game for New England as they play the Jets for the first time since being knocked out of the playoffs last season by New York. The Jets have all kinds of issues on offense and their defense has not been as strong as it has been in past seasons. I think Brady and Belichick make a major statement on Sunday with a blowout victory over the Jets.
Chargers (+3.5) over BRONCOS
The Chargers are the better team and Denver’s defense is a mess. I expect San Diego to put up big offensive numbers and roll to a big road victory.
Packers (+6) over FALCONS
Speaking of revenge games, this is a huge game for Atlanta after being embarassed and bounced out of the playoffs at home last year by Green Bay. That being said, I am not a fan of the 2011 Falcons. I think their defense is very suspect and I expect the Packers offense to keep this game close. I think Green Bay covers and potentially wins outright.
LIONS (-5) over Bears
Ford Field should be absolutely rocking as the Lions host a Monday Night Football game against a division rival as they look to move to 5-0 on the season. This is a great chance for Detroit to make a major statement and they have the talent to do so. I think the Lions win in impressive fashion over the Bears.
Leave a Reply