Week 5 NFL Predictions

Carolina at New Orleans

Line: Saints by 3

The losses stop here for the Saints, as the David Carr-led Panthers can’t get it done on the road and Drew Brees finally breaks free of his season-long slump. Saints 28, Panthers 21

Jacksonville at Kansas City

Line: Jaguars by 2

The Jaguars run hot-and-cold and the Chiefs’ Dwayne Bowe is quickly becoming a front-runner for Rookie of the Year. His ability to stretch the defense will be the difference. Also, keep in mind, the Kansas City defense has yet to let up a second half TD. Chiefs 13, Jaguars 10

Detroit at Washington

Line: Redskins by 3.5

Bad matchup for Detroit. Their secondary is clearly the club’s weak-link and Washington has playmakers in the passing game. The offense will get it back on track with a well-balanced effort against the Lions. Redskins 35, Lions 21

Atlanta at Tennessee

Line: Titans by 8.5

If he continues to play at a high level, Joey Harrington can keep the Falcons close in Tennessee. Ultimately, though, the defense will be helpless trying to stop Vince. Titans 27, Falcons 20

Miami at Houston

Line: Texans by 5.5

It looks like the Texans’ Cinderella story has taken a pit-stop, but not to worry, even without Andre Johnson for the time being, the Texans will get back on the path that leads to the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. Lose to the Dolphins, however, and my theory will be almost in ruins. Texans 31, Dolphins 21

Seattle at Pittsburgh

Line: Steelers by 6

These teams are evenly matched on paper, so it will likely come down to who can run the ball better. I’ll go with Pittsburgh after last week’s lackluster rushing effort against Arizona to get back on track in that regard. Steelers 24, Seahawks 21

Cleveland at New England

Line: Patriots by 16.5

Every week, the lines get more staggering for this team, and you know what? You still take the points, that’s how dominant this Patriots team is. Don’t expect much of a let-down as this well-oiled machine rolls over Cleveland in the tune-up to the Dallas showdown. Easy candidate for Tums Blowout of the Week. Patriots 38, Browns 17

Arizona at St. Louis

Line: Cardinals by 3.5

This Cardinal team has sleeper potential written all over it with their hard-hitting defense and newfound running game. They should have little difficultly dominating the hapless Rams. Cardinals 34, Rams 21

New York Jets at New York Giants

Line: Giants by 3.5

Nothing like a good old-fashioned inner-state rivalry. The beauty of this game is, like the Lakers and Clippers, there’s no real home-field advantage. The Giants are the pick though after their defense has come back on track with a strong second half against the Redskins and a dominating effort against the Eagles. Giants 23, Jets 17

Tampa Bay at Indianapolis

Line: Colts by 9.5

The Colts’ O will suddenly face tougher sledding when the #1 defense in the NFL comes to town. They’ll still get enough points to get by, but Indy will have its hands full with Tampa, especially being thin at LB since Garcia thrives in the short game. Colts 24, Buccaneers 17

San Diego at Denver

Line: Broncos by 1

This Chargers’ team is quickly becoming a complete disaster. Norv Turner is literally coaching them into the ground and Philip Rivers has shown signs of regression after a strong first year. They still should be able to dominate on the ground, however, against a helpless Broncos’ run defense so long as they keep it simple and pound it between the tackles with LT. Chargers 24, Broncos 20

Baltimore at San Francisco

Line: Ravens by 3

As much as people criticize Alex Smith, he was probably the Niners’ best offensive player, as his armstrength and decision-making have improved even though the O-line has been woeful. Baltimore’s been no great shakes this year, but they should have enough to beat the helpless Trent Dilfer-led Niners in San Francisco. Ravens 17, 49ers 10

Chicago at Green Bay

Line: Packers by 3

The Bears should just clone Devin Hester and start him at WR, RB and QB. That would solve two problems with the Bears’ offense. The Packers don’t run the ball, but it won’t make a difference as Brett Favre should torch the Mike Brown-less Bears’ secondary as the Packers stay perfect. Packers 20, Bears 13

Dallas at Buffalo

Line: Cowboys by 10.5

Dallas is 4-0 for the first time since 1995 and they should keep it rolling against the Bills as long as the offense keeps clicking in high gear. Cowboys 35, Bills 17

Week 4 vs spread: 7-7

Season vs spread: 29-27-6

Week 4 Straight up: 5-9

Season Straight up: 38-24