NFL Predictions Week 5 2005 - Love me the Bengals
Week 5 usually doesn't spell do or die for teams, but there are many teams that face that today. There are some great match ups this week that are going to be can't miss, some that are watchable and a couple that are ok to skip if you have something else to do.
Baltimore at Detroit
- Could this game be any more meaningful for the Baltimore Ravens? They're playing a team in disarray as the Lions' GM is thinking about canning the coach. The Ravens are looking into the abyss here and to paraphrase a Wall Street quote, they're going to find their team's character. If Jamal Lewis can hold onto the ball this will be a walk in the park. Ravens 17 - Lions 6.
Chicago at Cleveland
- The battle of the former defensive coordinators is going to come down to which defense can stop the run. Both the Bears and Browns have seemed ineffective throwing the ball, so the running backs will be huge in this game. I wouldn't expect much in the way of offense, but the defenses are going to be prime. Browns 17 - Bears 13.
Miami at Buffalo
- The Miami Dolphins lead their division. Read that closely again. They lead their division. Amazing. They're doing fine without Ricky Williams and face a Buffalo Bills defense that has gone from one of the best in the league to the middle of the pack when they lost Spikes. Add into the mix the Bills are starting a new quarterback and you have an advantage for the Dolphins. Dolphins 27 - Bills - 10.
New England at Atlanta
- Vick's out. That's all you need to know. Well, that and the Patriots are coming off a loss. In the last three years the Patriots are unstoppable off a loss, so this won't be any different. Patriots 27 - Falcons 21.
New Orleans at Green Bay
- Must win for Green Bay who have a decimated offensive line and offensive weapons. The New Orleans Saints should be called the New Orleans Nomads. Brett Favre is 0-4 for the first time this year and they are last in turn over differential. Expect a flawless game from Favre who will win today. Packers 27 - Saints 17.
Seattle at St. Louis
- A must win for both teams at this point in the year and will probably be one of the top three more exciting games this weekend. The St. Louis Rams have to make a statement at home for their coach who has been sick. The Seahawks are without two of their more effective receivers and must rely on Shaun Alexander. The Rams will stop Alexander and win. Rams 34 - Seahawks 24.
Tampa Bay at N.Y. Jets
- I feel sorry for the New York Jets. They're hosting the best team in the NFC right now in Gruden and the Bucs. The New York Giants are putting out Vinny the Old Man and the Buccaneers Defense is just waiting to rip into him. Cadillac Williams may not play today, but Michael Pittman will take over. Bucs 27 - Jets 10.
Tennessee at Houston
- If you have anything else to do this Sunday, do it. I feel sorry for those without Directicket who are forced to watch this as their local game. Texans 24 - Titans 21.
Indianapolis at San Francisco
- Has there been a more outmatched pairing since Bugs Bunny took on Elmer Fudd? The Colts will win this one three times during the game. Colts 41 - 49ers 10.
Carolina at Arizona
- This is my upset pick of the week. As much as I like Kurt Warner, McCown is the quarterback for this team. They are cocky coming off their win last week, while the Panthers are hurting. Cardinals 27 - Panthers 24.
Philadelphia at Dallas
- The Philadelphia Eagles are rolling coming off a great comeback versus the Chiefs. The Cowboys have seen some life from Dreadsoe, but the Eagles are just too much for them. What are the chances of Owens reprising his role on the Texas Star? They are as good as the Cowboys winning. Eagles 35 - Cowboys 17.
Washington at Denver
- This is going to be one of the more exciting games this weekend. The Redskins are a surprising 4-0 and this will be a huge test for them. Throw into the mix the return of Portis to Denver and you have a powder keg. Redskins 24 - Broncos 21.
Cincinnati at Jacksonville
- I love me them Bengals, but I know they were lucky to win last week against the Texans. The Jaguars have a MIA running game and their offense have been hot/cold the whole year. The Bengals have intercepted 12 passes this year. I don't know who to pick, but I gotta love the Bengals even though they suck in prime time. Bengals 26 - Jaguars 13.
