NFL Week Five Predictions

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Buffalo Bills

Four down, Twelve to go.  Jacksonville rides a big win to a not so big one.
Prediction: Jaguars

New York Giants @ Houston Texans

I think that part of the Texans' problem has been that they can't play the short passing game, it's long ball or bust.  I think the Giants defense comes out and gets the win in this one.
Prediction: Giants

Kansas City Chiefs @ Indianapolis Colts

This is a very tough pick.  On one hand, you can never underestimate Peyton Manning, and the Colts are coming off a tough loss.  On the other hand, the Chiefs are playing good defense and running the ball with success.  The Colts are horrible against the run, though, and still without most of their offensive starters.  Two upsets against Indy in two weeks?  It could happen.  This is my upset of the week.
Prediction: Chiefs

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Cincinnati Bengals

I'm tempted to take the Bucs here, I know I swore off the Bengals after last week and Josh Freeman has been playing week this season.  The Bucs have taken it to good teams like the Steelers, but with Ced Benson in the Bengals' backfield and the Bucs managing a measly 3.4 yards per carry I have to go with the Bengals to bounce back.
Prediction: Bengals

Green Bay Packers @ Washington Redskins

This pick is a dilemma.  Statistically, I shouldn't pick the Redskins, they're horrible against the pass and Green Bay is pretty good.  Still, the Lions successfully drove through the air against Green Bay, and Washington put on a clinic against the Eagles passing.  I'm going to entertain my sensible side for once, though, and go with the cheeseheads to beat the Skins.  Donovan McNabb's performance could be what we should expect out of him all season, or it could have been a one-time statement game.  I'll expect the latter and hope for the former, at least against Green Bay.
Prediction: Packers

St. Louis Rams @ Detroit Lions

Both teams are banged up, but with Steven Jackson coming back and many of Detroit's starters listed as questionable I have to go with the red hot Rams.  Three in a row?  I definitely thought that the Lions would be the ones doing better at this point in the season.
Prediction: Rams

Chicago Bears @ Carolina Panthers

I'm back and forth on this one, back and forth.  I don't want to turn into one of those people that picks their home team every time, but I do believe the Bears have a decent chance of winning this one.  Jimmy Clausen has struggled, and that should continue against Peppers and this pass rush.  I fully expect the Bears to play the run better and contain Carolina's backfield.  If Cutler was in I'd go with Chicago no question, but with Collins starting and the offense needing to rely on a running game that hasn't shown up yet I'm skeptical.  Still, the Panthers are giving up almost 120 yards per game on the ground, I gotta go with the bears once more.
Prediction: Bears

Atlanta Falcons @ Cleveland Browns

The Browns may have stunned their division rivals, but I don't expect another upset against an Atlanta team that's hitting its stride.
Prediction: Falcons

Denver Broncos @ Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are first in the league in passing defense, and I expect them to play up to that level even against a high powered attack like that of the Broncos.  The Broncos aren't spectacular on defense on either side of the ball, and I expect Flacco and his talented group to pull out the win.  The Ravens chances improve if all their running backs are healthy for the full game.
Prediction: Ravens

New Orleans Saints @ Arizona Cardinals

I could see the Saints getting victimized by an upstart team, but I think the more likely scenario is that their young QB gets victimized by this New Orleans defense.
Prediction: Saints

Tennessee Titans @ Dallas Cowboys

Both teams play the run very hard, and both teams can pass.  This is a tough prediction, but I think CJ2k gives the Titans an edge, and they'll be foaming at the mouth after a close loss last week.  This is my sleeper of the week.
Prediction: Titans

San Diego Chargers @ Oakland Raiders

Both teams are hampered by injuries, but I find Oakland's to be more significant.  Most of their linebacking corps is gone, as is Darren McFadden.  I wouldn't be surprised by Gradkowski pulling out a win, especially with the up and down play of the Chargers, but I'm not expecting it.
Prediction: Chargers

Philadelphia Eagles @ San Francisco 49ers

I keep asking when the Niners will get over that hump and pull out a close game, well here it is.  Kolb is starting, and the Niners' D will finally get a chance to step up against him.  Smith is going to have to be careful, though, as their secondary can still hurt them.  The Eagles are also without cornerback Asante Samuel, though, and I think the injuries will keep them from a win.
Prediction: 49ers

Minnesota Vikings @ New York Jets

This might not be as clear cut as one might think.  The Jets will play shut-down defense, that's for sure.  The Vikings will also play the run hard, and that could mess with the Jets' gameplan.  Will the Jets be able to contain the Vikings' passing game and put Pressure on Brett Favre?  With Revis back, I say yes.  This is my game of the week.
Prediction: Jets