WEEK 5 Pick'em

Broncos @ Ravens (-7)

The return of Ed Reed can’t come soon enough for a struggling Ravens pass defense.  Part of the reason I think Hillis ran so well against Baltimore was because the Ravens needed to play their safeties more in coverage.  Broncos can’t run the ball at all but sure can pass.

Spread: Broncos +7

Straight Up: Ravens

Jags @ Bills (-1)

This has to be the least entertaining game of the weekend.  The Jags pulled off the upset last week and their secondary didn’t look terrible.  CJ Spiller will get more touches now that Marshawn has been moved.  Jags win a close one.

Spread: Jags +1

Straight Up: Jags

Chiefs @ Colts (-7)

The Chiefs have a lot of explosion players (McCluster/Arenas/Charles) and a guy who can pound the rock (Thomas Jones).  Eric Berry will be a great player in this league but he is about to find out what it’s like to play a guy like Peyton Manning.  

Spread: Colts -7

Straight Up: Colts

Rams @ Lions (-3)

Both these teams have been playing tough football and it is nice to see them moving in the right direction.  The Rams have a few wins this season, the Lions deserve one and will feed off a home crowd that sees a rare opportunity in which their team is favoured.

Spread: Lions -3

Straight Up: Lions

Falcons @ Browns (+3)

The Falcons found a way to win over the Niners last week and that is what separates the contenders from the pretenders.  The Browns have played some pretenders tough, but the Falcons have big aspirations and are a very balanced football team.

Spread: Falcons -3

Straight Up: Falcons

Buccaneers @ Bengals (-6.5)

Carson looked better last week and the Bengals get a home game to try and make up for an inexcusable loss to the Browns.  The Bucs are coming off a bye week, which is always dangerous, but I just don’t think they have the experience to win this one on the road.

Spread: Bengals (-6.5)

Straight Up: Bengals

Bears @ Panthers (-1)

Julius Peppers returns to Carolina but the Bears have Todd Collins at the helm and have not been able to run the ball behind a weak offensive line.  The Panthers have a strong defense and they CAN run the ball.  Peppers will want to have a big game, but Jordan Gross is one of the best tackles in the game.  

Spread: Panthers (-1)

Straight Up: Panthers

Packers @ Redskins (+2.5)

The Packers haven’t looked good in their last two games (loss to Bears, close win over the Lions).  I’m going to pick them this week based on the fact that they just need to get it going.  If they lose here, with tough games in the coming month, the Super Bowl hype should be put on hold. 

Spread: Packers (-2.5)

Straight Up: Packers

Giants @ Texans (-3)

The Giants looked awful on offence against the Bears.  The Texans get Brian Cushing back this weekend and are just a better team than the Giants right now, with or without Andre Johnson.

Spread: Texans (-3)

Straight Up: Texans

Saints @ Cardinals (+7)

Undrafted rookie Max Hall starts for the Cardinals this week at quarterback.  Last time I checked Drew Brees was still the quarterback for the Saints.  Brees>Hall.

Spread:  Saints (-7)

Straight Up: Saints

Chargers @ Raiders (+6)

The Chargers always seem to get off to a slow start but now look like they are hitting their stride.  Do the Raiders line Asomugha up over Gates?  McFadden is out and the Raiders offence can’t score in lockstep with Rivers.

Spread: Chargers (-6)

Straight Up: Chargers

Titans @ Cowboys (-7)

Dallas, coming off a bye week, should be ready for the visiting Titans.  The Schedule gets much more difficult after this and if they want any hope of playing at home in the Super Bowl, they need this win.  The Titans haven’t given Chris Johnson a lot of help on offence and therefore he has 22 eyes on him at all times.

Eagles @ 49ers (-3.5)

Kevin Kolb returns as the starter for the Eagles.  The ‘Niners either get blown out, or give games away.  This one shouldn’t be any different.  Time to give David Carr the ball in San Fran.

Spread: Eagles (+3.5)

Straight Up: Eagles

Vikings @ Jets (-4)

It’s funny that Revis is still chirping Randy Moss after getting lit up for not only one of the nicest TD’s of the year, but also pulling his Hamstring trying to keep up with him.  Slouch?  Randy will be out to prove to New England why they shouldn’t have let him go and this will make things easier on AP.  Jets are playing well, but on Monday Night, I’ll go with Favre.

Spread: Vikings (+4)

Straight Up: Vikings

Season Straight Up: 37-25

Season vs Spread:  26-32-4