NFL - Week 5 Predictions

Ringer's Record
Last Week ATS: 7-9
Last Week SU: 10-6

Season ATS: 34-29-1 (54%)
Season SU: 47-17 (73%)

Philadelphia (-3.5) at Buffalo
Eventhough I find myself thinking that Philly will win this game, I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that they are favored in Buffalo. Sure Buffalo is coming off a bad loss, but Philly is coming off of 3 bad losses. I certainly don't think that these teams' records are indicative of the talent on their rosters. Look for the Eagles to get going in the right direction with a close win in Buffalo.

Prediction - Philadelphia 21 Buffalo 20

New Orleans (-6.5) at Carolina
The Saints have been proving that they are one of the NFL's best teams. They lost a tough one to Green Bay in Week 1 and have since rattled off 3 consecutive wins. Carolina has been competitive in every game this year, but only has 1 victory to show for it. It is obvious that Carolina is making progress, but it's also obvious that they arent' quite in the Saints' class yet.

Prediction - New Orleans 27 Carolina 20

Oakland (+6.5) at Houston
Both of these teams had a chance to make a statement last week. Houston did so, Oakland did not. Houston moved to 3-1 with a big win over the Steelers. Oakland got New England at home but couldn't pull off the upset. The Texans must take the field without Andre Johnson. This will have an affect, but I don't have enough faith in Oakland to trust they can win this one on the road.

Prediction - Houston 23 Oakland 20

Kansas City (+2.5) at Indianapolis
This will be Indianapolis' best chance for a win so far. The Chiefs got their first win last week against a winless Minnesota. The Colts look to do the same this week. Indy looked decent on Monday night in Tampa, but lost by a TD late. I would normally pick the team that had a full week to prepare when the teams are evenly matched; but I think the Colts will be motivated against a bad Chiefs team.

Prediction - Indianapolis 20 Kansas City 17

Cincinnati (+2.5) at Jacksonville
This will be Blaine Gabbert's third NFL start in his rookie season, and it will be the second time he squared off against another rookie QB. Gabbert lost to Cam Newton a couple weeks ago, and this week he gets Andy Dalton. Dalton has definitely been the more sound of the 2 in their short time in the league. Gabbert will be playing at home though. Both these teams will struggle this year, but I like the Jags at home.

Prediction - Jacksonville 20 Cincinnati 19

Arizona (+3.5) at Minnesota
Arizona and Minnesota both made some noise this offseason, by acquiring high-profile QBs formerly of the Philadelphia Eagles. Donovan McNabb went to Minnesota and ha started off 0-4 with the Vikings. Kevin Kolb went to Arizona and is not much better at 1-3. McNabb was forced out of Philly to make room for Kolb as the starter. A year later and neither reside in the City of Brotherly Love. This Sunday we'll find out which one is the better of the two.

Prediction - Minnesota 28 Arizona 21

Seattle (+9.5) at NY Giants
The Seahawks don't play well when they have to travel to the East Coast. That is where they will be on Sunday as they head to New York to take on the Giants. The Giants have been a pleasant surprise and have been playing some good football to get to 3-1. With the struggles of Philly and Dallas, they could be the favorite to win the NFC East. They should easily move to 4-1 this weekend.

Prediction - NY Giants 24 Seattle 13

Tennessee (+8.5) at Pittsburgh
How is an 8.5 point spread justified in this one? Tennessee has been one of the nice surprises of the season so far. They have won 3 straight which included a beat down of Baltimore. Pittsburgh has been exposed in the quarter of the season. The defense looks old, and the offensive line is one of the league's worst. Now they are without James Harrison and have a banged up Big Ben. I think the Steelers have enough grit to win this one at home, but it certainly won't be more than 8 points.

Prediction - Pittsburgh 23 Tennessee 20

Tampa Bay (+2.5) at San Francisco
One of these teams will move to 4-1 on the season after this game is completed. The winner of this could be well on their way to the playoffs. Especially if its San Francisco, who could take a commanding lead in the awful NFC West. Tampa Bay is on a short week and must travel across the country to the Pacific Coast. I think that those factors give the 49ers a slight advantage in this one.

Prediction - San Francisco 21 Tampa Bay 17

San Diego (-4.5) at Denver
Mile High has traditionally been a very difficult place to play in. Not this year though. The Broncos are not a good team, and it looks like the Tim Tebow era could be starting soon. Or will it be the Brady Quinn era? Either way, things do not look promising for Denver. I think this spread is way too close and San Diego will cover.

Prediction - San Diego 28 Denver 20

NY Jets (+9.5) at New England
This is another game that I was surprised to see the spread. The Jets have looked bad in each of their last two games, but this is the same team that beat New England twice which included a playoff victory in Foxborough. The Patriots are one of those teams that seek revenge. I think they will get it, but in a rivalry this intense I have a hard time seeing it be a double digit difference.

Prediction - New England 27 NY Jets 24

Green Bay (-6.5) at Atlanta
This is a rematch of last year's NFC Divisional round. The Packers ran away from that one 48-21 in the Georgia Dome. They return Sunday night seeking a 5-0 start. Atlanta has struggled a bit this year and are looking to get on track. They had a big Sunday night win at home in Week 2, I think the Falcons get another one here.

Prediction - Atlanta 31 Green Bay 28

Chicago (+6.5) at Detroit
Monday Night Football returns to Detroit. The Lions are off to an amazing 4-0 start. They have comeback from down 20 or more points in each of the last two weeks. This team feels invincible. The Bears come into Ford Field on Monday night looking to get above .500. The Bears have been up and down throughout the season. Look for Jay Cutler to be down on the ground a lot as Ndamokong Suh will dominate a porous Bears O-Line.

Prediction - Detroit 23 Chicago 14