NFL 2013: Week 5 Predictions
It's been a frustrating week as a professional sports fan in Cincinnati with the Reds season coming a disappointing end and the Bengals looking absolutely pathetic in Cleveland, but, hey, nothing a fan in this city hasn't gone through before. The Bengals can make things better with a win today against Tom Brady and the Patriots, but I don't see it happening. The reasons why are to follow in my predictions for Week 5.
Week 5 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
CLEVELAND over Buffalo: Titanic struggle of two teams going nowhere. I thought the Browns would win because of Brian Hoyer, turns out they won because Brandon Weeden played well after Hoyer got hurt. Even though Cleveland is 3-2 and atop the AFC North, I don't it expect them to be there for long.
New Orleans over CHICAGO: The Bears have played very well this season, but last week was a reminder to us all that QB Jay Cutler is prone to turning to ball over. Cutler threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the Bears 40-32 loss to the Lions, their first of the season. If Cutler can take care of the ball and the Chicago defense can force some New Orleans turnovers, then they win this game. I just don't see that happening. Saints stay undefeated.
GREEN BAY over Detroit: Packers need a win to keep up with the Lions and Bears in the division and I think they get it coming off of their bye. A high scoring game should be expected though.
Kansas City over TENNESSEE: Titans QB Jake Locker is going to be out several weeks due to a hip injury and that will hurt Tennessee. Chiefs by a touchdown.
INDIANAPOLIS over Seattle: The Seahawks are a different team on the road and if the Colts can beat the 49ers in San Francisco, then I like their chances at home against Seattle. Close game, but Andrew Luck beats Russell Wilson.
ST. LOUIS over Jacksonville: This is one of very few games in which the Jaguars could win, but I don't think it will happen this week in St. Louis.
MIAMI over Baltimore: Tough losses for both of these teams last week, but overall I think Miami has the better team and they have an advantage being at home. Watch out for Dolphins LB Dannell Ellerbe to have a big game against his former team.
Philadelphia over NY GIANTS: With these two teams a combined 1-7, I struggled in picking a winner in this one. The Giants are going to win a game eventually, but they've scored a total of seven points the last two games, while having given up 69. Eagles have too much speed and the up tempo offense will get the best of the Giants defense.
ARIZONA over Carolina: The Panthers may be coming off a bye after destroying the Giants 38-0 two weeks ago, but I'm still not sold on them. I like the Cardinals at home and I look for WR Larry Fitzgerald and CB Patrick Peterson to have big games at "The Big Toaster."
Denver over DALLAS: Peyton Manning is on pace to throw for 5,880-yards and 64 touchdowns this season. Nuf ced.
SAN FRANCISCO over Houston: The Texans let one slip away last week against the Seahawks. Houston was up 20-3 at halftime, but a Matt Schaub interception was returned 58-yards by Seattle's Richard Sherman to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Seattle would go on to win in overtime. The 49ers are coming off a nice road win and with them being at home, I like San Francisco.
San Diego over OAKLAND: This game got moved to 11:35 ET due to the Athletics/Tigers game late Saturday night, but all this means is that the Chargers will beat the Raiders later in the day.
ATLANTA over NY Jets: Who would have thought at the beginning of the season the team with the better record in this game would be the New York Jets. The Jets are 2-2, while the Falcons are a surprising 1-3. Atlanta turns things around Monday night with a win at home.
Patriots over BENGALS: As much as I want to take the Bengals this week, I just can't. This team left such a bad taste in my mouth last week against Cleveland that until an improved Andy Dalton and improved play calling from the coaching staff shows up, I will have a hard time picking the Bengals. Cincinnati's defense will give them a chance to win and with Patriots' DT Vince Wilfork lost for the season, the Bengals should be able to run the ball. That's if they even try to establish some sort of a running game. However, if Andy Dalton plays like he did last week; the Bengals don't have a chance. Tough to say, but think Tom Brady gets it done. Patriots 24, Bengals 21.
Bye: Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Washington
This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 9-6
Overall: 43-21
Week 5 Picks (Home team in CAPS)
CLEVELAND over Buffalo: Titanic struggle of two teams going nowhere. I thought the Browns would win because of Brian Hoyer, turns out they won because Brandon Weeden played well after Hoyer got hurt. Even though Cleveland is 3-2 and atop the AFC North, I don't it expect them to be there for long.
New Orleans over CHICAGO: The Bears have played very well this season, but last week was a reminder to us all that QB Jay Cutler is prone to turning to ball over. Cutler threw three interceptions and lost a fumble in the Bears 40-32 loss to the Lions, their first of the season. If Cutler can take care of the ball and the Chicago defense can force some New Orleans turnovers, then they win this game. I just don't see that happening. Saints stay undefeated.
GREEN BAY over Detroit: Packers need a win to keep up with the Lions and Bears in the division and I think they get it coming off of their bye. A high scoring game should be expected though.
Kansas City over TENNESSEE: Titans QB Jake Locker is going to be out several weeks due to a hip injury and that will hurt Tennessee. Chiefs by a touchdown.
INDIANAPOLIS over Seattle: The Seahawks are a different team on the road and if the Colts can beat the 49ers in San Francisco, then I like their chances at home against Seattle. Close game, but Andrew Luck beats Russell Wilson.
ST. LOUIS over Jacksonville: This is one of very few games in which the Jaguars could win, but I don't think it will happen this week in St. Louis.
MIAMI over Baltimore: Tough losses for both of these teams last week, but overall I think Miami has the better team and they have an advantage being at home. Watch out for Dolphins LB Dannell Ellerbe to have a big game against his former team.
Philadelphia over NY GIANTS: With these two teams a combined 1-7, I struggled in picking a winner in this one. The Giants are going to win a game eventually, but they've scored a total of seven points the last two games, while having given up 69. Eagles have too much speed and the up tempo offense will get the best of the Giants defense.
ARIZONA over Carolina: The Panthers may be coming off a bye after destroying the Giants 38-0 two weeks ago, but I'm still not sold on them. I like the Cardinals at home and I look for WR Larry Fitzgerald and CB Patrick Peterson to have big games at "The Big Toaster."
Denver over DALLAS: Peyton Manning is on pace to throw for 5,880-yards and 64 touchdowns this season. Nuf ced.
SAN FRANCISCO over Houston: The Texans let one slip away last week against the Seahawks. Houston was up 20-3 at halftime, but a Matt Schaub interception was returned 58-yards by Seattle's Richard Sherman to tie the game late in the fourth quarter. Seattle would go on to win in overtime. The 49ers are coming off a nice road win and with them being at home, I like San Francisco.
San Diego over OAKLAND: This game got moved to 11:35 ET due to the Athletics/Tigers game late Saturday night, but all this means is that the Chargers will beat the Raiders later in the day.
ATLANTA over NY Jets: Who would have thought at the beginning of the season the team with the better record in this game would be the New York Jets. The Jets are 2-2, while the Falcons are a surprising 1-3. Atlanta turns things around Monday night with a win at home.
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| Andy Dalton and the Bengals did not look good last week against the Browns. (Matt Sullivan/Getty Images) |
Patriots over BENGALS: As much as I want to take the Bengals this week, I just can't. This team left such a bad taste in my mouth last week against Cleveland that until an improved Andy Dalton and improved play calling from the coaching staff shows up, I will have a hard time picking the Bengals. Cincinnati's defense will give them a chance to win and with Patriots' DT Vince Wilfork lost for the season, the Bengals should be able to run the ball. That's if they even try to establish some sort of a running game. However, if Andy Dalton plays like he did last week; the Bengals don't have a chance. Tough to say, but think Tom Brady gets it done. Patriots 24, Bengals 21.
Bye: Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Pittsburgh, Washington
This Week: 1-0
Last Week: 9-6
Overall: 43-21
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