Week 5 is here and I give you my predictions. So far in the season I am 16-9 predicting victories and defeats for teams. Let's see if I can stay above .500 and go perfect as this week's matchups seem like no brainers.
Let's begin with the toughest pick of the week. The Steelers host the Philadelphia Eagles.
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Eagles have been a tough team to predict this season. The Steelers have been everything but consistent so far posting a 1-2 record. The Steelers had a Bye last week so they are rested. They look like they will get Troy Polamalu and James Harrison back as they are listed as probable for Sunday's game.
The Eagles have the better offense, but they can't get the ball in the end zone, coming into the game with the 3rd lowest points scored in the NFL. If you do not score against the Steelers, Ben Roethlisberger will put up points.
The Steelers will win 24-20.
Miami Dolphins vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Dolphins are the weaker team in this one. Andy Dalton (10th in passing yards, 4th in TDs) and A.J. Green (2nd in receiving yards) are too strong of a combination for the Dolphins. They should have an easy time winning this one.
Bengals will win 31-18
Green Bay vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Packers have the experience playing together and they have the veteran quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.
Their offense might be ranked in the bottom half of the league's offensive categories, but they woke up against the New Orleans Saints last week, which is not a good sign for the NFL.
Their defense will win the game for them as they will give Andrew Luck a tough time all day on Sunday.
Packers will win 27-17
Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs
I would be completely surprised if the Chiefs pull this win out. The Browns gave the Ravens a hard time, but that was a divisional matchup. The Ravens Joe Flacco has the offense ranked 2nd in total yards per game and 4th in the league with 310 yards over the air. Kansas City has allowed the 2nd most points in the league at 34 a game.
Ravens will win 35-24
Cleveland Browns vs. New York Giants
The good news for the Giants is that the Browns are not in their division. They have not had any luck against divisional rivals thus far. Eli Manning is 2nd in the league amongst QB's with 1,320 passing yards. The Browns have allowed the fifth most yards through the air as opponents have averaged 286 yards a game. Look for Manning to pick apart the Browns, especially since the Giants are at home.
Giants 27-21
Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Redskins
Washington will have a lot of yards in this one since the Falcons allow, on average, at least 353 yards a game on defense, but that is all the Falcons will give up. Their perfect record was threatened last week against the Carolina Panthers. Look for the Falcons to make the appropriate adjustments and create turnovers when they matter most.
The Redskins will likely run as they are averaging 171 yards per gamed, good forsecond in the league.
Falcons win 31-24
Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have probably the best defense in the NFL. They are second in points, total yards and rushing yards allowed, while ninth allowing 213 passng yards a game. I can see Cam Newton scoring at least two touchdowns, but their defense, unfortunately, will not be able to stop the Seahawks' mediocre offense.
Seahawks win 17-14
Chicago Bears vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Bears finally played the way many expected them to last week against the Dallas Cowboys. The defense was dominant and Jay Cutler was hitting receivers almost at will. Against the Jaguars, we should see the same performance on Sunday.
Bears win 27-13
Tennessee Titans vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have surprised many through the first four weeks of the NFL. SInce they are facing a weaker Titans team with a mediocre offense, their Top 10 defense should have no issues in this one.
Vikings win 17-6
Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots
It will be Peyton Manning vs. Tom Brady again, just that Manning will be wearing orange. Despite a change of scenery, Brady will command the flow of this game and help the Patriots improve to 3-2. This one will probably come down to a field goal.
Patriots win 31-28
Buffalo Bills vs. San Francisco 49ers
It should not take a load of data to explain why the 49ers are the favorite to win on Sunday. They proved they are a dominant force after not just beating the Jets, but humiliating them 34-0. Speaking of humiliations, the Bills defense did just that against the Patriots last Sunday giving up 45 points in the second half.
49ers win 21-9
San Diego Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints
It is hard to believe that the Saints are 0-4. After Sunday, it will be hard to believe that the Saints are 0-5. Look for the Charger defense, who has allowed the sixth least points in the league to put a stop to Brees' offense.
Chargers win 27-21.
