Week 5 NFL picks. Can the Chiefs remain undefeated? Packers or Cowboys?

Read Time:5 Minute, 52 Second

The Kansas City Chiefs remain the only unbeaten team in the NFL at 4 – 0. The power rankings got a bit mixed up near the top due in large part to the Bills road win against the defending NFC champion Atlanta Falcons. Week 5 in the NFL got off to an interesting start as the Patriots are still trying to find their identity — even in a win over the Bucs Thursday night. We know the famous saying of “Any Given Sunday”, so let’s take a look at the games and make some picks.

Bills vs Bengals: I’m loving the way Buffalo is playing ball right now. They can take their tough defense on the road and win anywhere. The Bengals got off to a slow start but the offense is beginning to take shape. Cincinnati needs this game badly sitting at 1 – 3. I believe desperation will be the difference in this game. Bengals 16 – Bills 13

Jets vs Browns: The entire NFL universe had this game circled on their calendar as the matchup for the #1 pick in the draft. Cleveland is looking ripe for that spot at 0 – 4 as the Jets have already managed to win 2 games. The Browns aren’t going 0 – 16. They actually have more talent than New York and home field will be a positive variable in this contest. Browns 25 – Jets 17

Panthers vs Lions: This is a big Week 5 game between two 3 – 1 teams. Both have surprised the NFL masses with strong performances against formidable opponents. Detroit is playing more balanced football than Carolina, but the Panthers have a better offense and more ways to beat you. Carolina is clicking now and I believe they’ll take that momentum into Ford Field. Panthers 29 – Lions 19

49ers vs Colts: More often than not, a team from the west coast traveling east for a 1:00 pm game will take the loss. It isn’t an exact science, but we did see the Bills beat the Broncos in the same scenario a couple of weeks ago. Jacoby Brissett has played very well at QB for Indy while Brian Hoyer hasn’t for the Niners. San Francisco won’t make it easy for Indy but the Colts should get their 2nd win. Colts 16 – 49ers 10

Titans vs Dolphins: This is a tough game to pick. Marcus Mariota is a game-time decision and Matt Cassel is his back up. Doesn’t bode well for the Titans on the road in Miami. Then again, the Dolphins just embarrassed themselves by putting up a goose-egg against a Saints defense that hasn’t shut a team out since Lincoln was president. The Titans are a better team all around except at wide receiver. But Jay Cutler can’t complete passes to his wideouts, so they’ll need Jay Ajayi to get back to form. Expect a lot of running in this game by both teams. Dolphins 24 – Titans 16

Chargers vs Giants: Eli Manning was actually drafted #1 by the Chargers in the 2004 NFL draft. Poppa Manning jumped in and somehow got his youngest son traded to the Giants and Rivers went to San Diego. Right now both quarterbacks and both teams are underachieving and neither has won a game yet. One team will finally get a victory in overtime. Congrats to the NY Giants in advance for getting their first victory. Giants 23 – Chargers 20

Cardinals vs Eagles: Fact is as soon as David Johnson went down, the Cardinals season ended. Carson Palmer is doing everything he can to remain a winning starter. If not for their defense, they may be winless. The Eagles are a complete team and can beat you through the air, on the ground and by turning over the football defensively. This game will be closer than you may think because Arizona has a very good defense that makes big-time plays. It won’t be enough. Eagles 20 – Cardinals 19

Jaguars vs Steelers: I called the trap game when Pittsburgh lost to Chicago a few weeks ago. The Steelers seem to play to the level of their competition. Head coach Mike Tomlin won’t let that happen this time around. I expect both teams to struggle to score early on. By the 2nd half, Pittsburgh will out-coach and out-play Jacksonville. No trap this time. Steelers 23 – Jaguars 9

Seahawks vs Rams: Who would have thought that Seattle would be an underdog against the Los Angeles Rams?! The Seahawks still have major issues on offense and lose running backs weekly. The defense is strong, but are they as strong as the Rams D? It’s evident that the Rams have a better offense than Seattle at the moment. All signs point toward L.A. winning this game at home. And that’s why I’m picking the Seahawks. Well that, and the championship pedigree Seattle still has and shows in crucial moments. It’s silly to say but this is a must win for Pete Carroll’s squad. Seahawks 25 – Rams 14

Ravens vs Raiders: This could be the ugliest game of the week! No, Derek Carr, Crabtree is banged up, Amari Cooper couldn’t catch a cold and their running game hasn’t come around. Carr is extremely valuable to this team and we’ve seen the difference on offense when he isn’t under center. Joe Flacco is a cool customer on the field and has the arm strength to put the ball anywhere. I presume Baltimore will win the time of possession battle, thereby wearing down the Raiders defense and pulling away on the ground in the 4th quarter. Ravens 24 – Raiders 12

Packers vs Cowboys: Aaron Rodgers loves playing in Dallas. He and the Packers won the Super Bowl there in the 2010 season. Last year, the Pack beat the Boys on a game-winning field goal at Jerry’s World to move on to the NFC Championship game. At this moment, the Packers have so many injuries I don’t know if they have 11 players on offense. The Cowboys need to make up for their home loss against the Rams and keep pace with Philly in the NFC East. Feed Zeek and win the game. Cowboys 31 – Packers 22

Chiefs vs Texans: This should be a very nice Sunday night battle between two teams playing excellent football. DeShaun Watson has been a God-send for the Texans at quarterback. His ability to extend and create plays has taken a lot of the weight off their top-tier defense. Houston is playing like a complete football team. What else can we say about the Chiefs?! They’re the best team in the NFL hands down. However, this is a tough matchup for Kansas City. Alex Smith will need to be on his toes all game as the Texans will put plenty of pressure on him. If the stadium gets loud enough to throw off Smith’s cadence at the line of scrimmage, then the Texans can take advantage and put K.C. in long down and distance. Texans 27 – Chiefs 23