Sportspicks2003 NFL Week 5 Plays

[SPORTSPICKS2003]

Preferred Plays

Baltimore Ravens -7½
Orton has been efficient, but Ravens at home, coming off a bye week, I say they get after him, and with no running game, makes for a long day

Jacksonville Jaguars +125 (+2½ -110)
Buffalo just isn't very good. MGD should have a big day, Gerrard effective last week, should carry over vs lackluster Bills

Cleveland Browns +3 -105 (+145) Play
I had the Browns winning this game as I did vs Cincinnati before season kicked off. Team growing and improving around and with Wallace, he can extend plays, and gives you more options. Ability to run the ball, move the chains, and not make mistakes key. The have to try and get some balance, throwing on 1st downs, having positive down and distance, and be diverse and creative in play calling.

Defensively, I start Haden on White, who is their biggest threat, I give him help over the top. He is fast and physical enough to challenge White, Browns have no chance playing zone and affording Ryan the luxury of picking them apart. The front 7, which is the strength of the defense, can limit the run game, but have to get pressure on Ryan. Blitz him, hit him, make himn as uncomfortable as possible. A TD from Cribbs today, would seal the deal

Cincinnati Bengals -7 +100
Have to like the Bengals here in the bounce back game coming off the loss to Cleveland. Palmer should have far more success vs the Tampa Bay defense than Delhomme could muster in that disappointing loss in week 1 Ocho is due for a big day, Benson gets back on track

Green Bay Packers -3 +105
Injuries are mounting for Packers, but McNabb just doesnt have any weapons. I like Green Bay on the road, and basically I'm taking Rogers over McNabb in this one.

New Orleans Saints -7 +100
This one should get ugly quick, its like Christmas in October for the Saints offense, the defense should get a day off as well. Cardinals inability to run the ball, unable to protect the QB, and injuries had made this an ugly situation, yet they are 2-2. I think this is a wake-up to Anderson, he will be back in the saddle next week. Don't understand the change with so much going wrong around him, its like Cleveland all over again

Kansas City Chiefs +7 -110 (+310)
Worth a risk here, Colts have already lost 2 games, usually one of the last of the unbeatens. Historically, Crennell has defended well vs Manning, even when here in Cleveland. Cassell concerns me, but the ability to run the ball, great special teams play, and a physically opportunistic defense, screams backdoor cover, and possible outright.

San Diego Chargers -6½
Basically, just covering my ass on my Chiefs play

[SPORTSPICKS2003]

Preferred Play Results

Baltimore Ravens -7½
Baltimore 31-17

Jacksonville Jaguars +125 (+2½ -110)
Jacksonville 36-26

Cleveland Browns +3 -105 (+145)
Atlanta 20-10 (Had everything right but the outcome)

Cincinnati Bengals -7 +100
Tampa Bay 24-21 (10 pts in less than 2 minutes off 2 Palmer turnovers)

Green Bay Packers -3 +105
Washington 16-13 F/OT (missed FG at end of regulation)

New Orleans Saints -7 +100
Arizona 30-20 (I did not see this one coming)

Kansas City Chiefs +7 -110 (+310)
Indianapolis 19-9 (10 4th quarter pts the difference)

San Diego Chargers -6½
Oakland 35-27 (San Diego just isn't very good)

3-8 Looked good early, then faded terribly late