The National Football League for week 5 has some interesting matchups this weekend beginning with the Indianapolis Colts who are 1-2, coming off a bye week, taking on a desperate 0-3 Houston Texans team. What about the Kansas City Chiefs? Larry Johnson ran for almost 200 yards and the Chiefs defeated the Broncos for their first win of the season. Can they go on the road and steal one in Carolina? And finally in Denver can the Broncos rebound from that tough loss and slow down the red hot Buccaneers led by former Bronco Brian Griese.
Tennessee Titans vs. Baltimore RavensRookie QB Joe Flacco looked poised against the Steelers last week and the Ravens defense was flying all over the field. Kerry Collins has been playing very well in place of Vince Young. The Titans are 4-0 SU and ATS but are they ripe for the upset? The bookmakers have the Titans -3 and the betting total at 33.
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Carolina Panthers
Kansas City had the advantage of playing at home against a team that can't stop anyone. Denver has one of the worst defenses in football. The Chiefs have huge issues remaining and while they notched win No. 1 last week, loss No. 4 should come this week against the Panthers. Carolina is favored by 10 with the total set at 38.5.
Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions
The Lions won both meetings last year, and Brian Urlacher probably hasn’t forgotten it. The Lions are the worst in the league against the run so far this season, allowing an average of 207.7 YPG. Detroit fans, meet Matt Forte. Diet Pepsi’s next Rookie of the Week. Lions playing first game since Matt Millen was fired and getting 3.5 points.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers
Michael Turner running on grass and the Falcons playing against a good team should be enough to dismiss them in favor of the Packers. It will all depend on whether or not Aaron Rodgers can play this weekend. If he’s out, Matt Ryan may be able to steal one. Currently no line on this game.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans
Nothing has come easy for the Colts this season, and so far Manning has looked almost human in the pocket. Missing the offseason has slowed their start, but they are getting to the point in the season where they should be able to start putting it back together on offense. The Texans could be looking at 0-4. Houston is 8-0 Over vs. division L8. Tennessee is favored by 3 with the total set at 47.
San Diego Chargers vs. Miami Dolphins
Miami’s surprise demolition of the Patriots in Week 3 has been long forgotten but they have had a week to prepare. The Chargers have started to look better and the defense is finding itself after the loss of Shawne Merriman. San Diego is 13-4 ATS as a favorite. San Diego has gone over in all 4 games this year and are laying 6.5
Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Giants
The Giants might be the best team in football. Are the defending champions somehow being overlooked again this year. The Seahawks are struggling offensively and hurting at wide receiver. The Giants and Seahawks are off a bye week and are favored by 9.
Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Jason Campbell has taken some positive steps since the first game this season leading the Skins to a 3-1 record after a terrible opening season loss against the Giants. The Eagles need Brian Westbrook and he will be a game-time decision. Jason Taylor and Shawn Springs will miss this game for Washington. The current line is Philadelphia -6
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Denver Broncos
The Bucs' defense has been solid all year. Derrick Brooks has found the fountain of youth and Barrett Ruud looks like he’s on his way to being one of the best MLBs in the league. The Broncos can score at will but can't seem to stop anyone. Denver is favored at home by 3.
Buffalo Bills vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals were toyed with by Brett Favre last week and the Bills have been learning how to come back and win football games. This is one of the most improved teams in the league so far this season at 4-0. Arizona will be with A Boldin was taken off by stretcher in last weeks game. This game is a pick.
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Dallas Cowboys
Terrell Owens was part of almost 70% of the total offense and still found a way to complain in the loss against Washington. They need to utlize the powerful running game of Barber and Felix Jones to be dominant. The Bengals are terribleone of the worst teams in the NFL and could be without Carson Palmer again this week. Dallas is laying 17.
New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers
You almost feel bad for the Patriots. New England is coming off a bye week after their worst home loss in several years to the Miami Dolphins. If a team is going to be prepared you would think it will be the Patriots. The whole world will be watching this one to see how the Patriots respond. New England is 9-0 ATS in October. New Endgland is favored by only 3 so that should tell you a little about what the oddsmakers think.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have somehow made it back to 2-2 and get a banged up Steeler team at the right time. The Jaguars need a convincing win. Jacksonville is favored by 4.
Minnesota Vikings vs. New Orleans Saints
This Monday night game features a New Orleans team that plays little defense but can light up the scoreboard against a team who was predicted to win the NFC North by many but could be sitting at 1-4 if they can't steal this one.
