NFL Picks, Week 5

Something NFL-related that I have just come across: I’m reading the sports section of the New York Post. In the standings and in the betting lines, the Post has placed an asterisk next to the Patriots. At the bottom of the standings and lines, they describe the asterisk as “Caught Cheating”. How funny. That’s New York. That's the Post. Of course, the Pats got caught cheating against a New York team. I don’t think the Post would give a flying rat’s behind if the Pats got caught cheating against the Arizona Cardinals.

We move on to the picks..

Last Week: 7-7
Season: 39-23

Dallas at Buffalo: Rematch of Super Bowls XVII and XVIII. That was a long time ago. People in Buffalo have a lot of pent-up anger about Dallas, due to the two Super Bowls and the 1999 Stanley Cup Finals (by the way, it was a goal). The Cowboys are cruising along behind America’s Quarterback, Tony Romo. The Bills got into the win column for the first time last week, sneaking past the Jets, 17-14. On paper, this looks like a mismatch in favor of the Cowboys. But, this is the NFL, and anything can happen. This is a trap game for Dallas, as the Cowboys host the Patriots in Week 6, and could very well be looking ahead to that. So, look out for the Bills in front of 80,000 drunk Western New Yorkers on Monday night. Nonetheless, I’m a homer. Pick: Dallas

New York Jets at New York Giants: The Jets make the long trek to the Meadowlands for an away game in their home stadium. This is a Giants home game, played in front of Giants season ticket holders and televised on the visitors’ network, CBS. The Giants are healing up and looked decent in smashing the Eagles last week. The Jets are dazed and confused. Go with the hot hand and the home team. Pick: Giants

Cleveland at New England: The Browns are a surprising 2-2. But, they haven’t played anyone as good as New England. The Patriots are a machine. The Pats were held to a season-low 34 points last week by Cincinnati. Look for Tom Brady and Randy Moss to work their magic again. Just another day at the office in Foxboro. Pick: Patriots

Miami at Houston: The Texans are crashing back to earth, having lost their last two games. The Dolphins come in as one of the worst teams in the league. This will be good for the Texans. The Dolphins will get a win this year. Not this week. Pick: Houston

Atlanta at Tennessee: Winner gets to own a Cracker Barrel restaurant in Chattanooga. Falcons finally got a win last week. Titans are above average. Go with the home team, especially when the visiting team is a dome team playing outdoors on grass. Pick: Tennessee

Detroit at Washington: Motor City Madmen are 3-1 after using a 34 point 4th quarter to beat the Bears. Can they crank up the offense two weeks in a row? Can they outscore the Redskins? The last time DET went to the East Coast, they were spanked by Philly. My gut says Washington. Pick: Redskins

Seattle at Pittsburgh: Rematch of Super Bowl XL. I still can’t believe the Steelers lost last week in the desert. Pittsburgh bounces back in a big way. Pick: Pittsburgh

Arizona at St. Louis: Cardinals make their annual return to St. Louis. Not many people on that team remember the St. Louis Football Cardinals. The Rams have more injuries than a M*A*S*H unit. They resemble the Toronto Argonauts at this point. Pick: Arizona

Carolina at New Orleans: Saints are the biggest disappointment in the league this year. But, they get a present as David Carr will be the QB for Carolina this week. Saints come back from the bye on a good note. Pick: New Orleans

Jacksonville at Kansas City: The Chiefs have duct-taped themselves together into a 2-2 record. The Jags are very unpredictable. When in doubt, pick the home team. Pick: KC

Tampa Bay at Indianapolis: The Tony Dungy Bowl. The Bucs are a surprising 3-1. They haven’t played the Colts yet. The Colts are banged up, but should have enough to send the Bucs packing with an L. Pick: Indy

Baltimore at San Francisco: The 49ers have turned to the ageless Trent Dilfer as QB due to the injury to Alex Smith. Dilfer once led the Ravens to a Super Bowl win, whether the Ravens will admit it or not. The Ravens’ defense has been giving up more points than usual. Ravens go West and get a W. Pick: Baltimore

San Diego at Denver: The Chargers are a train wreck. They need something good to happen, fast. The Broncos are a pretty inconsistent team in their own right. Denver makes the Chargers’ season even more miserable. Pick: Denver

Chicago at Green Bay: The Bears have slipped badly. They throw interceptions in multiple varieties, no matter who the quarterback is. Green Bay is off to a great start, and Brett Favre is as good as ever. It’s Sunday night on the not-yet-frozen tundra of Lambeau Field-who else? Pick: Green Bay

Bye: Cincinnati, Oakland, Philadelphia, Minnesota