NFL picks Week 5: Falcons-Redskins and every other game
Aug 16, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) attempts a pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first half at Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Scott Rovak-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5)
The Chiefs are on a bad run, but they have lost to three straight undefeated teams, two of which were on the road. Back at home with the 1-3 Bears, I only see one winner. John Fox’s Bears looked better against Oakland last week, and there is plenty of talent on offense, but being at home with a dominant pass rush and elite run game, Kansas City takes it.
Pick: Kansas City 24, Chicago 16
Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens (-7)
Baltimore’s season is hanging by a thread, and it was so close to being finished by Michael Vick last week. Given a lifeline, I think John Harbaugh’s team pulls another victory out against Cleveland. I’ve picked the Ravens each week and they have lost three out four, and I’m perhaps foolishly going for them again.
Pick: Baltimore 21, Cleveland 20
Seattle Seahawks at Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)
Kam Chancellor, of all people, may have saved Seattle’s season. A loss to Detroit and they enter Cincinnati precariously at 1-3. Instead, the Seahawks have a chance to get over .500 for the first time. Andy Dalton and this offense is on fire right now though, and the limping ‘Hawks go home empty handed.
Pick: Cincinnati 28, Seattle 14
St. Louis Rams at Green Bay Packers (-10.5)
The Rams pulled off a huge victory over the Cardinals last week, and as I expected have forced themselves into the NFC West battle. Sitting 2-0 in the division will do that for you. Still, nobody beats Aaron Rodgers at Lambeau. After seeing off strong defenses in Seattle and Kansas City in recent weeks, Rodgers and company do it again, except this time they don’t have a top-tier offense to worry about.
Pick: Green Bay 30, St. Louis 17
New Orleans Saints at Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5)
These two teams combine for a record of 2-6. The Eagles need to get it to together before this season runs away from them. At home against this Saints defense, I’m giving them the edge. Sam Bradford finds some rhythm and leads his team past the struggling Saints.
Pick: Philadelphia 24, New Orleans 21
Jacksonville Jaguars at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)
Blake Bortles and the Jags will be disappointed they are not 2-2 entering this game. Instead, they need to pick themselves up and stay competitive in the AFC South. Luckily, they play the Bucs this week. It’s another rough day for this year’s first overall pick, and a win for last year’s third overall selection.
Pick: Jacksonville 35, Tampa Bay 21
Buffalo Bills (-1) at Tennessee Titans
It was surprising to see Buffalo drop one at home last week, but the defense is too strong for Marcus Mariota and the Tennessee offense. The Bills will get things together and pick up an important win on the road.
Pick: Buffalo 24, Tennessee 13
Arizona Cardinals (-2.5) at Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions are way too good to be 0-4. The good news is they won’t be 0-4 for much longer, the bad news is they will be 0-5. Arizona was stunned at home by St. Louis, but I foresee a bounce back performance against a banged up Detroit team.
Pick: Arizona 26, Detroit 15
Next: Late games and primetime