NFL Week 5 picks

Sorry this is so late; I've had a very busy end of the week.  Fortunately, this is the magic of the Internet.  I don't have a deadline, and can post my picks anytime before the games begin!

Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens:  The Ravens are a balanced team this season, with an offense to match their defense.  That makes them dangerous.  RAVENS, 20-13

Cleveland Browns at Buffalo Bills:  The Browns offense is struggling, and juggling quarterbacks won't help much.  Derek Anderson has steered this team well in the past, but they've stripped his best supporting cast.  I don't think Anderson knows this cast of receivers as well.  Buffalo should eat them up.  BILLS, 19-13

Dallas Cowboys at Kansas City Chiefs:  The 'Boys pass rush will take the Chiefs offense out of the game, and the defense will tire for being on the field so much.  COWBOYS, 28-13

Minnesota Vikings at St Louis Rams:  The Vikes face a team with a weak defense.  They should run all over the field.  VIKES, 37-17

Oakland Raiders at New York Giants:  The Giants defense has sharpened, which won't be good news for the Raiders.  This team has struggled mightily this season, and the Giants will give them fits.  GIANTS, 24-10

Pittsburgh Steelers at Detroit Lions:  The Lions showed offense last week, but I'm not convinced.  That was one game, and it was against a divisional opponent.  If they can show up against Pittsburgh, I'll be convinced then.  Since I'm not...  STEELERS, 23-16

Tampa Bay Bucs at Philadelphia Eagles:  The Bucs seem confused, while the Eagles have been soaring with Kolb under center.  I've heard McNabb may be back for this game, but they won't need him against the Bucs if he wants to take an extra week to rest.  EAGLES, 24-13

Washington Redskins at Carolina Panthers:  The Panthers have suffered from turnovers, and Washington is very opportunistic.  I think this will be another frustrating game for Carolina fans.  REDSKINS, 20-10

Atlanta Falcons at San Francisco 49ers:  Michael Crabtree has finally reported for the 49ers, but he's inactive today.  He has much to learn about the offense, so I don't think he'd help much against the Falcons.  The 49er defense will be the more important squad; can they stop Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense?  If they can, the 49ers will win, but I'm not so sure.  FALCONS, 21-17

Houston Texans at Arizona Cardinals:  If the Cardinals play to their potential, they'll win this game.  However, the Cards always have a couple of games each year when they make mistakes and lose a game they should win.  The Texans' defense might heckle them enough to make this game one of those.  I'll pick the Cards, but watch what Houston does.  CARDS, 31-23

Jacksonville Jaguars at Seattle Seahawks:  What has happened to Seattle?  A usually reliable offense has collapsed.  Throw the Jags D into the mix, and it doesn't look good for this game.  JAGS, 20-13

New England Patriots at Denver Broncos:  I think this is the week that the Broncos' win streak ends.  Now that the Pats offense has gotten on track, I don't think the Broncos defense can stop them.  If the Pats stumble like they did early in the season, though, Denver might continue their streak, since Orton and company have shown they can move the ball.  PATS, 27-23

Indianapolis Colts at Tennessee Titans: Tennessee would love to snag their first win of the season in front of a national audience against the Colts.  While I think the Titans will play them hard, I'm afraid they'll fall just a little short.  COLTS, 20-16

New York Jets at Miami Dolphins:  The Dolphins are starting Chad Henne, who has to face the tough Jets defense.  That doesn't sound too promising.  JETS, 27-17