Week 5 NFL Picks: Still haven't got this mess figured out, but still some great games this week…

There are a number of big games on the slate this weekend, but none bigger than the NFC East matchup between Washington and the Eagles in Philadelphia.

The Eagles are coming off a tough Sunday night loss at Chicago and are 2-2. The Redskins are coming off a huge 26-24 upset win at Dallas and are now 3-1.

There are few rivalries bigger in all of sports than the rivalries within the NFC East. This year, however, this is arguably the best conference in the game and every game – just like this Sunday afternoon’s game – will be more a game of heart and emotion than talent and experience.

Meanwhile, there are a number of games on the slate just like this one. Take, for instance, the Bucs at Denver.

Often we look at NFL games and figure, oh one team has a better quarterback than the other or maybe one team’s defence is better than the other. But to really determine a winner, all you need to do is look at the turnovers.

Here’s an example: Since 2002, under head coach Jon Gruden, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are 17-0, when not committing turnover. That’s the key stat in any NFL game. 

Then there is Buffalo at Arizona.

At the start of the season, you might have picked Arizona as an easy home winner in this one, but the Bills are beginning to make believers out of a lot of people.

At 4-0, Buffalo is one of the strongest teams in the league and while they have trouble at the start of most games, they are extremely good at the finish. In fact, In the fourth quarter this season, quarterback Trent Edwards has completed 27 of 35 passes (77.1 per cent) for 350 yards with three TDs, no interceptions & 136.6 passer rating

With a win Sunday in Phoenix, the Bills will be 5-0 for only the fourth time in franchise history and for the first time since 1991.

We struggled last week, but we intend to make like the Bills this week.

On to Week 5…

SUNDAY AFTERNOON

Tennessee Titans (4-0) at Baltimore Ravens (2-1) 

The Titans are 4-0 for the first time in franchise history. I might not be a believer in Joe Flacco quite yet, but I am a believer in the Ravens defence.

Take Baltimore

Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-1)

Larry Johnson rushed for 198 yards and three touchdowns at home in Week 4. He won't do it on the road in Week 5.

Take Carolina

Chicago Bears (2-2) at Detroit Lions (0-3)

The Bears defence is superior to every other team in the NFC North. Against Detroit, this will look like the greatest defence in NFL history. 

Take Chicago

Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at Green Bay Packers (2-2)

Matt Ryan vs. Aaron Rodgers (if the banged-up Rodgers plays). In three years, this will be the game of the week.

Take Green Bay

Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Houston Texans (0-3)

Is this Matt Schaub's coming out party? The Texans won't lose every game and, amazingly, this is Houston's first home game of 2008. Thanks Ike.

Take Houston

Seattle Seahawks (1-2) at New York Giants (3-0)

Seattle has played better recently, but the Giants are the defending Super Bowl champs at home. 

Take the Giants.

San Diego Chargers (2-2) at Miami Dolphins (1-2)

I'm going to guess that Ronnie Brown and the blow-out of the Patriots were both real.

Take Miami

Washington Redskins (3-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

The game of the week (see above).

Take Philadelphia.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Denver Broncos (3-1) 

It's the Bucs, who lost their first game and then won their next three against the Broncos who won their first then lost 33-19 to Kansas City last week. It's also Brian Griese's return to Denver. Still…

Take Denver

Buffalo Bills (4-0) at Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

The second best game this week. 

Take Buffalo

Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) at Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

The Bengals lost to Cleveland at home last week. Act accordingly.

Take Dallas

New England Patriots (2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-2) 

The Pats were blown away at home by the Dolphins. It's hard to ignore the Mike Martz-coached Niners esecially when you consider New England has lost two of their last four games.

Take San Francisco

SUNDAY NIGHT

Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)

Still not sold on the Steelers and it's hard not to like Jacksonville at home. 

Take Jacksonville

MONDAY NIGHT 

Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-2)

Maybe, if the Vikings lose this week, Zygi Wilf will finally fire Brad Childress. 

Take New Orleans.

Last week: 6-7

Season: 32-28